Top 10 Motels in Santa Barbara, United States

April 20, 2023 Giuseppe Pratt

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. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3855
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 763 reviews

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

Across the street from sprawling beaches and scenic Santa Barbara Harbor, the West Beach Inn is the perfect place to explore all that Santa Barbara has to offer. Our central location means many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops are just steps away. Our Mediterranean-style hotel features modern, spacious rooms and plenty of amenities.

Santa Barbara Vacation Hotel

Reviewed By Elise S

We had 3 rooms for a family vacation and everyone was very comfortable and happy with the property. Very clean with fabulous pillows and bedding. The location is fantastic to walk to the beach, boardwalk and downtown! We would definitely stay here again and again! Very quiet and staff friendly and helpful!

2. Agave Inn

3222 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3329
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 719 reviews

Agave Inn

Agave Inn-a Shelter Social Club property is a small 13 room Inn. Free WiFi, free parking, coffee maker in all room and Ipod players in all rooms. Conveniently located close to Earl Warren Showgrounds, Sansum Clinic, Santa Babara Municipal Golf Course and downtown. We look forward to seeing you soon! While visiting please be sure to check out our restaurant- Sama Sama Kitchen -located in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara!

Wedding party review

Reviewed By pattya317

Amazing customer service! The room is quaint, comfortable and clean. Really nice and quiet at night. Super enjoyable. The service was so great for our whole Wedding party! Great location too. Close to freeway and gas. Easily walk to beer and wings and to Jeanine’s the amazing bakery. Loved it worth the price

3. Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach

223 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 1 (805) 232-7359
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 896 reviews

Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach

A romantic Mediterranean-style villa just two blocks from Santa Barbara's glistening palm-lined beaches and scenic yacht harbor.

perfect choice

Reviewed By sbp1979

exceptionally clean comfortable and charming, we loved this place! The staff were ALL great, friendly and very helpful. We got an upgraded room which was unbelievable. The property has many outdoor seating areas to enjoy the beautiful weather. You can walk everywhere from this location. I heartily recommend Brisas del Mar.

4. Marina Beach Motel

21 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3802
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 766 reviews

Marina Beach Motel

Family owned since 1976, Marina Beach Motel is located in the heart of Santa Barbara's harbor, wharf, and beach district. At only a half block from the beach, Marina Beach Motel is the ideal spot for couples, families and the occasional lone traveler to immerse themselves in the beauty and leisure of Santa Barbara. At Marina Beach Motel, we understand the importance of providing excellent amenities at an affordable price. We focus our efforts on catering to the needs of the customer while striving for a high level of satisfaction, making us one of the best places to stay in Santa Barbara. Our dedicated, family-owned business promises to become one of your favorite vacation spots in California.

You'll thank me later!

Reviewed By DanS5669

The Marina Beach Motel gave my family and I the best two day lodging experience I have ever had on a vacation. Read other reviews for detail on the amazing central location - but in this busy part of Santa Barbara even during the day the main courtyard was quiet, peaceful and a very relaxing place to hang out. The availability of the bikes are a joy (make sure you explore the beachfront trail north of the marina as well, go thru the parking lots til the bike trail picks back up and then go up to an amazing viewpoint of the beach, marina, wharf). The rooms are all modern with high end amenities and the breakfast is plentiful with day long gourmet coffee, fresh baked cookies periodically, fruit, etc. If this wasn't enough - the staff is super friendly and helpful - we had to pick up a 2nd room with zero notice and John worked hard to make it work for my family. Other staff gave great recommendations for restaurants, etc. and the owner's son (didn't catch his name) was helpful and friendly and you can just see that the leadership at this place permeates every employee. There is a reason this place is rated "wonderful" on Trip Advisor and I wholeheartedly agree. Last, John was not only super helpful in all aspects, he's just a great human being that is a joy to be around, laughed at all my dumb Dad jokes, and if he wasn't 6'5 1/2" I was ready to pack him in my suitcase for the trip home. Our stay here was the highlight of a 10 day trip that included some spectacular tours and places - but nothing was more relaxing that our two nights at the Marina Beach Motel.

