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Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (719 reviews)
"Great place and walking distance to fun bars"
United States
Rodney J
The price is S$201
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Haley Hotel

2. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Great location. Great staff at desk and valet. Very nice room. We’ll want to stay there again."
United States
John
The price is S$334
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (508 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Emeterio
The price is S$354
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

4. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,565 reviews)
"We loved it here!"
United States
Morgan
The price is S$451
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Hotel Santa Barbara

5. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent hotel and staff. Loved Santa Barbara. We will be back !"
United States
Gavin
The price is S$546
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

6. The Presidio

The Presidio
2.0 star property
1.1 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (887 reviews)
"Well located and clean room. Easy to park."
United States
Rhea
The price is S$188
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
The Presidio

7. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (358 reviews)
"Great place to stay in Santa Barbara!"
United States
Melissa
The price is S$311
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

8. Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (87 reviews)
"We loved our stay! The aesthetics were on point, and we really appreciated all the name-brand touches, from the Crate & Barrel sofa and CB2 dishes to the TOTO toilet. Everything had a beautiful, high-end feel. The location was nice and quiet, and free parking was a huge plus!"
United States
Mia
The price is S$258
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Casa Iglesia, a ZenStay Hotel

9. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (325 reviews)
"Stayed here halloween weekend. Easy checkin process the place was super clean it was so cute had all the amenities i didnt even know i needed i would definitely stay here again"
United States
Denise
The price is S$249
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

10. Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel
4.0 star property
0.8 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (235 reviews)
"This property was exactly as advertised. Very clean, very private, in a perfect location for everything Santa Barbara has to offer"
United States
Ryan
The price is S$299
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel

11. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,328 reviews)
"A nice place to stay"
United States
Dennis
The price is S$202
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
The Franciscan Hotel

12. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (2,443 reviews)
"Excellent location, clean and comfortable room."
United States
Anne
The price is S$192
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

13. Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,000 reviews)
"Cozy and cool property just a block away from the harbor. Great location to"
United States
James
The price is S$216
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Harbor House Inn

14. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,321 reviews)
"Would stay again"
United States
Jose
The price is S$201
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Beachside Inn

15. Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"A great location, very clean and easily accessible, free parking is a plus"
United States
petr
The price is S$203
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Castillo Inn at the Beach

16. Orange Tree Inn

Orange Tree Inn
2.5 star property
Upper East, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
7.8 out of 10, Good, (940 reviews)
"One staff member in particular was amazing, he brought us towels to the pool and was generally great."
United States
Leonardo
The price is S$146
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Orange Tree Inn

17. Casa Castillo, a ZenStay Hotel

Casa Castillo, a ZenStay Hotel
4.0 star property
0.7 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (9 reviews)
"Amazing property!"
United States
David
The price is S$304
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Casa Castillo, a ZenStay Hotel

18. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,004 reviews)
"Amazing stay and great location!"
United States
Nick
The price is S$267
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
La Playa Inn

19. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.6 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,124 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay!"
United States
Amanda
The price is S$290
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

20. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.5 km from Downtown Santa Barbara
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,202 reviews)
"Lovely quiet hotel in a wonderful location! Will definitely stay there again"
United States
Ingrid
The price is S$243
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Marina Beach Hotel
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.

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.
Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,565 reviews
View
A rooftop terrace with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a pool.
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
4.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
An outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, surrounded by lush tropical plants.
Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
8.8
Excellent
719 reviews
View
A courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain, and white buildings with arches.
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,002 reviews
View
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
8.4
Very good
508 reviews
View

Hotels recommended for families in Downtown Santa Barbara

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Downtown Santa Barbara

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Barbara

  • Charming Historic Atmosphere: Explore the picturesque streets of Downtown Santa Barbara, where historic architecture meets vibrant city life.
  • Diverse Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local art galleries, theatres, and unique culinary delights like taco tours.
  • Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy stunning beach views and outdoor activities perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
  • Welcoming Local Community: Experience the friendliness of locals as you wander through unique shops and eateries.
  • Variety of Accommodations: Choose from elegant hotels to charming inns, ensuring a memorable stay for every visitor.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Barbara

Discover the charm of Downtown Santa Barbara, where a variety of accommodation options await to cater to your every need. From the elegant Hotel Californian to the delightful Santa Barbara Inn, each hotel offers unique amenities for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike. Whether you're travelling with pets or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Downtown Santa Barbara boasts hotels that promise a memorable experience for all visitors.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This 4-star resort offers an idyllic beach retreat, located 3.2km from Downtown Santa Barbara. With direct access to the sandy shores, guests can soak up the sun and enjoy ocean activities right at their doorstep. The hotel features a stunning outdoor pool, lush gardens, and a fitness centre, making it a delightful venue for relaxation and recreation. Dining options include a beachfront restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, ensuring a memorable culinary experience amidst beautiful coastal views.
  • Sandpiper Lodge: A budget-friendly option, Sandpiper Lodge stands 3.2km away from Downtown Santa Barbara and boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This motel offers a complimentary continental breakfast and various recreational activities nearby, including golf and bicycle rentals. Guests can unwind in rooms equipped with premium television channels and modern amenities. Its convenient location near the city centre allows for easy exploration of local attractions, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travellers.
  • The Milo: Rated at 3.5 stars, The Milo is situated 1.6km from Downtown Santa Barbara and is an appealing choice for those seeking a beach vacation. The property features direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic coastline. With a contemporary design and comfortable amenities, The Milo provides a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel also offers a charming outdoor area, ideal for socialising or enjoying a peaceful moment by the sea. Its proximity to local attractions enhances the overall experience.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of historical charm and vibrant city life, perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures. Wander through the picturesque streets, where friendly locals welcome you to explore unique shops and eateries. Enjoy stunning city views and scenic excursions, while immersing yourself in the rich culture of this urban destination. Nearby attractions further enhance your experience, making every moment in Santa Barbara truly unforgettable.

  • Santa Barbara: Nestled between the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a charming city renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city sees consistent visitor numbers year-round, with a peak in summer, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore a plethora of attractions including theatres and entertainment venues, as well as the picturesque beaches and tourist precincts that make this destination so appealing. Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine or enjoying a family day out, Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of city life and natural beauty.
  • Santa Barbara Beach: Located a mere mile from Downtown, Santa Barbara Beach is a seaside neighbourhood perfect for those seeking sun, sand, and family fun. With consistently high visitor numbers, especially during the summer, it provides an ideal outdoor experience. Families can enjoy the beach, local shopping areas, and even theme park rides in the vicinity. The proximity to the main tourist precinct means you can easily transition from relaxing on the beach to exploring the local shops and eateries, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
  • Historic Downtown Santa Barbara: Just 322m from Downtown, Historic Downtown Santa Barbara exudes charm and character with its rich history and beautiful architecture. This neighbourhood is particularly popular in the spring and summer months, drawing families and city explorers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through theatres, shopping areas, and educational venues. The close proximity to the beach and family-friendly attractions ensures that Historic Downtown Santa Barbara is a vibrant hub for both relaxation and exploration, making it a must-visit on your itinerary.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Barbara

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Barbara, visit the vibrant Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor shopping centre featuring a mix of well-known retailers and unique boutiques. The Santa Barbara Marketplace offers local crafts and artisanal goods, ideal for picking up gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of California.

Recreation

Experience tranquillity at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and relax by the serene pool. Explore the scenic Butterfly Beach for a peaceful stroll along the shore, soaking in the natural beauty of the coastline.

Adventure

In Downtown Santa Barbara, explore the thrilling coastline with kayaking adventures, offering stunning views of the Channel Islands. For a unique experience, try zip-lining through the treetops at nearby venues, where you can feel the adrenaline rush while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a lively nightlife scene with venues like The Good Lion for craft cocktails and the bustling Funk Zone filled with wine tasting rooms. For live music, check out Soho Restaurant and Music Club, or enjoy a laid-back evening at the historic Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Barbara

To save money while visiting Downtown Santa Barbara, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for the best rates. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and filter options by price to secure the best deals. Additionally, consider booking your hotel, flights, and activities together for further savings. Explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most economical options and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Downtown Santa Barbara hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a delightful mix of historic sites, museums, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while exploring the charming historic downtown area. With attractions catering to various interests, including civic buildings and outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone in this picturesque Californian destination.

  • West Beach: Located a mere mile from Downtown Santa Barbara, West Beach offers a quintessential beach experience. With its soft sands and gentle waves, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal breeze.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Situated within Downtown, this historic Civic Government Building is a marvel of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Its stunning murals and lush gardens provide a glimpse into local culture and history, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Also 1.6km away, this vibrant marina invites adventure seekers to partake in various water activities. Whether it’s sailing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the harbour captures the essence of outdoor beach fun.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Barbara

Accessing Downtown Santa Barbara is easy via its major airports. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is a mere 12.9km away, with luxurious hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto Santa Barbara located nearby. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), situated 130.4km from downtown, offers upscale accommodation options such as the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Casa Del Mar. Alternatively, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is 127.1km away, with excellent hotels like The Sun Rose West Hollywood. Each airport is well connected to its respective hotels, ensuring a smooth journey for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Travellers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Make sure that you visit Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.
What's the best place to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara?
Based on our traveller data, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Santa Barbara. This hotel is a short 13-minute walk from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and it offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG and Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?
With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to review top deals in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?
Presidio Santa Barbara, Hill-Carrillo Adobe and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater are some other places worth a visit. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Santa Barbara include La Arcada, Casa de la Guerra and De la Guerra Plaza. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

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