Babbling Brook Inn
1025 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Babbling Brook Inn Menu
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Address :
1025 Laurel St
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 - Phone (831) 427-2437
- Website https://www.babblingbrookinn.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Dogs Allowed : No
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Ben B.
Great little bed and breakfast with reasonable rates. I enjoyed my two evening stay at the Babbling Brook, which included a room with a large jacuzzi tub. Its not overly luxurious, but it's a nice "homey" place to stay. The part was the breakfast, which was actually quite good. Some B&Bs skimp on the breakfast, but the Babbling Brook made exactly what I was in the mood for each morning. If you're looking for a unique place to stay in Santa Cruz, I'd recommend it...
(4)Jan C.
My home away from home.....when I visit my daughter at UCSC. The staff is fantastic, especially Tom, the manager. Everyone has always been very friendly and helpful. I was new to Santa Cruz and with their help, I know now my way around to all the good restaurants! I love the FMRS Garden Room but have also stayed in others. The bed is super comfy, the gardens very inviting and beautiful, and the breakfasts delicious and relaxing. I always feel right at home.......
(5)Mohit O.
Really beautiful place and the owners are very friendly (don't miss out the awesome free appetizers and great wine from 5-7pm). Giving 4 stars as the room smelled a little of cleaning solutions (better than a dirty room) and seemed a bit expensive (although I haven't compared it to other B&B's). Will definitely go there again.
(4)Tracy D.
Oh so cute... check out the water wheel on the grounds. I've heard the Contessa room is a little noisy since it faces the street, but the others have great appointments-- jacuzzi and fireplace, with a patio and a brook, anyone? It's a great getaway, and only a few blocks from downtown as well. Our room was the Monet, which is on the 2nd floor. queen bed, 2-person jacuzzi with skylights in the bathroom (I love skylights), gas fireplace, and our own little balcony to enjoy the brook from. When we checked in, Mike at the front desk offered us homebaked cookies (oatmeal chocolate chip, perfectly done) and showed us to our room. Since check-in is late (3 pm) we just relaxed and unpacked, then got ready for dinner and headed to the main building for happy hour. Their wine and cheese hour is a nice touch, and featured crostini in addition to crackers, cheese, and veggies the night we were there. They have a big basket of local restaurant menus to peruse, but we just ended up enjoying a couple glasses of wine and heading towards downtown. Mornings feature some type of egg dish (ours was a california benedict with avocado, tomato, and ham) as well as croissants, toast, granola, fruit, yogurt... Definitely a range of options for everyone. I highly suggest checking it out when you're in town.
(4)Veronica R.
This was a very nice and quaint place to stay at for an impromptu overnight trip to Santa Cruz. I did my homework and prayed we got a room not near the musty/damp stuff. Honestly, I didn't smell much of that, but it was a pretty dry weekend when we went. Staff was VERY friendly. Boyfriend got a kick out of the VHS collection. It's so dated, we stared trying to think of what movie we felt like rewatching. It's not a bad thing for us, but there were too many possibilities for a movie since we hadn't seen a lot of them in YEARS. We stayed in the Toulouse-Lautrec room, and it was fine for us. I really liked how isolated we felt, though I felt uncomfortable keeping the windows open 'cuz that would let noise in/out. The bathroom is small, but I had no problem with it. However I am a small person who doesn't have a train case worth of toiletries to haul around for an overnight trip, so that could also be it. Boyfriend got a kick out of the tub, too, but I thought the jets on that sucker were loud. Speaking of loud, I didn't hear street traffic, but then again we were out and about during the day...at night it's quiet in Santa Cruz, so I don't know what that other person was talking about. I thought the "babbling brook" was louder than street traffic. =P If you're not expecting something luxurious but need something quaint/romantic, I recommend this place.
(4)Robert H.
This is a very charming little place set in the midst of an incredibly green verdant garden. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful as noted by other reviewers. On arrival we were not given the specific room that we had booked through the web site, but the room we did receive was the same price and maybe even a little more attractive. In general, the rooms are small but cozy and decorated with themes relating to the famous artist after which the room is named. Although breakfast was filling, it was really nothing out of the ordinary. They did serve better than average wine in the evening however (a St. Clement Cabernet from the Napa Valley was open when we were there). As mentioned repeatedly in other reviews, the Inn is unfortunately located on a busy street and the noise from the traffic might be a problem. Although it didn't seem to bother me, my companion got very little sleep as a result.
(4)Katie S.
If you are looking for a luxury b&b this may not be the place for you. The property is over a 100 years old so some of it can be a bit rustic. But, if you are looking for a great alternative to the Motel 6s and Best Westerns of the world, try the Babbling Brook. The rooms might be a little outdated, but the property is pretty, the breakfast is great, the rooms all have a fireplace and some have jacuzzi tubs. Plus, it's a short walk from downtown Santa Cruz. Rooms I recommend include the Artist Retreat, The Monet, The Van Gough, and the Garden Room. All of them are a bit larger and some have gas fireplaces & tubs. The AR has a private outdoor jacuzzi tub. Stay away from the Contessa and the Fern Grotto if you have issues with funky smells! Both are in the 100 year old building and right next to the 100 year old water wheel so they tend to smell a little bit damp.
(3)Kristen K.
A co-worker had been visiting this place for many of her anniversaries and highly recommended it. My first experience there was great. They have a lounge near the check-in desk where they serve wine and cheese and crackers later in the evening. They always have a fresh batch of homemade cookies also near the entryway to the front desk. Since I was there for an anniversary they had a complimentary bottle of wine waiting on our bed in the room. Almost all the rooms have either a bathroom jacuzzi or some other hot tub. The room I stayed at was secluded and had a private outdoor hot tub. Definitely a great place to getaway for a special occasion.
(5)Maddy S.
Upon our arrival we were greeted with cascading water creating negative ions for our well being, a plethora of flowers, birds, ducks, and towering trees; the vibe serene, the rooms well appointed with luxurious amenities, and a staff that bent over backwards to make our stay enjoyable. To add icing to the cake was Tom Cole, host and cook extraordinaire who whipped up tasty breakfasts, salivating Hors d'oeuvres with our evening wine, and entertained us with tidbits of history and lore. This delightful and special Inn is great for a couple's retreat from big city stress, great for families visiting their geniuses at college and even for a business trip. To start the day well rested surrounded by people who want to make your stay a wonderful relaxing experience, is all that any of us can ask for: a lover, a family, or a business person, this is the place. Don't forget to go to the UCSC Arboretum, Seymour Center for sea life, Natural Bridges State Park.
(5)Christiana D.
We had the best room. Quiet, although you could here some street traffic if inclined. Very private, hot tub on the deck. Really appreciated the hospitality of all staff, very accommodating. Walking distance to boardwalk, and downtown shopping (within 2 miles each way). Want to go back whenever possible.
(5)XOne F.
Maybe we stayed on some off days because I did not like this place very much at all. The staff was on the surly side and the breakfast was really not very good. Thanks to Yelp, we found our way to Zachary's for breakfast on our second morning. Awesome. Those complaints out of the way, our room (Monet) really was just fine. Not new at all and the blinds were hard to work, but it had lots of space, a sweet two-person jacuzzi, and a nice little balcony. There is a fair amount of street noise, which might be worse in other rooms. Oh and I don't quite agree with the other commenters that it's all that close to downtown. I guess it depends on whether you consider half a mile (distance to the bottom of Pacific Ave.) to be close. Oh yeah and there's no internet to speak of at this place. I guess some people like that when they're on vacation.
(3)Erica S.
the ONLY reason I didn't give it a 5 star was because of the position of the TV in our room. it was above the fireplace which was to the right of the bed so we had to turn our heads to watch tv. my girlfriend made the reservations in the fern grotto room the same day we stayed there. It was BEAUTIFUL! I LOVED our private balcony overlooking the waterfall and the old wooden water wheel. it was a very peaceful place surrounded by natural trees and a natural "babbling brook". the jazuzzi tub was VERY nice and the king feather bed was cozy. i enjoyed the wine and appetizer hour in the evening. the breakfast was "eggs in a nest". I really liked it. they also had hard boiled eggs, oatmeal, warm croissants from a local bakery (YUMMMM), plain yogurt with granola, bagels, fruit. The staff was VERY friendly and helpful. I've been to about 5 B&Bs and this one I would DEFINITELY visit again!! Thank you to everyone who made our trip memorable!!
(4)Tom J.
We stayed one night in December of 2010. The place was wonderful and the staff was very helpful and accomodating. We casually mentioned that we are gluten free and the night woman said she'd mention it to the cook. The next morning we came in for breakfast and grabbed a quiche and was going to scrape the eggs off the shell, and Tom came up and said "I heard you are gluten free. You are all set up for some scrambled eggs." So he got the message, knew us by sight and took care of us! How nice! There is fast internet via wifi and the food was great. Plus the price was a good deal! The place is not high luxury but it is an excellent deal and a very, very nice place to stay. The night woman was great and very helpful and Tom the proprietor was great and friendly. I am not bothered by traffic noise and there was that, somewhat, so if this is a deal breaker be forewarned. The bed was sooo comfortable I slept very well and so did my wife. Santa Cruz is a cool town to visit too, and there is a Peets downtown. I recommend this place and another post said this, and it is true, it is nicer than the photos. I like it being in town and it is close to everything but felt secluded (other than a little traffice noise on Laurel St.) If you stay here you love it.
(4)Monarch x.
It was attractive. The grounds were pretty. Staff was pleasant enough: When we checked in they confirmed my mom's list of serious allergies: down pillows removed?- check. food allergies for breakfast?- check. gas leak in the room?- check. Um... what? As it turned out all the pillows were down AND the comforter too. No other blankets/pillows in the room. She didn't notice (cause they said they'd fixed it) until she couldn't breathe. Food ditto. Boring and allergy infested. Gas leak she reported- they said, "yup. It's been that way for awhile now." The bathroom is so small that in order to close the door once inside you have to stand in the bathtub. The manager was really nice though. The Degas Room was located in the back and quiet. Just don't plan on closet space (there isn't any) or privacy in the bathroom (there isn't any). There was yummy cookies in the evening. Nice B&B ambiance in the lobby. She stayed there 20 years ago and still makes the breakfast for special events. Things have changed. It is very so-so. Next time I will try and convince her to stay at the newly updated Dream Inn. Or just have her stay with us! ("Hi, Mom!")
(2)Toni O.
In July we showed up to enjoy our weekend away and our online reservation was not acknowledged. With e-mail confirmation in hand with all the necessary details we were told the room was taken and the Inn was full. No apologies, no compensation. The next week I contacted them to see if they had figured out the problem. They would not assume any blame. Funny how I have an e-mail from them with the subject line Reservation Confirmation complete with all the necessary details for checking in. We all make mistakes but to not acknowledge them and provide compensation is my issue with this staff.
(1)Kay E.
This B&B is perfection. The grounds are beautiful. We stayed in the cezanne room and it was cozy and spacious. Amenities like the keurig, chocolates and fireplace were such nice touches! Had an amazing quiche and delicious croissant for breakfast. I never wanted to leave!
(5)Drew P.
We had a GREAT experience here. Such a lovely place. The front desk attendant who also served breakfast was super friendly. The room was amazing! Jacuzzi tub, bath salts, robes, super comfy bed, fireplace, and more. There is bicycles you can borrow to go into town during the day too! My favorite part of this place is the grounds, very pretty to just hang out and absorb the gardens. My only complaint is the price, kinda pricey, but I guess you can charge that for Santa Cruz.
(4)Ricardo D.
Over all a great stay it is a unique little place I enjoyed my stay here the staff is very nice and helpful.
(5)Camille A.
Thanks, but no thanks! Not worth the rate of 229 + tax! My family and I stayed in the Contessa room. As others have pointed out, this happens to be a noisy room. At night we could hear the cars going by and what sounded like a drunk man singing right outside the window. This is not a deal breaker for me but it might be for some. When you first walk in the room feels muggy/moldy. Everything felt slightly moist from the carpet to the sheets. The room was freezing cold every night which is scary considering that we stayed during a warm summer weekend. I don't think the heater/thermostat was in working order. No heater or fan in the bathroom. The hot water knob on the faucet was broken. You have to turn it in odd directions and the tiniest drip of hot water comes out after at least waiting 5 minutes for it to the warm. Lastly, the breakfast was not something I would ever eat again. The pancakes were tasteless and dry and the sausage was odd. I was looking forward to the old charm and vintage feel but I did not think I would have to compromise on comfort. When I stay in a hotel this is a luxury for me especially considering the fact that I'm spending $257 per night. I expect to have some perks that I don't have at home. I would not stay here again at this rate. Also, the stairs out front are creaky and feel like they will give out at any moment. With all that said, the grounds were quiet and cute. The staff was pleasant and friendly. The room appeared to be clean (apart from the moldy/muggy feel) We seemed to be the youngest people there by far as all other guests appeared to be elderly (not an issue for me but may be for others).
(2)T B.
Great experience here as usual. Beautiful grounds, clean and cozy room with a fireplace.. always enjoy staying here. Only issue this time around was the short-haired gal who was serving the continental breakfast on the first morning of our stay. We showed up right at 10am (at the very end of breakfast) and as soon as we got into the dining area, we approached the food table only to be swiftly cut off by this gal who was on duty. She physically blocked me from grabbing any food from the table (I was directly in front of it, literally a foot away) and informed me that I was too late for breakfast. Are you kidding me?? I pointed out that it was BARELY 10am (which true, is when breakfast is wrapping up), and she abruptly told me she had to remove the food items from the table. She was "nice enough" to leave the croissant dish and a cracker dish out, but immediately intercepted my attempt to grab a hard boiled egg, citing the "health concern" that may arise from my consuming an egg which was left out longer than what is allowable by the health department. I am not exaggerating here.. 5 seconds earlier and I would have been enjoying my egg, yogurt, and oatmeal.. but no. I may have gotten sick and died from consuming something that stayed out 10 seconds longer than it should have. God forbid we bend a rule for 10 seconds.. maybe allow reasonable discretion in our rule stricken society. Eggs and yogurt.. come on. Otherwise, great stay. Oh, btw... we noticed there was this huge-ass rat lying dead in the brook after we left the kitchen area that morning. The thing was like big as a cat, no joke. He probably ate the eggs after 10am and look what he got. Maybe that short-haired gal is onto something...
(3)Sonia M.
