The 7 best Resorts in Santa Barbara, United States

April 20, 2023 Etsuko Causey

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. Santa Barbara Inn

901 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 517 reviews

Santa Barbara Inn

Discover your ideal vacation at Santa Barbara Inn! Book your stay at our boutique hotel in Santa Barbara to experience luxury rooms, dining and venue space.

What a Great Experience!!!

Reviewed By ChandTrehan

We could not be happier with our choice of the Santa Barbara Inn for our wedding guests' stay and the Rehearsal Dinner for our son's wedding in Santa Barbara. The service was excellent, and our guests much appreciated the quality of accommodation. Rooms are very tastefully furnished, with classy furniture. Our stay was very comfortable, with exceptional views and an easy walk across the beach. We are highly delighted with the hard work of Amanda Haywood, the sales manager, who coordinated all the reservations and ensured there would be no surprises. We also were thrilled about choosing the Montecito Room, a superb venue for the Rehearsal Dinner, and Convivo for catering. The Banquet Manager, Kristina Karaffa, did a thorough job assuring that we had a memorable evening.

2. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3810
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 178 reviews

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara Hotel has a premium location just 1 block to waterfront. Offering a Free Hot Breakfast buffet, Free Wireless Internet. Rooms offer Pillow Top Premium Beds, Fridge/Microwaves in rooms, coffee makers, iron/ironing boards. On site Heated Pool & Spa.

Lovely, modern and family friendly Inn - very close to the Beach and Downtown

Reviewed By Essegaernsche

We have had a lovely stay at the Avania Inn, rooms are very spacious, quiet and lovely renovated. We had no problems with parking. The Inn itself is perfectly located very close to the beach and not too far from downtown. The 7eleven next to it is a plus if one needs water etc. We did not need our car once. We stayed for two nights with our 9 month old daughter and even got offered a baby crib without even asking. Breakfast really is more than we could have asked for: the room itself is very pleasant, besides other goodies it includes plenty of fruit and berries, waffles, danish and scones, porridge, a variety of breads as well as sausage, eggs and salsa. Staff was always really friendly and helpful - especially Samantha was so lovely and caring and made sure we had a pleasant stay. Thank you very much, we would always stay here again!

3. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 1 (855) 605-0316
Excellent
36%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
10%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4256 reviews

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Enjoy the relaxed luxury and natural beauty of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Set across 8 Spanish-style buildings along the Pacific coastline, our resort has something for everyone. Our oversized guest rooms have comforts like a large HDTV, cozy seating, and a bathroom with dual vanities. Step out to your private patio or balcony for lovely views of the ocean, resort gardens or Santa Ynez mountains. Suites offer a separate living area, wet bar, rainshower, slippers and robes. On-site amenities include Spa Del Mar, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, gift shop and car-rental desk. Guests enjoy complimentary shuttle service to/from SBA Airport and the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station. Enjoy casual dining at The Roundhouse or the Set. Java Del Mar is great for coffee, and you'll love the outdoor fire pits and craft cocktails at The Set. Lounge poolside at Terraza Del Mar (seasonally) and don't miss our popular wine-tasting.

Good first impressions, look out for secondary charges

Reviewed By 975jackg

First impressions of the resort are positive, with a welcoming front desk, well designed lobby and location to SB. Thereafter staff were cold and unhelpful. We have stayed at multiple hotels on this trip, with this being the most disappointing. Ps. Be careful of the $30 a night parking charge and a further $30 a night amenities charge.

4. Mar Monte - Unbound Collection By Hyatt

1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3701
Excellent
50%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 399 reviews

Mar Monte - Unbound Collection By Hyatt

Discover one of the finest hotels in Santa Barbara, California when you stay at Mar Monte Hotel. Built in 1931, our historic hotel welcomes guests with its casual elegance and first-rate service. Detailed with a fusion of Spanish Colonial architecture blended with modern conveniences, Mar Monte Hotel is a shining gateway to the City of Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera. Discover 176 comfortably-appointed guestrooms, a perfect home base for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy the warm California sunshine in our heated outdoor pool and enjoy a local beverage at our ocean view pool bar, Lido, work off stress in the spacious fitness center, or enjoy dinner at Costa Restaurant, serving coastal Italian cuisine with a local flare. A 100% smoke-free hotel, Mar Monte also offers amenities like in-room dining, valet and self-parking, valet laundry service, and a business center. With 14,000 square feet of flexible and unique meeting space, offering exquisite culinary selections and the latest in technology, Mar Monte Hotel is ideal for your next corporate event.

