Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Torch Lite Inn

Signature Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes
Lobby sitting area
Front of property
Lobby
Terrace/patio

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
500 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(56 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Signature Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(76 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 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) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Craft Beer at The Boardwalk - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Torch Lite Inn

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

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

  • 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 fire extinguisher and 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 fire extinguisher and 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.

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Jun 23, 2026 start from $136, 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.

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 Capitola Beach 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.

Is Torch Lite Inn a good place to stay for couples?

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

Does Torch Lite Inn have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

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.

Does Torch Lite Inn have connecting rooms available?

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 15.9 mi away (31 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, there aren't any guestrooms at Torch Lite Inn that offer a balcony.

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 442 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 155 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 71 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 95 out of 1005 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Myles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such an amazing price for the location!!! Super close to boardwalk and downtown we didn’t even have to drive anywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
absolutely calm and away from the noise and very close to the beach walk
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the check-n process was super fast and great!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s close to the main road so bring ear plugs to sleep
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Vanesa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Horrible. Dirty. Sand on the bed from previous guest
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hector

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly and fast check in, room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, the room was clean, check in process was fast, everything was just great!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and great price.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
perfect place to stay if going to the boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The man at the front desk was very accommodating and allowed us to check in early. The hotel is not too far to walk to the boardwalk which also allowed us to save on parking.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mayumi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff clean room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jonathan

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
That’s very clean and very noisy
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Hunter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room . My only complaint is that the walls sound paper thin . But it was a weekend so people being loud was expected . I would stay here again because of the location: )
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great front desk, very friendly and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose Antonio

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

10/10 Excellent

Damian

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

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good walking location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kirsten

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our family enjoyed our quick stay here!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jame

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The rooms were very clean and the hotel is 1 mile away from all the venues and restaurants. The Manager Sid is an outstanding guy.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harun

Clean, convenient, close to downtown
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was very clean and staff was very nice. Definitely will come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

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

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