Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA from $87

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

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Top Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony (Deluxe King with Balcony) | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1985)
"Definetly would stay here again!"
United States
David
$107 nightly
The price is $121
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Exterior
Marina Beach Motel

Marina Beach Motel

3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1009)
"Helpful staff and a charming room with a kitchen. "
United States
Steven
$111 nightly
The price is $127
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Marina Beach Motel
Exterior
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1789)
"Clean room , great staff , place super quiet and clean "
United States
Lisandra
$167 nightly
The price is $191
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Inn By The Harbor
Front of property
The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel

2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1004)
"Clean, quiet, nice and close to the beach. Absolutely loved our stay!"
United States
Eunchae
$113 nightly
The price is $129
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Total with taxes and fees
The Franciscan Hotel
Outdoor pool, a heated pool, open 9 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3.0 star property
Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1007)
"Friendly staff; quiet room as requested; nice garden and pond view; comfortable beds; substantial breakfast; all-day coffee and hot drinks in the lobby."
United States
Lily
$152 nightly
The price is $177
Dec 10 - Dec 11
Total with taxes and fees
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Exterior
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

2.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1190)
"Great location,very nice staff!"
United States
Patricia
$114 nightly
The price is $130
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Reception
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (961)
"It was an amazing stay! They were very accommodating and the rooms were cutley decorated! I would love to come again whenever possible!!!"
United States
Dhristi
$108 nightly
The price is $124
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
View from property
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1087)
"Room was clean and big,location was great"
United States
Daniel
$117 nightly
The price is $134
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Total with taxes and fees
Beachside Inn
Courtyard
Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites

2.0 star property
San Roque
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1003)
"It was centrally located to nice eateries, breweries, wine bars & local shops. "
United States
Kathy
$76 nightly
The price is $87
Dec 9 - Dec 10
Total with taxes and fees
Oasis Inn & Suites
Aerial view
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

3.0 star property
North State
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1010)
"Clean, friendly staff, wonderful breakfast. Excellent hotel"
United States
Mei
$139 nightly
The price is $158
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of budget-friendly activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Start your adventure at the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission, a historic site with beautiful gardens that you can explore for free. Next, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where you can climb the clock tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline at no cost. For a dose of art and culture, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features free admission on Sundays, showcasing an impressive collection of American and European art. Families will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can enjoy discounted tickets on certain days, making it an affordable outing with the kids. Lastly, head to the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district filled with local galleries, street art, and wine tasting rooms—many of which offer reasonably priced options. For accommodations, consider the downtown area, where you’ll find various budget-friendly hotels that provide easy access to these attractions, allowing you to explore the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and local eateries without breaking the bank. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local food trucks or grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes offering delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

For travelers seeking affordable yet comfortable accommodations in Santa Barbara, these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each provides essential amenities and convenient access to the beautiful Santa Barbara coast.

Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marina Beach Motel stands out as a prime budget option with an impressive review rating of 9.8, making it a favorite among travelers. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free self-parking, ensuring a straightforward experience. The motel’s nearby the beach allows travelers to soak up the sun without traveling far.
  • Other amenities: In addition to free Wi-Fi, Marina Beach Motel features onsite bicycles for guests to explore the area. The kitchenette in some rooms allows for easy meal preparation, while the furnished patio offers a relaxing space to unwind. Beach towels and access to nearby wineries add to the enjoyable experience at this budget-friendly motel.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.15 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles

La Playa Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn offers travelers a budget-friendly stay with an excellent review rating of 9.6. This inviting inn provides free Wi-Fi and self-parking, ensuring that guests can enjoy their vacation without overspending. The hotel features a lovely terrace and patio area, perfect for guests looking to relax outside after a day of fun in the sun.
  • Other amenities: Guests can also benefit from a convenient location near the beach and boardwalk, allowing for easy access to Santa Barbara's attractions. Other amenities include air conditioning for comfort and designer toiletries for a touch of luxury at an affordable price. With off-street parking and a friendly concierge, La Playa Inn is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.58 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.64 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.65 miles

Harbor House Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Harbor House Inn is a delightful budget choice with a solid guest review rating of 9.6. This charming inn offers guests free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay affordably. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor hot spring and private hot tub, providing a unique way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include free bicycles for exploring the nearby coastline, various water sports options, and beach towels for beach outings. With a well-equipped kitchenette in select rooms, guests can enjoy home-cooked meals. The inn’s location near the beach and boardwalk enhances the overall experience for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.11 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: A fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara boasts a high guest review rating of 9.2. This hotel offers free self-parking and a complimentary daily breakfast, ensuring guests can start their day without added expenses. Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby attractions.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, allowing guests to easily enjoy Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. With nearby golf and various outdoor activities, the Avania Inn makes for a great base to explore the area.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.62 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.62 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.69 miles

How can I get cheap hotels in Santa Barbara?

Best tips to find a cheap hotel in Santa Barbara

  1. If you're looking to travel to Santa Barbara on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $87. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit. At most, hotel prices can be as high as $191. Staying a short amount of time in Santa Barbara is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.

  2. When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don't have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don't have that many nights to stay. For budget hotels in Santa Barbara, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That's generally enough to enjoy the city's top attractions, though there's certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.

  3. When booking cheap hotel rooms in Santa Barbara, it's typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand. However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.

  4. When you utilize search filters on Expedia, you'll be able to narrow down your results in a flash. These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in Santa Barbara, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating, or proximity to local attractions. You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent
"Better than expected for an inexpensive motel. While the buildings have been around for quite a while, they have done a very good job at renovating the rooms. "
Eileen 1-night trip
Posted 23 hours ago
Oasis Inn & Suites

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Granada Theatre, and Arlington Theater.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 11 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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