Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Hotels
•
Design Hotels
7.9 (316 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:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

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 316 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
J
Jessica • couple • us
9
Beautiful and convenient
Pros:

Beautifully designed rooms and hotel. Perfect location on State street. We were only there for a day to attend a wedding but would definitely return for another quick trip. The free bike rental was the best part!

Cons:

Loud at night and uncomfortable pillows

2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
N
Nichole • couple • us
10
Too tier
Pros:

The staff was very friendly and super helpful. We also loved that it was right in the mix on State st.

Cons:

Wish there were like a water fountain or ice machine

2026-04-14 • via Nuitee
C
Carolina • couple • us
4
Convenient location, disappointing interior and environment.
Pros:

I liked that is was central and could walk to restaurants. The rooms was also clean.

Cons:

The decor was atrocious and the room was much worse than advertised. The hotel felt more like a hostel than an actual boutique hotel. For what I paid, I expected a little more luxury; nothing crazy but more than what I got.

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
G
Gallagher McDonald • couple • us
1
Horrible stay. Read this before booking.
Pros:

The location is great

Cons:

The room size and layout was absolutely sub par/completely ridiculous. I am a small stature woman staying there with my mom. We literally had to shimmy past one another to use the sink (weirdly next to the bed) and shower with no privacy, and the toilet only has a fabric curtain for privacy. My mom hit her head 3 times on the poorly placed lamps and curtain puller in the bathroom. This place is a sham. Completely disappointed. Don’t stay here. There are better options for the price.

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
M
Micaela • couple • ar
10
2026-04-04 • via Nuitee
C
Camantigue • couple • us
10
2026-03-31 • via Nuitee
R
Ronaldo • solo_traveller • br
6
Pros:

Localização excelente. Hotel moderno e boa decoração. Bom para casais em curta permanência.

Cons:

Quartos estándares são muito menores do que se imagina. Cafeteria local poderia ser melhor. Pouca atenção dos colaboradores, ou quase nenhuma.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
F
Fernando • couple • us
10
2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
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
K
Kirk • couple • us
6
2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
C
clarissa • couple • us
10
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