{"id":39419,"date":"2019-09-20T08:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T15:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=39419"},"modified":"2025-08-18T00:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T07:02:38","slug":"best-hotels-santa-barbara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/best-hotels-santa-barbara\/","title":{"rendered":"THE BEST HOTELS IN SANTA BARBARA FOR EVERY BUDGET"},"content":{"rendered":"

Santa Barbara is a picturesque beach town on the Central Coast of California, 95 miles north of Los Angeles. Known for its beautiful beaches, great hiking and surfing, good shopping, wonderful restaurants, excellent wine tasting, and charming downtown area, harbor, and pier, tourists come from around the world to experience this little slice of paradise.<\/p>\n

I went to college at UC Santa Barbara and I lived here for 10+ years, working as a waitress and teaching surf lessons<\/a> to save money so I could travel. After exploring the globe, visiting over 70 countries, and living in Europe for seven years, Santa Barbara is still my favorite town.<\/p>\n

Staying in Santa Barbara<\/a> can be expensive but there are also some great affordable hotel options. With a range of accommodations from luxury to budget, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

Here is my list of the best hotels in Santa Barbara, for every price range, to help you plan your visit to this special place, known as the “American Riviera.” <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Best Luxury Hotels In Santa Barbara<\/h2>\n

Santa Barbara is home to an array of wonderful luxury hotels. Here are 6 of the best luxury hotels in Santa Barbara<\/strong> and nearby Montecito. <\/p>\n

1) Rosewood Miramar Beach<\/h3>\n

Rosewood Miramar Beach<\/a> is arguably the nicest hotel in Santa Barbara County. It’s also one of the most expensive because it is the only hotel in Santa Barbara located directly on the beach where you can sit seaside with your feet in the sand, enjoying cocktails, lunch, and incredible views of the coastline.<\/p>\n

Set on gorgeous Miramar Beach, boasting two outdoor swimming pools, a world-class spa, an incredible sushi restaurant, an upscale beach bar, and stand-alone luxury bungalows, Rosewood Miramar Beach is truly a destination in itself. <\/p>\n

\"Rosewood<\/p>\n

2) San Ysidro Ranch<\/h3>\n

San Ysidro Ranch<\/a> is a Ty Warner property located in the foothills of Montecito. Voted #1 Resort Hotel in California by Travel & Leisure in 2022, San Ysidro Ranch is a magical, romantic property – you’ll love the uniquely decorated bungalows with hot tubs.<\/p>\n

Their Stone House Restaurant is a lovely place for a date night dinner, and their whimsical garden invites you to stay awhile, enjoying the foliage and flowers. The property reminds me of Big Sur, boasting a rustic, elegant charm.<\/p>\n

I got engaged at San Ysidro Ranch, and we have stayed here on several of our anniversaries. It’s the ultimate hotel in Santa Barbara for a romantic getaway.<\/p>\n

3) Belmond El Encanto<\/h3>\n

The Belmond El Encanto<\/a> is a secluded, beautiful hotel in the Santa Barbara Riviera. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the city and ocean in the distance, at this quiet, off-the-beaten-path property.<\/p>\n

5) Hotel California<\/h3>\n

Hotel California<\/a> just opened a few years ago and is in an ideal location in downtown Santa Barbara in the trendy Funk Zone across from Sterns Warf.<\/p>\n

This luxury Santa Barbara hotel boasts Moroccan-style rooms, (some with ocean views), a luxury spa, upscale dining, and a rooftop pool overlooking State Street.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

5) Bacara Resort & Spa<\/h3>\n

The Bacara Resort & Spa<\/a> is Santa Barbara County\u2019s most secluded oceanfront hotel. Located in Goleta, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this Mediterranean-style 5-star luxury resort is just 0.6 miles from Sandpiper Golf Course and a quick fifteen-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

For families, friends, or couples looking to get away from it all, and relax and unwind at the beach, the Bacara provides the ideal location. Check out my Bacara Resort Review<\/a> for highlights.<\/p>\n

6) The Canary Hotel Santa Barbara <\/h3>\n

The Kimpton Canary Hotel<\/a> offers an inviting, upscale Spanish decor and is located right off State St in Santa Barbara so you can walk to the best shopping and restaurants.<\/p>\n

