Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotels
8.7 (1285 reviews)
533 State Street , Santa Barbara , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Helpful staff
Cons:
Slow elevator
Limited room amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
8.69
Rooms were comfortable and clean.
Service
9.16
Staff were very nice and went out of their way to make us happy.
Location
9.2
Excellent location along the pedestrian-only section of State Street.
Room Quality
8.15
Some rooms had limited storage space.
Amenities
8.68
Nice features like filtered-water stations on each floor.
Value for Money
8.64
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
8.19
Missing room service and limited food options.
Overall Experience
8.86
Overall we loved our stay and would come again.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 13:43

Property Description

Central Location
Located just 3.2 km from the Santa Barbara Zoo and Leadbetter Beach and Park, Hotel Santa Barbara offers convenience and easy access to popular attractions.

Comfortable Accommodations
Relax in our air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen cable TVs, work desks, and plush pillow-top mattresses with a selection of pillows. Enjoy the convenience of in-room coffee machines, mini refrigerators, and complimentary toiletries.

Nearby Attractions
Explore the vibrant art scene with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art just a 5-minute drive away. Santa Barbara City College and the airport are also within a short distance, making travel a breeze.

Experience comfort and convenience at Hotel Santa Barbara. Book your stay now!

Important information:

Pardon our dust! Hotel Santa Barbara is currently undergoing a series of refreshing updates. Guests may see and hear construction around the property during their stay. Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions during this time.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: SBA

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 30 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 1285 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.69
Service: 9.16
Location: 9.2
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.68
Value for Money: 8.64
Food and Beverage: 8.19
Overall Experience: 8.86
F
Fraind solo_traveller il
10
2026-06-19 via Nuitee
T
Thomas couple gb
5
Pleasant but nicer hotels that are better value for money in SB
Pros:

Friendly staff
Nice clean room

Cons:

Air con was not that cold
Water tap was not working near ice station
Snobby fellow guests acting like they are at a 5* hotel when it’s a 3*

2026-06-16 via Nuitee
D
Darren couple gb
10
Perfect 10
Pros:

Location was perfect the hotel staff were really great and the hotel was 1st class

Cons:

Nothing at all

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
J
John solo_traveller us
10
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
S
schmementine family_with_children us
9
Perfect location, beautiful remodel, friendly staff.
Pros:

The remodel of the historic building is beautiful, tasteful and up to date with just enough whimsy. The queen rooms were cozy but not cramped for one person; if I came back with my partner I would book a bigger room. Our family is originally from Santa Barbara so my dad really liked seeing all the historic photos along the hallways, many of which date to his grandparents' time.

Cons:

OK, this is so small, but my dad asked for change to tip housekeeping and was denied, but when I asked for the same thing somebody went into the back office and found change. There is an ATM in the lobby that spits out $20 bills. It would be a nice practice to keep change on hand and empower desk staff to use it. I think you might see the tips for valets and housekeeping increase, which would make staff and guests happier at no expense to the business.

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
V
Vicki solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

Room was beautifully upgraded and updated. This room was specifically for 1 person. Luxurious linens and bed spread. I had stayed there 3 years before, and this room definitely seemed remodeled compared to the room I stayed in earlier .I love the historic feel of the hotel. On same block as shopping/restaurants..was able to book far in advance for this stay and got a great rate.

Cons:

Valet parking is your only option, but valet staff was quick and courteous. I don't remember if there was a place to get water in the lobby or water filling stations anywhere in the hotel.

2026-06-06 via Nuitee
W
Ward solo_traveller us
10
It was wonderful
Pros:

The staff was friendly and attentive. The property is exceptional. Great location, wonderful restaurants near by.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-04 via Nuitee
P
Patrícia solo_traveller br
10
Hotel maravilhoso
Pros:

A localização é perfeita, na principal rua com lojas e restaurantes. O quarto é amplo, limpo e bem decorado e ainda nos oferecem um mimo, uma garrafa para água, onde vc pode abastecer no próprio corredor do hotel. Outra ponto positivo é que o hotel oferece estacionamento apesar de não ser barato é uma comodidade a mais

Cons:

Nos agradou em todos os aspectos.

2026-06-04 via Nuitee
I
Isaac couple us
10
2026-06-02 via Nuitee
S
Sophie couple gb
7
Clean and comfortable but unfortunately not the best night sleep.
Pros:

The interiors are beautiful. The hotel is clean and has good little gym.

Cons:

Unfortunately our room was right in the street and on a Saturday night the heavy thud of music kept us awake into the early hours. If you are visiting on a weekend, try to request a room away from the main street…

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
J
Jet50863823316 Couples
10
Wonderful wedding stay!
Pros:

We came in for a wedding and had a delightful experience at Hotel Santa Barbara. The staff was very friendly, the room was beautiful, and location couldn't be beat -- walking distance to all of our events. We unexpectedly had to leave a night early, and they very thoughtfully refunded us our final night without even having to ask. Will absolutely come back!

2026-05-31 via Tripadvisor
R
rxhacon Couples Fresno, California
10
It was a wonderful stay and right next to everything to enjoy the weekend!
Pros:

We really enjoyed the hotel! It was a wonderful experience and very clean. We enjoyed that everything was walking distance.

2026-05-31 via Tripadvisor
R
RaphyG2 Family
10
Great place to stay
Pros:

Great location, friendly and helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms, fun lobby and bar area

Right in the middle of things on State St, fun atmosphere

2026-05-30 via Tripadvisor
H
hardydesk Couples San Clemente, California
10
Beautiful Hotel
Pros:

The remodel of this historic hotel is amazing! Staff was friendly. The individual ice bags and water refill station on each floor was a bonus! Location on State Street is convenient. The overall smell of the hotel (I was told by staff it was fragrance called Riveria) was amazing. Loved all the historic photos throughout the room hallways. Joe's across the street is perfect for a hearty breakfast. Otherwise, the bar inside the hotel has coffee and assorted pastries for purchase. $30 for valet parking. They have EV charges in parking lot and valet staff kept our car charged. ***The only tip I have for fellow travelers is pay more $$$ for a larger room. My husband and I stayed in the "Historic Queen" room and it was really tight for 2 people with large luggage. No room to put both our luggage. We only stayed 2 nights, otherwise we would have asked staff for a room upgrade to get more sq. footage. Highly recommend this hotel

2026-05-25 via Tripadvisor
K
kevinhO5439OP Family
10
Hotel Santa Barbara felt like home!
Pros:

This was the only hotel we've ever stayed at that truly felt hospitable!

The staff exceeded our expectations in every way. The historic property was beautiful, impeccably renovated, and perfectly located on State Street. The staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely focused on making our stay special. Coffee and breakfast options were high quality. Our room was spotless, with thoughtful touches that made us feel right at home -such as unique snacks and drinks for the entire family conveniently available in the room. The amenities were excellent; valet staff was top-notch giving us wonderful restaurant recommendations and helping us choose the best parking and trail-heads for hiking the Santa Ynez mountains, and Montecito hills. We especially appreciated the relaxing and quiet atmosphere throughout the property.
Traveling with family can sometimes be challenging, but the hotel staff made the experience effortless. This hotel provided the perfect home base for enjoying the beaches, trail hikes, and restaurants. We will definitely stay here again and HIGHLY recommend it!
Room #407

2026-05-24 via Tripadvisor
K
karengP3054JA Solo travel
10
Nice stay on State Street!
Pros:

Perfect location in the middle of bustling State Street, within easy walking distance of tasting rooms, great restaurants, the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, and of course, the beach! The rooms are comfortable and stylish. The staff is welcoming. I recommend having a drink before or after your evening. Anthony will prepare you something tasty, and gives great dinner recommendations. Good value for that prime location.

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
M
Mary couple us
10
2026-05-18 via Nuitee
M
Melinda solo_traveller us
10
Wonderful stay
Pros:

The staff was great especially Christine at the front desk. She was very helpful and fun to chat with. The location was on a pedestrian only street which was good and my room was very quiet.
Beautiful interior loved the tiles and color scheme

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
D
denisemJ1410EJ Business
10
Front Desk Customer Service
Pros:

Our stay was made even better thanks to the incredible front desk clerk, Christine, who went the above and beyond to make us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. She was friendly, knowledgeable and professional and ready to help with recommendations and questions. Her positive attitude and attention to detail stood out and made our trip even more enjoyable. Excellent customer service is rare and we really appreciated it!

2026-05-13 via Tripadvisor
H
Hanel solo_traveller il
9
2026-05-12 via Nuitee