Santa Barbara is called the American Riviera and is often compared to the famous beach of southern France. Like its French contemporary, Santa Barbara boasts breathtaking beaches, with lots of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. This tiny coastal city offers activities such as vineyard tours where you can have wine tastings, gallery viewings of the thriving local art scene, and wine-fueled appreciation of live entertainment. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a Hollywood celebrity vacationing on these shores. With its beautiful coastline and illustrious offerings, this clearly is the sun-soaked playground of the rich and famous. Have a taste of the extravagant American Riviera lifestyle by booking one of the 5-star hotels in Santa Barbara, California, which we’ve listed here for you.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Rosewood Miramar Beach (from USD 1545)
Rosewood Miramar Beach garnered Forbes’ 5-star rating for its exclusive leisurely amenities and estate-style ambiance. For a two-night stay in their luxurious guest rooms and suites, you get the third night for free. The rooms and suites are exceptionally large and comfortable offering views of the garden or the ocean. Select rooms feature a furnished balcony while others have access to a garden patio or terrace.
There are several luxurious bars and restaurants on-site offering a variety of handcrafted cocktails and international cuisine. Whether you are dining indoors or al fresco by the sea, you will enjoy a high-dollar atmosphere. To keep you fit and refreshed, take time to exercise at the fitness studio or swim laps in the two outdoor pools. Additionally, you can get a deep tissue massage at Sense Spa.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Address: 1759 South Jameson Lane
3.63 km (2.3 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
2. Hotel Californian (from USD 909)
This 121-room Mediterranean-style hotel attracts locals, foreigners, and Hollywood’s elite to its offerings of Spanish colonial-themed rooms and gastronomical delights. Guests can indulge themselves with various cuisines from the five on-site restaurants each offering a unique dining experience. They can dine indoors or outdoors by the pool or in the Moroccan-themed courtyard.
Become the town celebrity by hosting an event at the hotel’s Alhambra Ballroom or Mirador Rooftop Deck. You can choose from several meeting rooms with exclusive patios on-site for formal meetings. Relax and rejuvenate from work and partying by diving into the outdoor rooftop pool or have a therapeutic massage at the Morrocan-themed Majorelle spa.
Hotel Californian
Address: 36 State Street
2.25 km (1.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
3. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara (from USD 839)
Luxurious and worth the cost, with some pricey add-ons.
Beautiful infinity pool, e-bikes, and pet-friendly with thoughtful amenities.
Tucked into the Santa Barbara hills, offering stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Varied dining experiences, with some slow service but exceptional food quality.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara is an iconic hotel restored to its 1920s grandeur. Its original Californian and Spanish structure with the addition of modern amenities such as the luxurious spa facilities and the infinity pool. The lush 7-ac (2.8-ha) garden is the perfect venue for outdoor weddings and corporate events. This glamorous hilltop hotel offers sweeping views of Pacific Ocean. It’s a low-key getaway for the Santa Barbara high-brow society. Tastefully decorated rooms, suites, and bungalows are offered to guests for luxurious stays.
Dine in style at the on-site restaurant with an ocean-facing terrace serving seasonal and locally sourced gourmet dishes. For casual dining and tea time with friends, you can hang out at The Lounge. You can also enjoy a drink or two with friends at The Bar.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Address: 800 Alvarado Place
3.91 km (2.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
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4. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (from USD 789)
High-end pricing, with some room discrepancies and overpriced amenities.
Beautiful location, spa services, pools, beach access, and free bike rentals.
Scenic oceanfront setting, though some noise and distance issues.
Mixed dining experiences, with some overpriced and slow service, but delicious fresh food choices.
This luxurious resort is spread over a 78-ac (31.5-ha) property overlooking Gaviota Coast. It offers gorgeous rooms and suites with furnished patios offering stunning views of the ocean or the garden. This hotel could be a food mecca with its wide menu of local, Latin and Japanese cuisine including steaks, pastries, and ice cream in a variety of dining settings. There’s also a cafe, two bars, and a wine-tasting room on the premises.
Start your wellness journey at the on-site spa that offers various face and body treatments. You can swim in the three on-site pools, spend time at the beach, play golf, and go biking or hiking on the property.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Address: 8301 Holllister Avenue
23.29 km (14.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Enjoy luxurious stays in the American Riviera
Santa Barbara can be best enjoyed by staying in these top 5-star hotels mentioned above. Each has unique and luxurious amenities that you will surely enjoy. You may even want to extend your stay at the American Riviera.
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