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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
Terrace/patio
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, desk, blackout curtains
Lobby sitting area
Front of property

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$130
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov

Explore the area

View 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 Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(54 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Signature Room

Signature Room

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(70 reviews)

Highlights

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

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2 Nov - 3 Nov
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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 - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Coaster's Lounge - ‬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.

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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 21 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on 4 Nov 2025 start from NZ$129.92, 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. 413 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 81 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 1013 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

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Affordable, convenient stay

Convenient, comfortable, no frills place to spend the night after a long day at the Boardwalk. I was initially very apprehensive after seeing some less than desirable reviews. However, our stay was comfortable for an overnight stay. It is a short walk to the boardwalk, or about a two minute drive so you are really paying for the convenience.It is in a busy area which means there is lots of both auto and foot traffic, however none of it disturbed us during the night. Parking is also very tight but the front desk employee was so kind and helpful in helping us find spots to park. Also, although a $100 deposit was mentioned on several other reviews, we did not have to put a deposit down. As noted in other reviews, there is no longer a pool so that is something to be aware of. The property has a main building and a separate annexed building located close to an alley. I was located in the annexed building but it did require a key to enter the hallways as a security measure. The actual rooms were clean and spacious. They offered a small bathroom with shower and toilet. The sink and mirror are located in the general room area. There is a good sized refrigerator that would hold lots of snacks and packaged foods. Also, a microwave (hard to come by in most hotels) and a small coffee maker. The beds were comfortable enough, the A/C worked well. If you were staying for a longer vacation, I could see seeking out a place with more amenities, but it worked for our trip.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Adolfo

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I put a do not disturb sign on my door and house keeping still came in without permission
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mindie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Needs a little help on the outside - but overall a VERY convenient location nice staff and owners! Should make big dirt pile a garden with palm trees- improve the outside paint touch up- great parking clean updated rooms - perfect surfer town stop - I would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Myra

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Location ok, but the room have some flaws ,broken coffeemaker didn't even offer to replace, no shampoo
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

6/10 Okay

Ethel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jolie

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaiju

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

2/10 Terrible

Aleksei, Sacramento

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don’t recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dulce

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

bernabe

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Leo Carlo

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jesika

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simple spot, does the job if you just need a spot to shower and sleep. Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The couple running(owners?) property were the nicest people. We will definitely be staying with them again soon. Everything was very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Annette

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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