Summary
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Californian
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
- Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Inn
- Brisas del Mar Inn at the Beach
- Mason Beach Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Hideaway Santa Barbara
- Blue Sands Inn
- Montecito Inn
- Spanish Garden Inn
- Simpson House Inn
- Belmond El Encanto
Renowned for its picturesque collection of Mediterranean-style white stucco and red-tiled structures in its Historic Downtown, Santa Barbara is situated on California’s central coastline, which is complemented by beautiful beaches. Coupled with attractions like the historical Santa Barbara Mission and a thriving wine scene, this city is an essential destination.
As a popular location for both domestic and international travelers, Santa Barbara offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit varying preferences. Finding the perfect place can be challenging, however. Whether traveling by road or arriving by air, here are the finest hotels in Santa Barbara.
1. Harbor View Inn
Harbor View Inn is set amidst beautifully maintained grounds enriched with palm trees. It features elegant, contemporary rooms that exhibit a subtle retro flair, categorizing it as one of Santa Barbara’s most distinguished upscale hotels.
The hotel features an outdoor pool at its center along with a full-service spa on the premises. Dining options include the Harbor View Inn restaurant for dinner or the poolside bar for lunch.
Location: This hotel is merely a five-minute stroll from Stearn’s Wharf, ideally located in the heart of the Funk Zone. Additionally, it is close to the sandy expanses of West Beach and just a short distance from East Beach.
2. Hotel Californian
Revered like the iconic song, Hotel Californian is located mere steps from the beach and is a design marvel. The guest rooms showcase a sleek monochromatic scheme with luxurious marble bathrooms.
This hotel features a chic outdoor swimming pool furnished with large sunbeds and captivating ocean views. Dining options are available in two sophisticated restaurants.
Location: Situated within the Funk Zone, this hotel is a stone’s throw from the beach and Stearn’s Wharf, while Kunin Wines and Santa Barbara Winery are conveniently close.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara presents a vast, village-like atmosphere characterized by winding pathways and lush natural spaces for relaxation. This resort features scenic ocean views, a stylish outdoor pool area, tennis courts, and one of the largest spas on the West Coast.
Rooms are tastefully appointed with a rustic-chic aesthetic, furnished with four-poster beds, patterned carpets, and outdoor seating spaces. Dining options range from steak to evening cocktails.
Location: This hotel is adjacent to the Sandpiper Golf Course, with the city center located approximately 13 miles away. Beaches and abundant nature, including hiking trails, are nearby, with the Santa Barbara Mission less than a 20-minute drive from the property.
4. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Guest accommodations at this hotel are neat and contemporary, decorated in soothing tones. The calming gray palettes combined with crisp white bathrooms create an elevated and elegant experience. Throughout, the hotel exhibits modern and stylish design.
A restaurant is available for fine dining and evening cocktails, complemented by a shared outdoor sun terrace equipped with a fire pit. Furthermore, there is a hot tub for guests to enjoy relaxation after a day of exploration. This 4-star hotel features a fitness center for important workout sessions.
Location: Conveniently situated near the highway, this premier hotel is in proximity to a variety of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. It is located within three miles of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Granada Theatre, with the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station just over four miles away.
5. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
With a tropical cabana ambiance, guest rooms at this Four Seasons Resort location are adorned with expansive French doors, traditional seating areas, and antique-style furnishings, providing a comfortable and sophisticated high-end experience.
Spread across 20 acres of verdant gardens along the coastline, this Spanish Colonial-style establishment features a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and direct access to Butterfly Beach. Guests can choose from three on-site dining establishments.
Location: Located just a 15-minute drive from the airport, the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club is adjacent. Attractions such as the Santa Barbara Museum of Art are a little over three miles from the hotel.
6. Santa Barbara Inn
Another splendid Spanish-style villa, the Santa Barbara Inn provides an excellent lodging experience in this Californian city. Rooms blend traditional-style furnishings with mid-century modern aesthetics, featuring private balconies offering ocean views.
Guests can cool off in the outdoor pool and enjoy refreshing beverages at the pool bar. Additionally, dining at the on-site restaurant features an outdoor terrace, a pleasant setting for evening meals.
Location: Adjacent to East Beach, known for its golden sand and water sports, cafes, bars, and shops are merely steps from the hotel’s front entrance.
7. Brisas del Mar Inn at the Beach
Accommodations at this premier Santa Barbara hotel are spacious and inviting, offering ample bathrooms, large bedding, and generous natural light for a comfortable and airy experience. Some rooms include kitchens and seating areas.
The hotel exhibits a rustic theme throughout, featuring open fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, and terracotta tiled floors, consistent within the outdoor swimming pool area. As an added perk, complimentary bike rentals are available, along with access to an on-site gym.
