Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
Non-smoking throughout
Private check-in/check-out
Board games/puzzles
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Clean and comfortable
Cons:
Some rooms dated
Cleanliness issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.25
Some reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, particularly with a smelly room and dirty areas.
Service
9.75
Multiple reviews highlighted excellent service and friendly staff.
Location
9.25
Great location being close to downtown and local attractions.
Room Quality
8.25
Some rooms are noted as dated and needing updates.
Amenities
8.75
Positive comments about happy hour and breakfast offerings, but some areas need improvement.
Value for Money
9.25
Overall perceived as worth the price according to many reviews.
Food and Beverage
9.25
The breakfast and happy hour wines received positive comments.
Overall Experience
9.25
Overall sentiment is positive with many guests expressing a desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 06:59

Property Description

Charming Historic Hotel in Downtown Santa Barbara

Unique Room Decor and Modern Amenities
Each room at The Upham Hotel boasts unique decor and plush seating areas, complete with flat-screen TVs for entertainment. Stay connected with complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

On-Site Dining Experience at Louie’s Restaurant
Indulge in California comfort food and explore an extensive wine selection at Louie’s Restaurant, conveniently located within the hotel premises.

Prime Location Near Beach and Local Attractions
Enjoy a 5-minute drive to the beach and Stearns Wharf, surrounded by lush gardens. Explore nearby attractions like Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara City College, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art just minutes away.

Experience the charm and convenience of The Upham Hotel - book your stay today!

Important information:

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.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.

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.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Groups

    No special conditions apply for groups.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 520 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.25
Service: 9.75
Location: 9.25
Room Quality: 8.25
Amenities: 8.75
Value for Money: 9.25
Food and Beverage: 9.25
Overall Experience: 9.25
M
Makston • extended_group • us
10
Beautiful and charming. Lovely setting and comfortable room.
Pros:

The property was beautiful! Lush and well maintained. Room was spacious and clean.

2026-04-17 • via Nuitee
A
alexandramI113FD • Solo travel
6
Book at your own discretion
Pros:

The vibe at the Upham was just darling. I feel that if this vibe, attention, and care was taken into consideration in different areas such as the room and surrounding spaces, it would enhance the experience. The cost is high so definitely an investment and one that you would assume aligns with the value. Upon arrival, I noticed that the room was not cleaned very well: hair left in the tub, crumbs of food left around the bed, sheets and towels were not washed well etc.
I also noticed an odd odor and went to the room’s AC where there appeared to be something that looked like mold… I asked the hotel to please clean this, at the very least.
Hotel staff are the backbone of the hospitality industry — I am curious about the conditions they face if the rooms feel rushed and not cleaned very well.
Limited parking but that’s just a Santa Barbara thing. You will be asked to move your car at night if you forget your accessible parking pass!
Location is ideal for downtown experiences!
*
I am one to try something out another time before making final judgement (or realizing I need to spend my money elsewhere)…. Maybe the next time I visit, and IF I stay here, I will have a cleaner room.

2026-04-09 • via Tripadvisor
M
martinlD7208QK • Family
10
Casual stay with Family
Pros:

Great hotel in Santa Barbara. Cozy rooms with great customer service.

2026-04-01 • via Tripadvisor
P
Pauline • solo_traveller • us
8
All was great except the breakfast, if you could even call it that.
2026-03-29 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • us
9
Pros:

Loved the breakfast room and the evening wine reception.

Cons:

Air conditioning was a bit weak and the room seemed fairly humid.

