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Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
Art Deco motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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Photo gallery for Torch Lite Inn

Marina
Lobby
Terrace/patio
Signature Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
500 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Main Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Signature Room

Signature Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes

Signature Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes

Deluxe Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz stay.A stay at this Westside Santa Cruz motel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2 miles (3 km) of Monterey Bay. Ocean Street and Santa Cruz Main Beach are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Marini's at the Beach - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Hot Dog on A Stick - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Torch Lite Inn

Art Deco motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
As a guest of Torch Lite Inn, you'll find a terrace and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Art Deco Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Terrace
  • No smoking on site
Torch Lite Inn offers 38 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 40-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English, Spanish

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 40-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 45
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
This property's listed general deposit is refundable via credit card within 14 days after check-out, pending room inspection.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

This property's listed general deposit is refundable via credit card within 14 days after check-out, pending room inspection.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Eurocard, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using exisiting bedding.

Property is also known as

Torch Lite Inn
Torch Lite Inn Santa Cruz
Torch Lite Santa Cruz
Torch Lite Hotel Santa Cruz
Torch Lite Motel
Torch Lite Inn Motel
Torch Lite Inn Santa Cruz
Torch Lite Inn Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How close is Torch Lite Inn to the airport?

Torch Lite Inn is 16.5 mi (27-min drive) away from the Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Torch Lite Inn?

As of Apr 29, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on May 13, 2025 start from $75.65, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Torch Lite Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Torch Lite Inn.

How close is Torch Lite Inn to the beach?

This motel is a short 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach and 8-minute walk from Main Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Torch Lite Inn offer free breakfast?

Torch Lite Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Torch Lite Inn?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Torch Lite Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 AM. Early check-in costs USD 45 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Torch Lite Inn?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a pool?

Torch Lite Inn does not have a pool.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Torch Lite Inn to downtown Santa Cruz?

Torch Lite Inn is 0.1 mi away from Lower Ocean.

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 385 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 258 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 169 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 79 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 111 out of 1002 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Chandra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Fabian, Salinas

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was below average , it was a little out dated but overall clean . No issues with parking , the tiles in my room were lifting from the ground causing a hazard of potentialy cutting your foot on the edge so that wasn’t cool . Only reason it gets a three is the pricing , felt secure , and was reasonably clean. Just outdated
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jame

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Torch stayed lit up!

This hotel is a hidden gem and very conveniant as far as bars and restaurants. The rooms were very clean and the manager of the hotel was very professional. The price of the room wasvery affordable and right by the wharf.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Ulises

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay they require a 100 deposit and will return after they check out room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Room was great but parking was impossible and the surrounding area is very very unsafe. Drove around for almost an hour trying to find something safe.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gerardo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
For an airport hotel, you couldn’t ask for more.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First impression of the property were not very positive. I checked-in at night and I did not realize how sketchy it was outside. Checking in was difficult since the clerk didn’t speak much English. I gave a $100 insurance deposit for the stay and I have not been reimbursed (it’s been 5 days). They gave me a room with two queen beds (they never mentioned that during my check-in so I was surprised because I was the only one staying in this room). The balcony door was unlocked so that didn’t help the nerves. Barely slept that night with how unsafe I felt. Do what you will with this information.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

MAKI

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Consuelo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

definitely recommend!!

great customer service check in was fast and easy, very clean & walking distance to the boardwalk definitely recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The place was nice and close to the boardwalk.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Leanna

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Laurie

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I feel the property maybe in the middle of a renovation. The location was good. But where there once was a pool was a mud pit. The floor in main office was stained. Looked like blood, Gross. Room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dylan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Anita

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was traveling with a 6 year old. Staff was gracious and accommodating. We enjoyed the easy walk to the Boardwalk and all the entertainment there. Additionally, we were close to the downtown area. Overall, great location and kind service
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Ayanna

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ofelia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Oswaldo

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very excellent n family oriented..customer service

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sunil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There were a couple of hiccups at check-in. The room I was initially given hadn't been cleaned yet and the ice machine was broken. But the desk clerk was very apologetic and responsive, moving me to a new room immediately and helping me get ice elsewhere. Once in my room, I found it to be excellent. It had everything I needed, was very clean, the bed was very comfortable and the room appeared to have maybe been renovated recently. It's not "high end" but it worked well for me.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Kama

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Front desk guy was very friendly and courteous. Pictures and description need to be updated qs far as no pool.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024