Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Santa Barbara is near State Street, particularly in the downtown and Lower State Street areas.

Downtown Santa Barbara, centered around State Street, is the city's main commercial and cultural hub. It's very walkable, with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Notable landmarks include the historic Arlington Theatre and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This area is ideal for first-time visitors and couples who want to be in the center of the action and have easy access to dining and nightlife.

For couples seeking a blend of convenience and coastal access, Lower State Street, which extends from downtown towards the ocean, is an excellent choice. This area provides direct access to Stearns Wharf and East Beach, great for seaside strolls or enjoying ocean views.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Santa Barbara that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Several highly-rated hotels in Santa Barbara consistently receive excellent recommendations from travelers, including El Encanto Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Simpson House Inn, and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG.

The 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers luxurious amenities like sea views, deep soaking bathtubs, and poolside bars. Guests frequently praise its exceptional service, excellent food, and amazing location. It is conveniently located near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Mission Santa Barbara.

Another outstanding option is the 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2. This hotel provides designer toiletries, premium bedding, and a fireplace in its rooms. Guests consistently highlight the beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, superb location, and amazing service.

The 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, also with a 9.4 rating, is known for its luxurious offerings, including beachfront dining and a poolside bar. Travelers consistently praise the exceptional service and the absolutely amazing staff. It is ideally situated just 0.1 miles from Miramar Beach.

For a more intimate experience, the 5-star Simpson House Inn boasts an exceptional 9.8 rating. This hotel provides amenities such as a stocked minibar, bathrobes, and fireplaces in the rooms. Guests rave about the excellent and friendly staff, wonderful breakfast, delicious food, and cozy rooms. It is located close to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Alice Keck Memorial Garden.

Finally, the 4-star Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG, with an 8.8 rating, offers amenities like Frette Italian sheets, deep soaking bathtubs, and designer toiletries. Travelers frequently mention the excellent service, good restaurant, and excellent front desk staff. It is conveniently located near the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and De la Guerra Plaza.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For families traveling to Santa Barbara, excellent options include El Encanto Santa Barbara, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito Inn, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, and The Milo.

The 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers numerous family-friendly amenities such as child-friendly window designs, supervised childcare, and various kids' meal options at its restaurant. Cribs and rollaway extra beds are free, and connecting rooms and sofa beds are available. It is conveniently located near Mission Santa Barbara and Alice Keck Memorial Garden. Guests frequently praise the exceptional service and excellent food.

Another outstanding choice is the 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, also rated 9.4. This hotel provides a pool, sofa beds, and on-site babysitting/childcare services, as well as supervised childcare for children and specific pool areas for children. It is ideally situated near Miramar Beach and Hammond's Beach. Customers consistently highlight the exceptional and absolutely amazing staff.

The 4-star Montecito Inn, with an 8.6 rating, is a great family option offering connecting rooms, sofa beds, a pool, cribs, and on-site babysitting/childcare. It is located close to Montecito Village Shopping Center and Hammond's Beach. Guests appreciate the attentive and kind staff, and its great location.

The 4-star Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, rated 7.6, features connecting rooms, child-friendly window designs, a pool, free cribs, and sofa beds. It is situated near Santa Barbara Harbor and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. Travelers mention the great location, clean rooms, and friendly, helpful staff.

Finally, The Milo, a 4-star hotel with an 8.4 rating, is well-suited for families with amenities like beach toys, a pool gate, free cribs, and playpens for children. It boasts a nearby ocean and beach location, with direct access to the beach. Notable nearby attractions include Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. Guests consistently praise the great location, friendly and helpful staff, and comfortable, clean rooms. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Santa Barbara

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For the best 5-star hotels in Santa Barbara, consider El Encanto Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and Simpson House Inn.

The 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with a 9.4 rating, offers luxurious amenities including deep soaking bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, and fireplaces. Guests can enjoy sea views and resort views, with dining options including an ocean-view restaurant and alfresco dining. It is conveniently located near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara, and Alice Keck Memorial Garden.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2. This hotel features designer toiletries, premium bedding, and fireplaces in its rooms. Guests can also enjoy a poolside bar, couples dining, and a winery with a tasting room. It is close to Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

The 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, with a 9.4 rating, provides amenities such as designer toiletries, premium bedding, and fireplaces. It boasts a poolside bar and a beachfront restaurant, making it ideal for relaxation. The hotel is situated very close to Miramar Beach, Hammond's Beach, and Butterfly Beach.

Lastly, the 5-star Simpson House Inn, rated an exceptional 9.8, offers a cozy experience with amenities like complimentary stocked minibars, designer toiletries, and fireplaces. Guests often praise its excellent staff and delicious breakfast. This hotel is located within walking distance of Alice Keck Memorial Garden and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Find more luxury hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For the best spa hotels in Santa Barbara, consider the El Encanto Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and The Craft House Inn.

