Torch Lite Inn

The room smell and look clean. The restroom vent was not working. The pillows and bed were alittle too hard. No trashcan in the restroom. I think the worst was the window shade. We couldn't have any lights on because people could see through and in the morning the sunrise was going in trhough the shade eventhough it was down. It was close to the beach. Overall it was ok.

Room was clean and staff friendly but the images look way nicer than the room actually is. It says “signature room” and “premium bedding” in the description but the pillows are flat and the blanket in our room had holes in it. This room is fine for a quick crash for young people, but we didn’t find the bed very comfortable. We stayed with our two teens who also slept poorly and by the way, they also charged $20 more for our kids to stay. This motel does have microwave and mini fridge plus coffee machine, which some motels don’t offer. AC worked well. Pool was filled in a few years ago even though it appears in the photo (not in description I’m aware but still in photos.) There is a dirt lot full of weeds where pool was. Should probably throw some wildflower seeds out there to make it look nicer. Free parking is also a benefit but overall be aware it’s an underwhelming property. I would have paid more to stay at a chain up the street.

It was clean There was no TV! Cable was supposedly out. The fan in the bathroom also didn’t work and the shampoo and soap that were provided gave me and family a rash.

The rooms were very comfortable. It was close to the boardwalk , which we wanted. The fridge and the microwave were a plus . I wish they would have had a pool . I wish they would have had a continental breakfast . But overall it was a great place. We will definitely use it again

Location is great

Yes room was cool but no tv or coffee

Bad

It was clean, close enough to the beach to walk Upon arrival we went in to check in, and they let us know that the tv services were not working so we could not watch anything. If it were a smart tv, it would have been okay so we could use our own streaming services however it was an older tv. The outside “courtyard” was fenced off and overgrown with weeds. The whole room smelt of old food, that wasn’t ours. The remote was missing the back and held on by tape, and the beds were extremely uncomfortable.

Passable

It was actually pretty clean and the location was amazing Would have been a perfect stay if the hotel had provided better shower amenities like body wash and shampoos

Good

Great price and location...Two blocks from the Boardwalk. Room included microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator.

Pleasant

Absolutely lovely

Exceptional

Bad

When I first checked in owner/staff tried to charge me again for the room. When he say I called my own expeidia number not the one they provided he said that payment was there. Seemed a little shysty to me.

Location was good, less than a half a mile from the boardwalk. A little noisy due to the traffic but that's to be expected due to the location The beds were extremely hard

Location was good, less than a half a mile from the boardwalk. A little noisy due to the traffic but that's to be expected due to the location The beds were extremely hard

Nice room, a block away from the boardwalk. great price and friendly staff no hassle when asked for extras.. great parking around close to room. Trader Joe’s and downtown 6 min away!

As advertised No complaints

As advertised No complaints

Very disappointed in the property and Hotels.com . This property looks nothing like the online pictures. You advertise that Torch light inn has a pool and hot tub, that’s the main reason I booked with you. We planned a family trip with my grandchildren we booked a couple of rooms . It was an all time fail the pool area is completely filled with dirt I asked the staff and she said it was not pool season so do you dig it out during pool season. The rooms had mold in the bathrooms and the heater had a weird smell that made us nauseas . I do not recommend Torch light inn

Stayed there for two nights and it was a great walking distance to the boardwalk! Check in was super quick and easy!

The Torch Lite Inn is the perfect spot for an affordable (on non-peak days) overnight near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s simple but well-maintained & only a short walk to the beach. We especially like the 2nd floor room balconies & free parking!

Exceptional

This place always comes through with the perfect accommodations. Minutes walk from the boardwalk.

The property is upgraded and the room I was allocated was wonderful. Very close proximity to the boardwalk (approximately 7 minutes walk) Limited parking but they do have the parking available and are very accommodating.

The property is upgraded and the room I was allocated was wonderful. Very close proximity to the boardwalk (approximately 7 minutes walk) Limited parking but they do have the parking available and are very accommodating.

Exceptional

Exceptional

The women in front desk is wonderfully awesome. Will definetely come back here and reconnend this place to my family and friend

This might be the worst place literally don’t come here there’s homeless people everywhere. The worker barely spoke English, which is fine, but I mean she also had a child in the back. I don’t even know what was going on like.

Horrible. Dirty. Sand on the bed from previous guest

Did not look like the pictures

I only need to stay one night and this was perfect distance from the boardwalk and downtown

The photos on their website are probably 10 years old. There’s no pool! Don’t be fooled. Property unkept and bathrooms were gross and smelled of mildew.

In the pros, the floor is hardwood and the service was fine. In the cons, you’re gonna need some medication to fall asleep in the first floor. You can hear everything in the room upstairs, the entire room disgusting with missed spots and stains in the bed sheets. The room smells like cheap air fresheners mixed with mold. In all, I’m glad I only needed to stay in this hotel for less than a day as I’ve would’ve went insane from the amount of noise made from upstairs. Wouldn’t recommend at all spend your money and night elsewhere.

