California Beaches Blog

Capitola, CA–Who says the economy is in a slump? In seaside Capitola, a beautiful city located along the Monterey Bay just south of Santa Cruz, a church is being torn down to make way for a hotel. Don’t look for any symbolism here. It’s just business as usual, and it could be an economic boost to this California beach tourism asset.

Not one, but possibly two hotels could be in the hopper when Capitola Theater is torn down and the owner gets approval to build something else, preferably a hotel across the street from the beach in the heart of downtown. A Fairfield Inn is being constructed at 41st Avenue & Brommer Street. It will include 84 guest rooms, and is being built by the owner of the Best Western Capitola by-the-Sea Inn & Suites at 1435 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA. That hotel features 57 rooms, 3 stories, and is a three diamond property that wins awards in its franchise with Best Western.

While many hotel investors are cutting their losses or losing their shirts currently, others with land and a marketing plan see this as the time to build for the future of the tourism business, predicted to softly bounce back around 2011.

As a tourist and travel writer, I’ve observed a lack of hotel space in Capitola. It is a charming city, and one of the highlights to a visit to Santa Cruz County. Parking is difficult there, making it sometimes almost impossible to visit.

While I prefer staying in slightly less budget oriented hotels, then driving to the beach when visiting that region, and usually choose Hilton Hotel in Scotts Valley or the Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz for their more upscale decor and accommodations, I would try the Capitola hotels that rank high in customer satisfaction. You really can’t find a more charming city than Capitola as a home base for a vacation! Be sure to check out the Capitola Wharf during a visit.