The 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers an extensive full-service spa with a wide array of treatments including massage, manicures and pedicures, hydrotherapy, body wraps, reflexology, and aromatherapy. Guests consistently praise the exceptional service and the amazing location.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2. Its full-service spa provides body wraps, detoxification wraps, couples treatment rooms, and various massages such as Swedish and deep tissue. The hotel is located conveniently close to Santa Barbara Harbor, just 0.4 miles away, and guests frequently highlight its beautiful rooms and great location.

The 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, also with a 9.4 rating, features a full-service spa offering aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and various body treatments. It's particularly well-located near Miramar Beach, only 0.1 miles away, and guests consistently praise the exceptional service and absolutely amazing staff.

For a 4-star option, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, rated 7.6, provides a full-service spa with Ayurvedic treatments, body wraps, and manicures and pedicures. This hotel is praised for its great location and friendly, helpful staff.

Finally, The Craft House Inn, a 4-star hotel with a 9.2 rating, offers massage services and a spa onsite. Guests appreciate its super comfortable beds and great location, being just 0.2 miles from the Arlington Theater. See all spa hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 6

Which beach resorts in Santa Barbara do travelers love?

Accepted Answer

For a highly regarded beach resort in Santa Barbara, travelers frequently recommend the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

This 4-star resort, with a rating of 7.6, is praised by guests for its excellent location near the ocean, with the Cabrillo Bike Path just a mile away. It offers a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, including Ayurvedic treatments, body wraps, massages, and facials. Guests have also highlighted the friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, and excellent food. It is conveniently located near Santa Barbara Harbor and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. See more stays near the beach in Santa Barbara

Question 7

What hotels in Santa Barbara offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For excellent hotels in Santa Barbara that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Marina Beach Motel, Simpson House Inn, Bath Street Inn, Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, and West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the beautiful and clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

The 5-star Simpson House Inn, also rated an exceptional 9.8, offers a full free breakfast. Travelers consistently highlight the excellent and friendly staff and the delicious food. This cozy inn is a short distance from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Mission Santa Barbara.

The 3.5-star Bath Street Inn, rated 9.6, features a free full breakfast daily. Guests often comment on the excellent and delicious breakfast, and the amazing staff. Points of interest like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Mission Santa Barbara are within a mile.

The 3.5-star Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, with a 9.4 rating, includes a free continental breakfast. Travelers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, the spacious and clean rooms, and the great location. It's very close to the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum and Leadbetter Beach.

Finally, the 3-star West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, rated 9.4, also provides a free continental breakfast daily. Guests often mention its great location and the friendly and helpful staff. It is situated close to the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum and Leadbetter Beach. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Santa Barbara

Question 8

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara, consider the Palihouse Santa Barbara, the Haley Hotel, the Riviera Beach House, the Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and El Encanto Santa Barbara.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, is an excellent choice for travelers with pets. This hotel provides food and water bowls for your companions and features a dedicated dog exercise area. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, the beautiful and spacious rooms, and the convenient location close to attractions like the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and Alice Keck Memorial Garden. Easy parking is also a highlight.

The 3.5-star Haley Hotel, rated 8.8, welcomes both dogs and cats and offers a dog exercise area. Its location is frequently described as excellent, and guests appreciate the nice, quiet rooms and friendly staff. The hotel is conveniently located near the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and Leadbetter Beach.

Another great pet-friendly option is the 3.5-star Riviera Beach House, which has an 8.4 rating. This hotel permits dogs and provides food and water bowls. Reviewers often mention its convenient location, with Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art within easy reach, as well as its clean, spacious rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

The 4-star Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, rated 8.0, is also a great choice for dog owners, offering food and water bowls. Its amazing location close to the beach, specifically East Beach, is a major draw. Guests also appreciate the clean rooms, good restaurant, and excellent service.

For a luxurious pet-friendly experience, the 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with a 9.4 rating, offers pet-sitting services and food and water bowls. This hotel is celebrated for its exceptional service and excellent food. It is situated near Mission Santa Barbara and Alice Keck Memorial Garden. See more pet-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 9

What are the top boutique hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For top boutique hotels in Santa Barbara, consider The 3 Dux and the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown.

The 3 Dux, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers a great experience, featuring a furnished patio and a yard. Guests also have access to public winery tours and nearby winery tours, providing a taste of the local viticulture. It's located within a mile of popular attractions like De la Guerra Plaza and the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Another great option is the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown, rated 8.8. This hotel boasts an art deco property design and offers convenient amenities such as an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and an electric car charging station. It is well-located, just a short walk from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Arlington Theater. See all boutique hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 10

What are the best budget hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly yet highly-rated accommodations in Santa Barbara, consider the Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, The Eagle Inn, West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, Beachside Inn, and Marina Beach Motel.

The 3-star Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, with an 8.8 rating, offers convenient amenities such as complimentary breakfast, free cribs, and free self-parking, including spaces for RVs, buses, and trucks. Guests frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, and convenient location. It is located near Kiwanis Meadows and Tabano Hollow Open Space.

The 3-star The Eagle Inn, boasting an excellent 9.4 rating, provides a delightful stay with free self-parking, free cooked breakfast, and complimentary toiletries. Wired internet in public areas and free WiFi are also available. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, delicious breakfast, and great location. It is conveniently situated near Leadbetter Beach, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

Another excellent option is the 3-star West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, which also holds an impressive 9.4 rating. This hotel offers free toiletries, free self-parking, and complimentary continental breakfast. Guests frequently highlight its great location, friendly and helpful staff, and clean rooms. It is very close to Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

The 3-star Beachside Inn, rated 9.0, is a great choice with free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, and complimentary toiletries. It also provides free wired internet in public areas and free WiFi. Travelers appreciate the nice, clean rooms, good breakfast, and friendly staff. It is located near Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

Finally, the 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, provides a wonderful experience with free self-parking, complimentary continental breakfast, and free toiletries. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, beautiful and clean rooms, and excellent location. It is conveniently located near Leadbetter Beach, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. View all budget hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 11

What are the most romantic hotels in Santa Barbara for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic getaway in Santa Barbara, consider the Simpson House Inn, Casa Riviera, or Harbor House Inn.

The 5-star Simpson House Inn, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, is often praised for its cozy rooms and the excellent, friendly staff. Guests particularly enjoy the delicious and wonderful breakfast. Some accommodations offer a balcony or a furnished balcony with mountain views, great for a quiet moment together.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Casa Riviera, boasting a great 10.0 rating. This hotel provides free WiFi and free covered self-parking. Select rooms feature a balcony with mountain views, offering a peaceful setting. It is conveniently located near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and De la Guerra Plaza.

The 3-star Harbor House Inn, rated 9.6, is an excellent choice for couples seeking proximity to the ocean and beach. Guests frequently highlight the great location, clean rooms, and excellent service from the friendly staff. This hotel also offers free bicycles for guests to explore the area and amenities like a private indoor hot tub in some rooms for a relaxing experience. See all romantic hotels in Santa Barbara

Question 12

What are the best hotels in Santa Barbara near Stearns Wharf?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Santa Barbara that are well-located near Stearns Wharf, consider the Marina Beach Motel and the Harbor House Inn.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with an excellent 9.8 rating, offers a variety of complimentary amenities including free breakfast, free continental breakfast, and free WiFi. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, beautiful and clean rooms, and excellent location. The Santa Barbara Carriage Museum is just 0.2 miles away.

Another great option is the 3-star Harbor House Inn, which has a 9.6 rating. This hotel provides free internet and free WiFi, along with complimentary toiletries and self-parking. It is praised for its great location, clean rooms, and excellent staff. You can also find the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum just 0.2 miles from this hotel.

Question 13

Where can I find the best nightlife in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Santa Barbara offers several distinct areas for nightlife, each providing a different experience.

State Street is the primary thoroughfare for Santa Barbara's nightlife, especially the blocks between Ortega Street and Haley Street. This area features a high concentration of bars, pubs, and restaurants that transition into lively evening spots. You'll find everything from casual sports bars to upscale cocktail lounges and places with live music. Many establishments here have outdoor seating, which is popular on warmer evenings.

The Funk Zone, located near the waterfront, is known for its urban wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and distilleries. While many of these close earlier than traditional bars, several spots in the Funk Zone remain open later, offering unique cocktails, live entertainment, and a more relaxed, art-centric atmosphere. It's a good option for those interested in local beverages and a more laid-back evening.

Lower State Street, closer to the pier, has a few establishments that cater to tourists and locals alike, often featuring live music and a lively crowd.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Santa Barbara.

Question 15

How can I save on a Santa Barbara hotel booking with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Santa Barbara hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Santa Barbara hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Santa Barbara often vary, but you can find a great deal from $88 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$167
February	$170
March	$185
April	$221
May	$235
June	$265
July	$286
August	$283
September	$274
October	$255
November	$230
December	$236

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

Find hotels in Santa Barbara, CA from $88

Go beyond your typical stay in Santa Barbara

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Santa Barbara hotels

Hotel Santa Barbara

The Milo

Inn By The Harbor

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Riviera Beach House

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Mason Beach Inn

Lavender Inn by the Sea

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Harbor View Inn

Palihouse Santa Barbara

Casa Riviera

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Marina Beach Motel

The Upham Hotel

Santa Barbara Inn

El Encanto Santa Barbara

Vacation Rentals in Santa Barbara

Casa De La Vina

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

The Funk Zone

The Mesa

Montecito

Santa Barbara Beach

Downtown Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Bowl

Santa Barbara and related destinations

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

More cheap stays in Santa Barbara

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - State Street

Hotels in Santa Barbara with star-rating

Price trends for hotels in Santa Barbara

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Santa Barbara

Find great hotels in and around Santa Barbara

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Things to do in and around Santa Barbara

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara

Find the best attractions in Santa Barbara

Best time to go to Santa Barbara

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia