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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

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
500 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Signature Room

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

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(69 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room

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

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(53 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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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

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Sesame Korean Grill - ‬10 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.

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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 Sep 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Oct 19, 2025 start from $71.4, 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.

Reviews

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

7.6

Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 406 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 81 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 103 out of 1005 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Annette

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This hotel my family stayed at for a fun trip at Santa Cruz. The hotel was very convenient because of how close it was to the Boardwalk. Overall the hotel room we had was very small but pretty neat, the bathrooms were a little dirty (the shower tiles needed more attention) and the toilet paper was really thin. We did enjoy the stay and the parking was tight, and it took precision driving to get around the area. The front desk worker was quite nice and had the things we need in an instant. I would rate my overall experience a 4/5.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Salina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jackson

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

Great value hotel with a fantastic location

Having a hotel be more budget friendly doesn't always mean sacrificing other qualities. I found our room was well kept, and provided all the basic amenities you would expect- a fridge, an ironing board, a desk, wall charging USB ports, a comfortable bed. I was pleasantly surprised to find all the furniture, finishings, and fixtures to be clean and in great condition. Whenever we went up to the front desk, the service was always friendly and helpful. Overall, my expectations were comfortably met for this price point, and I never thought any of the accommodations fell short or were disappointing. Above all, though, I would say the best quality of our stay here was its central location in Santa Cruz and proximity to major areas of interest: The boardwalk is just a brief walk down the street, and the Pacific Ave bars and shops are another short walk away along the San Lorenzo river walk (which runs adjacent to the hotel). There are also plenty of grocery stores, food trucks, and restaurants close by. If you want to go anywhere in central Santa Cruz, enjoy scenic strolls, and don't want to worry about driving around, then this place is great (and if you bring a bike, you probably won't have to drive anywhere at all). For a comfortable place to sleep and decompress while exploring Santa Cruz for a few days that won't take up the majority of your budget, I can definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Thuc Anh aka Jenny

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kirsten

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our family enjoyed our quick stay here!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Lindsay

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not so impressed. The pictures are far nicer than what's presented, inside and outside especially. The bathroom didn't seem very clean, I could see that the shower hadn't been wiped down well if at all. There were cop cars present almost the entire time, at one point, several of them - some sort of incident seemed to be happening. The walls were paper-thin and I could clearly hear people talking, snoring, and moving around. It was very expensive and there was no mention of an additional $100 'incidental' deposit until we got there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Jancarlo

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arma

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Joely

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The workers live on site Will not answer the phone We’ll see them minimally one time and never see him or hear from them again. Once you had a reservation, they will not give you a refund. I have never been to this city, so I have not seen the areas around or lodging. This is on the strip of the worst ones. Hard to bare.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Caren

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was good but the pictures of the property was very misleading, not as nice looking in person. Parking was not great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Giannina

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

anthony

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter Jacob

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location, clean. Parking is a little odd but made it work.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Karina

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Houry

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Alysha

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominique

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Rose

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Cheap toilet paper

Pillows too thin. Cheap toilet paper.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It's very clean, quiet area, the only minor con was parking not enough parking and small small space even for a Honda Civic it was very tight. And if you have a more bigger built person with you they would definitely unfortunately hit the other person car if you were to get out of the parking space parked. Doable if your other passengers get out of the vehicle before you park. And it's just you trying to squeeze out of the car.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Definitely coming back, close to the boardwalk. Lots of things walking distance!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good for the cost. Nothing fancy, but worked well for our purposes. Husband and I getting away. Great location, except at a very busy intersection that was very loud at times. (loud music from cars). Bring some earplugs if you are sensitive to that. Staff very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Makenna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff super friendly and was a very easy stay overall. Definitely alleviated travel stress!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025