Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk

The location looked okay online and was close by the boardwalk, but in person it didn’t feel like the safest neighborhood.

The rooms looked luxurious and newly remodeled online, but in person they were just okay. For the price, I expected a much nicer hotel. The patio felt unsafe, and we found holes outside that appeared to be covered with towels. Basic amenities were lacking, including shampoo and conditioner, and only one-ply toilet paper was provided. The room and hallways had a strange odor, as if a cleaner was being used to mask another smell. The walls also had noticeable drip marks that took away from the remodeled look. There were several tripping hazards throughout the property, including near the patio and floor transitions. Parking was very tight, making it difficult to park our truck.

The gentleman in the front office upon arrival was kind & efficient. The rooms smelled really good upon arrival & appeared to be fairly clean.

Unfortunately there wasnt any breakfast offered/available! It seemed to have this weird stinky smell, sort of like bad plumbing or sewage/septic issue particularly in the bathroom. I assume that at some point there was a swimming pool that is currently filled with dirt, which is very unsightly & considering it is listed as an amenity on the website, false advertisement for sure. Just based on several other hotel experiences in Santa Cruz, I probably wouldn't return to the Torch Inn.

Friendly staff

Cars pass with loud music late night

Very clean, organized and well kept

It didn’t allow guests to visit

It’s very close to the boardwalk

Looks nothing like the photos, no pool at all even though it’s advertised, gave us no information at front desk after he was rude. There was a couple that was fighting all day and all night for 2 days & our air conditioner stopped working in the middle of our stay too.

Second time staying always a good time

Nothing