Torch Lite Inn

Art Deco motel in Santa Cruz with free parking

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Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

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

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

24/7 front desk
Parking included
Housekeeping
Air conditioning
Free WiFi

Explore the area

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

Deluxe Room

Very good

Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Signature Room

Very good

Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Torch Lite Inn is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 38-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

View more Motels in Santa Cruz

What's nearby

Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 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
Cowell's Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

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

Guests staying at Torch Lite Inn enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a vending machine. There's free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests.

40-inch LCD TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Pool
Hot Tub
Spa
Pet friendly

$68 nightly

Nov 2 - Nov 3

Total with taxes and fees

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 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

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

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

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

This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Up to 2 kids stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the 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

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

There are no elevators.
No cribs or infant beds are available.
No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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 free cancellation available at Torch Lite Inn?

Torch Lite Inn offers free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to see within easy reach of Torch Lite Inn?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Ocean Street, and Santa Cruz Main Beach. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Mystery Spot within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Torch Lite Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a casino on the premises?

No, Torch Lite Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Torch Lite Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Torch Lite Inn?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a pillowtop mattress as well as a terrace and a 24-hour front desk.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Torch Lite Inn feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Torch Lite Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Torch Lite Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Torch Lite Inn.

Are there connecting rooms at Torch Lite Inn?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

How close is the airport from Torch Lite Inn?

The closest major airport to Torch Lite Inn is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 16.5 mi away (27 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.6 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Torch Lite Inn?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Torch Lite Inn.

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

7.6

Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

Jul 26, 2025

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

ashley

Jul 26, 2025

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

Zahra

Traveled with partner

Jul 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

My recent stay at the Torch Lite Inn in Santa Cruz was, for the most part, absolutely delightful! The room itself was a highlight – very nice, spacious, and comfortable, providing a great base for my trip. The only significant downside was the noise from the room above me. There was frequent heavy walking and stomping in the middle of the night, along with the sound of running water, which unfortunately disrupted my sleep. Additionally, I was a bit surprised by the $100 deposit required for room damages at check-in. While I'm sure it was mentioned in the terms and conditions, it wasn't something I was expecting, so a heads-up beforehand would have been appreciated. Aside from these two points, I had no other complaints and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The Torch Lite Inn offers a great location and comfortable accommodations.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Anna

Jul 23, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with group

Jul 22, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Jul 20, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Jul 19, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Jul 19, 2025

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 traveler

Traveled with family

Jul 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

Jul 18, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ethel

Jul 15, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jolie

Jul 13, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaiju

Traveled with family

Jul 12, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aleksei, Sacramento

Jul 9, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Don’t recommend

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dulce

Jul 9, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

bernabe

Jul 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice staff

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Leo Carlo

Traveled with family

Jul 6, 2025

Disliked: Staff & service

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jesika

Jul 6, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with family

Jul 4, 2025

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

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family

Jun 29, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Jun 27, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Jun 26, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jackson

Jun 23, 2025

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