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.
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 27 min drive
San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 43 min drive
Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal) - 46 min drive
Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 57 min drive
Restaurants
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk
Boardwalk Bowl - 8 min walk
Los Viejones - 5 min walk
Marini's at the Beach - 8 min walk
Hot Dog on A Stick - 7 min walk
About this property
Torch Lite Inn
At Torch Lite Inn, you'll be a short five-minute drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Freebies such as WiFi and self-parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can experience the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking and mountain biking. This Art Deco motel is also within a short drive of University of California, Santa Cruz and Mystery Spot. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
38 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out
DONE
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.
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Up to 2 children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cots (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
On-site parking only available on request
Free on-site self-parking
On-site parking is limited (max. 1 space per unit)
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
What to do
Beach nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Kayaking nearby
Surfing/body boarding nearby
Scooter/moped hire nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Facilities
2 buildings/towers
Terrace
Outdoor furniture
Art Deco architecture
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Hardwood flooring in room
Room amenities
Be entertained
40-inch LCD TV
Premium cable channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Pillow-top mattress
Freshen up
Shower/bath combination
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Fridge
Microwave
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay
Mandatory fees
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 can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 45 (subject to availability)
Parking
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
Policies
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a smoke detector on-site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Eurocard
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
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
Does Torch Lite Inn offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Torch Lite Inn does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Torch Lite Inn?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Torch Lite Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spaces may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Torch Lite Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 AM. There's a charge of USD 45 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at Torch Lite Inn and nearby?
Have fun with activities such as hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, and practise your swing at the nearby golf course.
What's the area around Torch Lite Inn like?
Torch Lite Inn is a short 7-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 5 minutes' walk from Ocean Street. Travellers say that the area is walkable and good for families.
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Torch Lite Inn Reviews
Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.2/10
Cleanliness
7.8/10
Staff & service
6.8/10
Amenities
7.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Boardwalks
Parking
Service staff
Bed
Location
Building
Refrigerator
Beach
Breakfast
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
28 April 2025
Family trip
It was very clean inside and outside. Close to things. Good parking. Close to things to walk.
Caren
Caren, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
10 March 2025
The host was spectacular and kind. The room was very clean and comfortable. Enjoyed our quick stay in the quaint town.
Julia
Julia, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
8 February 2025
Tv was great sizes.
Hotel was nice inside. Great tv size too.
Esau
Esau, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
23 February 2025
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.
Bryan
Bryan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 January 2025
For an airport hotel, you couldn’t ask for more.
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
12 December 2024
The place was nice and close to the boardwalk.
Anne
Anne, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 January 2025
The Torch stayed lit up!
This hotel is a hidden gem and very conveniant as far as bars and restaurants. The rooms were very clean and the manager of the hotel was very professional. The price of the room wasvery affordable and right by the wharf.
Jame
Jame, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
15 November 2024
Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too.
Dylan
Dylan, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
20 January 2025
Great stay they require a 100 deposit and will return after they check out room
Ulises
Ulises, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
17 December 2024
definitely recommend!!
great customer service check in was fast and easy, very clean & walking distance to the boardwalk definitely recommend!!
Consuelo
Consuelo, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
18 July 2024
Great place to stay
Great place to stay
Joshua
Joshua, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
31 October 2024
Very close to the boardwalk and beaches
Cherelle
Cherelle, 1-night trip
2/10 Poor
16 March 2025
Horrible
horrible! loud walls are thin and i got my car broken into no broken windows but they had some key to open newer model cars
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 July 2024
Great stay and i highly recommend!
Lisa
Lisa, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
20 January 2025
Room was great but parking was impossible and the surrounding area is very very unsafe. Drove around for almost an hour trying to find something safe.
Jonathan
Jonathan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
12 August 2024
The rooms were very clean, with everything you need and the host provided excellent service.
Francisco
Francisco, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
17 September 2024
Was a decent night stay
Was a one night stop on a longer roadtrip. The stay was fine, location was convenient.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
8/10 Very good
7 October 2024
Room is clean and only 5 minutes walk to boardwalk
NORAINE
NORAINE, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
13 September 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff and clean rooms 👍 Everything looked like recently renovated !
Jouko
Jouko, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 July 2024
Excellent front desk customer service and clean , convenient and friendly and super close walk to the board walk definitely coming back soon!
Jerry
Jerry, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
31 August 2024
It was a very clean & quiet. Also walking distance to the boardwalk!
Jessica
Jessica, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
13 November 2024
I was traveling with a 6 year old. Staff was gracious and accommodating. We enjoyed the easy walk to the Boardwalk and all the entertainment there. Additionally, we were close to the downtown area. Overall, great location and kind service
Anita
Anita, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
22 August 2024
Very handy to the boardwalk
Trudy
Trudy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 September 2024
Close to the Boardwalk and downtown. Walkable. Owner was very accommodating and nice.
Greg
Greg, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 July 2024
About a 10 minute walk to the boardwalk, very close and convenient to food and shops nearby