The setting of this inn is really what makes it shine. If you like unique hotels/inns with character and charm, Babbling Brook Inn is a great option. My husband and I stayed in the Cezanne room, and it was cozy and welcoming. The best part was the balcony attached to it that overlooked the backyard of the inn. Breakfast was also very pleasant, with a combination of served food (pancakes and sausage) and a small buffet. And, the staff was very polite and helpful. And a bonus: they have bikes they lend out for guests to use around town. Do keep in mind: If you don't care too much about ambiance and the grounds of an inn, and care more about a large room and/or a cheap spot, you might want to look elsewhere.
(5)Kelly H.
Please read some of the critical reviews before booking, as we were quite disappointed having just stayed here over Labor Day weekend. I was charmed by the pictures and the beautiful exterior, and expected a relaxing environment/retreat for my husband, our toddler and my parents. We booked two rooms, the Contessa (w/2queen beds) with one extra bed for our 3yr old daughter. My parents stayed in the Pissaro which is at the lower level. We did not sleep well in Contessa room. The sound of the cars kept us up until about 4am. They need to invest in sound proof fabric/walls and a ventilation system. The bnb is located on the top of a very loud and constantly busy hill (almost a highway) as cars roar downhill at speeds of 40-50miles an hour! The air circulation is poor so you are forced to open windows. In fact, there is NO ventilation/fan at all, (not even in our bathroom!) which makes the whole room feel stale and muggy. The carpets should be replaced in the bedrooms, as they look very old and dingy. My parents stayed in the lower level Pissaro and experienced really loud old pipes from the floor above every time someone used the bathroom. Breakfast was mediocre- low quality supermarket sausage and French toast. Could be improved with just scrambled eggs and bacon. Canned pineapple and slices of melon were offered for fruit. For $250+ a night per room we did not feel this was a good value and would not recommend or stay again. We have stayed in some of the Victorian style bnbs on a quiet street with better breakfast for around $200. Though grounds are quite pretty and family-friendly itself, the service sufficient, but due to the location, noise, poor ventilation, mediocre food will have us going elsewhere for our money.
(2)Courtney Y.
I stayed at the Babbling Brook after staying at the Monarch Cove. I will say the service at this hotel is five star but the rooms are a 3.5. The rooms were clean, with heating by fireplace. The room was small and was really hard to compare after staying at the Ocean mist room at the Monarch Cove which is the same price. Their service at the Babbling Brook exceeded the Monarch Cove. When arriving they had freshly baked cookies, wine, hot apple cider, coffee, and a platter of brie cheese, fruit,, olives, veggies and a wonderful dip. The breakfast included here also exceeded Monarch Cove which consisted of an overload of pastries. They served eggs, toast, fruit, coffee and juice. The only thing that would have made this breakfast perfect is bacon. I know not healthy but that's the point of weekend getaways...to splurge a little! Other than that I enjoyed my stay here!
(4)MB T.
While the staff was lovely, everything else was just slightly dissappointing for the amount they charge per night. We chose this place based on so many great reviews and we have stayed at many fabulous b and bs all over California so our expectations were higher. First, it is located on a very noisy street! Boo! The road noise is bad. Also the room we had was located under the main walkway to the lobby so we had the pleasure of listening to guests walking above us on a creaky wood deck everytime we were in the room. This was very upsetting! Especially when I made the reservation I asked for a room that was private and quiet. The food was basic, evening "hors d'oeuvres" were a few vegetables with dip, cheese cubes, presliced cheddar and white cheese, one soft cheese, crackers and a warm cheese and mustard croissant. Maybe its just me but hors d'oeuvres imply something other than cheese. They did have wine and other drinks which was nice. Breakfast was just continental breakfast and a poached egg "thing" which was not that delicious unfortunately. No bacon. Fruit offered was honey dew and cantelope, a little boring, would recommend berries and offering guests a choice for their breakfast. Grounds are cute but very small property. Bed was comfy, rooms are tiny. I guess I'm used to places that are a bit more upscale. I had never thought about it before because every b and b we've stayed at was top notch, quiet, and peaceful with food that you talk about forever! And most of those were simply found on the Internet, on a whim. This was not the place at all but they charge like they are. Again dissapointing. But it seems they have a devoted following based on the reviews on yelp, I just wanted to save someone else that may be like me, this experience, if you are looking for that quiet perfect b and b!
(2)Lani A.
Spent our first year anniversary here and it was the best decision we could've made. We were well taken care of and the atmosphere was beyond relaxing. The staff was wonderful and extremely helpful in knowing so much about things to do and places to go in the area. You're right in the middle of town so the convenience of being close to everything was nice. Having said that, you'd never know you were in the middle of the bustle of the town. The inn is quaint and quiet and secluded in it's own way. Pacific Street is just up the road and the wharf and boardwalk couldn't be more than a mile away. It was perfection. We'll definitely be going back.
(5)D K.
It has taken me a while in getting round to writing this review but nether the less I've finally done it! My husband and I chose to get married in Santa Cruz and stayed here for two nights, last years valentines weekend. We stayed in the Monet suite and loved it! A beautiful room, large double jacuzzi bathtub and a veranda overlooking the grounds, brook and bridge. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Yes there is traffic noise, but that cannot be helped due to Santa Cruz being a popular destination for folks, and I probably wouldn't stay here in the middle of tourist season. For us we enjoyed our stay and the babbling brook has provided us with fantastic memories of our wedding day and beautiful photos to look over in the years to come.
(5)Kimsheri G.
Came here for our anniversary this weekend and absolutely loved it!!!! Everything was great!! I can not wait to go back!!! It's a little walk from everything but my husband and I really enjoyed the walk. The room was cute in the "bed and breakfast " type of way. We had such a relaxing weekend !!!!
(5)Daniel F.
We took our Honeymoon here, and have come back every year for our anniversary. This place is magical. The atmosphere comes out of a fantasy tale. The service is unbelievable, very friendly and attentive. The food is what really keeps us coming back. They have free happy hour with gourmet appetizers, cheeses, chocolate and wine. Breakfast is always served hot with plenty of coffee fruit and danishes. We absolutely love the Babbling Brook inn. I would say it's our favorite B&B in California.
(5)Monique T.
The Babbling Brook is charming and the service is excellent. Our guest room was spotless and well appointed, comfortable and spacious. The innkeeper was very attentive and the food was delicious. I really wanted to give them 5 stars but I had to deduct for noise. We were in the Fern Grotto. This room in underneath the main entrance. Late at night and early in the morning we could hear people walking back and forth to the reception area. This definitely detracted from an otherwise wonderful weekend. We will go back, but an upstairs room is in order next time.
(4)Khiry M.