Besides Hotel California, the Canary Hotel has the only rooftop pool in Santa Barbara, which is a huge plus in the summer when you can lie out and order cocktails on the rooftop, with beautiful city and mountain views.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Santa Barbara <\/h2>\n

Santa Barbara is home to many great mid-range and boutique hotels. Here are 9 of the best mid-range and boutique hotels in Santa Barbara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1) Palihouse Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

Palihouse Santa Barbara<\/a> is a chic boutique hotel in downtown Santa Barbara offering 24 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites, all situated amongst a tranquil Mediterranean-style courtyard and sparkling pool area.<\/p>\n

Palihouse<\/a> is off the beaten path but still walking distance to everything downtown Santa Barbara has to offer. It also has a lovely garden caf\u00e9, cocktail bar, and lobby lounge.<\/p>\n

2) Drift Hotel Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

Drift Santa Barbara<\/a> is a stylish 45\u2011room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown, right on State Street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drift<\/a> is just a 10\u2011minute stroll from Stearns Wharf and the harbor. It\u2019s a perfect base for exploring the city! It’s also home to <\/span>Dusk<\/a>, a<\/span> craft cocktail bar offering mezcal\u2011focused cocktails, oysters, ceviche, and excellent guacamole.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Harbor View Inn<\/h3>\n

While much of the Harbor View Inn<\/a> is outdated and in need of a refresh, their new North Wing, located on Lower State Street, offers updated, stylish, affordable rooms. <\/p>\n

I’ve stayed in a North Wing Room<\/a> several times and was impressed with how large and well-appointed the room was. I especially loved our terrace overlooking State Street and the clean, modern decor.<\/p>\n

This hotel has a pool and hot tub which is also a plus – just be sure to choose the new “North Wing” when you book here or one of their other updated wings.<\/p>\n

4) Hideaway Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

Hideaway Santa Barbara<\/a> is a charming, 4-star hotel in downtown SB. The rooms are well-appointed and stylish and it’s in a good location a few blocks from West Beach. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"santa<\/a><\/p>\n

5) Hotel Virginia<\/h3>\n

Hotel Virginia<\/a> is a new, stylish, budget-friendly hotel in downtown Santa Barbara, walking distance to everything. Hotel Virginia opened in 2022 and is very clean with well-appointed rooms. <\/p>\n

6) Hilton Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

The Hilton Santa Barbara<\/a> is located across the street from East Beach. This mid-range hotel sits on 24 acres and is just 1.5 miles from Santa Barbara Harbor and the SB train station, and just 12 miles from Santa Barbara Airport.<\/p>\n

Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, 3 tennis courts, a spa, and 2 ballrooms. <\/p>\n

7) Santa Barbara Inn<\/h3>\n

The Santa Barbara Inn<\/a> is a clean and quiet hotel located on East Beach. I have not stayed here but I have come to their outdoor terrace restaurant for happy hour and loved it. <\/p>\n

8) Hotel Milo Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara<\/a> is situated on West Beach, across the street from Sterns Warf and the Santa Barbara harbor. This hotel offers 122 rooms with contemporary beach-chic d\u00e9cor and Spanish Colonial architecture and has a pool and hot tub.<\/p>\n

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara is a member of The Independent Collection, a growing collection of cultivated lifestyle hotels in gateway cities across the US. <\/p>\n

I’ve stayed here several times. The family rooms are great if you have kids as they have a small separate room with bunk beds. All the rooms could use a refresh, but I love the location and the firepit tables around the courtyard offer a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.<\/p>\n

9) Moxy Santa Barbara<\/h3>\n

Moxy Santa Barbara<\/a> features 31 stylishly designed guest rooms, Bar Moxy<\/em>, an outdoor pool, a social space for work and playing games, and a 24-hour marketplace. Located in the funk zone with hip decor, this newly remodeled, stylish hotel is a great mid-range option in downtown Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

\"Sterna<\/p>\n

Best Budget Hotels In Santa Barbara<\/h2>\n

Santa Barbara can be pricey, but there are some good, affordable hotel options. Here are 6 budget-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1) Riviera Beach House<\/h3>\n

Riviera Beach House<\/a> is a hip, boutique hotel, located on lower State Street, very close to the pier and within walking distance to everything in downtown Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

