Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hotel (47) room (46) stay (26) staff (23) rooms (19) nice (18) location (18) Harbor (18) pool (17) View (17)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Zachary M. 8 months ago on Google
    No room service. No breakfast. No microwave, loose toilet handle and loose faucet. Our room was near the elevator and laundry room; it shook whenever the commercial washing machines went into spin mode. Balcony view east towards canal with partial beach view nice but mosquitoes come out in the evening. The room was very clean and comfortable otherwise. Cleaning staff do a really great job. We had a power outage for several hours during one night and no AC. Got a bit warm. The hotel is in a great walking location to all of Santa Barbara activities and restaurants. Very tight parking lot for $32/day. Overall, nice hotel but too expensive for what you actually get in accommodations. Every hotel near the beach in SB is like this though, so just the state of things if you want to stay here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hanna M. 11 months ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I researched hotels in the Santa Barbara area for hours and decided on Harbor Inn and so glad we did. We traveled to LAX from Minneapolis and took the train in. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Every time we left or entered the hotel the staff would acknowledge us. Our room was on the first floor on the main building just behind the lobby. It was spacious and very nice. We had a patio with several chairs and it was nice place to drink your morning coffee. The location of Harbor Inn is fantastic. Located right next to Jeannine’s, a brunch spot that we went to every morning. The water is only a few steps away and State street has anything and everything to do such as shopping and eating, and drinking wine. As I mentioned, we took the train into Santa Barbara and the train station was a very short walk to get to the hotel. We had an issue with our tub not draining and let the staff at the front desk know and within 20 minutes it was resolved. The pool area is nice with lots of lounge chairs, hot tub and pool towels are provided. The pool bar was not open during the time we spent there but that was not an issue for us. Look forward to staying here again the next time we visit Santa Barbara.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T L. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this hotel! It is perfectly located on the beach in Santa Barbara. The rooms are spacious and exceptionally clean. The bathrooms are updated and the shower is fantastic. I stay here every time i come now, and that is like 2 times a month. This hotel is way nicer than the Hilton resort. Just my two cents!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sierra S. 1 year ago on Google
    We absolutely LOVED our stay and experience with the Harbor View Inn. Our wedding was in July 2022 and we wanted our guests to stay downtown near the ocean. We reached out to the event coordinator, Berenice, at Harbor View Inn and she explained to us that while they could not offer a room block in July, our guests could book rooms specifically in the North Building so that we could all stay in the same building. The rooms are all remodeled and clean, there is parking under the building, and everything is close by. All of our guests had a wonderful experience while staying at the Harbor View Inn. My husband and I booked a two-bedroom suite in the north building and it was very large and perfect for getting ready in on the day of our wedding. Even though it’s in plain site, it truly is a “hidden gem” with so many hotel options in the area. I would recommend Harbor View Inn over and over again! Our guests had a wonderful stay at this property.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jude “XN XINELS” X. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best experiences we had at a hotel stay. I can say that the reviews didn't lie. They have exceeded our expectations and gave the best and most amazing service. The staff are all welcoming and very friendly. We loved our 3 days stay here. Complete amenities plus an amazing Buffet Breakfast! 10 🌟 stars to this hotel! Will definitely be back! Worth every bucks!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Janel P. 1 year ago on Google
    We came and stayed here for two nights and everything and was what we expected until we were charged for a "stolen" robe without my knowledge and accused of stealing. The incident was eventually resolved but the way in which we were treated was unprofessional and unacceptable. The hotel is a great spot across from the beach and by all fun Funk Zone shops. The customer service was great at check-in, but the call from Jocelyn after we checked out was very confrontational as she excused us of taking a robe. She asked us to check our suitcases to see if we happened to have taken it. I confirmed that we had used the robes while there but we left them in the room. The robes are thin, scratchy and not well made. Not at all something that I would even want to have. After the first call from Jocelyn she said she would have housekeeping double check and call me back. During the 2nd call she confirmed that housekeeping couldn't account for the robe and she had charged my card $80 without my permission. At this point I asked to speak with the manager who she just said they had stepped out. When I reiterated that I needed to speak with the manager she put me on hold and then said the manager would remove the charge as a "one time courtesy". Being accused of stealing and not even receiving an apology after it was confirmed we should not be held responsible for something that was outside our control was just disappointing. I hope no one who stays here has this happen to them. The whole ordeal felt a bit like a scam, especially not even being allowed to talk to the manager directly after making several requests. I hope Harbor View Inn finds a more efficient way to keep track of their precious robes!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Esther L. 1 year ago on Google
    We stayed here two nights on our recent visit and found everything to be wonderful. The location cannot be beat, the rooms are well-maintained and updated, I love the exposed wood beams in the vaulted ceiling‘s against the white paint. We stayed in the west building which had a little view but it wasn’t a big deal. I thought the pool could have been better cared for, it was full of garbage and the filter was not running. It’s really nice that they have a warm shower on the pool deck, for when coming back from the beach with small children. It was really helpful to be able to rinse sand off before going up to the room. There’s a quiet little office space nook in the main lobby which was really nice from doing work. Also, we ate breakfast at Janine‘s which is on the same block, every single day we were there which was really delightful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffrey C. 5 months ago on Google
    We stayed at Harbor View one night and found we wanted to stay longer. The location is great, right on the Cabrillo Hwy. The Ocean view rooms in building two have the best view looking over the grassy courtyard, pool, hot tub and then outwards to the ocean and marina. They did not have a restaurant on site but plenty of choices nearby. Rooms are large, well decorated and slept very well with either blinds for ventilation or blackout curtains. Our patio was spacious with loungers and a table. The bathroom had a private water closet and super large shower. All fixtures and appliances were functional and worked well. They do not have a valet service and baggage help was hard to find. Parking is on site and is an extra $32 a night. We will definitely be going back if we return to the area. Urban Cowgill November 2023
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dru N. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I stayed here for a week when we came in to Santa Barbra to get married. Harbor View Inn was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had! The location is absolutely gorgeous. It’s located right near the harbor (aptly named) and walking distance from so many restaurants bars and attractions. The staff was so kind pleasant and helpful. I needed to reprint my wedding vows and was having problems getting my computer to work with the business center printer. The desk person, without prompting from me, told me to mail it to them, they printed it off and I was on my way. It’s a small story but it showed me they were always observant of their guests wants and needs. Our room was large and very comfortable. Hot tubs (yeah there’s two) and pool were well kept and stoked with towels. The buildings were all super secure and required key card access. Great hotel. We know we will be back for an anniversary and we will absolutely be staying here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tee 1 year ago on Google
    I loved this hotel! The staff was nice, the room was absolutely beautiful 😍, and the owner was very friendly! If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I love the decor and modern feel of the room, plus it was near the beach, and the restaurants too! Everything was truly walking distance!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Galen C. 1 year ago on Google
    We really enjoyed our stay at the Harbor View Inn. We were located in the newest of the three buildings, which sits on State Street (the main drag) and is close to the railroad station. Our room had a great view of the mountains and the city, with some amazing views around sunset. The location can't be beat - a 3 minute walk to the pier, and a short walk to tons of wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops downtown. On-site pool and hot tub were very nice. Would definitely stay here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haylee 1 year ago on Google
    What a fabulous hotel. We enjoyed our stay here so much! The front desk staff, especially Jason and Jr. we’re incredible. From the moment we arrived everyone was welcoming and genuine. The room was BEAUTIFUL and being able to open the windows was pure luxury. The courtyard and grounds were quiet and peaceful. The hotel is perfectly located to the wharf. The staff truly went above and beyond for us and we were so grateful. We can’t wait to come back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justus I. 1 year ago on Google
    Large hotel complex in an excellent location I booked this inn for 2 days as I wanted to have a rest day on my bike trip between Vancouver and San Diego. It is a very extensive hotel complex spread over several houses, partly beyond a small canalized stream. My room with balcony, large desk, dresser, separate bathroom and toilet was spacious and generously furnished and extremely quiet despite the proximity to the coast road and the railway line as well as Highway 101. The outdoor area is varied and includes a whirlpool and an attractive swimming pool, which I enjoyed using. There is also a well-equipped fitness room. The location to the beach and the pier is ideal, but you can also be in the city center in five minutes thanks to its location on the corner with the main street (State Street). In fact, the location of the house could not be more advantageous. The staff was also friendly and natural. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tom F. 2 years ago on Google
    Comfortable clean rooms with large balconies overlooking a beautiful view of the garden, resort pool, beaches, and ocean. Walking distance to tons of activity, restaurants, and Santa Barbara sights. Great beds. Solid shower/bathroom. Easy parking. Recovery session in the 21+ hot tub and dry sauna are worth seeking out as well. Missing was a morning coffee station. Yes, plenty of nearby options, but that added delay with grabbing some hot coffee before an early morning beach stroll. Some other resort type amenities were not available either due to season, or Covid closure, or both; I’m not sure. Regardless, our family had a great stay - we will definitely return again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie J. 1 year ago on Google
    My review is for the amazing customer service I experienced when contacting Harbor View Inn. My parents were staying there for a few nights and I wanted to surprise them with something special in their room upon arrival. Rosie answered the phone and was so welcoming and helpful even though I was calling the day of check-in with my request. With the assistance of Harbor View Inn staff, I was able to get a gift delivered to the room. Rosie even offered to make a card and called me back to confirm everything was done. My parents were so pleased with the gift and raved about the location and amenities in the room. It’s nice to know there are businesses that go above and beyond for their guests.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malissa K. 8 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience- the staff was attentive and helpful, even gave us a complimentary bottle of wine 🍷 when they found out we were celebrating our anniversary. The location was incredible - we fell asleep listening to the waves. The room was spacious, balcony facing the water and Stearns Wharf. Bed was very comfy.

  • 1/5 Harmanpreet S. 4 months ago on Google
    Updated Response: Mark A. Romasanta G. M. I listed 5 issues in my original review and in your response you tried to cover up all the 5 listed issues by saying the staff replaced the faulty iron. Since you tried to cover up the issues and my review as well rather than acknowledging them, I am reducing the rating further from 2 stars to 1 star. It is unacceptable to have blinds eye to issues and then showcasing the review readers that you have solved all my issues which in reality have never got solved. I have reached out to you staff 4 times about wifi and they just have not done anything to resolve the issue. So I would say you have not done enough to resolves issues and therefore the review and ratings are quite fair. Original Response: I will give 2 stars to this hotel. We stayed in a suite and we didnt feel we get the service that a normal 2 star hotel has to offer.. The cell phone service is non existential in the room and on top of that the wifi of the hotel is super bad. There is no wifi connection and no cell phone service if you are in the room 106 and you will only get signals in the hotel lobby.. The amenities in the room are like 20 years old and does not really matches with what other 4 star property would offer. I have to keep my room door open and sit next to the door to get bare minimum wifi in order to call someone or search some restaurants.. this is a hell a lot inconvenient and many a times stressful for guests.. the wifi signal mesher/extender is barely 100 dollars cost and could solve the problem. The iron in the room does not work at all..it takes forever to warm up and is never hot enough to do the job. The shower drain got stuck twice and it is gross to deal with these situations.. the motel 6 showers would be even better in my opinion.. Oh yes the biggest inconvenience for us since we have a 3 yr old with us. The hotel doesn't have a single microwave in the hotel so if you are planning to come with little kids who would need milk or food warmed up then this is not a right place for you! We got no fan in the bedroom space... which was a bummer too! I think i wont even pay 100 dollars per night for the inconvenience we have experienced staying here. Good sides: - room big and spacious - good cleaning service - very close to harbor - jacuzzi

  • 5/5 Carol W. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a 4 day dream vacation in Santa Barbara and Harbor View Inn was our beautiful home for those 4 dreamy days!! Perfect location, oceanview room, wonderful friendly and very helpful staff. They welcomed us warmly and greeted us coming and going each day. We were celebrating our anniversary so they gave us a bottle of wine, pistachios and a coupon for one of the many awesome nearby restaurants!! They have a list of suggested nearby restaurants and many were in walking distance which was our preference. Many thanks to Berenice who coordinated our reservation and helped us change dates and add a day and to all the wonderful staff. Thanks Harbor View Inn, we hope to see you again soon!!

  • 5/5 C F. 6 months ago on Google
    We had a fantastic stay at Harbor View Inn. We celebrated our anniversary and they gifted us a nice bottle of wine for the occasion. The location cannot be beat and the price was great for the area. We didn’t rent a car but we were within walking or biking distance to all the top spots! The staff at this hotel is top notch. We always saw someone cleaning or checking on guests. We will be coming back!

  • 1/5 Jasmyne C. 6 months ago on Google
    So my girlfriend and I had an accident while kayaking and needed to get to a hotel room to take a shower and regroup. We went to the Harbor View Inn to get a room. Granted we were wet--we were thrown from our kayak into the ocean--we were not homeless. We both feel that we were discriminated against when we tried to get a hotel room. Between the two of us we had no less than 10 credit cards including platinum cards and American Express. The guy at the counter said there was a two night minimum and began to find us a room when a woman came over and looked at us and told him something and then all of a sudden there were no rooms available. We both felt discriminated against. It was very obvious. We ended up renting a room just down the way from Harbor View Inn with no problems. We're leave this review because now that we're back home it's important for other Black people to know how we were treated when we went there looking for refuge. We had no problem paying for two nights even though we were not staying for two nights. We just needed a room right then to get over the traumatic experience we had in the ocean and collect ourselves. That's how desperate we were. We hope in the future employees here don't judge a book by its cover. We had more than enough money to pay for our room. We just looked a mess because we had been thrown into the ocean when our kayak overturned.

  • 5/5 bobsloan79 5 months ago on Google
    Family stay, 2 adults and kids aged 17,15 and 10. Absolutely loved this hotel. The rooms were clean modern and super comfy. The location is brilliant, close to the wharf and beach as well as plenty of restaurants nearby. The pool was great too but unfortunately the pool bar was closed due to the time of year. I would highly recommend this as a place to what in the amazing town of Santa Barbara!

  • 1/5 Charlene P. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I booked a stay at Harbor View Inn in Santa Barbara for 3 days prior to traveling to New Zealand. We booked a non-refundable room since we knew our plans would not be changing as our itinerary was set. We arrived on Jan 9th during a major rain event that closed Hwy 101 and the mountain pass. We were physically unable to get to the hotel. I called at least 8 times before making alternate lodging arrangements for the night. I called again the next morning and spoke to Jason who advised that the roads were still closed and that they didn’t know when they would reopen. When asked about what our options would be to obtain a refund or credit towards a future stay since we physically could not get to the hotel he told me to call back the next morning to speak with their sales director Berenice. We booked another hotel for the second night. When I called the next morning to speak to Berenice I was on hold for 20 minutes before being put into Jason’s voicemail. At that point I extended the stay at the hotel we were staying at because no one at the hotel would return a call. Berenice finally emailed me back midafternoon to state that they had held our rooms for the last two days since we hadn’t canceled the reservation and that they wouldn’t honor a refund or even offer to give us a credit toward a future stay. She stated that the interstate had reopened way earlier than it actually had and that they were assuming we would show up for our reservation. We absolutely would have had anyone from the hotel reached out to us to let us know that we could even make it to the hotel. While I understand the concept of a nonrefundable reservation there should also be some accountability on the hotels part to keep their patrons informed when the circumstances are beyond their control. It’s just poor business practice to operate without taking all circumstances into account. The management of this property should be reconsidered.

  • 5/5 Helene G. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing stay! The location is amazing, beautiful rooms and excellent service. Absolutely loved our stay in this hotel. We already made reservations to return!! I’m sad to see negative reviews from those whom booked non-refundable rooms. It’s in the name - non-refundable so unfair that they blast the hotel via reviews. This hotel is top notch at an extremely reasonable rate. Highly recommend!!!

  • 4/5 daniel �. 2 years ago on Google
    I've reviewed this hotel before We came to this hotel back in the mid-80s after they finish their first new wing and we're in the process of renovating the old portion next to the pool. Back then we stayed in a second floor suite. That was beachside and of course it was amazing. But we've come back many years including our wedding night and practically every anniversary for the past 35 years. I'm giving him four stars for one reason they don't have daily room service unless requested. They don't even pick up the trash in the room. They do not have a water machine or water bottles and they no longer have room service of any kind. It's certainly not the luxury hotel any longer, but the service was great at the counter and the staff was very professional.