Front desk Sid was very nice and helpful, check in was easy and fast

a bike was taken from our truck

Loud noise next to room 206 kept us up all night. Make sure you bring soap they only have small one time use soap.

The room was comfortable and clean. Good location. Loud street.

Room was clean. Located in safe area, close to downtown and boardwalk.

The biggest disappointment was that there was a strong smell of mold/mildew in the bathroom. The fan only made it worse. It was hard to be in there even to quickly use the toilet, let alone take a bath or shower. The rooms were renovated and looked nice but were cheaply done with corners cut. There was a huge gash/crack in the floor when we arrived bc the subfloor was not leveled out before installing the new floor: gaps between the floor and wall, etc. The lighting in the vanity mirror was terrible, very dim. Beds weren’t terrible but pillows were. The room was not thoroughly cleaned. Dirty walls and doors. The whole room had a light mildew smell every time the blankets and sheets were moved. The coffee maker was missing its brew basket so was unusable. It was cheap and within walking distance to the boardwalk, which was the only saving grace. If you’re sensitive to mold - do NOT recommend.

Ac worked great and really nice to be so close to the boardwalk

Clean room. Nice place

good night stay if you want to be close to the boardwalk, a 7 min walk to everything. Would stay again for a day trip 😊 staff was very nice

Great little hotel in perfect location. Close to everything. Rooms & bathrooms have been updated. Bed super comfortable with nice linens. Clean! Property landscaping looks like it could use a little TLC … but the proximity to the ocean & beach makes up for that. Excellent price for our 3 night stay. Definitely recommend. Will stay here again. Staff was very kind.

Yes and ac worked good

Nice and clean

Such an amazing price for the location!!! Super close to boardwalk and downtown we didn’t even have to drive anywhere!

It’s close to the main road so bring ear plugs to sleep

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: )

The room looked as pictured but the rest of the property was pretty run down and the neighborhood didn’t feel safe at night. Heard a man screaming for a while near my room. The proximity to fun stuff was great though.

absolutely calm and away from the noise and very close to the beach walk

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.

That’s very clean and very noisy

The room was clean and the check-n process was super fast and great!

Amazing

Yes, the room was clean, check in process was fast, everything was just great!

Friendly and fast check in, room was clean.

The ac/heater was not working nor the light in the bathroom.

Affordable price but I cannot rest. So much noise. Car The photos from Expedia is different than in real. Deposit is $150 and check in needs to stand outside the office. Parking space is small and limited. Wall is so thin and I heard next neighbor watching TV at 11am and upstairs walking /playing guitar at 8 am. Seems like they are residents and no need to work and sleep. Won’t recommend. Same price can find other options.

Friendly staff clean room

Clean room and great price.

The innkeeper was very friendly and accommodating and gave us a unit perfect for travelling with children. Parking was secured and covered. The room was generously big and the amenities were very at par with the price point. My family and I slept well and woke up refreshed to the sound of birds and the seawaves.

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.

Had a very good stay here. No issues. Shower was awesome. Air conditioning was good. Internet was awesome. TV channels could have been better. Overall a very pleasant 3 days.

.

No proper soaps or shampoo care

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

Always the best experience

Enjoyed a room that does not have carpet and its a smoke free hotel.

Bathroom had mold but was ok otherwise

Clean

Great front desk, very friendly and helpful

Everything was great

Good walking location.

Room was very clean and staff was very nice. Definitely will come back again.

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.

Very good service and friendly people

Clean, convenient, close to downtown

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.

The customer service was exceptional. The cleaniness of the room and location were great! I enjoyed my stay!

As usual it was wonderful. Great staff and always feel very welcome. This place is proof that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

It was good

perfect place to stay if going to the boardwalk

Only suggestions: Grounds could use some sprucing and room could use a place to hang clothes.

Okay stay. Found it strange that staff would peek into rooms at check out time rather than just knocking on the door…

Very nice hotel& always comfortable!

Very nice hotel& always comfortable!

Cheap, nothing fancy, but fine to sleep

The rooms are very clean and updated. For the price point we were very happy and would fine you stay here again. Perfect to just walk to the boardwalk or downtown for a meal. The room was very quiet we didn’t hear any other guests or street noise. Beds were comfortable and staff was friendly

Our room was in a dark location. There was no where in our room to hang clothing, and it was very noisy all around and above us, super thin walls, sad experience.

Customer service was excellent when checking in very pleasant, accommodating and welcoming. Cleanliness: Restrooms, could of used more of a pleasant smell, clean overall, but I had this wet smell understandable due to the closeness of the beach/boardwalk. Maybe add air fresheners?

