Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotels
8.7 (1293 reviews)
533 State Street , Santa Barbara , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Heating
Pets allowed
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 1293 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
R
Roxette family_with_children us
8
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
J
Jayne couple us
10
The hotel staff was stellar and attentive. The accommodations were excellent and surprisingly quiet.
Pros:

The hotel was beautiful and had that old time glamour feel.

Cons:

It didn’t offer a self service coffee option. It would be nice to have this as a perk for the guests.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
N
NATSUKI extended_group jp
7
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
J
Justyne couple us
9
Pros:

The property was in the heart of state street which was so convenient! The staff was also exceptional! Everyone we encountered was so kind, helpful and overall pleasant to encounter which really made our wedding weekend less stressful!

Cons:

There are some things that are inevitable but it was unfortunate that our room (319) had a clogged shower for 2/4 days we were there, maintenance was called twice and it wasn’t until the second time it was fixed. My sisters room (222) was so humid, it almost felt like the sheets were damp and the fridge in (307) unknowingly & unfortunately did not work and my aunts food ended up spoiling. No issues in 321.

2026-06-25 via Nuitee
J
Justyne family_with_children us
9
Pros:

The property was in the heart of state street which was so convenient! The staff was also exceptional! Everyone we encountered was so kind, helpful and overall pleasant to encounter which really made our wedding weekend less stressful!

Cons:

There are some things that are inevitable but it was unfortunate that our room (319) had a clogged shower for 2/4 days we were there, maintenance was called twice and it wasn’t until the second time it was fixed. My sisters room (222) was so humid, it almost felt like the sheets were damp and the fridge in (307) unknowingly & unfortunately did not work and my aunts food ended up spoiling. No issues in 321.

2026-06-25 via Nuitee
B
Brian couple us
9
2026-06-24 via Nuitee
S
Sunshine735687 Solo travel San Francisco, California
10
Lovely small hotel.
Pros:

Hotel Santa Barbara is charming, historic, comfortable, friendly and most important, chic. There is a small bar downstairs next to the lobby staffed by attentive employees. It's centrally located on State Street, next to shopping, dining and the pier. It's a gem. The rooms are stylish, comfortable with abundant amenities.

2026-06-22 via Tripadvisor
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
9
974nellies Couples
10
Hotel Santa, Barbara, simply the best
Pros:

Our stay at the Santa Barbara inn was the best ever. We went there to celebrate our 35th year anniversary and the staff especially Christina and Ami. bartender were Amazing.. unfortunately I got very sick and ended up at the Hospital during our day. They were so accommodating and caring to us. We are going to go back and redo this trip because of my illness. But we stay at the hotel Santa Barbara all the time and highly recommended. It’s the place you should stay for a fantastic experience.

2026-06-11 via Tripadvisor
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
A
arieldY2699HY Couples
10
We will be back!
Pros:

We had an amazing experience at this hotel! The location is right in the middle of everything and just a short walk to the beach. Biggest perk for us was that the hotel was incredibly dog friendly. They allow pets for no extra fee and even gave us complimentary dog beds and bowls and treats!

The entire staff (Maddie, Alex, and Natalie at the front desk) were beyond friendly and accommodating - loved them so much we were happy to interact with them when we saw them on the town. The valet and cleaning staff were also super helpful and very nice.

The hotel and rooms itself are tastefully decorated with some beautiful historical touches and the whole place was very clean. There's even a fitness room which we missed on this stay but will most likely be making use of in the future.

We booked this hotel through a different website which offered a great deal and we are pleased to report it was well worth it! This will definitely be the home of our future stays in this beautiful town.

2026-06-09 via Tripadvisor
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
J
John solo_traveller us
10
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
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
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
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