Best Western Torch-Lite Inn

2/10

Poor

30 Jul 2026

Alluria

Room smelled really bad. There wasnt a bottom sheet on the bed. The pool had been torn out but was advertised as one of the amenities. The people in the room above us were extremely loud. Tried to call the front desk but the phone was not working. There wasnt enough parking and had to park on the street. The property wasnt well secured. If I could I would get my money back.

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jul 2026

Isabel

The staff was amazing but our room was not like the pictures on the website. No shampoo or conditioner and our remote had tape holding it together, but was only there for the night so not too bad.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2026

Cristian

Everything about it was perfect. Close to the boardwalk. Clean room and clean sheets alone with towels.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2026

Baljit

Super clean room, friendly staff,all things work in room, free huge parking open or under shed both avilbe.
Stayed 3time at this property, luv it. Cheap and super neat clean UPGRADED ROOMS.
Recent trip - july07 2026.

4/10

Poor

24 Jul 2026

Janneth

Parking is limited. Area is very loud.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2026

David

Everything was perfect
Room was very quiet.

2/10

Poor

23 Jul 2026

Jose

When I Was There Somebody, Open, my truck and stolen like one Thousand dollars

2/10

Poor

23 Jul 2026

Alphonsus

The rooms weren’t that clean (flooring needed to be swept and mopped). The restrooms had a bad odor of urine. Balcony was dirty. Had to notify the front desk that house keeping skipped my room and never brought me fresh towels or cleaned the room when I requested for them to clean the room.

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jul 2026

Josh

Close to the boardwalk

Partner

2/10

Poor

19 Jul 2026

sarah J.

Really dirty room and loud , overbooked and wouldn’t clean the room when requested … my feet were literally black walking around and my baby found a piece of glass and put it in his mouth

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2026

Don

N/A

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Jul 2026

Jessica

We didn't really encounter any staff besides at check in and my partner handled that. There is no pool and the area where it was, was not maintained. The rooms looked nice and updated. The AC worked very well. The pillows were terrible.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Fiona

Walking distance to the beach

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Cameron

Good location between the boardwalk and downtown. Minimal parking. No elevator.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

12 Jul 2026

Eric

The loudest room
I’ve ever been in. Top floor sounded like people up there were gonna
Fall through. You hear every foot step every word spoken and every vehicles that passes by. Not to mention expect car to get scratch in their ridiculous parking. Close to boardwalk is only good thing everything else poor or bad

Business

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2026

Olga

The room was clean but no frills. The soap barley lathered towels were hard against your skin one ply toilet paper.

I would think for the price $300.00 plus tax for a night it would be nicer.

No pool or hot tub the area is dry grass.

Room did have fridge, microwave, coffee maker , didn't use any of it but that's a good thing about room and it's clean.
Would I come back? No I would not parking was tight.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2026

Bernadette

Room looked nice but certainly not worth almost $400 per night. Was not as described. Did not feel pillow top mattress, felt more like sleeping on cardboard. Pillows were not fluffy but flat and firm. Was chilly at night and beds were only furnished with a sheet and thin blanket. No extra blanket in room. One ply toilet paper. Again…almost $400 for one night! Did appreciate the mini fridge and microwave and the shower pressure was great. Btw, walls are very thin.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Yiyun

Clean room. Walkable to the arcade and beach. Site was undergoing some renovation at the time of our stay.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

02 Jul 2026

Andrea

Parking was very few. The bathroom sink handle was broke. We had no towels. Just didnt feel safe at all. Especially as a single mome with kids.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Laarni

Room was spacious and clean!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

ariana

I always stay here when I stay in Santa Cruz and it’s always the most convenient. A little more of a walk to the beach but definitely doable. All the workers are super nice as well!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jun 2026

Maria

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.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jun 2026

Anne

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.

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2026

Derrick

Yes room was cool but no tv or coffee

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2026

Elizabeth

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

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Andre

Absolutely lovely

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Dorothy

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.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

virginia

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!

Partner

2/10

Poor

24 May 2026

Seferina

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

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Jazmin

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

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2026

Lauren Boitano

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!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Yesenia

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

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Mariagrace

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

2/10

Poor

12 May 2026

Skye

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.

Friends

2/10

Poor

09 May 2026

Vanesa

Horrible. Dirty. Sand on the bed from previous guest

Partner

4/10

Poor

03 May 2026

Sara

Did not look like the pictures

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Jacqueline

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

Partner

2/10

Poor

26 Apr 2026

Christina

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.

2/10

Poor

12 Apr 2026

Armando

The hotel is incredibly mediocre with very minimal to offer and a ton to deter.
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.

Business

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Crystel

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

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

william

a bike was taken from our truck

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

07 Apr 2026

Lester

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

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Shareen

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

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

Leticia

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

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

28 Mar 2026

Caia

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.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Ryan

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

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2026

Amparo

Clean room. Nice place

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Briana

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

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Mary

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

William

Yes and ac worked good

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Jason

Nice and clean

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2026

Myles

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

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Josh

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

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2026

Hunter

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: )

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

27 Feb 2026

Olivia

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.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2026

Alejandro

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

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Suzi

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.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Jonathan

That’s very clean and very noisy

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Natalya

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

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Brandon

Amazing

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Natalya

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

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2026

Hector

Friendly and fast check in, room was clean.

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jan 2026

Natalia

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

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Jan 2026

Sandy

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

Mayumi

Friendly staff clean room

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2026

Erika

Clean room and great price.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2026

Eloisa

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.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2025

Jame

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2025

Frances

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.

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Dec 2025

Monica

.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

14 Dec 2025

Nagendra Kadiyam

Looks not safe , washrooms are ok
No proper soaps or shampoo care

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

01 Dec 2025

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

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2025

ashley

Always the best experience

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2025

Sylvia

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

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Nov 2025

noah

Bathroom had mold but was ok otherwise

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Nov 2025

Norberto

Clean

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2025

Rebekah

Great front desk, very friendly and helpful

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2025

Anthony

Everything was great

Business Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2025

Juan

Good walking location.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2025

Hannah

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

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2025

Mailee

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.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2025

Jose

Very good service and friendly people

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2025

Harun

Clean, convenient, close to downtown

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2025

Daniel

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.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2025

Edward

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

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2025

Jerry

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2025

Brett

It was good

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Maria

perfect place to stay if going to the boardwalk

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

Sherry

Nice, clean, large room. Excellent staff who gave us good suggestions on restaurants, etc. Very walkable to The Boardwalk.
Only suggestions: Grounds could use some sprucing and room could use a place to hang clothes.

8/10

Excellent

05 Oct 2025

Stephany

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

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Jose Antonio

Very nice hotel& always comfortable!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Damian

Very nice hotel& always comfortable!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Daniel

Cheap, nothing fancy, but fine to sleep

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2025

Stacey

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

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

16 Sep 2025

Teri

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.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2025

Yina

This place is perfect, close enough to the boardwalk. It just needs to soften up a little. Looks a little rough with the dark colors all on the outside. Maybe add more plans.

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?

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2025

Erika

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Sandra

Great location

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2025

Arron

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?

6/10

Pleasant

21 Aug 2025

Nathan

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

Leisure Partner