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Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
Art Deco motel in Santa Cruz with free parking

Photo gallery for Torch Lite Inn

Signature Room
Lobby sitting area
Terrace/patio
Front of property
1 bedroom, premium bedding, pillow-top beds, desk

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$165
includes taxes & fees
15 Sept - 16 Sept

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Signature Room

Signature Room

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(69 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
LCD TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Santa Cruz

At Torch Lite Inn you'll be 0.6 km (0.3 mi) from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2.8 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay. Highlights at this Art Deco motel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour front desk and a terrace. Added amenities include a vending machine. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Westside Santa Cruz motel include University of California, Santa Cruz and Mystery Spot.
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Cowell's Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • 四姐 Special Noodle
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • Cruzin’ Crepes
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Bar & Grill - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Torch Lite Inn

Art Deco motel in Santa Cruz with free parking
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 a hairdryer. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 40-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

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 lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • 40-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels

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

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Eurocard and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

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

What is the cancellation policy at Torch Lite Inn?

Torch Lite Inn offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 16 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on 15 Sept 2025 start from NZ$164.63, 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.

Is parking available at Torch Lite Inn?

Yep, Torch Lite Inn has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to Torch Lite Inn?

Yep, Torch Lite Inn is a short 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach. Fun beach activities include waterskiing, body boarding and kayaking.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Torch Lite Inn?

No, Torch Lite Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Torch Lite Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Torch Lite Inn?

No, pets are not allowed.

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 401 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 248 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 167 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 81 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 105 out of 1002 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Caitlin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
My partner and I stayed for one night in a deluxe room. It was quiet, had blackout curtains, and the room appeared as advertised. There was also plenty of parking and the location is convenient. We were disappointed in the cleanliness - the floor was filthy and there were some insects. The one window in our corner room did not have a bug screen, so we weren't able to enjoy the fresh air.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I felt safe and they were very kind people!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

All good.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would not recommend staying here. I should have paid more attention to the poor reviews. The photos look nice enough, so we gave it a chance. The flooring in our room was sloppily put together with multiple gaps and splitters/ flooring sticking straight up. We didn't feel safe walking barefoot in the room. The room smelled unpleasant. The bed was uncomfortable. We didn't try the breakfast. The location was good, but the hotel needs a lot of improvements.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Laurent

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I arrived there, it had no parking at all. I went into my room and I forgot my toothbrush, so I asked them if they had any and they said no. Which hotel room doesn't have toothbrush??! This experience was crazy. NEVER RETURNING THERE
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caren

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

Family trip

It was very clean inside and outside. Close to things. Good parking. Close to things to walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, polite service. No issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dayene

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
First off, I would like to say that the hotel on the inside is beautiful. All the interior designs are modern and update. There are only two bad things I can say about the room one, they don't have any streaming services on the TV, only cable channels, and two the light closest to the door randomly switches on and off. On top of that the customer service was impeciable. When I arrived I was a little skeptical but I wanted to have a positive mindset (which I'm glad I did). The parking lot is extremely unorganized and good luck trying to find one after 8:30PM because there will be NONE. Other then these few complains I would come back as I did enjoy my stay here overall.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Le

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Nashua

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Claudia

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty and unsafe
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ansel

Disliked: Amenities
Called to let them know I would be checking in late. Then when I ultimately got there to check in I called and they said that it was too late, and refused to check me in and hung up on me. Tried to call back and didn’t answer. They had no problem taking my money like thieves though. Had to book another room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

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

10/10 Excellent

Raquel

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

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

daniel

Disliked: Amenities
Car broken into twice in one night. Never again!!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
Property looks nothing like the pictures. It's on a big, ugly lot with a big dirt patch in the middle. Linens were not pressed and neat. Hair dryer didn't work, and we were only given ONE packet of a 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner. Again, PACKETS!! Not even the small bottles. The tub looked like it needed a deep cleaning. There was dirt all in the cracks of the tub and the drain was disgusting. Hair dryer also didn't work. Would not advise anyone to stay here even for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erlinda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

tammy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprised when i got in our room..it was remodeled very nicely..doesnt match the outside . Quiet ....close to boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Horrible

horrible! loud walls are thin and i got my car broken into no broken windows but they had some key to open newer model cars
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nichola

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Good enough
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025