I had an opportunity to stay at this bed and breakfast this past weekend, and I had an experience that still leaves me shaking. First, I will state that I frequently stay at Bed and Breakfasts as my preferred resting place as opposed to a hotel.I also used to manage The Moon River Inn near Sacramento. My girlfriend had never been to a Bed and Breakfast, and I convinced her to take a chance and book a room in Santa Cruz. I usually stay at Four Sisters Inns, but the West Cliff Inn was already booked up. We arrive at the Babbling Brook, and we were amazed at how beautiful the place was. The garden, the ambiance, all of it was amazing. The guy who checked us in (I forget his name) was very pleasant. They have bikes u can use to tour the town, and alot of nice perks. Due to the amount of plants and such on the property, you may encounter different types of insects. I was bitten (outside,not in the room) by a few fleas early in the day,but didn't have that problem later in the evening. --------- Here's my issue: We booked the most expensive room based on the fact that it offered a jet spa tub. The jet Spa tub they have in that room was not large enough to accommodate me (5'11) and definately would not accommodate me and my girlfriend. I went to run the water, and at first, only cold water came out. I called the front desk to ask if there was anything I needed to do to get hot water. (The faucet has a single handle) The guy at the desk told me to turn the knob in the opposite direction. I did. Hot water came out. Burning hot. Long story short, the water would not turn off. They call for a guy to come fix the tub, and he shows up, fixes it, and leaves. All is well. I'm late for my dinner plans,but the tub is fixed. We go to dinner, come back, and turn the water on for the tub. Boom! Tub is broken again. Keep in mind that I didn't use any force on the knob, but rather the knob is very very old and most likely should be replaced. Both times, the guy who came to fix the tub had the correct part in his hand to fix the problem. I say that because the desk guy said "we have never had this problem before". I noticed that the floor in the room (beneath the carpet) is slightly damp (I noticed this before the tub issue) The maintenance guy was fabulous. He came out twice,even late in the evening on the second time. The second time, he showed me a way that I could operate the tub. He apologized that we had the inconvenience. The next morning, we spoke to the manager. His name is Sam. Sam was not very much help, besides stating that the hotel has never had a problem with the tub before. (stated in a way that gave me the impression that they thought I was to blame, or that i did it on purpose) When we explained that we were tremendously inconvenienced by the experience, he stood there for a second, looking puzzled. Then he said that if we ever planned to stay there again, he would like to personally book our room. We asked several times for clarification on what that meant? Were we getting a comped room? Half off? He never elaborated. We asked him for something in writing to acknowledge that we had an issue. He was reluctant to do so. We were standing there almost bewildered at this guy. please note that I stay at B&B's all of the time (almost ALL of the four sisters inns on the west coast, plus most of the ones in Napa) so I am used to a certain level of service. At the end of the conversation, we were at a point where we wanted to be compensated right there on the spot for our inconvenience. We didn't get that. When we walked into office to speak to the manager, we were certain that we would probably stay at Babbling Brook at some point in the future. The bed was one of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in, and the grounds were calm and peaceful. However,when we left, we were pretty certain that we would be looking elsewhere for accommodations the next time we visit the area.
(2)Asha L.
A great romantic getaway perfectly located right downtown! We loved the setting in the trees by the brook with lots of windows looking out on all the green. We were there in late October so spent most of our time indoors, but there are great outdoor areas that must be lovely to enjoy in the warm season! It's been around a long time, and it feels like that, so don't expect polish. It's northern California funky, but in a charming way. The staff are super friendly and helpful, the artist theme is cool, and the wine tasting in the evenings is lovely. It's a charming, sweet place that could use a little updating, and we would definitely stay there again!!
(4)Convict T.
We stayed here the nights leading up to and after our wedding. There are not enough words to describe how beautiful this location is and how gracious the people who work here are. They made sure that we had everything we needed for a smooth event. The continental breakfast the morning after was just what we needed after all of the chaos - and the food was phenomenal. We stayed in the Artist's Retreat, and the hot tub on the deck was an added bonus. Can't wait to stay here again for our first anniversary!
(5)LMarie G.
This beautiful little inn was historically the first bed & breakfast in Santa Cruz. We have stayed in the Fern Grotto 3 separate times now and always enjoy it! They also have very nice staff and good breakfasts as well as fresh cookies in the afternoon & evening. It is an oasis of peace, comfort, and charm. Highly recommended!
(5)David A.
Great little place with tons of charm and character. The staff was very accommodating, and the manager was great. The beds were beyond comfortable, and the setting is like being in the woods... with some street noise. We loved the functioning water wheel and creek running down the middle of the property. It's a bed and breakfast, but should be called a "bed and sort of breakfast". The people who ranted about the breakfast, have clearly never stayed at a real B and B. It's one step above continental. With the wine and snacks in the evening, and the reasonable price for Santa Cruz, you really can't complain though. You would pay almost the same price for a standard motel. Bringing my parents back next month.
(4)Heywood J.
This was a nice bed and breakfast, we were happy with it. The breakfast was good and the grounds were pretty. The breakfast area/lobby was very welcoming and comfortable. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars was that in our first room, the toilet didn't work. They moved us quickly which was nice, but in the next room our fireplace didn't work. Not a big deal, I'm sure they would have fixed it if we asked but by the time we figured it out it was too late. I would definitely stay here again if I was in Santa Cruz
(4)Glen D.
10 of us just visited the Babbling Brook while on vacation and loved it. We were so drawn to the property that we hung out on the patio and ordering in dinner rather than going out. It just felt that warm and inviting. I also cannot say enough about Sam. As the manager, he went above and beyond to take care of us and definitely added to this totally enjoyable environment. We cannot wait to get back to the Babbling Brook and visit Sam again in the future! Glen Depke
(5)Lauren K.
What a wonderful and beautiful place! Where do I start......well, first off, this place makes you not want to leave. It is like a secret garden - super green with mosses, flowers, trees, little benches and pools, and of course the lovely babbling brook. Babbling Brook is also where my now fiancee proposed to me! Well, it was a few miles north in Pescadero, but still. It was a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Only sad we missed the wine hour every night! They should extend it a few hours to maybe 9:00pm. I'm pretty sure it ended at 7:00, but my fiancee and I were always still out on the town.
(4)Cheryl R.
Just returned to real life after a wonderful two day stay at the Inn. We cannot say enough good things about this place. Mike and Amanda make you feel like you're coming home and our room was fantastic with a double spa tub, fireplace and incredible view from the balcony. This place is a gem nestled in the woods of Santa Cruz. We are already planning our next stay here and can't wait to come back.
(5)Danielle W.
Weekend birthday getaway with my husband turned into an oasis staying at the Babbling Brook Inn. The staff is extremely friendly and very helpful. The wine and appetizers in the evening is fantastic. The rooms were so charming and cozy.... Black out shades would've been nice (a little to bright first thing in the morning) The grounds are so well kept, you feel like you've escape the madness. Borrowed their bikes and road downtown for drinks and over the beach to layout. The two person bathtub is worth every penny!!! BTW... the pictures on their website do not do it justice... much better in person.
(5)AJ R.
My wife and I spent a weekend here a few years ago and just fell in love with this place.... and the cookies in the lobby. The cookies are a reason enough come stay here! I only got to see one of the rooms but it was beautiful and everyone there was helpful and nice. If you like B&B's - you'd like this one!
(5)Jessica S.
I came here to relax during studying and BAR prep and absolutely loved it - IT was just what I needed. The staff is extremely friendly and super welcoming. The environment was great, atmosphere was quiet and quant. The room was just delightful - cute and warm. They went beyond their duties and even catered to my request to have the TV non-functioning since I was there to study, that was awesome!
(5)Dee A.
Stayed here for my birthday last year. It was a spur of the moment type thing and we found this little b&b. It is a very charming, green, romantic and relaxing place. Staff was very very friendly and helpful, she even gave us map with local attractions. She showed us different rooms and let us pick the one we liked best. We stayed in the Fern Grotto and I fell in love. It's so cozy yet roomie. It had a deck with the brook running along side it. The sound of the water flowing is very calming. They serve Hors d'oeuvres and wine in the afternoon which was very nice. The bed is soooooo comfy! I slept like a baby. Breakfast was very good. Great Stay!
(5)Christina C.
