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
Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area
Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Front of property

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

Room options

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(56 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Signature Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(77 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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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).

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 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

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Craft Beer at The Boardwalk - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬4 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.

Similar properties

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 self 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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 fire extinguisher and 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, 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 fire extinguisher and 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 15.9 mi (31-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 Jun 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Jun 24, 2026 start from $143, including 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 9-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach and 12-minute walk from Seabright 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

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 442 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 238 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 157 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 71 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 93 out of 1001 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Briana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good night stay if you want to be close to the boardwalk, a 7 min walk to everything. Would stay again for a day trip 😊 staff was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Myles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such an amazing price for the location!!! Super close to boardwalk and downtown we didn’t even have to drive anywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Amparo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
absolutely calm and away from the noise and very close to the beach walk
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the check-n process was super fast and great!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s close to the main road so bring ear plugs to sleep
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hector

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and fast check in, room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, the room was clean, check in process was fast, everything was just great!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and great price.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes and ac worked good
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
perfect place to stay if going to the boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The man at the front desk was very accommodating and allowed us to check in early. The hotel is not too far to walk to the boardwalk which also allowed us to save on parking.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great little hotel in perfect location. Close to everything. Rooms & bathrooms have been updated. Bed super comfortable with nice linens. Clean! Property landscaping looks like it could use a little TLC … but the proximity to the ocean & beach makes up for that. Excellent price for our 3 night stay. Definitely recommend. Will stay here again. Staff was very kind.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mayumi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff clean room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great front desk, very friendly and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jonathan

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
That’s very clean and very noisy
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose Antonio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel& always comfortable!
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Damian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel& always comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Hunter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room . My only complaint is that the walls sound paper thin . But it was a weekend so people being loud was expected . I would stay here again because of the location: )
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good walking location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kirsten

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

10/10 Excellent

Jame

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The rooms were very clean and the hotel is 1 mile away from all the venues and restaurants. The Manager Sid is an outstanding guy.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harun

Clean, convenient, close to downtown
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025