  • 1/5 Thomas P. 1 year ago on Google
    Dishonest manager. We couldn’t get to the property due to the closure of the 101 and the mountain pass. We called 5 or 6 times with no answer (the phone lines may have been down). We had to make other hotel arrangements that night. Then when we finally got in touch with the front desk the next day, they told us we would have to deal with the sales team to discuss refunds and cancellations. After several phone calls still no resolution. At 5 pm the next day the roads were reopened. That evening we finally had contact with the manager (Bernice) who refused to give us a refund. She claimed the 101 opened earlier despite us having a press release of the actual time. After several communications back and forth, she agreed to comp us one night within 6 months. This did us no good since we live in NC and we’re heading out the next day. After all this, we were out over $1000 because we had to find alternative arrangements and could not get reimbursed by Bernice. This is bad business. My wife and I own a wedding venue. Even though we didn’t have to, during Covid we reimbursed everyone 100% of their non-reimbursable payments. Show the Harbour View some karma.

  • 3/5 Nikole V. 1 year ago on Google
    I come here to work very often which means I’m kind of a guest for the person paying for the room. The rooms are nice and the front desk staff is super friendly but the parking guys drive me crazy some days I get good ones and some others they make me park on the street and move my car every 90 min which makes me loose a lot of time for my jobs. I have no problem paying for the parking if needed but sometimes they don’t even let me do that

  • 5/5 KJ L. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the ocean view. It was worth the extra money. Hotel was very clean. Staff was very nice. We loved the fact it was so close to the pier. Check out was at 12pm, but we asked for a late check out (1pm) and they made it woke :)

  • 5/5 Enjoli R. 2 years ago on Google
    We got an ocean view room for a loved ones wedding. The rooms are big and beautiful we had two balconies. Very clean. The front desk staff was absolutely lovely! Our bellman Hudson was great! Would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Darla D. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the room, so beautiful. Very accommodating staff and so much food and sights in walking distance. I highly recommend going to Jennine’s for breakfast if you stay, it is just a short walk around the corner.

  • 5/5 Darlene B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a really beautiful and well-appointed & maintained hotel. I didn’t expect my room to be this spacious, it’s beautiful, airy, bright and feels brand new. My room is in the North Building which is off the main highway and quiet. No noise from neighboring rooms. Has a nice balcony to check out the views. Walking distance to everything. They gave me a nice list of restaurants close by and recommended a great new little steakhouse, The Rare Society which was really good! I’m riding the train, which is a block away, so this is easy!

  • 4/5 Joel B. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean rooms and friendly staff! Stayed 2 nights with my wife and toddler and would stay again. We had a city view room, but had a view of the ocean which was a nice surprise. Clean pool with a shallow area for toddlers. Location is perfect! We brought bicycles, so we didn't have to drive for our whole stay. They have bike racks if you want to lock your bike in the patio. Parking is $25ish a night, but we were able to find street parking one block away. Would give 5 stars, but no breakfast offered. Even a continental would be nice when considering the price per night. Overall, very happy with our stay!

  • 1/5 Cristian I. 1 year ago on Google
    I did my research before booking two nights here, all the boxes checked out what I was looking for when booking so I went ahead and gave this place a chance. Customer service on booking over the phone wasn’t the greatest experience. Our conversation kept getting interrupted every 30-45 seconds from other calls coming in. I booked a beach view king room and it was infested with ants. I let the front desk receptionist know about the ants and kind of downplayed the issue, which I get their ants but I’ve never experienced this issue in any other hotel. A tech came out and cleaned the room and sprayed bug spray all over the walls…. It didn’t end there, more ants came throughout the night. It was really difficult to go to sleep when you feel ants crawling all over you. I expected them to have pest control in place to prevent this. The receptionist didn’t even offer to switch me rooms after paying a good amount of money for the room that I got. Really disappointing..

  • 5/5 Andrea H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful location, right on the sea front. Room very spacious and clean. The staff provided us with restaurant recommendations which gave us a useful starting point. Lovely pool area, including a kids pool and jacuzzi. Plenty of sun beds. Would highly recommend, we loved our stay!

  • 5/5 Patryk S. 1 year ago on Google
    We spent one night with our family at this hotel. Very spacious rooms and a large bathroom. Modern and tidy rooms. They have a nice pool and hot tub on site. Friendly service at the reception and very good hotel location. Close to the beach and many different shops and restaurants. I really recommend this hotel!


Call (805) 963-0780 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Hotels nearby

Last updated:
()