This hotel is also right near Funk Zone, a cool, artsy restaurant and urban wine trail area. The rooms are small but with such a great location you won’t be in your room much.<\/p>\n

2) Mason Beach Inn<\/h3>\n

Mason Beach Inn<\/a> was a newly remodeled Mediterranean hotel with stylish decor. This hotel has a pool and is in a great location just a few blocks from the beach and walking distance to everything in downtown Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

I’ve stayed here before and liked it a lot. The rooms are very clean and well priced plus they have a 24-hour front desk.<\/p>\n

3) Casa Del Mar Inn<\/h3>\n

Casa Del Mar Inn<\/a> is a great budget hotel option in Santa Barbara. This cute, little hotel is just one block from West Beach and is very affordable so I often stay here when I visit SB.<\/p>\n

I love Casa Del Mar Inn because it is in the perfect location, walking distance to the pier, harbor, and the Funk Zone, as well as shopping and restaurants on State Street.<\/p>\n

They also offer free breakfast, free wifi, and free wine and cheese every night plus they have a fire pit that is great to hang out at in the evening and the staff is wonderful.<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/p>\n

4) Marina Beach Motel<\/h3>\n

The Marina Beach Motel<\/a> is a cute 3-star motel one block from West Beach. They offer free breakfast and free bike rentals in an awesome location within walking distance to everything in downtown Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n

5) Best Western Carpinteria Inn<\/h3>\n

Best Western Carpinteria Inn<\/a> is located in Carpinteria just off the 101 freeway, 10 minutes south of Santa Barbara. This is a great budget hotel option near Santa Barbara because it is only 5 minutes drive from the famous surf point, Rincon, and it is within walking distance to downtown Carpinteria.<\/p>\n

It is also only 3 minutes from Santa Claus Lane, which is a nice family beach for surfing and relaxing. Carpinteria is a very cute little beach town and this particular hotel is very nice for a Best Western!<\/p>\n

6) The Presidio Motel<\/h3>\n

The Presidio Motel<\/a> is a little, modern motel on upper State Street. I have never stayed here but I held an event there years ago and I remember the rooms were clean and cute.<\/p>\n

This motel offers free loaner beach bikes and free parking. It also had a little sundeck with mountain views.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

Downtown Santa Barbara Hotels Walking Distance To Everything<\/h2>\n

These are the best downtown Santa Barbara hotels in each price range, within walking distance to everything.<\/p>\n

Luxury: Hotel California<\/a><\/p>\n

Luxury: Kimpton Canary Hotel <\/a><\/p>\n

Mid-Range: Palihouse<\/a><\/p>\n

Mid-Range: Drift Santa Barbara<\/a><\/p>\n

Mid-Range: Harbor View Inn<\/a><\/p>\n

Budget: Riviera Beach House<\/a><\/p>\n

Budget: Casa Del Mar Inn<\/a><\/p>\n

Budget: Marina Beach Motel<\/a><\/p>\n

Budget: Mason Beach Inn<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Top 15 Things To Do In Santa Barabra<\/h2>\n

There is a lot to do in Santa Barbara, along with wonderful hotel options, so it is worth staying here for at least 3-4 nights. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Santa Barbara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Hike Inspiration Point<\/li>\n
  2. Hike Cold Springs Trail<\/li>\n
  3. Visit Santa Barbara Mission<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Explore Sterns Wharf<\/li>\n
  5. Take your kids to the SB Sea Center <\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Explore the SB Harbor and take your kids to the Maritime Museum<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Go Sailing with Santa Barbara Sailing Center<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Visit the Channel Islands<\/li>\n
  9. Day Trip to Ojai<\/li>\n
  10. Shop on State Street<\/li>\n
  11. Wine taste in the Funk Zone on the Urban Wine Trail<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Relax at Butterfly Beach in Montecito<\/li>\n
  13. Take private surf lessons<\/a> with me<\/li>\n
  14. Take your kids to the MOXI Museum<\/a><\/li>\n
  15. Watch polo at SB Polo & Racquet Club<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    Related Post: <\/b>Santa Barbara Bucketlist<\/a><\/div>\n

    \"Vanessa<\/p>\n

    Best Restaurants In Santa Barbara <\/h2>\n

    There are an array of great restaurants in Santa Barbara. Here are a few of my favorites.<\/p>\n