Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Hotels
•
Design Hotels
7.9 (311 reviews)
524 State Street , Santa Barbara , us

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Express check-in/check-out
Non-smoking throughout
Private check-in/check-out
Concierge service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Helpful staff
Cons:
Small room size
Noise issues

Categories

Cleanliness
7.15
Some rooms reported to have noise issues and one review indicated a very small space.
Service
8.65
Staff described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating.
Location
9.15
Perfect location, central and convenient access to local attractions.
Room Quality
6.65
Some complaints about room size and misleading photos on booking.
Amenities
8.15
Amenities appreciated, particularly the bar and coffee shop.
Value for Money
7.65
Some guests feel the price was not justified based on room size and quality.
Food and Beverage
7.65
Issues with food service at the cafe, but good drinks at the bar.
Overall Experience
8.15
Overall positive experiences, but noted drawbacks in room and noise.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-13 18:17

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
Drift Santa Barbara offers elegant 4-star accommodations with modern amenities. Each unit features a flat-screen TV, and select rooms include a fully equipped kitchen for added convenience.

Convenient Location
Situated just 1.3 km from the city centre and less than 1 km from East Beach, this hotel provides easy access to popular attractions such as West Beach, Antioch College, and Amtrak Station Santa Barbara.

Exceptional Services
Enjoy complimentary WiFi, a concierge service, and access to free bikes during your stay. Indulge in delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind with a drink at the bar.

Experience luxury and convenience at Drift Santa Barbara. Book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.

Important information:

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:

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

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

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children ages 17 and older are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 20 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.9
Based on 311 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.15
Service: 8.65
Location: 9.15
Room Quality: 6.65
Amenities: 8.15
Value for Money: 7.65
Food and Beverage: 7.65
Overall Experience: 8.15
R
Robert • couple • us
4
2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • couple • us
8
2026-01-23 • via Nuitee
B
Brendan • couple • gb
3
The room was tiny. We paid over $700, an utter joke
Pros:

Great location

Cons:

The room was tiny.
We paid over $700, an utter joke

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
C
clarissa • couple • us
10
2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
K
Kirk • couple • us
6
2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
S
Stonemets • couple • us
5
Fun to stay in the heart of down town Santa Barbara but not worth the price.
Pros:

Trendy design.

Cons:

Little to no amenities.
No way to get ice or filtered water.
Very loud.

2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • us
10
2026-01-02 • via Nuitee
H
Harriet • couple • gb
9
Stylish, comfortable stay.
Pros:

Great stay. Love the decor, and amenities in the room. Staff were really helpful when we had an issue with the TV. Perfect location.

2025-11-30 • via Nuitee
A
Avigail • family_with_children • us
7
2025-11-23 • via Nuitee
G
Georgia • couple • gb
7
2025-11-21 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • family_with_children • us
5
2025-11-20 • via Nuitee
C
Craig • solo_traveller • us
10
2025-11-18 • via Nuitee
V
Verity • couple • gb
9
Trendy hotel in the perfect location.
Pros:

Perfect location, trendy rooms, the coffee shop and bar were an added bonus. Comfy beds with big tv and good shower.

Cons:

Our room was quite dark but we didn’t spend tonnes of time in there so was fine.

2025-11-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jefferson Pitelli • couple • br
6
Não vale o preço
Pros:

Localização!

Cons:

Quarto “Cozy Garden” mas não tem vista para o “garden” apenas uma janela há 3 m de altura.

2025-11-08 • via Nuitee
P
Pretscherer • couple • us
10
2025-10-27 • via Nuitee
R
Renschler • couple • us
7
2025-10-20 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • couple • us
9
2025-10-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • family_with_children • us
8
Expensive and noisy
Pros:

Fun to be on State street. Hip colors and comfortable bed looking west to the mountains through arched windows.

Cons:

Need a phone to register / enter, horrible noise all night long looking at the city parking lot, cafe downstairs poor overwhelmed couldn’t make even toast. Room was very small.

2025-10-20 • via Nuitee
T
Trish • couple • us
5
2025-10-19 • via Nuitee
S
Safar • couple • ar
8
Noches de piano bar
Pros:

La atención de André que hablaba en español y fue muy atento a remover todos los problemas

2025-10-18 • via Nuitee