Santa Barbara has more to offer than sun-kissed beaches, fabulous coastal views, and alluring architecture. This luscious Californian getaway also has a rich mix of hotels — from swanky oceanfront resorts to 5-star boutique hotels.
Most of Santa Barbara’s hotels also offer guests unparalleled ocean views and are smothered top to bottom with incredible amenities (think of full-service spas, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, waterfront dining, and outdoor swimming pools, to name a few).
With such an extensive choice of hotels, deciding where to stay when visiting Santa Barbara might be challenging, so we’ve done the job for you. Here’s a well-curated selection of the ultimate best Santa Barbara hotels considering aesthetics, service, location, and value for money.
Whether your focus is sightseeing as much as possible or indulging in some time to yourself, you’re sure to find the perfect fit, no matter your budget or style preferences.
Plus, you can find all these hotels at the best prices at CuddlyNest. Check out this guide and find the best hotels in Santa Barbara.
The 5 Best Hotels in Santa Barbara, California
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Hotel Milo is a great vantage point for exploring Santa Barbara. The hotel has a great location on Cabrillo Blvd, just a short walk to big-name attractions such as Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, and West Beach.
Set within a dreamy Spanish-inspired building, Hotel Milo is home to 122 cozy rooms and suites, all of them equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi an LCD TV, air conditioning, and a mini-bar on demand, among other amenities.
Elevate your stay at Hotel Milo by booking the lavish Ocean View King Room, a spacious 300 square feet accommodation that boasts a spacious bed and showstopping coastal vistas.
When you’re not unwinding in your room, head over to the beach, or relax on a chic cabana by the hotel’s outdoor swimming pools. At nighttime, enjoy warm California evenings in the jacuzzi.
Hungry yet? Then head over to the Milo Market, located in the lobby, and get yourself some artisanal California snacks and stellar wines from Santa Barbara wineries.
At the hotel, guests will also find a new fleet of stylish Milo Cruisers by Priority Bicycles. These award-winning low-maintenance are the perfect modes of transportation for exploring the lively streets of Santa Barbara.
Address: 202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Distance From Downtown Santa Barbara: 1.9 miles (7-min drive)
Distance From The Santa Barbara Airport: 10 miles (15-minute drive)
Nearby Attractions: Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, West Beach, Santa Barbara County Courthouse,
Top Amenities: Free wifi, bike rental, swimming pools, mini-bar on demand
Recommended Read: 17 Bucket-List Things to do in Santa Barbara
Hotel Californian
The Hotel Californian is an ode to the American Riviera glamour. This charming hotel is beautifully set within a Spanish colonial building, framed by the glittering Pacific Coast and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains.
Featuring eye-popping interiors designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the hotel has 121 well-appointed rooms and suites that combine Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan influences. In more superior rooms and suites, guests will be treated to breezy private balconies featuring stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, or the cityscape.
The Hotel Californian also has a scenic outdoor swimming pool, where guests can take a refreshing dip while sipping on creative cocktails, as well as an on-site spa featuring salt massages, baths, and face & full-body treatments.
Another highlight of the hotel is the Goat Tree, an al fresco cafe serving pastries and baked goods, cold-pressed juices and coffee, seasonally curated picnic baskets, and a full breakfast menu. All with a flavor of Mediterranean culinary influence.
Address: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Distance From Downtown Santa Barbara: 1.5 miles (6-minute drive)
Distance From The Santa Barbara Airport: 10.6 miles (13-minute drive)
Nearby Attractions: Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, West Beach, East Beach
Top Amenities: Fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, events facilities, custom hotel Californian bicycles, Tesla & standard EV car chargers, free wi-fi
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Gloriously located just across from East Beach and one mile from the Funk Zone district, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is the perfect vantage point for exploring Santa Barbara.
But this lavish resort has more than just a convenient location near central Santa Barbara. Hilton Santa Barbara has 335 spacious rooms and 25 suites, all featuring fresh, coastal-inspired décor, as well as a private balcony or patio with views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Ynez Mountains, and lush gardens.
At this 24-acre beachfront resort, guests can also lounge by the tree-lined pool while drinking a freshly made cocktail from Terraza del Mar, or get their bodies moving at the hotel’s tennis courts.
Those in need of some relaxation time can’t pass up the chance to get an anti-stress-back massage at the oceanfront Spa del Mar, located just across from Hilton.
Guests can also rent a bicycle (included in the resort fee) and go tour Santa Barbara on two wheels.
Stellar culinary experiences are also a highlight of Hilton Santa Barbara. To feast on bistro-style dishes paired with unique cocktails, head over to The Set, which also has jaw-dropping views of the pacific ocean.
Make sure to also stop by The Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room, an elegant wooden venue offering guests an authentic boutique wine-tasting experience with selections from the Fess Parker and Epiphany cellars.
Address: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Distance From Downtown Santa Barbara: 1.7 miles (6-minute drive)
Distance From The Santa Barbara Airport: 11.1 miles (13-minute drive)
Nearby Attractions: East Beach, Santa Barbara Beach, Cabrillo Park, Butterfly Beach
Top Amenities: Wine tasting rooms, on-site restaurant bike rental, pet-friendly rooms, business center, swimming pool, fitness center, spa, tennis court, concierge service
Santa Barbara Inn
The Santa Barbara Inn is a Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel located within walking distance from the beach.
Artfully decorated with red terracotta roofs, luminous white stucco, gracefully arched windows, and a duo of handcrafted tile domes, this luxe boutique hotel evokes the atmosphere and architectural grandeur of Santa Barbara.
Here, there are 70 beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring heartwarming ocean views, complimentary Wi-Fi, and streaming-compatible smart televisions
The hotel’s allure goes beyond the cozy guestrooms. An outdoor heated pool lined with lounge chairs welcomes guests looking for a pleasant swim, while the state-of-the-art fitness center is the perfect place for a workout session with ocean views.
Located just off the lobby, and pool area, Convivo Restaurant offers a tantalizing oceanfront setting for enjoying classic Italian dishes ranging from wood-fired oven pizzas to fresh seafood and homemade pasta.
After your meal, head over to the Convivo Bar, which boasts a dazzling selection of local and regional wines, microbrews on tap, and specialty tequilas.
Address: 901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Distance From Downtown Santa Barbara: 1.9 miles (6-minute drive)
Distance From The Santa Barbara Airport: 11.2 miles (12-minute drive)
Nearby Attractions: Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor
Top Amenities: Outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, free wi fi, fitness center, dry cleaning services, business services
Upham Hotel
The Upham Hotel is a true gem in Santa Barbara’s hospitality scene. Located in a legendary property dating back to 1871, this boutique hotel perfectly combines old-world charm with modern amenities.
All 50 rooms and suites are located in the original inn and surrounding garden cottages and are pampered up with amenities lush as terrycloth bath robes, luxurious linens, high-speed WiFi, HDMI ports for streaming devices, and USB charging ports.
Level up your stay by booking the Sycamore Grand Suite, which comes with a spa-like bathroom with a jetted tub and waterfall shower overlooking a bi-level garden.
This charming historic property is also home to delightful culinary options. Situated in Upham’s lobby, Loui’s serves fresh California cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in classic dishes paired with carefully selected local wines.
Address: 1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA
Distance From Downtown Santa Barbara: The hotel is located in the Downtown Santa Barbara area
Distance From The Santa Barbara International Airport:
Nearby Attractions: Santa Barbara Historical Museum, El Presidio de Santa Barbara, Paseo Nuevo
Top Amenities: On-site restaurant, high-speed wi-fi, conference facility
FAQ
What are the best Santa Barbara hotels?
The 5 best hotels in Santa Barbara hotels are:
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara;
- Hotel Californian;
- Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort;
- Santa Barbara Inn;
- Upham Hotel;
- Kimpton Canary Hotel.
What are the best luxury hotels in Santa Barbara?
The best luxury hotels in Santa Barbara are:
- Belmond El Encanto;
- Hotel Californian;
- Rosewood Miramar Beach;
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara;
- San Ysidro Ranch;
- Palihouse Santa Barbara.
What are the best areas to stay in Santa Barbara?
Downtown Santa Barbara, is a great area to stay in Santa Barbara. You’ll be within walking distance of top tourist attractions like Old Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio. The harbor area, which is located close to the city’s beaches, is also a great area to stay in Santa Barbara.
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