Rooms were good but could use a little bit of an update on the shower/tub and linen. Overall it served it's purpose and I wouldn't mind staying her again.

Great location

It’s not fancy but quiet, very clean, affordable and the owner couldn’t have been more hospitable. My brief interaction with him and his young son at check out started my day with a smile on my face. What’s better than that?

Nice room but pictures can be misleading. Floors and walls are paper thin. And somewhat of a sketchy area.

Rooms updated like pix, very clean, parking is good, extremely walkable to all the main Santa Cruz attractions beach, boardwalk, warf, West Cliff Drive, Pacific Garden Mall, Warrior area. Great value, this place has location and the rooms are clean. It's a safe area. The grounds needs some sprucing up and the pool has been removed.

This hotel is a surprise. While it is a basic hotel it offers a clean room with laminate floors. The rooms do not flare up my asthma to which can be a major issue for me when staying at other cheap hotels. The front desk staff is incredibly nice! We have stayed at the hotel quite a few times and will return when we are in need of an affordable and clean night’s stay in Santa Cruz.

Cute little beach spot - smaller than expected room but we have a bigger family worked out for us for the one night we were there. Walking distance to the board walk and limited parking if you can walk I would suggest so you can park your car at night in the hotel. Overall I would stay here again no issues staff was super nice and respectful

Very accessible to walk to the beach restaurants a d friendly owner or manager!!

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.

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

Service was exceptional!!!

Very nice reception

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.

Best property within walking distance of the boardwalk. I have had an exceptional time every time with the clean rooms.

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.

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.

I put a do not disturb sign on my door and house keeping still came in without permission

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

Location ok, but the room have some flaws ,broken coffeemaker didn't even offer to replace, no shampoo

Don’t recommend

Nice staff

Simple spot, does the job if you just need a spot to shower and sleep. Friendly staff

Everything was very clean.

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.

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.

Our family enjoyed our quick stay here!

Not so impressed. The pictures are far nicer than what's presented, inside and outside especially. The bathroom didn't seem very clean, I could see that the shower hadn't been wiped down well if at all. There were cop cars present almost the entire time, at one point, several of them - some sort of incident seemed to be happening. The walls were paper-thin and I could clearly hear people talking, snoring, and moving around. It was very expensive and there was no mention of an additional $100 'incidental' deposit until we got there.

Good

Will not answer the phone We’ll see them minimally one time and never see him or hear from them again. Once you had a reservation, they will not give you a refund. I have never been to this city, so I have not seen the areas around or lodging. This is on the strip of the worst ones. Hard to bare.

The service was good but the pictures of the property was very misleading, not as nice looking in person. Parking was not great.

Good location, clean. Parking is a little odd but made it work.

Pillows too thin. Cheap toilet paper.

It's very clean, quiet area, the only minor con was parking not enough parking and small small space even for a Honda Civic it was very tight. And if you have a more bigger built person with you they would definitely unfortunately hit the other person car if you were to get out of the parking space parked. Doable if your other passengers get out of the vehicle before you park. And it's just you trying to squeeze out of the car.

Definitely coming back, close to the boardwalk. Lots of things walking distance!

Good for the cost. Nothing fancy, but worked well for our purposes. Husband and I getting away. Great location, except at a very busy intersection that was very loud at times. (loud music from cars). Bring some earplugs if you are sensitive to that. Staff very nice.

Staff super friendly and was a very easy stay overall. Definitely alleviated travel stress!

My partner and I stayed for one night in a deluxe room. It was quiet, had blackout curtains, and the room appeared as advertised. There was also plenty of parking and the location is convenient. We were disappointed in the cleanliness - the floor was filthy and there were some insects. The one window in our corner room did not have a bug screen, so we weren't able to enjoy the fresh air.

I felt safe and they were very kind people!

All good.

I would not recommend staying here. I should have paid more attention to the poor reviews. The photos look nice enough, so we gave it a chance. The flooring in our room was sloppily put together with multiple gaps and splitters/ flooring sticking straight up. We didn't feel safe walking barefoot in the room. The room smelled unpleasant. The bed was uncomfortable. We didn't try the breakfast. The location was good, but the hotel needs a lot of improvements.

When I arrived there, it had no parking at all. I went into my room and I forgot my toothbrush, so I asked them if they had any and they said no. Which hotel room doesn't have toothbrush??! This experience was crazy. NEVER RETURNING THERE

It was very clean inside and outside. Close to things. Good parking. Close to things to walk.

Clean, polite service. No issues.

When I arrived I was a little skeptical but I wanted to have a positive mindset (which I'm glad I did). The parking lot is extremely unorganized and good luck trying to find one after 8:30PM because there will be NONE. Other then these few complains I would come back as I did enjoy my stay here overall.

