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Torch Lite Inn

Property class: 2.5
Art Deco motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Torch Lite Inn

A hotel room with two beds, a kitchenette, a sliding glass door to a balcony, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.
A room with two teal chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a potted plant on a wooden side table.
A patio with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and potted plants.
A hotel with a covered parking area, a sign for the Torch Late Inn, and a building with a stone facade.
A modern kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 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.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a flat-screen TV.

Deluxe Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(63 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Room

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand with a lamp, and a potted plant.

Signature Room

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

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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
  • 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
  • ‪El Chipotle Taqueria - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Blue Lagoon - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Brews At The Beach - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Firefly Coffee House - ‬9 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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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
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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 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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 Nov 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Nov 29, 2026 start from $79, 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. 450 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 153 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 69 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 92 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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love this hotel and stay every year in July
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect Room was very quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Close to the boardwalk
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Little run down but still comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great customer service, great location, really close/walking distance to the boardwalk. Room was clean and up to date. I came with my teenage daughter and her friend. It worked out beautifully.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean room, friendly staff,all things work in room, free huge parking open or under shed both avilbe. Stayed 3time at this property, luv it. Cheap and super neat clean UPGRADED ROOMS. Recent trip - july07 2026.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about it was perfect. Close to the boardwalk. Clean room and clean sheets alone with towels.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds. Mexican restaurant around the corner walking distance. Walking distance to the boardwalk. Perfectly placed. All hotels in Santa Cruz are a little used and beachy. Perfectly safe. I will probably stay here next year when we come.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place always comes through with the perfect accommodations. Minutes walk from the boardwalk.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I only need to stay one night and this was perfect distance from the boardwalk and downtown
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking is limited. Area is very loud.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room. Walkable to the arcade and beach. Site was undergoing some renovation at the time of our stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great price and location...Two blocks from the Boardwalk. Room included microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely lovely
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Torch Lite Inn is the perfect spot for an affordable (on non-peak days) overnight near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s simple but well-maintained & only a short walk to the beach. We especially like the 2nd floor room balconies & free parking!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, a block away from the boardwalk. great price and friendly staff no hassle when asked for extras.. great parking around close to room. Trader Joe’s and downtown 6 min away!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good location between the boardwalk and downtown. Minimal parking. No elevator.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nice front desk clerk. Room was fine except smell in the bathroom. It needs a more powerful fan. It smelled really moldy. No way to air it out.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

The women in front desk is wonderfully awesome. Will definetely come back here and reconnend this place to my family and friend
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It felt very dirty and cheap. The bathtub was gross, the floors were filthy. This place is way overpriced for what it is. Will not stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026

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