5. Pacific Crest Hotel

433 Corona Del Mar Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3601
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 481 reviews

Pacific Crest Hotel

Pacific Crest Hotel in Santa Barbara is a 1950's beach hotel with 20 comfortable newly refurbished rooms. We strive to give you the best Santa Barbara experience available. Whether you are visiting to relax on the beach, take in the foodie events and wineries or the history of Santa Barbara, we are here to make your stay memorable. Come stay with us and enjoy true Santa Barbara hospitality! **Our morning coffee and cakes are very light and complimentary. We are not able to accommodate specific diets (gluten free, vegan). **Super Clean and Comfortable! Newly Refurbished Rooms, Morning Continental Breakfast, Santa Barbara Roasting Company Coffee provided, Air Conditioning, Approved TESLA & Electric Car Charging Stations Available.

Great Hotel Experience With Excellent Customer Service (Better Than The Famous Name Brand Hotels Near By)

Reviewed By Firehousecat

Serving Santa Barbara since 1976, Greg and Jennifer Mishkin, owner-managers of the Pacific Crest Hotel, (pictured) delivered quiet, clean and safe accommodations for my visit. They indicated welcoming and serving prior happy guests, over time, has been/is is a very rewarding part of their lives. After staying at several of the larger name brand hotels near by, it can be stated their service standards exceed the competition. A definite recommend. Book directly through their website for best price and fewer headaches!

6. Castillo Inn at the Beach

22 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3809
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 967 reviews

Castillo Inn at the Beach

See why so many travelers make Castillo Inn at the Beach their motel of choice when visiting Santa Barbara. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a quaint setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Santa Barbara, Castillo Inn At The Beach Hotel is located a short distance from Moreton Bay Fig Tree (0.4 mi) and Santa Barbara Harbor (0.4 mi). Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and air conditioning, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the motel. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Travelers looking to enjoy some filet mignon can head to Opal Restaurant and Bar, The Palace Grill, or Holdren's Steaks & Seafood. Otherwise, you may want to check out a cafe such as Natural Cafe, Andersen's Danish Bakery, or Jeannine's Bakery. Should time allow, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Shoreline Park are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. At Castillo Inn at the Beach, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Santa Barbara.

An Unsafe Evening and No Staff on Site to Help

Reviewed By H6728GFnickl

AT 12 am my wife and I were awoken by a domestic altercation in the room below us. A woman pounding on the door to get into her room. A man not letting her in. It quickly escalated to threats. My wife made sure our door was locked and drew the chain across it. That’s how intense it got. We called the desk and got an answering machine. Finally, two hours later, at 2 am, the police arrived. Several guests at the hotel had called. After the police left, the pounding/altercation resumed until almost 4 am. I recounted this to the manager, Dan, the following morning. His response was "I'm not sure what to tell you." I asked him to look on the security cameras and low and behold at 2am, a police car was in parking lot. "That was for something else," Dan told me in earnest. Does it matter what it was for? Police lights were flashing in an attempt to break up an altercation. Forget about none of the guest sleeping. Everyone felt unsafe. I asked how no staff at the hotel are present in the event of an emergency and his response was, "We're close by." Read the rest of the 1 and 2 star reviews. Lot's of complaints about noise keeping people awake, a non existent staff, and intolerably rude manager. There are far better places to stay for nearly $400 a night. The Castillo Inn has not been updated in ages, and it smells like it.

7. Cabrillo Inn at the Beach

931 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3642
Excellent
19%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
9%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 412 reviews

Cabrillo Inn at the Beach

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Santa Barbara, Cabrillo Inn at the Beach is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Cabrillo Inn at the Beach makes it easy to enjoy the best of Santa Barbara. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a seating area, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the motel. Cabrillo Inn features a sun terrace, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts a pool and free breakfast. If you are driving to Cabrillo Inn At The Beach Hotel, free parking is available. Nearby landmarks such as Moreton Bay Fig Tree (1.3 mi) and Santa Barbara Harbor (1.6 mi) make Cabrillo Inn a great place to stay when visiting Santa Barbara. Travelers looking to enjoy some fish and chips can head to Brophy Bros., Santa Barbara FisHouse, or Jane. 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 is a popular attraction that is within walking distance. Cabrillo Inn At The Beach Hotel is sure to make your visit to Santa Barbara one worth remembering.

Perfect location, great view

Reviewed By sffan2

Easy to find, easy to park. Check in went well, Our 1st floor Ocean View room was a delight. Certainly worth the upgrade from no view or pool view. Lack or on site breakfast or coffee was the only lack. Loved being able to go to sleep to the sound of the waves. Couldn't have been closer to the beach. There was a pedestrian crosswalk right at the corner of the property and cars were always quick to stop. The beach and weather were such a delight we extended our stay another day. Moved upstairs and the view was even better. Could even see the sand from our patio. Planning our next stay in September. Figure we'll visit 2 or 3 times a year from now on.

8. Quality Inn Santa Barbara

3055 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3351
Excellent
17%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 277 reviews

Quality Inn Santa Barbara

See why so many travelers make Quality Inn Santa Barbara their motel of choice when visiting Santa Barbara. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. Nearby landmarks such as Trinity Episcopal Church (1.5 mi) and Our Lady of Sorrows Church (1.6 mi) make Quality Inn Santa Barbara a great place to stay when visiting Santa Barbara. Quality Inn Santa Barbara Hotel is a family-friendly motel offering a flat screen TV and a refrigerator in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The motel features a 24 hour front desk. Plus, guests can enjoy a pool and breakfast, which have made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Santa Barbara. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. While in Santa Barbara, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Santa Barbara Quality Inn, including Natural Cafe (1.0 mi), Pizza Guru (0.5 mi), and Lure Fish House (1.0 mi). There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular art galleries such as Santa Barbara Art Glass, Italian Pottery Outlet, and 10 West Gallery. At Quality Inn Santa Barbara, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Santa Barbara.

Would book again

Reviewed By 273kristienv

Very nice hotel, 10min drive from the center. Room has everything you need. There was enough parking space. Receptionist was also very nice. Stayed here for two nights, would book again. Breakfast was very basic, did like the bagels! For the expensive area, it is a good deal.

9. Sunset Motel

3504 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2628
Excellent
24%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
12%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 140 reviews

Sunset Motel

Try a little touch of Santa Barbara hospitality.A nice small motel on upper State Street, the Sunset Motel offers a little touch of warm and friendly Santa Barbara hospitality, without breaking the budget.We are the owners and the innkeepers so we have a personal stake in the motel and in your comfort.Stay close to restaurants, shopping (Macy's and more), and Earl Warren Showgrounds. The bus in front will take you straight to downtown. What’s not to love?We look forward to seeing you.

Love this place

Reviewed By tinavH8042JM

The rooms are updates and very clean, the front desk lady was awesome and sweet, the owners are great and friendly. The yard is immaculate with family activities, nice seating everywhere & beautiful flowers. Highly recommend. I do stress to reserve call the hotel directly.

10. Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach

443 Corona Del Mar US 101/El Camino South at Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3601
Excellent
14%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
13%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 430 reviews

Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach

Motel 6 Classic Santa Barbara Beach features a modern, fun take on a retro-60's vibe. Located only steps from East Beach, and close to dining and shopping, it's an ideal location for a get-away. Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, Harbor, or a Winery, all within 2 miles. Enjoy great shopping and dining in downtown. Free Wi-Fi and device mirroring TVs in all rooms.

Good things come in small packages

Reviewed By tougo

Don’t let it’s size scare you. This motel is in a prime area near the beach and is very safe. The room is tiny, but spotless. The decor is bright and cheery. The toilet and shower are in a separate room which we liked. No carpet is also a plus. The heat/air conditioner is quiet and worked great. Free coffee in the lobby was nice, and chairs around pool were great for relaxing.

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