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Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
Enjoy the laid-back charm of this beachside retreat where every day feels like a vacation.

Choose dates to view prices

Torch Lite Inn, near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offers a relaxed vibe with outdoor furniture and a spacious terrace. Unwind here and enjoy in-room WiFi, free self parking, plus the convenience of 24-hour front desk services. The helpful staff has received rave reviews from past guests.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room

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

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(55 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Room

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

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(71 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
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About the neighborhood

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Torch Lite Inn is near theme parks and near the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Boardwalk Bowl and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water skiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby.
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Map
500 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 6 min walk - 0.4 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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Coaster's Lounge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Torch Lite Inn

Motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Torch Lite Inn provides a terrace and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Free self parking
  • Outdoor furniture, a 24-hour front desk, and smoke-free premises
  • A vending machine
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Torch Lite Inn feature perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Shower/tub combinations, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • 40-inch LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Property grounds
Continental Inn
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.8 out of 10, Good, 1,000 reviews
$72 nightly
The price is $84
Feb 5 - Feb 6
Total with taxes and fees
Continental Inn

Property amenities

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)

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

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

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 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

We have included 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

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Is Torch Lite Inn pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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

As of Jan 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Jan 28, 2026 start from $63.75, 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.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

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 is available for a fee of USD 45 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Torch Lite Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Torch Lite Inn located?

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Ocean Street and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

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Reviews

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

7.8

Good

8.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.0

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 419 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 240 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 167 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 77 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 98 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Eloisa

Liked: Amenities
The innkeeper was very friendly and accommodating and gave us a unit perfect for travelling with children. Parking was secured and covered. The room was generously big and the amenities were very at par with the price point. My family and I slept well and woke up refreshed to the sound of birds and the seawaves.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good service and friendly people
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The customer service was exceptional. The cleaniness of the room and location were great! I enjoyed my stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are very clean and updated. For the price point we were very happy and would fine you stay here again. Perfect to just walk to the boardwalk or downtown for a meal. The room was very quiet we didn’t hear any other guests or street noise. Beds were comfortable and staff was friendly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean, large room. Excellent staff who gave us good suggestions on restaurants, etc. Very walkable to The Boardwalk. Only suggestions: Grounds could use some sprucing and room could use a place to hang clothes.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brieanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Service was exceptional!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mailee

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Check in was smooth. The man at the front desk was friendly and informative. He put our group of three together, allowed us to stay parked at the hotel after check out while we had one last day at the Boardwalk and he even called to let me know my daughter left her iPad in the room. Great customer service goes a long way. The hotel is affordable and short walk to the Board Walk. If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in the room, it’s a great option. We would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Best property within walking distance of the boardwalk. I have had an exceptional time every time with the clean rooms.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

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

Makenna

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

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

Kathy

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

Mindie

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

10/10 Excellent

Dylan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The host was spectacular and kind. The room was very clean and comfortable. Enjoyed our quick stay in the quaint town.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is perfect, close enough to the boardwalk. It just needs to soften up a little. Looks a little rough with the dark colors all on the outside. Maybe add more plans. Customer service was excellent when checking in very pleasant, accommodating and welcoming. Cleanliness: Restrooms, could of used more of a pleasant smell, clean overall, but I had this wet smell understandable due to the closeness of the beach/boardwalk. Maybe add air fresheners?
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Esau

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

Tv was great sizes.

Hotel was nice inside. Great tv size too.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caren

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

Consuelo

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

definitely recommend!!

great customer service check in was fast and easy, very clean & walking distance to the boardwalk definitely recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were very clean, with everything you need and the host provided excellent service.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Staff & service
Staff way very understanding with check in late..
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent front desk customer service and clean , convenient and friendly and super close walk to the board walk definitely coming back soon!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Kathina

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
When we first initially came to stay here we were excited to be able to be closer to the beach. That part was solely my fault because of my lack of research of how far it truly was. My father’s truck Got broken into and
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Bryan

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

Santa Cruz is a vibe

It was a good stay. The room was clean. Stayed for one night. I would stay here again. Decent amount of parking. Good spot to rest your head.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025