Location: Located just two blocks from West Beach and in close proximity to East Beach, this hotel is surrounded by a diverse selection of dining and drinking options. Moreover, it offers convenient access to Highway 101.
8. Mason Beach Inn
Charming and reasonably priced, Mason Beach Inn features clean and comfortable accommodations furnished with warm decor, simple furnishings, and crisp white linens for a cozy yet uncomplicated stay.
Picturesque tropical gardens envelop the outdoor swimming pool area of this Mediterranean-style hotel. Additionally, a hot tub is available for relaxation after a full day of exploration. Complimentary parking enhances the convenience for guests.
Location: Located less than a five-minute walk from West Beach and close to Santa Barbara Harbor, Historic Downtown is just half a mile from Mason Beach Inn, and the Santa Barbara Mission is only a five-minute drive away.
9. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Resembling a setting from a fashion magazine, this hotel offers a charming and tastefully decorated atmosphere. The accommodation is adorned in nautical hues and furnished with high-end pieces for a design-forward stay; family rooms conveniently include bunk beds.
Guests can enjoy various special features within the hotel, such as a vibrant gym and fitness center, in addition to two heated outdoor pools. An on-site bistro provides patio dining for sunlit breakfasts and evening meals.
Location: Situated on the oceanfront in Downtown Santa Barbara, both Stearn’s Wharf and Santa Barbara Winery are an easy stroll from this hotel, along with Kunin Wines and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. West Beach is also just 40 yards away.
10. Hideaway Santa Barbara
Characterized by beach house aesthetics, Hideaway Santa Barbara stands out within the city’s selection of larger hotels. For those seeking a stay suffused with character and ambiance, this hotel presents an appealing option.
The attention to detail is evident here; the design of the rooms is carefully curated, maintaining an immaculate and inviting state. Each morning, the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast with vegetarian options, enhancing the guest experience. Free parking is an added convenience.
Location: Nestled within the West Beach District, approximately 600 yards from the beach, this hotel enjoys simplicity of access to Highway 101 while being situated in a tranquil neighborhood.
11. Blue Sands Inn
Blue Sands Inn provides a delightful accommodation experience in Santa Barbara. Despite being a motel, the rooms are well-furnished and charming, complemented by friendly and welcoming staff. The property features stylish tiled staircases, clean modern furnishings, and adherence to high standards of comfort and hygiene.
The outdoor pool and lounge area are meticulously maintained, creating a peaceful environment. Efforts to enhance the aesthetics of the motel have borne fruit, evolving it into a boutique destination with concierge service.
Location: Located just a mile from West Beach, this motel offers an extensive selection of dining and entertainment options at its doorstep, including cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. The Funk Zone is about half a mile away as well.
12. Montecito Inn
A stunning boutique hotel, the Montecito Inn exudes a vintage charm, making it both quirky and delightful. Guest rooms boast a color palette of greys and silky blacks, while beautifully groomed gardens beckon guests for a stroll.
The chic outdoor pool offers a secluded retreat. Notably, the hotel was initially established in 1929 by the iconic Charlie Chaplin.
Location: This highly-rated Santa Barbara hotel offers an ideal location, merely a ten-minute walk from the beach. Close proximity to Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club, along with numerous popular restaurants and bars, enhances its appeal.
13. Spanish Garden Inn
Spanish Garden Inn is an exquisite hotel that compliments its Mediterranean architecture with wood-beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, and tiled floors. Some rooms include fireplaces and outdoor seating areas for added luxury.
A variety of tropical plants surround the hotel’s heated outdoor pool, along with an interior terrace featuring a central fountain. Throughout, charming Spanish Colonial accents make for an inviting resting place.
Location: Nestled in Downtown Santa Barbara, the hotel is in proximity to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Granada Theatre, and Santa Barbara Winery. Numerous dining and café options abound just steps from the property.
14. Simpson House Inn
Established in 1874, this historic Victorian property is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, creating a charming atmosphere. A variety of room types, each individually designed, provide a homely yet sophisticated ambiance.
Guests can relish breakfast in their room or amidst the lush garden each morning, while also having the option of evening wine tastings for a refined experience.
Location: Just a five-minute stroll from Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, the Arlington Theatre is five blocks away. Nearby, the Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and a variety of cafés and restaurants add to the allure.
15. Belmond El Encanto
Nestled high above Santa Barbara, the exceptionally luxurious Belmond El Encanto offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from garden bungalows to deluxe suites. The thoughtfully designed rooms feature dark wood floors, fireplaces, and spacious seating areas.
This hotel provides guests with access to an outdoor pool, a spa, and wellness center. In the evening, guests can savor dinner and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar.
Location: Featuring spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, this hotel is a mere five-minute drive from central Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course is reachable in ten minutes, while the Santa Barbara Mission is located just two miles away.