Dirty and unsafe

Called to let them know I would be checking in late. Then when I ultimately got there to check in I called and they said that it was too late, and refused to check me in and hung up on me. Tried to call back and didn’t answer. They had no problem taking my money like thieves though. Had to book another room.

It was wonderful!

Car broken into twice in one night. Never again!!!

Property looks nothing like the pictures. It's on a big, ugly lot with a big dirt patch in the middle. Linens were not pressed and neat. Hair dryer didn't work, and we were only given ONE packet of a 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner. Again, PACKETS!! Not even the small bottles. The tub looked like it needed a deep cleaning. There was dirt all in the cracks of the tub and the drain was disgusting. Hair dryer also didn't work. Would not advise anyone to stay here even for the price.

I was pleasantly surprised when i got in our room..it was remodeled very nicely..doesnt match the outside . Quiet ....close to boardwalk

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

Good enough

Not where I normally stay in Santa Cruz but was in town for a night and didn't want to pay $300. Will probably stay here again, the room was nice, the location excellent, with lots of parking. Easy walk to the beach, boardwalk, wharf, and downtown, what else do you need?

It was great for the price, and the staff was supportive. Made small talk, and the process was smooth, definitely give it a solid 8/10. The only suggestion I have is cleaning the rooms a little more through.

The host was spectacular and kind. The room was very clean and comfortable. Enjoyed our quick stay in the quaint town.

Staff way very understanding with check in late..

Great stay

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.

Hotel was nice inside. Great tv size too.

It was below average , it was a little out dated but overall clean . No issues with parking , the tiles in my room were lifting from the ground causing a hazard of potentialy cutting your foot on the edge so that wasn’t cool . Only reason it gets a three is the pricing , felt secure , and was reasonably clean. Just outdated

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.

Great stay they require a 100 deposit and will return after they check out room

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.

For an airport hotel, you couldn’t ask for more.

First impression of the property were not very positive. I checked-in at night and I did not realize how sketchy it was outside. Checking in was difficult since the clerk didn’t speak much English. I gave a $100 insurance deposit for the stay and I have not been reimbursed (it’s been 5 days). They gave me a room with two queen beds (they never mentioned that during my check-in so I was surprised because I was the only one staying in this room). The balcony door was unlocked so that didn’t help the nerves. Barely slept that night with how unsafe I felt. Do what you will with this information.

great customer service check in was fast and easy, very clean & walking distance to the boardwalk definitely recommend!!

The place was nice and close to the boardwalk.

Room was clean.

Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too.

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

great

There were a couple of hiccups at check-in. The room I was initially given hadn't been cleaned yet and the ice machine was broken. But the desk clerk was very apologetic and responsive, moving me to a new room immediately and helping me get ice elsewhere. Once in my room, I found it to be excellent. It had everything I needed, was very clean, the bed was very comfortable and the room appeared to have maybe been renovated recently. It's not "high end" but it worked well for me.

Front desk guy was very friendly and courteous. Pictures and description need to be updated qs far as no pool.

Very close to the boardwalk and beaches

The staff was fairly friendly. I thought the room was very clean. The accomodations seemed basic but adequate. The bed was firm but I found it very comfortable. I think the location was good. Some driving may be necessary to find the restaurant that you'd like. There was some noise outside but inside the room I didn't notice anything. The landscaping needs improvement. A person needs to be very careful entering the street because there is some traffic.

Clean room, decent size. The only hassle is the parking space for cars.

Room is clean and only 5 minutes walk to boardwalk

I had the worst experience with the manager, he was rude and didn’t validate my requests that were sent to the hotel 2 weeks before my arrival. The hotel is dirty, homeless people around. The beds are super uncomfortable. Reception smelled. The shoes of the people at the reception were all around the floor and made it just not welcoming from the beginning. Just terrible experience.

The room was basic and dark, but clean and great for the one night that we stayed. Note: the listing is incorrect and there is no pool.

Clean

Close to the Boardwalk and downtown. Walkable. Owner was very accommodating and nice.

No

Was a one night stop on a longer roadtrip. The stay was fine, location was convenient.

Very friendly and helpful staff and clean rooms 👍 Everything looked like recently renovated !

I than explained while controlling myself from having a mental breakdown, that he needs more education and he has no right questioning me about my illness or my service dogs. He than requested that I pay a deposit fee of 100. Without hesitation I paid. I will see if I get back my deposit.

The owner was very kind and accommodating to us. Thank you!

Customer service was also excellent. They allowed me to check in hours early and let me keep my car at the hotel after check out for an entire day.

It was a very clean & quiet. Also walking distance to the boardwalk!

Very handy to the boardwalk

Unfortunately, the pool was filled in with dirt and the street adjacent to the property can be noisy due to the passing traffic.

The owner was very helpful. The only downside we had during our stay was having to get new key cards cause the door wouldn't open. He was still very helpful and definitely a wonderful place to stay.