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
V
Valérie • extended_group • be
10
Pros:

Super hôtel de charme et calme. Le personnel est très attentionné car nous avions des problèmes pour charger nos appareils et ils ont proposé de les prendre et les charger à la réception. Petit déj limité mais très bon, verre de vin offert en fin de journée et lait chaud et cookies avant d'aller dormir, tout cela au coin du feu :) Nous avons adoré l'ambiance de cet hôtel et nous le recommandons vivement

Cons:

Rien

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
J
Julio • couple • us
10
Best ever
Pros:

The room was comfortable the employees were awesome and the restaurant was great 👍🏽

Cons:

N/a

2026-02-27 • via Nuitee
H
heshelman • Couples
10
Service meets old-school charm
Pros:

The Upham, where I've stayed on and off for almost thirty years, remains a wonderful, homey, gorgeous and humble property. What sets them apart is service: I had to stay for several non-consecutive nights for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and beyond the excellent service for those visits, they let me be a laptop hobo on the off days and let me change into my red carpet clothes for evening events. Further, when a filmmaker canceled on us at the last minute, they cheerfully reversed the charge. They didn't have to do that but extended themselves for me anyway. Truly a pleasure, and we recommend the property highly.

2026-02-16 • via Tripadvisor
R
Regina • family_with_children • us
9
Pros:

Loved the history of this place, very quaint, gardens were beautiful and the light breakfast was nice. The room was comfortable and liked the robes. Nicely furnished.

Cons:

We had 2 rooms, it was hard to find in the dark, staff should walk guests there, as the map was super confusing. One room (suite) smelled very damp the entire time we were there. Parking could be tricky at times.

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
M
michaelkT5382YR • Family
10
Lovely Visit at The Upham
Pros:

Charming Inn and accommodations. Stayed in one of the Garden Cottages. Comfortably appointed room with fireplace and private patio. Grounds lovely and inviting. Guest Services helpful and welcoming. On site parking provided. And downtown Santa Barbara with great restaurants, art museum, parks, shopping, all within walking distance.

2026-01-24 • via Tripadvisor
J
JoAnn • couple • us
10
It was perfect!
Pros:

It was right across the street from my son’s residence! It was clean & very comfortable.

2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
A
Aleida • extended_group • us
10
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
D
D8700CVtracyv • Couples
2
Questionable 3-star hotel
Pros:

Initially, I felt this hotel had barely a passable rating for a 3-star “boutique” hotel. That is, until they *threw away* a gift I had accidentally left on the hotel lobby counter within 24-hours of leaving it. I’m so stunned that they’d throw away a guest’s items before the 3-day weekend even ended, and there was little that the front desk agent apologized for.

I read reviews before booking and there were some hard critiques that made me wonder if they were being too harsh. Afterall, our friend made the suggestion to book this place so how bad could it be?

The non-existent bathroom fan is true and how muggy it makes the bedroom despite having to open the small bathroom window (facing public space) is also true. There’s damp-rid in the closet which did absolutely nothing. The room was uncomfortable to sleep in even with the AC turned on. Mind you, it’s January and outdoor night temperatures were in the 50’s.

We won’t be coming back.

2026-01-19 • via Tripadvisor
A
ANDRIA • extended_group • us
9
Pros:

Quaint, friendly , clean, location

Cons:

Floorboards in room broken

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
C
Christy • family_with_children • us
4
Disappointing overrated expensive, not a Bed and Breakfast.
Pros:

No Breakfast served. Restaurant not open for dinner.

Cons:

Cleanliness, mold in the shower. A/C not working and it was exceptionally hot in Santa Barbara during our stay. We were not told we were upstairs and had Seniors in the group who had to carry luggage up steep stairs. Overrated for price. Disappointed.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
H
Henry • couple • us
9
Easy and walkable to a great dinner nearby.
Pros:

Very comfortable and peaceful

Cons:

Nightlight in bathroom didn't work.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
D
Donald • couple • us
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • extended_group • us
10
I would recommend the Upham to any of my friend.
Pros:

The property is beautiful and well maintained. Lovely outdoor green spaces and close to shops and dining. I like the layout of cottages that make up the property.

Cons:

The room was slightly outdated, but the bed was very comfortable.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Letitia • family_with_children • us
7
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee