Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hotel (26) room (21) staff (19) location (16) great (15) Santa (14) Barbara (14) stay (13) friendly (10) Hotel (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 nir c. 6 months ago on Google
    Rooms are super old! There is no outlet or a lamp near the beds, I called the front desk, and even the phone was broken,I had to call her through my mobile so she can hear me🤦‍♂️. There are stains on the carpet & the bed frame. We have almost zero reception & we couldn't even catch the wifi on the phones. The location is great, though. It's a Shame you are not taking care of the rooms. Not recommended!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Mehran M. 1 year ago on Google
    Super dirty room! carpet was disgusting, they have closed and covered all windows for renovation! Water pressure was jok all mattress are old. The only good thing is a location.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Zion F. 1 year ago on Google
    Old hotel, very outdated decor, I can tell not much thought went into the design, layout, or amenities in general. It’s pretty expensive for a bare bones single room too but I won’t knock it too much for the price as that’s just how hotels in SB are. One star for the great location right on State Street + another star for the friendly service/people. Nothing more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 George R. 9 months ago on Google
    I would recommend avoiding this hotel. The rooms are tiny (my room barely fit the bed and the tv looked like it was 20-some inches or so because there wasn’t room for a larger one) and dirty (it looked like many crevices in the bathroom have never or infrequently been cleaned and have orange and black mold, the carpet wasn’t clean, etc.). Not to mention, the beds are so uncomfortable (they are almost as hard as a rock) and the only elevator in the hotel is tiny and takes forever. The staff generally seemed to be nice, but the people working the parking lot were not helpful and acted in discriminatory manner.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jill A. 6 months ago on Google
    We had a great Anniversary weekend at Hotel Santa Barbara. The front desk staff were so helpful and kind. They genuinely wanted you to have a great time. Kellie and Chris should be commended for good staff. The location was great for restaurants and shopping. We would love to return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon 1 year ago on Google
    What a great place. I can't say enough, just lovely. I'm still here for a couple more nights. Comfortable bed, great friendly staff. Celebrating my 69th birthday today here went out and about for a couple of hours and came back to a gift from the hotel. Bottle of wine and a birthday card. With a picture of the hotel on front of the card. Luv it. They are the best.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James B. 1 year ago on Google
    We were looking for a hotel right near all the restaurants and bars in Main downtown Santa Barbara for an August vacation and went to six or seven to check them out. Hotel Santa Barbara was pretty much the best deal. Although the rooms weren't as fancy as some of the others they were definitely more than adequate but the location was Primo, the service was fantastic and best of all they slayed all the other hotels in price! If you don't really care about how much money you spend then there are several other hotels I might choose over this one. But it would still be a close second. It has a really cool vibe and ambience . You can walk to so many places of interest, shopping, eateries and nightclubs or bars, no need for transportation from this hotel! They'll even rent you electric bicycles a low rate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Micah C. 2 years ago on Google
    My room was very clean, the bed and pillows were very comfortable, and the hotel has a great location. My room was also exceptionally quiet, which was a very nice surprise considering the hotel abuts a lively area. Front desk staff and valet attendants were also very kind and friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hotel in a really great location. So much within walking distance. We had a family emergency during our stay and had to leave early and the staff was very accommodating and made a difficult time much less stressful. Can’t say enough about how good the staff was! Looking forward to coming back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Niall L. 2 years ago on Google
    Not the most glamorous hotel I've ever stayed in but clean and comfortable and right on the main street, which is pedestrianized so not too noisy. Friendly and cheerful staff on reception too. The diner across the street is great for breakfast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maya K. 1 year ago on Google
    Location and employees were great! The hotel was nice. Rooms were pretty small as well as bathrooms. I was happy there was a mini fridge to keep our drinks cool. Cons: no microwave, small room,small bed (cozy queen = full), small bathroom, small TV. Overall we really liked our stay. We stayed 1 night for our wedding. We were able to get early check in and help with our bags. Employees were helpful, friendly and attentive. It's valet parking for $25/ day. It was convenient as parking in this area is difficult. Walking distance to Starbucks, restaurants, cafes and shops! Definitely would stay again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nestor and M. 10 months ago on Google
    A Memorable Stay at Hotel Santa Barbara: Exceptional Service by Kelly at the Front Desk I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Santa Barbara, and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that the hotel staff, especially Kelly at the front desk, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of exceptional. Upon entering the hotel, we were greeted by name, Kelly with a warm smile and a level of attentiveness to recognize us by our voice from a call earlier that day. They did not miss a beat when they noticed us coming from Joe's, the bar with heavy-handed drinks located across the street, plenty of bottled water for everyone as we walked in the lobby. A smile and reminder to stay hydrated after a night of indulgence, we had a big day on the golf course the next day. It is the small things that they don’t have to do that makes all the difference. Kelly’s friendly demeanor and genuine interest in our well-being created a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Overall, the stay at Hotel Santa Barbara was made memorable by the remarkable service provided by Kelly at the front desk. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and proactive approach in ensuring our comfort and satisfaction were unparalleled. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Santa Barbara, as it offers not only delightful accommodation but also a truly outstanding staff who go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. Thank you, Hotel Santa Barbara, and a special thank you to Kelly for making our stay truly exceptional. We look forward to next time!

  • 5/5 Barnard M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service! This hotel and its staff helped to prevent our road trip from being ruined. We had to check out of the La Quinta that we had booked weeks in advance because that hotel had no pack-n-plays for our 7-month old. Nor did La Quinta staff make any attempt to accommodate our needs. We were able to check into the Hotel Santa Barbara immediately. All the staff, from receptionists to maids, from the time I called to inquire about a room and accommodations for our baby to when we left, were friendly and welcoming. The accommodations were comfortable and worth any extra expense. They even made sure to have a pack-n-play ready for our baby before we walked into our room. Thank you Hotel Santa Barbara for serving us!

  • 5/5 kelly k. 5 months ago on Google
    I was here in august for 3 nights and I loved it ! I went to college here back in 2006-2010. I hadn’t been back to SB since 2012 and this place was the perfect place to stay while visiting my old stomping grounds ! I felt so young and happy and like I was back in college again while visiting . Perfect location and super friendly staff . Great location as well to walk everywhere !

  • 5/5 Sweet Iced T. 9 months ago on Google
    What a well-kept, very clean, and perfect location to explore Santa Barbara. Everything from presidio to waterfront is within 10-15 minutes walk. Another amazing feature of this hotel is its cleanliness. Even the general restroom in the lobby was spot clean. Receptionist and vallet were also friendly. Really good value for money. The only downside was the mattress we had was too soft and rather caving in, perhaps time for a new one. Other than that, will definitely stay here again whenever in town

  • 5/5 Anna S. 4 months ago on Google
    Great nice, old, and beautiful hotel! Friendly staff, valet parking. It is located right at the pedestrian street. You are close to the vibrant night life and beautiful beach

  • 4/5 Berlinda B. 5 months ago on Google
    I needed an overnight trip to SB and chose The Santa Barbara Hotel. Easy check-in, room was a bit dated but nostalgic. Location Location Location! Walk your way down State Street to shops and restaurants and come back and grab a fresh baked cookie in the lobby.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stayed two nights here and I will tell you that room 404 is the most quietest hotel room I’ve ever been and I think. Beds are great and the location is perfect. Staff was fantastic the whole experience was low-key and awesome

  • 1/5 Ryan 10 months ago on Google
    Awful hotel, old rooms and rude cold staff. I got a rash on my arms after staying here and I told the staff, they blew it off and didn’t care at all. Never returned my security deposit either even though I did nothing to the room.

  • 5/5 Jeremy R. 1 year ago on Google
    Magical elevator takes you to cozy, clean and quiet rooms with comfortable beds, all expected facilities, and quality fixtures. Our corner room looked onto Cota and State streets through the leafy shade of jacaranda trees. Service from valet to check-in to housekeeping was welcoming, friendly and responsive to all our requests. A charming and convenient hotel, in keeping with Santa Barbara’s classy, small town atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Carol P. 1 year ago on Google
    I booked a room for my 60th birthday 🎂 This hotel is top notch with service and hospitality. The valet, front desk staff, room, and location are the best. The windows are double, maybe triple thick. There was no street noise. We were upgraded for my bday. Our suite was large, the bathroom was brand new and we had red wine, chocolate, and a nice birthday card waiting for us. We dined at the Palace Cafe, but they did not honor the free appetizer with two entrées ? I don't know why. We loved our stay and Paris was kind, sweet and should be promoted ! She made our stay amazing👏

  • 4/5 Jimmy Y. 2 years ago on Google
    The location is superb, literally in downtown area, just step out from the lobby and you are in downtown. Very easy to find foods, different kind of food from western food, asian food, etc. but if you bring car, you have to pay for the parking vallet. The room itself pretty big and have 2 queen beds, so its good for a family.

  • 3/5 Blake B. 1 year ago on Google
    Overall it’s just average and not worth high price tag. Pro’s: excellent location, friendly staff and clean Com’s: it’s literally the smallest hotel room I have ever stayed in. No joke it’s size of a guest bedroom in your home, it was so cramped and bed wasn’t comfortable. 100% not worth $400 night, would never stay again

  • 5/5 Lilly-May S. 3 years ago on Google
    My friend and I spent a week at your hotel and have nothing but praise! Everything was absolutely wonderful. We had a large, clean, spacious room with a small, standing room only balcony overlooking the street. What a nice place to relax! I can extremely recommend you to everyone. Good job! A big hand to all of you!

  • 2/5 Patrick C. 1 year ago on Google
    Location is great. Right at the heart of downtown SB, a walking distance away from Amtrak station. Rooms were okay, TV sometimes lagged or showed statics. Service was okay, but room service was bad. I ordered steak breakfast, but there wasn't any forks, knifes or spoons. Had to dig up disposable fork from trashcan I got elsewhere to eat. And the menu had (prices may vary) warning, but actually costed 50% more than the listed price. That isn't simple variation; it's nearly a scam. Vending machine of any kind seems to be out of order. Overall, great location, but eat your meal elsewhere. Get your snacks and drinks elsewhere. I imagine any convenience store would serve you better.

  • 5/5 Savannah M. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute and quaint hotel. In a great location - walkable to almost anywhere in downtown Santa Barbara and the beach!

  • 5/5 Vicky S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful rooms! Gorgeous ocean view at their door step. Service is probably in a working progress.


Call (805) 957-9300 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Hotels nearby

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort image
1
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hotel
Upscale seafront lodging offering polished rooms, grill-style dining & 3 tennis courts, plus a spa.
4.20 (2.9K reviews)
Mar Monte Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt image
2
Mar Monte Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel
Casual rooms & suites, plus an outdoor pool with a bar, a Spanish restaurant & direct beach access.
3.90 (1.2K reviews)
Lemon Tree Inn image
3
Lemon Tree Inn
Hotel
Midcentury-modern rooms & suites, plus a heated outdoor pool, a hip bar & a polished restaurant.
4.00 (1K reviews)
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach image
4
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Motel
Modern budget property with an outdoor pool, coin laundry & free morning coffee.
3.90 (1K reviews)
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn image
5
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Hotel
Casual hotel offering relaxed rooms with Wi-Fi, in addition to 2 pools & hot tubs.
4.20 (997 reviews)
Last updated:
()