6 Bed and Breakfast Inns in Santa Barbara: Best hotel deals for 2023

April 20, 2023 Lean Nau

Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Things to do in Santa Barbara

1. The Eagle Inn

232 Natoma Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3522 1 (805) 965-3586
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2800 reviews

The Eagle Inn

The Eagle Inn is a romantic quiet boutique hotel located just 2 blocks from the beach. We are a ten minute walk to downtown and The Funk Zone and all of the activities and attractions Santa Barbara has to offer. We have bikes, free, for you to use, and offer free parking.

A fantastic time!

Reviewed By TravellightCA

We received a text that morning explaining their early check in policy (book directly through them and early check in is free). They needed to know about what time we would be arriving. We got there a bit after 1:00 pm and Peter the concierge was there to warmly welcome us. While we waited for the room to be finished, we were invited to relax on the patio and help ourselves to a latte. It was a beautiful day and the espresso was delicious (they have their own machine). Arrived in the room ,with Peter assisting us with our luggage, which was spotlessly clean and roomy. Well appointed: Comfortable king bed Luxury linens Flat screen tv Free Wi-Fi Mini fridge and microwave Large sunken tub with jets Large two head shower….bathroom was immaculate plus had large dispensers for soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion both next to the sink and in the shower. Peaceful outside balcony with chairs and table Complementary water flasks to keep with filtered water downstairs Had wine glasses and flutes as well as beer glasses available in the room Kerig coffee machine in room Fireplace Large desk Hairdryer The premises is decorated in the traditional Spanish style throughout, with beautiful tile work throughout. Breakfast ( served from 7:30 to 10:00 am)was delicious and we had the choice of getting breakfast delivered to our room, we just needed to let the front desk know the night before. We decided to utilize the breakfast room and our food was served to us at our table. We also had a choice of sitting indoors or out with heaters on the patio. Another perk is that we had full housekeeping services. It’s been so long since I have experienced my bed being made, fresh towels and tidied up. It was quite luxurious. There are complementary beach cruisers available, and a separate sitting area with two fire pits. Overall, the Eagle Inn was utterly delightful and the only cons we could come up with was one, there is no ice machine (however, the staff was only too happy to conjure up an ice bucket and fill it from the kitchen) and two, if stairs are an issue, just request a first floor room as there is no elevator (I will remember this next time myself). The staff is so friendly and accommodating. We will DEFINITELY be back!

2. Inn by the Harbor

433 West Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 1 (805) 232-7391
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 912 reviews

Inn by the Harbor

A charming seaside escape in Santa Barbara California, with classic Mediterranean flare, lush gardens and a variety of relaxing features.

This is not it

Reviewed By A971HHjes

I am baffled by the good reviews. This was basically a motel 6. The room smelled mildewy, the bed was itchy, there was a horrible smell in the bathroom that would come and go, everything was very outdated and worst of all you have to share one long balcony with other guests so anyone can walk by and just look in the glass door to your room all night. I made sure to lock it at all times! There was a very run down trashy looking apartment building right next door. I gave a star because the people were so friendly but I would absolutely not stay here again. Can’t believe I paid as much as I did!

3. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

36 W Valerio St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2524
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 893 reviews

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

The Cheshire Cat Inn features two stately Queen Anne Victorian homes, an elegant coach house with two suites and four two bed-roomed cottages, all surrounded by lush flower filled gardens and patios. The Inn is situated just one block from Santa Barbara's main shopping street, which is full of attractive courtyards and alleys. The Old Mission is an easy 20-minute walk in one direction and the beach a brisk 40 minutes in the other. Each one of the sunny guest rooms and cottages is unique, with an individual charm and ranges from the elegant to the whimsical. Some are larger split-level junior suites with private balconies, some have in-room Jacuzzi s and fireplaces. This romantic Santa Barbara inn also features flat screen LCD/DVD, ironing boards and refrigerators. There is free Wi-Fi and parking. All rooms have private baths and direct dial telephones.

UCSB ALUMNI RETURN

Reviewed By Drdavefamilydoc

What a find! We traveled to Santa Barbara to return to my alma mater,UCSB, to visit after a long absence. Searching Trip Advisor I found Cheshire Cat Inn. Simon,the owner operator,greeted us with a warm feeling,showed us to our room, Alice’s, upstairs overlooking the gardens and the lovely mountains. Though small,the bathroom and shower were more than adequate with terrific bedding and towels. Breakfast each morning was a delight! Served outside on the patio and gazebo with great fresh squeezed orange juice,coffees and teas,and choice of delicious continental breakfast or savory each day announced the evening before by text so choices could be made. A frittata one morning,French toast with blue berries another each preceded by fresh tasty local fruit and yogurt and granola. Again, we cannot say enough about how the hospitality and gracious accommodating we encountered after three days in this lovely B&B. Last,but not least. This is a great location, one block from main street,State St. Walking to dinners each night was a plus! Local highlights, Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, Montecito are minutes away. Super place to stay,relax and enjoy! Thank you Simon,and the Inn for such a great return to Santa Barbara!

