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
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 43 min drive
Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal) - 46 min drive
Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 57 min drive
Restaurants
四姐 Special Noodle - 8 min walk
Boardwalk Bowl - 9 min walk
Cruzin’ Crepes - 8 min walk
Los Viejones - 5 min walk
Sesame Korean Grill - 10 min walk
About this property
Torch Lite Inn
At Torch Lite Inn, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out 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 travelers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
38 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
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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 available
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 cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Onsite parking available only on request
Free onsite self parking
Onsite parking limited (max 1 space per unit)
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Traveling with children
Children stay 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 rentals 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 drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
Pillowtop mattress
Freshen up
Shower/tub combination
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Refrigerator
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 onsite parking
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing 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-authorize 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 to 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 spots 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 like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, and practice 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. Travelers say 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 travelers 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
8.0/10
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
Refrigerator
Building
Beach
Breakfast
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Aug 11, 2025
Very accessible to walk to the beach restaurants a d friendly owner or manager!!
Oved
Oved, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Jun 21, 2025
Our family enjoyed our quick stay here!
Kirsten
Kirsten, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 7, 2025
Very nice, helpful front desk. This hotel is in the perfect location to avoid the expensive parking at the nearby locations. Our room was comfortable. There is a nice view from the shared outdoor patio.
Christine
Christine, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 26, 2025
Best property within walking distance of the boardwalk. I have had an exceptional time every time with the clean rooms.
ashley
ashley, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 29, 2025
Very nice reception
Peter
Peter, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 7, 2025
Nice staff
bernabe
bernabe, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 19, 2025
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
Mindie
Mindie, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 13, 2025
Staff super friendly and was a very easy stay overall. Definitely alleviated travel stress!
Makenna
Makenna, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 29, 2025
The couple running(owners?) property were the nicest people. We will definitely be staying with them again soon.
Everything was very clean.
Kathy
Kathy, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 31, 2025
Good location, clean. Parking is a little odd but made it work.
Peter Jacob
Peter Jacob, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 4, 2025
I felt safe and they were very kind people!
Nicole
Nicole, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Jul 19, 2025
Location ok, but the room have some flaws ,broken coffeemaker didn't even offer to replace, no shampoo
Myra
Myra, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Jul 27, 2025
Not as advertised- 20 minute walk to the Boardwalk along very busy streets. Sheets appeared dirty. Minimal amenities- one hand towel and one wash cloth for four people.
Kate
Kate, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 17, 2025
Definitely coming back, close to the boardwalk. Lots of things walking distance!
Jacqueline
Jacqueline, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Aug 1, 2025
When we first initially came to stay here we were excited to be able to be closer to the beach. That part was solely my fault because of my lack of research of how far it truly was. My father’s truck Got broken into and
Kathina
Kathina, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 27, 2025
It was wonderful!
Kayla
Kayla, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 18, 2024
Great place to stay
Great place to stay
Joshua
Joshua, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 10, 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
10/10 Excellent
Apr 28, 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 Excellent
Jun 12, 2025
Good
Arma
Arma, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
Jun 10, 2025
The service was good but the pictures of the property was very misleading, not as nice looking in person. Parking was not great.
Caren
Caren, 1-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Jul 9, 2025
Don’t recommend
Aleksei
Aleksei, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jan 3, 2025
For an airport hotel, you couldn’t ask for more.
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Nov 15, 2024
Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too.
Dylan
Dylan, 3-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Jul 20, 2025
I put a do not disturb sign on my door and house keeping still came in without permission