This inn is a storybook hideaway near downtown Santa Cruz. Originally a tannery in the 19th century, it has been expanded into a beautiful cluster of artist- and writer-themed rooms tucked into a lush, green, English-garden setting. Everywhere you look, there are bird baths and cupolas and flower bushes and benches and stone steps, not to mention the lovely little stream that runs through the property. In the evening there are snacks and wine, and in the morning is a delicious breakfast (zucchini and pesto quiche, muffins-toast-croissants-bagels, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, juice). Be sure to allow yourself time to just hang out on the property and enjoy the space. The host was very friendly and our rooms and the dining area were immaculate. We were very happy that we chose this inn for our weekend getaway.
(5)Rachel D.
Either you will love it or hate it! You will either like the fact that this hotel is quaint or you will be unhappy with the lack of upgrades. My husband and I enjoyed the quiet/pleasant atmosphere and the customer service from the hotel staff out did any "chain hotels". We came here on a recommendation of a close friend. It looks on line as though you have your own private brook/ garden in your back patio, but it's really a community area. It remained quiet though because there weren't a lot of people there at the same time. I do recommend going to the happy hour. The wine and appetizers were all unique, local, and it was nice time to relax and/or meet other people. There are also menus of the different local restaurants in the lobby area in a box that you can look through. The breakfast was really good and it varied each day. I got up early each day and took the breakfast to go. There is are to go trays making it easy to pop in and then enjoy breakfast in bed. I enjoyed our stay as it was close to downtown and it was a nice walk to the Boardwalk. This is a great hotel for a romantic weekend, but come here with an open mind and ready to enjoy something different. If you like the Marriott go there and don't complain when you get to the Babbling Brook because they are incomparable. This hotel is a unique experience and worth a weekend get away with someone special.
(4)Raymond F.
Excellent experience, great rooms, friendly staff and unbelievable Zucchini Pesto Breakfast Quiche. We are already planning our next trip back!
(5)Kimberly C.
Lovely getaway place to stay, a perfect blend of being close to everything in town and yet still feeling totally secluded. Breakfast each morning was delicious and wine/appetizers each night--amazing. We stayed in the Degas room, definitely the best of the less expensive rooms (no one walking past, beautiful view of the garden). Jacuzzi tub was a treat, but it might have been worth the extra expense for the 2 person option, we tried, and it's definitely only for one. The only cons: 1) no mini fridge (somehow it's kind of classy, but it was extra trouble to keep mimosa fixings cool enough for the next day) and (2) the close proximity of the rooms means if you're not careful, you can creep on everyone. But draw the blinds if you're up to no good! Staff was super nice and helpful, especially the night innkeeper, Amanda, friendly and attentive to our every needs. Will definitely be recommending this retreat to others-- thanks for a wonderful staycation.
(5)Jeana L.
Found the Babbling Brook through Hotel Tonight. My daughter and I were touring UCSC. We loved the inn and look forward to staying there again. The hospitality of the staff was superb. We enjoyed the happy hour, continental breakfast and the nice bikes that were available for free, The French country decor was simple and lovely. French doors opened to a private patio overlooking the garden and brook. The highlight, for us, was the huge jacuzzi tub in a beautiful bathroom with windows. -bath salts were provided! I look forward to sharing this inn with my husband, in the future!
(5)Lindsey F.
Found this place randomly on the internet during a quick search and booked the romance package immediatly. Which was actually $40 less than advertised. Location is easy to find. Believe it or not but it is actually better in person than in the pics, this never happens. Front desk clerk let us check in early since our room was ready. The room was tiny but then again we were on the second floor of a whimsical tower, I would let this slide. Balcony was nice, but no smoking?? I love to brewery hop while out of town and the two go hand in hand. It was pretty sucky to have to go out to the parking lot to do so. Ugh. Mints on the bed were nice. Champagne upon arrival was even better. More than enough pillows and extra comfortable bed. 100+ channels on the tube....shoot! Wine reception was a joke though. In PG the differnt inns serve at least semi decent finger foods and wine but $2 chuck would have been better and green onion dip, carrots, bagged cubes of cheese and ritz crackers? They could of at least served potato chips and put on the baseball game. Breakfast gets rave reviews but after a quick glance at a cold quiche, and fruit we just checked out and headed out to get real breakfast. Will visit again because the garden was amazing and the bed was the most comfortable I have slept in besides my own. All in all I would call this place sexy!
(4)C P.
What a gem. Great location within walking distance of downtown, boardwalk and pier. Excellent service and amenities. Stayed in the Artists Retreat with a private balcony, outdoor private jacuzzi and fireplace. Just wish we could have stayed longer!
(5)Dennis N.
After some research on a quick getaway for the weekend with my wife; we went with this place and needless to say, nothing was disappointing about it. Very accommodating staff and beautiful quaint and charming rooms. Had an actual "Jacuzzi" in the room. I say actual because Jacuzzi is a brand name and that's what they had in our room. Perfect size for a couple, plenty of space. The fire place kept us warm but also provided a romantic ambiance once it became dark outside. We did the "romantic" package which included' Champagne on ice in the room and delicious truffles as well as 50 dollar gift certificate redeemable at local participating restaurants. Nothing fancy about the meals but it was good food. The scenery from the room was just wonderful. Beautiful gardens outside. Just a very pleasant place to be overall. The breakfast they served was excellent food. Poached egg served over; spinach and hash browns and cheese, really good. They had other choices as well for breakfast; fresh fruit, dry cereals, yogurt, croissants, English muffins and orange juice. They also do serve wine and cheeses every night from 5pm to 7pm. Another nice thing is, its walking distance to the boardwalk, roughly 10 minutes which it will take you a total of ten minutes to drive then find and pay for parking in that area so it can be avoided. Overall, a very nice experience and we will be back.
(5)Chris W.
My boyfriend and I stayed here for two nights, we loved it! They have free bike rentals, we took a bike ride to the beach and rode along the cliffs which was amazing. The room we stayed in was called the fern grotto and was right next to a waterwheel. It was so cozy and romantic. The service was also great. They were so kind and the homemade breakfast every morning was so good. We will definitely stay here again when we decide to come back to Santa Cruz. When I first booked our stay I was a little worried about the price, but it was so worth it.
(5)Erin P.
Just returned from a West Coast trip to visit my sister that lives in San Francisco. We decided early on that we wanted to take a coastal trip down to Santa Barbara with a stop in Santa Cruz. The Babbling Brook Inn was our first choice as the reviews we found on Yelp were all very positive. From the moment we walked in the door we were welcomed by a warm and friendly staffer (and of course with fresh made cookies). She was able to provide us with great suggestions for dinner and told us to be sure to check out the breakfast in the morning. So glad we did - it was homemade eggs benedict, gorgeous pastries and fresh juices and coffee. Overall the grounds of the Babbling Brook were beautiful as was our room. Great stay.
(4)Randi April W.
Cute Spot! Get the room with the big jacuzzi tub! They provide a nice breakfast and a wine and cheese pairing in the afternoon.
(4)Darren D.
Wonderful place! Great proximity to downtown and beach. Very cozy and secluded but in plain sign. Would highly recommend this B&B without hesitation.
(5)Scott S.
