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

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$111
includes taxes & fees
21 Jan - 22 Jan

Explore the area

View 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.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(55 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Signature Room

Signature Room

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(71 reviews)

Highlights

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

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About the area

Santa Cruz

At Torch Lite Inn you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Street. 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 20-minute drive of this Westside Santa Cruz motel include Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach.
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

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

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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Continental Inn
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  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
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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 number of on-site self parking spaces 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
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.
  • 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 8 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on 21 Jan 2026 start from AU$111.06, 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

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 417 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 241 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 167 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 78 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 98 out of 1001 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

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

8/10 Good

Stephany

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Okay stay. Found it strange that staff would peek into rooms at check out time rather than just knocking on the door…
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Antonio

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

10/10 Excellent

Damian

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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cheap, nothing fancy, but fine to sleep
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Lupita

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Antonia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Teri

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our room was in a dark location. There was no where in our room to hang clothing, and it was very noisy all around and above us, super thin walls, sad experience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kiran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Axel

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yina

Travelled with family and small children
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

4/10 Poor

james

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Erika

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were good but could use a little bit of an update on the shower/tub and linen. Overall it served it's purpose and I wouldn't mind staying her again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tom

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

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

10/10 Excellent

Arron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s not fancy but quiet, very clean, affordable and the owner couldn’t have been more hospitable. My brief interaction with him and his young son at check out started my day with a smile on my face. What’s better than that?
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ron, Cypress

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nathan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Nice room but pictures can be misleading. Floors and walls are paper thin. And somewhat of a sketchy area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mauricio

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elsa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Rooms updated like pix, very clean, parking is good, extremely walkable to all the main Santa Cruz attractions beach, boardwalk, warf, West Cliff Drive, Pacific Garden Mall, Warrior area. Great value, this place has location and the rooms are clean. It's a safe area. The grounds needs some sprucing up and the pool has been removed.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Mishawaka

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a surprise. While it is a basic hotel it offers a clean room with laminate floors. The rooms do not flare up my asthma to which can be a major issue for me when staying at other cheap hotels. The front desk staff is incredibly nice! We have stayed at the hotel quite a few times and will return when we are in need of an affordable and clean night’s stay in Santa Cruz.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Meghan

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

Family 2025 Beach Trip

Cute little beach spot - smaller than expected room but we have a bigger family worked out for us for the one night we were there. Walking distance to the board walk and limited parking if you can walk I would suggest so you can park your car at night in the hotel. Overall I would stay here again no issues staff was super nice and respectful
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025