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Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
Art Deco motel near Monterey Bay

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Torch Lite Inn

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

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 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, Pacific Avenue
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

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

View all photos for Signature Room

Signature Room

Signature Room

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

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About the area

Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz stay.A stay at this Westside Santa Cruz motel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2 miles (3 km) of Monterey Bay. Ocean Street and Mimi De Marta Dog Park are also within half a mile (1 km).
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
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Sesame Korean Grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Marea Sol - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Zachary's Restaurant - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Torch Lite Inn

Art Deco motel near Monterey Bay
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 hair dryers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 40-inch LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

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)

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 40-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

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

  • 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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property 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 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
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 guestroom reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Eurocard, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using exisiting 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

How close is Torch Lite Inn to the airport?

Torch Lite Inn is 15.9 mi (31-min drive) away from the Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Mar 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch Lite Inn on Mar 18, 2026 start from CA $99, 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.

Does Torch Lite Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Torch Lite Inn.

How close is Torch Lite Inn to the beach?

This motel is a short 8-minute walk from Main Beach and 9-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Torch Lite Inn offer free breakfast?

Torch Lite Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Torch Lite Inn?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

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 costs USD 45 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Torch Lite Inn?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a pool?

Torch Lite Inn does not have a pool.

Does Torch Lite Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Torch Lite Inn to downtown Santa Cruz?

Torch Lite Inn is 0.1 mi away from Lower Ocean.

Torch Lite Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 430 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 164 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 75 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 94 out of 1005 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Monica, Madera

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Nagendra Kadiyam

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Looks not safe , washrooms are ok No proper soaps or shampoo care
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanna

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Louise

There was no blanket the cover was old shower Curtain old and dirty room smelled so bad of chemicals we couldn’t sleep out eyes and throat were burning slept with window open no screen in the middle of winter just a few things you can work on
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

ashley

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Always the best experience
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Enjoyed a room that does not have carpet and its a smoke free hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Mishawaka

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

6/10 Okay

noah

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Bathroom had mold but was ok otherwise
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wesley

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Norberto

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah

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

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

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

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Mailee

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
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

Jose

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

2/10 Terrible

Rachel

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harun

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

6/10 Okay

Catrina, Petaluma

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nazlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

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

6/10 Okay

Daniel, Bakersfield

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
There are images of a pool and jacuzzi, but that isn't on the property, and whoever is above me, sounds like a herd of water buffalo's making all kinds of noise.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025