I stayed for business which meant I didn't avail myself to full potential of the place, but I could see where couples could have a romantic interlude. The grounds are lovely, but as some other reviewers noted, right next to a busy street which detracts from the ambiance. The staff is very friendly and helpful, particularly Tom Cole, the manager, who went out of his way to be of assistance to myself and my coworkers. He surprised us in the afternoon with fresh baked cookies. Yum! The rooms are named after different artists. Comfortably furnished with the basic TV, clock radio, etc. The bathroom has a jacuzzi tub and bath salts as part of the amenities. There's an ample continental breakfast in the morning in the lobby with fresh fruits, hard boiled eggs, quiche, croissants and other breads. I'd stay here again, but preferably with my honey.
(4)Jona J.
Loved this place! The staff is help, fun and very inviting and when we checked they had finger foods in the lobby. They had a artichoke dip that was so good. When we left i told them that I really liked it and they gave me the recipe. When we got into the room there were chocolates on the bed and it was super comfortable. I told them a head of time I was allergic to feather down so they changed it all and put alternative pillows and bedding for us. Our room had a huge window and a view of the garden. Very romantic. We loved the feeling that we were far away but that downtown was close enough to get dinner. The only downsides is that their piping is old so the water takes a while to warm up and a long time to fill the tub but make sure to monitor it or it might be to hot. The breakfast was ok. Over all we are planning on going back.
(4)Lizzy W.
Babbling Brook Inn is much too expensive for the accommodations they're offering. We paid $250/night for a very run-down room: chipped and peeling paint, dented cupboards, stained carpet, rotting windows, mold along the bathtub, and, most unpleasant of all, a featherbed with the physique of Quasimoto's hunchback! Yes, we pulled back the sheets, and there, smack dab in the middle of the bed, was a lump that would not, could not, be dispersed despite attempts at plumping, smoothing, yelling (ok, ineffectual but a nice stress release), and ultimately, smacking with a walking stick. It was like Woody Allen's exponentially expanding pudding in "Sleeper" (except in our case, there was no sleep). Then there was The Smell. We should've been suspicious when we entered the room and a thick waft of chemical room 'freshener' hit us in the face. Once we unplugged the Glade atomizer (what country meadow smells like this?), we began to smell the dank of a New England cellar. Neither smell is exactly nice, and certainly not worth $250/night. In fact, they have another Glade plugged-in outside by the front office, so as you wander the gardens all you smell is chemical meadow. It was rather odd to say the least. Other quibbles: There were no proper curtains on the windows, only leaky blinds that filled our room with morning sun at 6:00 am. The walls are incredibly thin, and thusly, we were treated to our neighbor's choice of television viewing until well after midnight, at which time their bedsprings began to squeak and we were again treated to another round of free entertainment. (We really would've preferred to listen to the radio). You'll do better at a Motel 6. At least there you will know what to expect and your pocketbook will not be nearly as empty.
(2)Roger Y.
We will go back again! On April 27-28, 2012, we had the joy of staying at the Babbling Brook Inn. We were not disappointed. Tom, the Manager, and his Hostess, Elise, were absolutely wonderful! The breakfast was delicious. The accommodations were beautiful and luxurious. It was just a great experience. Next time we go back we will stay for two days. We stayed in the Artist Retreat which was very quiet and private. Walking the grounds was heavenly and the perfume of Jasmine was intoxicating. The staff greeted us warmly and made sure everything was to our satisfaction. My wife was thrilled with the bouquet and surroundings. Thank you, Tom and Elise, for making my wife's birthday so memorable and relaxing. (Be sure to ask about the history of the Inn. It is quite interesting!) Roger and Sandy Young, Santa Clara, CA
(5)Russell W.
Lovely people who were helpful. We stayed in the lovely big FMRS room, enjoying the tub and huge feather bed. Loses a star for the extra noisy leaf blower we had to endure with a morning coffee .
(4)Meenal B.
Great setting. The rooms are very clean and each is a little different. Some look out into the brook, others into the greenery. The hotel has done a great job of landscaping and no matter what room you stay in, the setting is very serene - green and tranquil. You can hear the brook. The bathrooms are modern and updated - which was a huge plus. Evening snacks and wine was also a great touch. Breakfast is delicious.
(5)Linda B.
I live in San Francisco and wanted to find a sweet peaceful get away which is why I chose the Babbling Brook. I decided based on the photos on their web site. I was not disappointed. What a beautiful oasis!! The grounds are lush and green with meandering pathways and very well maintained. The room was cozy and adorable. The best part was coming home after a long tattoo session slpipping into that jacuzi tub then climbing in the super comfy bed, turning on the fireplace and listening to the babbling brook outside my window. I will definitely return the next time I need a little time out.
(5)Kristina P.
Loved this Inn. It is so quaint. The service was excellent. Breakfast was really good. And even when my husband made special orders for breakfast they accommodated him. They only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 is because of the tiny bathrooms.
(4)Tammi H.
This is a wonderful b&b, highly recommended! My husband and I only stayed for a night, but I wish we could have stayed longer. When we arrived, we were greeted by Tom, the inn manager. He assured us that all other b&b stays past and future would pale in comparison, and he was right. He was very friendly and offered us delicious fresh baked cookies before giving us a tour. We stayed in the Sisley room, one of the smaller, more affordable rooms. But the room was cozy and beautifully decorated. We've been to other b&bs in the past that were a little...too rustic (think: old & moldy), but everything here was homey, but clean and modern. It's also very close to the Boardwalk and the downtown area to wander if you can drag yourself from the comfort of the heavenly featherbed. The whirlpool tub was great, and the sound of the babbling brook was very soothing. The breakfast was delicious, and we scored some more cookies for the road. I would definitely return!
(5)Mary G.
Stayed here in early July. This place was really quaint with beautiful, lush grounds. Staff was nice. Breakfast was delicious. My only two complaints: (1) our bed had some sort of mattress topper that was horrible and did the opposite of what they were aiming for, I'm sure; (2) there was no temperature control in our room. I'm sure you rarely need the latter in Santa Cruz, but for people like my husband, who tend to like it around 72 at the highest, there are days (such as when we were there) when the room could stand to be cooled down a bit.
(4)Bill S.
The Babbling Brook Inn is proof of the old saying, "You get what you pay for." We were a little hesitant to pay the going rate for just one overnight, but we would definitely do it again. If you are interested only in a safe place to sleep, you might not want to spend so much. But I see this inn as lots more than a nice bed. It is an experience to remember. SO many nice things.....plush towels, robes, a mattress like sleeping on a cloud, comfortable sitting chairs, mints on the pillow, fireplace, the deck and view. There are about 13 rooms here all surrounded by the best part of this place...the lovely gardens. We stayed in the Fern Room with a patio/chairs overlooking the water wheel and lovely greens. I looked around and other rooms face various parts of the garden, including a gazebo, swing, benches. I liked the location of the Renoir Room and may ask for that one next time. The staff is super nice and helpful, so when choosing a room, ask for their help. One caution about this room, the Fern room...it is next to the stairs and sometimes you hear people walking heavily, so if you are super sensitive to noise, you might want to choose a different one. Almost forgot....awesome homemade cookies in the office, very nice cheese/bread/wine snacks from 5-7 PM and homemade breakfast in the morning. I can't say I liked the quiche...too many onions...but the menu changes daily and the fruit was ripe and delicious. I couldn't eat the quiche, but there were hard boiled eggs which were a great substitute. This is a perfect place for guys to surprise their gals and bring her here without knowing where she is going. It couldn't be a more romantic place and so many spots to take pictures! My compliments to the owners. We look forward to returning. Since we live only an hour away, we may come off season to take advantage of lower rates.
(5)Megan K.