Perfect for a Birthday Weekend Away!

Reviewed By sokatmatt

Excellent location, amazing staff, great service, overall amazing weekend! My boyfriend and I visited the Mar Monte for a birthday weekend away and we could not have had a better time in Santa Barabra. The only disappointment was that we couldn't stay longer. The hotel is beautiful and in an amazing location! The service was exceptional from the restaurant/bar staff to the front desk! We had one issue with the air conditioning making a weird noise at 6:00 am the front desk quickly fixed it and even gave us a credit to make up for the disruption. The restaurant and poolside bar service were great and everyone was extremely friendly. I highly recommend staying at the Mar Monte! I'm personally counting down the days until I can go back!

5. Beachside Inn

336 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3855
Excellent
59%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 108 reviews

Beachside Inn

Welcome to the Beachside Inn! With its ideal oceanfront location in Santa Barbara, CA, our hotel is sure to provide a peaceful and comforting stay for any traveler. Enjoy every modern convenience with the quaint charm that represents our city's essence. Delight in a deluxe complimentary breakfast before starting out your day in the gorgeous American Riviera. Relax in our heated pool, bask in the sundeck or simply cross the street and sink your feet in the sand. We are centrally located just across the street from the Santa Barbara Harbor, and within walking distance of other top attractions such as Stearns Wharf, the Downtown area and the trendy Funk Zone. The Beachfront / Downtown electric shuttle stops right at our door! Some of our best local restaurants are also within easy walking distance, or go across the street for whale watching, kayaking and numerous other water activities. The Beachside Inn is the perfect oasis in which to begin your Santa Barbara adventure!

Good in Many Ways

Reviewed By Colin F

My daughter and I stayed here and it was one of the few hotels in the area with a room that could accommodate us with a sofa bed and a closed bedroom. The room was mostly clean and pleasant although there was a piece of pizza crust on the other side of the bed. The location is good and we could easily walk the three blocks along the harbour to the main street with restaurants etc. The pool is also good, as was the parking. My big beef with this hotel is that I left my MacBook charger in the room and they didn't contact me nor respond to my emails or calls later the I realized it--although they do text surveys before and after you stay. You know, that charger is worth $80 to replace and so I guess the staff got two tips but still, not a nice thing.

6. Franciscan Inn & Suites

109 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3804 1 (805) 963-8845
Excellent
46%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1267 reviews

Franciscan Inn & Suites

Convenient location, casual comfort and caring staff make this cozy inn the quintessential hub of your Santa Barbara visit. Complimentary pool, spa, afternoon cookies, Wi-Fi and more awaits you.

Very nice. Great neighborhood

Reviewed By DeniseB247

Room was clean. Kind of small but bed was comfortable. Staff was super nice at check-in. People seemed to enjoy the heated pool. THE WALLS ARE PAPER THIN. We heard the people next door: blow their nose. One asked the other if they were getting a cold. Sneeze. Say god bless you. I was so thankful they turned their TV off at 9:30pm. It was quiet and I slept great. No one stirred until 7:30 which was fine. It worked out fine for us but it could be a nightmare if you’re next to loud people. Walking distance to State Street restaurants and shops. Walk to beach/pier. Eagle Inn is literally across the street. Not sure why anyone would pay so much more. This place was great.

7. Riviera Beach House

121 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3529
Excellent
44%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
8%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 597 reviews

Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House welcomes you to our eclectic neighborhood. Located right on State Street - just 2 blocks from the beach, pier, and Funk Zone - guests are welcomed with generous hotel amenities, savory onsite dining by Santo Mezcal, and thought-provoking art at every corner of our boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, CA. Explore our coastal town known for its outdoor adventure, fascinating arts and culture, incredible food and wine, and where pink sunsets never cease to take your breath away.

Excellent value, location and service

Reviewed By jamespU5382MS

I have stayed at this hotel when it was previously known as the Hotel Indigo. The “funk zone” was still a little funky in a still sketchy part of town. Lower State Street has cleaned up very nicely with a lot of brand new places to go to. The Riviera Beach House also has cleaned up and not only provides a good value, but the location is hard to beat. You are in n the Funk Zone and a two block walk to the Pier and beaches. They have a terrific Mexican restaurant and bar on site. Finally, the services was excellent, especially Thomas the fro t desk clerk who went out of his way to give recommendations on nearby restaurants and really helping with a fast checkout! Well done Thomas! As I stated: Great Hotel, Great Value, Great Location and Great Service! Jim P.

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