Welcome to Holiday Inn Express Watsonville.
Newly renovated! Situated in the lush Pajaro Valley and close to several alluring Central Coast communities, this hotel's location is right off Highway 1. In fact, the Holiday Inn Express is just moments from the major businesses and attractions that characterize the Monterey Bay area.
Corporate travelers appreciate that we have free high-speed, wireless Internet access throughout the facility to work in comfort.
We also offer a business center with copy, fax and print services. Pioneering companies such as Driscoll, Granite and West Marine Products are all located in the nearby business park. Hotel leisure guests
prefer us as the perfect resting point since we're close to Santa Cruz (famous for the Boardwalk, beaches, and harbors), the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Roaring Camp Railroad Shopaholics can't miss the Gilroy Factory Outlets. For a truly "out-of-this-world" experience, don't forget to visit the Mystery Spot!
After a full day of work or activities, relax in Watsonville, California at our hotel's accommodations Amenities such as a heated, indoor pool and onsite fitness center are available to our guests. Don't miss the complimentary, hot Express Start Breakfast.
While some guests praised the friendly and helpful staff, others reported unprofessional and dismissive service, particularly regarding room issues and billing.
Cleanliness
Many reviews highlighted the cleanliness of the rooms and common areas, but there were also complaints about bugs and unclean facilities in some instances.
Room Comfort
Guests generally found the beds comfortable, but there were significant complaints about the quality of pull-out couches and noise from adjacent rooms.
Breakfast Quality
The breakfast received positive feedback for variety and quality, although some guests noted issues with specific items or availability.
Value for Money
Some guests felt the hotel offered good value for the price, while others criticized the overall experience as not worth the cost, citing issues with amenities and service.
AS
Angela Romero (SMILEY.Y.SERGIO)
Oct 31, 2025
4.0
Love
RH
Robert Huerta
Sep 24, 2025
5.0
Definitely a nice place to stay with comfortable beds, gym and pool. The customer service we get from Olga for the last month has been great. She always as the answers to our questions and does everything to make you feel at home. Thanks Olga for the great customer service. 10 star
PK
P K
Sep 2, 2025
1.0
My family booked a King Suite at the Holiday Inn Express in Watsonville for a week, expecting it to comfortably accommodate three adults — two in the king bed and one on the pull-out couch. Unfortunately, the pull-out bed was unusable. There was absolutely no cushioning between the fabric and the springs; it felt like lying directly on metal.
After just one night, we asked the front desk if we could move to a different room, as the setup was clearly not suitable for three people. The staff’s response was dismissive and unhelpful, essentially telling us, “It’s a pull-out bed, what did you expect?” As someone who has stayed in many hotels, including sleeping on pull-outs as a Titanium Elite with Marriott (theres no Marriots in Watsonville😭), I can confidently say this is not the industry standard. Pull-outs can be decent; this one was not.
To make matters worse, we were in town to say goodbye to my dying grandfather. The last thing we needed was to return each night from the hospital to a room that didn’t meet our basic need for three places to sleep. We ultimately checked out and moved to a Hilton nearby, where the pull-out bed was perfectly fine.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that we prepaid through Hotels.com. The hotel refused to check us out early because doing so would have triggered a refund. We had to push hard just to get written confirmation that we had left the room due to the accommodations being unsuitable.
The whole experience was unnecessarily stressful. Rather than helping us, the staff hid behind “policy,” showing zero empathy. The King Suite was advertised as fitting at least four people, but it clearly did not. Between the poor quality of the pull-out bed and the terrible customer service, this was a very disappointing and frustrating stay.
I hope they feel good about charging a grieving family for a room they couldn't use. Boooooo.
CL
Chris Lou
Sep 1, 2025
1.0
One of the worst Holiday inn experiences ever had. There are many bugs in the bathroom I had to take them out myself. They were on walls and towels. The shower water was cold. You would have to let the cold water run for more than 5 mins to get it warm enough to shower. Large waste of water and ironically there’s signs of saving water on the wall. The noise from the hallway and rooms above was the worst. The noise comes directly through doors or ceiling. It’s like the person speaking were right beside you. Once anyone turn the water on above or next door, the pump noise comes right through.
GD
Gabriela Davidson
Aug 22, 2025
5.0
Comfortable room and the staff are so sweet! They made the check in process easy and have been helping my mom to and from her car as she broke her foot. Great place to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG
Which airport is closest to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville is conveniently located near Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International (SFO), and Oakland International (OAK).
Does your hotel offer an airport shuttle?
No, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville does not offer an airport shuttle.
Does your hotel have an onsite restaurant?
No, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville does not feature an onsite restaurant, but we are near many dining options. Please visit our Local Area page for dining recommendations.
Are pets allowed at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville does not allow pets. Service animals are allowed adherent to our Pet Policy guidelines.
Do you allow RV or large vehicle parking at your hotel?
No, although we offer guests complimentary parking, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville does not allow large vehicle or RV parking.
Does Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville have a Fitness Center?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville offers 24/7 access to our fully equipped Fitness Center.
Does Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville offer laundry services?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville offers access to self-service laundry facilities.
Does Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville offer EV charging stations?
No, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville does not offer access to onsite EV charging stations.
Are the rooms and bathrooms at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville ADA compliant?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville offers guest rooms and bathrooms equipped with ADA-compliant accommodations.
What accessibility features are available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville?
The hotel offers accessible parking and ADA-compliant rooms and bathrooms to ensure comfort for guests with mobility needs.
Is complimentary breakfast provided at the hotel?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville provides a complimentary buffet breakfast to all guests.
Does the hotel have a fitness center and what equipment is available?
Yes, guests have free 24/7 access to a fitness center equipped with elliptical machines, free weights, and treadmills.
Are pets allowed at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville?
Pets are not allowed at the hotel, but service animals are permitted in accordance with the hotel's pet policy.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville.
Does the hotel offer a business center and self-service laundry?
Yes, the hotel provides a business center with copy, fax, and print services, and guests can use self-service laundry facilities on site.
Is parking available at the hotel and are there options for large vehicles or RVs?
Free self-parking is available for guests; however, the hotel does not allow parking for large vehicles or RVs.
Are there any nearby gas stations or convenience stores for guests?
Yes, nearby gas stations and convenience stores include Chevron, ExtraMile, and H&S Energy - Extra Mile, which guests can easily access during their stay.
What nearby outdoor recreational spots can guests visit?
Guests can explore the Ohlone Loop Trail for hiking and enjoy nature at Watsonville Wetlands-Struve Slough park, both located close to the hotel.
If guests need medical or dental services nearby, what options are available?
Nearby medical services include Kaiser Permanente Watsonville Medical Offices, Western Dental, and Crossroads Dental for family and dental care needs.