3.5 stars to be precise. But the staff are super friendly, Elise and Amanda were friendly and knowledgeable about the area and made us right at home and that goes a lonnnnnng way. Isn't this the whole purpose of staying in a B&B rather than a hotel? The inn consists of around 10 or 12 rooms in a multi level garden. The ambiance is soothing and calm- with a brook and mill running through the inn. Breakfast had a touch of european cuisine, we had a great zucchini quiche and hard boiled eggs along with home made pancakes and freshly cut fruits. About a mile away from beach- no ocean view. I do agree the rooms do look run down and the building is outdated but the rooms are very clean and service is reliable. Compare to more updated places- I felt that the price was ok. After all- it's a charming inn with great service that will steal your heart one way or the other!
(4)Bonnie P.
My boyfriend and i took our first romantic get away together here from San Francisco. He made the reservations with Tom, who was friendly and helpful. All the staff was really nice and helpful as well. When we checked out they were very grateful and even sent us on our way with some cookies for the road. The yummy cheese/veggie selection with wine on the patio was Awesome. Severed daily, this was a really nice treat to enjoy on the Beautiful grounds. Very beautiful, full of green, flowers, trees, and of course a babbling brook. We especially enjoyed the plush king size bed and bath tub for two, which we overflowed with bubbles (very fun). This is a great location near downtown but it feels like your nestled in the woods. We have lots of good friends in the Santa Cruz area, so I'm sure we will be back. We really enjoyed our two nights stay and will recommend it to our friends as well.
(5)Phin B.
A group of 10 of us spent two evenings here last week, the staff, the food, and the overall experience was incredible. Sam the hotel manager took such great care of my group from the beginning of the start of making reservations all the way through our departure. I would highly recommend you experience this Inn, the accommodations were very comfortable and attention to every detail is obvious through out. Thank you Babbling Brook Inn, we will see you next year for our now annual group trip
(5)Joshua F.
Absolute best place every for a Bed and Breakfast. See, I have been to many hotels and all of them are the same. Most of the are pricy and give nothing in return. I paid the extra buck for this place and I was not disapointed. Every second was new for my and my wife. We love the place, we loved the atmosphere and we loved surroundings. The rooms are small, no matter which room your get. But isn't that good? People come here to be close, not far apart. If you want distence, go to a motel 6. Here is all about being together. The beds are fluffy and the air is so clean. Everything looks so old, in a good way, like that classic touch. Nothing better then waking up to the veiw of the garden and the scent of dew. Ill tell you, the air really does wonders for the body. The bath room are small as well, best if occupied by one person at a time, but then again this is not the place to rush. If you rush this place, you wont enjoy it. And let me tell you, the moment you step on the grounds, you will want to take every chance to move slowly. Take your time relax. I sugest getting the monet and Van Gouh rooms and up, you get a two person jazzuzi which is divne. Also Bath robes! One size fits all and I do mean fits all! Very roomy. Let me tell you, Rachel is the best. She is so kind. When she was on the phone, me and my wife went exploring the garden. She was so nice to come and meet us when she was done. Then she walked us back, registered us and walked us to our rooms. How sweet! Wine and cheese is good too! I dont drink wine.....tastes nasty, I perfer Tequila. But the cheese was awsome. I loved the Pancakes and eggs bendicts. There was no need to go out for breakfat, it was right there. We can eat in our rooms and enjoy the sights and sounds of the garden. The bed and breakfast is located near a busy street. So you will hear passing cars but it does quiet down at night. So its good. I still enjoyed everything about this bed and breakfast. Everything was great! I will return for sure. If you love someone and love spending time with that person then you have to go to a bed and breakfast! Youi have to go here! Love it!
(5)Ignacio V.
I love the Babbling Brook, their beds are comfortable, and the location makes you forget you are walking distance of downtown, it's a forest inside. The Buses that pass down Laural do wake you up sometimes but no big deal. Everyone who works there were great and interesting. When I stayed their the woman who helped me out was really nice and friendly. She was good at making conversation and talking for some time (in a good way), I remember she said she was really interested in fashion. The crossants that they give out for breakfast were excellent too. Oh I had a couple the one time that I went. Of coarse, if you go, make sure you stay in that one suite that is pretty big. I believe it is called the Tennisen Suite (something like that) you'll sleep like a baby! Be sure to catch the Wine and cheese events that they have for guest, also very good! I tell you, I tooked advantage of this place, it felt like I never left the property!
(4)Mary B.
We just returned from a very pleasant stay at the Babbling Brook Inn. We were in the room overlooking the 'babbling brook', and thoroughly enjoyed our private patio overlooking the brook! The room was indeed 'dated', and really would be easy to update a bit. There was a bouquet of dried/plastic flowers that had to have been at least 20 years old!! That being said, the room was spacious and quaint. The king bed was pretty bad tho, in that when you layed on either side, you felt like you were going to slide off! However, the lovely grounds (even in February) were nice and peaceful, and the staff was always there to please. The breakfasts were okay (nothing to write home about), but the afternoon hors dourves and wine were very nice. I also loved the cookies that they had out all day, and even got the recipe! We'd definately recommend it, and would even return we were in the area.
(4)Arissa C.
There IS! a Babbling Brook. There IS! Green Lucious surroundings. There IS! a cozy cozy room with fireplace and fake Renoirs (although they were actual oil reproductions). There IS! a wonderful breakfast to summon you out of bed from a hangover. I enjoyed my stay here :-) PS The Staff are super friendly PSPS So are the Santa Cruzans
(4)Jane T.
The property is old and run down, not "charming" or "quaint". The accomodations were awful. You will waste your money and be disappointed at what you don't get for the exorbitant price. Traffic noise unrelenting all night with loud trucks driving by all night, guaranteed to keep you awake. Coverlet on bed was ragged, not just worn. Visible cobwebs in the ceiling area. Hole in window screen in bathroom. Bathtub fills with standing water, and upon unscrewing drain cover I found accumulated scum. Shower head also with visible scum. I have photos available. Cracked sink in bathroom. Wood is badly worn and needs refinishing. Poor plumbing requires 3 flushes. Special whirlpool bathtub filthy and unable to be used, smelling of mildew. Caulking in tub peeling. Towel racks both loose in bathroom. "Sit by a roaring fire" in their brochure translates to room heater on wheels and fireplace-like visual, very overstated and inflated. Manager Sam Meneely said he would not charge me after I complained to him, but he lied and charged me anyway, full price. I waited until I received the bill and confirmed his lie before writing this. Unfortunately it is all true and the pictures I have confirm it. This property is due tor a complete remodel, in order to fairly charge the prices they have the nerve to charge. DO NOT waste your money, even if it means staying in another town to find a decent place to stay. DO not let them tell you it was just one room, because that is also a lie, because other family stayed in two other rooms that were just the same.
(1)Kim W.