4. Villa Rosa Inn

15 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3507
Excellent
23%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
12%
Terrible
23%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 338 reviews

Villa Rosa Inn

Finding an ideal quaint inn in Santa Barbara does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Villa Rosa Inn, a nice option for travelers like you. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Santa Barbara, Villa Rosa Hotel is located a short distance from Moreton Bay Fig Tree (0.2 mi) and Santa Barbara Harbor (0.5 mi). Villa Rosa Hotel offers guests an array of room amenities including a flat screen TV, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The inn offers newspaper, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a pool and free breakfast. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Travelers looking to enjoy some oyster can head to The Lark, Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, or Brophy Bros.. Otherwise, you may want to check out an Italian restaurant such as Toma Restaurant and Bar, Ca' Dario Ristorante Italiano, or Opal Restaurant and Bar. Should time allow, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Shoreline Park are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Villa Rosa Inn looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Santa Barbara.

A great PLACE

Reviewed By Magnus H

After 3 weeks on 21 different hotels from Chicago to Santa Barbara, this hotel was the first one we didn’t want to leave. Different from all the other hotels we staid in. It actually felt like you were at yours friends house. A very relaxed place cool rooms and great service. A really nice small pool area. // Magnus

5. Hideaway Santa Barbara

420 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3879
Excellent
58%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
10%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Hideaway Santa Barbara

Located three blocks from the beach, six blocks from the famed Funk Zone and a beautiful hike down a trail to the harbor, Hideaway Santa Barbara is the newest boutique hotel offering in the city. Meticulously curated, and extensively renovated in 2019.

LOVE this place! Can't wait to return.

Reviewed By dlburkett

My husband and I booked 4 nights at Hideaway in April 2022. We loved it so much that we extended it for an additional night. I am a little baffled with some of the negative reviews of this boutique hotel - we loved it. We are fairly experienced travelers that are very selective when it comes to accommodations. LOCATION - Yes, it is a few blocks from the nightlife, restaurants and beach. That said, it is easily walkable. It is an easy walk down a lit sidewalk to get to the beach, restaurants/bars. I would much prefer this location than one closer to the loud restaurants and bars. The only thing that would make the location better is an e-bike station closer. ROOMS - My room was #8. The size was fine with us. I did miss having a dresser. I could do without the closet (although I needed to ask for additional hangers for the wall hook). We unpacked our suitcase, put the clothing in stacks on the luggage holder, and then put the suitcase in the car. The rooms were very clean, recently renovated, light, beautiful. The bed was comfortable. Room #8 is very quiet because there are no rooms bordering any of the 4 walls. The patio, however, is not private because it sits on the walkway for other rooms to get to ground level. BREAKFAST - The included breakfast each morning was wonderful. My husband loved it every day. It is so convenient. Take this into consideration when comparing prices. FREE PARKING - Again, take this into consideration when comparing pricing. STAFF - Personable and helpful. I really enjoyed my 5 night stay at Hideaway. We will stay here again. It was a much better option for us than the other highly rated hotels.

6. The Secret Garden Inn

1908 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2813
Excellent
49%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 245 reviews

The Secret Garden Inn

Secluded behind high hedges, hidden pathways, and romantic gardens in Santa Barbara, lies the Secret Garden Inn and Cottages, built in 1905 and now owned and run by Dominique Hannaux. Stay in a main house guestroom, a cottage room or suite with or without private hot tub, or our completely private house. Surrounded by the Inn's gardens, all of our accommodations are romantic and peaceful. Enjoy the delicious Buffet Breakfast which includes: Dominique's French recipe quiches, fresh-baked scones, muffins, sweet breads, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and juices. Our rates also include wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres at 5 pm and brownies and hot cider later in the evening! All our rooms have a TV-DVD, a private bath and shower and a hairdryer. Many fine restaurants, shops, museums and sights of beautiful Santa Barbara are just a short stroll or a quick bike ride from the Inn.

Great spot in quiet nieghborhood

Reviewed By Juan S

This little "garden" is situated just uptown from the Santa Barbara buisness/tourist district, in a quiet , mixed use nieghborhood. seperate and conjoined cottages and rooms dot the property, with paths leading to and from the main house, street, and rear parking. the room was small, but nicely appointed with a good-size bathroom/shower, an enclosed wooden patio, and hot tub in good working order; which we used after returning to our room later that evening. The host(ess) had an old world, brusque manner to her french accent, and there were many "voila's" as she showed the room and informed us of the ammenities available, including breakfast. We found her to be accomadating; but she has some rules which she strictly adheres to, but none seemed unreasonable. we found that just around the corner is a full sevice coffee palace with all the baked goods and typical foodstuffs, as well as a nieghborhood pub (derfs) with an outdoor patio and nice burger/sandwich/salad menu, as well as full bar with tvs and friendly locals. we also spotted a local sit-down Mexican restaurant as well, which is a welcome change from todays predominant "drive throughs". Santa Barbara is fairly flat, and this location lends itself to walking and/or biking to sites like the Mission and the downtown restaurants and shops. We were in town for a concert at the bowl, and this location was just a short, 5 minute taxi ride, courtesy of Nate, from Yellow Cab. This site is old constuction, and the one drawback to our semi-attached cottage room was the thin walls in the morning, but not a "deal breaker"... We would reccommend this quaint little "garden", and hope to stay again next time we are in SB.

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