I have stayed here a handful of times over the years and have always enjoyed my stay. I enjoyed my stay this visit but I have to admit this place is getting rundown. We stayed in The Degas room. Upon first sight it is very pretty. After you start looking around you start to notice all the things that need to be repaired. The baseboards are a mess. The bathroom is sad. The only real place to store your toiletries is in a plastic 3-drawer bin. The wallboard around the sink is all broken. The little glass shelf above the sink sits at an angle. My husband took a shower and water leaked into the room beneath us. Looking at the caulking around the tub it was easy to see why. The ice buckets were nice at one time. But the insert was so badly stained my husband thought it was dirty. When he took it to the front desk to get a replacement, he was told they didn't have any. She said they were old and they couldn't find new liners. My husband took a plastic bag to line it with. The ice bucket is made of marble with their logo on it. Well, the handle on top was half broken off and there were chunks of marble that had broken off. Maybe it is time to get new ones? They do have good wi-fi now. But they seriously need to offer something besides a 19-inch TV / VCR combo. They offer DirecTV which was nice but a 19-inch TV??? And a VCR???? Update, update, update. There is no excuse for that. Last room complaint - the road noise is worse than ever. I remember it being loud before but it seems like it has gotten worse. I love hearing the waterwheel but the traffic noise drowns it out now. I remember their breakfasts being very good. On Sunday morning, they served a selection of grocery store sliced breads, bagels, and English muffins for you to toast yourself. They also offered Costco croissants, brown-and-serve sausages with hard boiled eggs, some plain pancakes, fresh fruit (the usual oranges, melons, and pineapples), juice, and granola or shredded wheat with yogurt and/or milk. I am sorry but that is a sad excuse of a breakfast. We were very disappointed. The next day was a little better. They offered all the same breads, cereals, and fruit but served a small ramekin filled with shredded potato, spinach, and a baked egg. No other protein was offered other than the ubiquitous hard-boiled egg again. I am sure a lot of this sounds kind of nit-picky BUT when I am spending $250 a night, I guess I expect more. On the plus side, the staff was wonderful...as always. I do hate to say it, but until I read about the Babbling Brook taking steps to bring this place up to speed, I will not stay there again.
(2)Jane says... x.
Babbling Brook Inn is a place that really does have potential and would be even better if it were located in an out-of-the-way secluded area. It has all the makings of a wonderful retreat, complete with a cozy room, gas insert fireplace, and lovely garden. However, since it's located right on a super busy street, I have to give it 2 stars. The traffic noise is constant and very very loud, particularly if someone is driving with their stereo blasting. If you are sensitive to noise, you will notice this the moment you drive up and hear it constantly. BRING EARPLUGS! It was disappointing to me, especially since we had booked a 2-night stay. The traffic does quiet down at night, but you can still hear cars here and there, and it feels like you are staying in downtown San Francisco. Not quite the vibe I was going for. What partially makes up for the bad location are the people. They were incredibly friendly and glad to have us as their guests. The breakfasts are gourmet, and satisfy all kinds of appetites. While we were there, we had pancakes one day, and eggs the next. The freshly-baked cookies are also a plus as they're available all day, and are a welcome sight when returning from shopping in downtown Santa Cruz. The wine and cheese reception at the end of the day is very sweet too. They go out of their way to make it a pleasant stay for everyone. We stayed in the Toulouse-Lautrec room. The bathroom was an afterthought. It was so small that if the door was open while I was brushing my teeth or putting on my makeup, there was really no place to actually put any of my things that were too big to put on the shelf above the sink (which, by the way, was loose and sagging). The smaller shelves in the corner of the bathroom looked like they were put there more as decoration than as functional because they weren't that deep. So, I had to put my things either on top of the toilet or on a rickety, unsteady, 3-shelved cart next to it. Here's the clincher - I had to close the door to be able to do this because the bathroom was so small that it was either be on one side of it or the other. It doesn't function as a full room unless the door is closed. Also, the plumbing could use some serious work. Lastly, there is the matter of air conditioning. Santa Cruz wasn't that hot while we were there, but unless there was a breeze, the room became super stuffy. Fortunately, there was an electric fan available, which we had on most of the time. It also helped to drown out the traffic noise. Would we go back? Never. It's really nicely done, but the premises need some overhauling. Also, if they were to relocate the whole place to a quieter area, I'm sure they'd do a booming business. My husband and I are incredibly picky about where we stay, and this place unfortunately didn't quite live up to its promises.
(2)Heather A.
I really enjoyed my stay here. I didn't know what to expect, but I was not disapointed. The bathtub in the Monet room is heavenly. The bed was comfortable, the place was clean and the landscaping is beautiful. They provide wine and cheese in the evening along with some fresh veggies. The traffic didn't bother me at all as I am from a city and used to it anyways. My fiance and I took a candle lit bubble bath together and it was very romantic. (Bring your own candles!). The rooms are small but that was fine with me since we were there to spend time together and not apart anyways.
(4)Sarah L.
We stayed at this hotel to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary and we were very excited to get away for the weekend. I must say that the hotel is located centrally and that made it easy to get around. But it is way overpriced for what you get. We paid $500 for 2 nights and we were very disappointed with the quality of the room/tv (VHS???)/food. They call this a boutique hotel but it couldn't be further from the truth. Sad but I believe that they have a lot of improvements to make before they can charge you the money they do. The staff was friendly but when I asked for some additional blankets they told me I should sleep with the heating on. Not the answer I would expect. Also, the walls are very thin, so we could hear our neighbors watching tv, snoring... Not fun when you just want to relax. I would not recommend this hotel to any of my friends or family. I would recommend to stay at a cheaper hotel and spend the extra money on some nice meals out. A very disappointed guest!!!
(2)Heather L.
By far one of the best B&B's I have stayed at! Tom the InnKeeper went out of his way to make me vegan pancakes in the morning!*I am allergic to dairy and do not expect to get anything other then fruit and coffee in the am when i stay places* We stayed in the room with private jacuzzi on the deck and in the am it rained so we opened up the double french doors, lit the fireplace and snuggled for hours listening to the rain. It is a beautiful environment surrounded by lush greenery and flowers! Highly recommend!!
(5)sabrina t.
Babbling Brook was awesome!. when you think of nestled or breathtaking...this is the place. The staff was nice, breakfast good.. Wish the tv was bigger..and took a long time (30+minutes) to fill jacuzzi. Had a great relaxing time.
(4)jeff jr m.
Just met the owner and Tom is awesome guy and friendly. Thanks for the welcoming to stay at your awesome Babbling Brook Bed and Breakfast. Well be staying here soon :)
(5)Ailsa B.
My husband and I stayed here on our wedding night. They were nice enough to allow us to check in earlier than usual so we could leave things in the room while we went to decorate the wedding location - and then after dinner the women came back to get ready for the ceremony, to find a bottle of wine and a card from the staff with their congratulations. I thought that was a lovely touch. The room was lovely, the bed comfortable, the tub devine (hot tub type tub - although it took FOREVER to fill!), and the staff were all pleasant and helpful. We spent two nights there and had no complaints (other than how long it took to fill the tub). When I have friends coming in from out of town, I always recommend this place if they're looking for a romantic hide-away rather than staying with relatives or at a more run of the mill hotel.
(5)Kenneth M.
We actually had the experience of staying in two rooms at the Babbling Brook, one facing Laurel street, and one facing the garden in the main building. From the street-facing room we could hear traffic, but it's nothing that could keep one up at night. From the main building, we couldn't hear the street at all. If one is seeking a remote getaway, this is as good as it gets for being centrally located in Santa Cruz. The Gardens are cute. The staff was very helpful, especially Tom, the manager, who really went above and beyond in his attentiveness. Breakfasting in the main dining room was a pleasure, and it's located walking distance from downtown, Mission street, and Neary's Lagoon. When we realized the prices were pretty close to what we had paid a few months ago at the Holiday Inn Express, there's no comparison. We'll definitely be staying here on future trips to Santa Cruz.
(4)