If you are wondering where to start your trip once in California, Santa Barbara might make for a smooth beginning. Enjoying pleasant temperatures year-round, Santa Barbara is not an overpacked city, but a rather pedestrian-friendly one, making it quite a popular resort destination. It is located between an impressively large coastline and the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains, and Spanish colonial heritage can be seen in its Mediterranean-style stucco buildings.
You’ll never run short of things to do here and you can expect a number of upscale shops and restaurants, art galleries, museums, and even kid-friendly attractions. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Santa Barbara, there are plenty of options available to you - from cozy vacation rentals in the city to luxury boutique hotels near Santa Barbara. Below you will find the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, 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 07, 2024.
1. Hotel Californian (from USD 619)
This is a boutique hotel that blends Spanish colonial architecture with modern design and luxury. The hotel is located in the heart of Santa Barbara, steps away from the beach, the Funk Zone, and the historic Stearns Wharf.
The property features 121 spacious rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or patio, custom furnishings, and Moroccan-inspired tiles. The accommodation also offers a range of amenities, such as a rooftop pool and event deck, a full-service spa and salon, a fitness center, and three restaurants and bars. Immerse yourself in boutique sophistication with designer toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and attentive housekeeping.
Hotel Californian
Address: 36 State Street
2.24 km (1.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great rooftop pool with views of ocean and mountainsHost:
the hotel and staff were excellentthe staff could not have been more friendly or helpfulonly positive was the valet staff…they are excellentRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful property with excellent locationwalking distance to wharf beach "funk zone" and great dining
2. Agave Inn (from USD 159)
Ten minutes away from Santa Barbara City College, Agave Inn is not too far away from many restaurants and shops around Santa Barbara as it’s only 4 km (2.4 mi) from the city center and 6.4 km (3.9 mi) from East Beach.
It features air-conditioned hotel rooms that have modern, Mexican-inspired decorations. These rooms are furnished with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an iPod docking station, and a fridge. Every day, the hotel offers light breakfast options for guests to enjoy including juice, hot coffee, muffins, scones, and fruit.
Agave Inn
Address: 3222 State Street
6.49 km (4.1 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
3. Palihouse Santa Barbara (from USD 590)
Palihouse describes itself as a unique stay in Santa Barbara that offers guests “an intimate and elegant coastal hideaway”. The hotel offers a variety of air-conditioned rooms that each have its own set of amenities, with some having a kitchenette and minibar.
The hotel itself features a Mediterranean-style courtyard where guests can relax. There is a garden cafe as well. The outdoor swimming pool and fitness center are available at the guests’ leisure. As for nearby places to visit, this hotel is only close to several restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Granada Theatre, and Brooks Institute of Photography.
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Address: 915 Garden Street
2.86 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
4. Belmond El Encanto (from USD 1185)
Mind-blowing views from the terrace’s fine restaurant, a fairly expansive spa, beautiful bungalows spread throughout the property’s lush premises, and a somewhat residential village feeling, are among the perks you get once in Belmond El Encanto. There is a chance you will get your very own bungalow here and, what’s more, you can pull out your yoga mat and salute the sun or treat yourself to the beauty salon. The hotel’s look is the result of many years of Californian craftsmen’s dexterity that can`t possibly disappoint its guests.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Address: 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara
3.99 km (2.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
5. Kimpton Canary Hotel (from USD 990)
Named after the famous Canary Islands, this stately hotel features a Spanish architectural style and offers rooms with fine Spanish/Moroccan details. The contemporary room comforts include four-poster beds, as well as iPod docks and complimentary yoga mats, should you wish to stretch out on a Saturday morning. On the lovely rooftop pool terrace, apart from swimming, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Santa Barbara and its surroundings. Centrally located, it enjoys great proximity to sumptuous shopping and dining.
Kimpton Canary Hotel
Address: 31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara
3.27 km (2.1 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
6. Spanish Garden Inn (from USD 395)
Counted among the top romantic hotels in Santa Barbara, Spanish Garden Inn is indeed a very beautiful property. Located in the wondrous seaside area of downtown Santa Barbara, this fabulous hotel is modeled after a Spanish family villa and features Spanish colonial characteristics, such as a yard with fountains and archways, along with red tile roofs. The thoroughly up-to-date suites come with fast Wi-Fi, a private patio or balcony, private tubs, and also gas fireplaces. Spa facilities (including in-room service), a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool, and wine tours are among its other facilities.
Spanish Garden Inn
Address: 915 Garden Street
2.91 km (1.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
7. Four Seasons Resort - The Biltmore Santa Barbara (from USD 547)
Wake up to the splashing sounds of the waves and beautiful sea views in this well-appointed Santa Barbara luxury hotel that, among other events, can also host an unforgettable wedding reception. Designed in a 1920s-era Spanish colonial style, this fabulous hotel is set amidst prolific vegetation - a pure pleasure to the eyes. Its luxurious cottages are equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, along with lavish fabrics and antique woodwork, giving the space a nice ambiance. The vibrant city of Los Angeles is just 145 km (90 mi) away.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Address: 1260 Channel Drive
2.33 km (1.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
8. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (from USD 599)
The Spanish architectural style of this opulent hotel is clearly seen in its whitewashed buildings and red tile roofs that seem to fit quite well in this seaside location. Both lovely outdoor pools offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, while the interior spaces feature impeccable decor. The Bacara hotel boasts 360 rooms and suites, along with an expansive spa, a business center, room service, and 24-hour reception. The spacious suites have large windows and balcony doors that open up to private balconies, inviting lots of sun in.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Address: 8301 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara
23.29 km (14.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
9. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara (from USD 379)
This wondrous property, right on the edge of the Pacific coast, is another Spanish-style architectural creation that reflects the leisurely rhythms of palm tree-filled Santa Barbara. Its modern rooms are sufficiently bright and colorful and provide enough space for guests to feel at ease. Tall trees and beautiful flowers are scattered around the outdoor premises, while spots to relax and enjoy those gardens are numerous. The property enjoys great proximity to the marina and historic State Street.
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Address: 202 West Cabrillo Boulevard
2.51 km (1.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
10. Kimpton Goodland (from USD 234)
Situated just north of Santa Barbara in the beautiful suburb of Goleta, this beach house-style boutique hotel is way more than a simple old Holiday Inn. The place exudes a rather easy-going atmosphere and is ideal for committed surfers or wine lovers, thanks to the promising coastline and nearby wine country. The hotel features a vintage style seen in details such as the record turntables, pretty longboards, and colorful woven rugs, as well as a retro-inspired cocktail bar.
Kimpton Goodland
Address: 5650 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
14.3 km (8.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
11. The Wayfarer (from USD 330)
Perhaps the ideal place for a youthful audience, this hotel is a mix of friendly budget hostel and sophisticated boutique hotel. It features private rooms with a maximum sleeping capacity of three guests, while playful bright colors decorate these rooms. The architecture is based on the Spanish colonial style and, as such, it features whitewashed buildings and a pretty funky interior, befitting of youth’s needs. Just a stone’s throw away you will find art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and many more shops.
The Waterman
Address: 12 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara
2.4 km (1.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
12. Haley Hotel (from USD 255)
Reasonable pricing for a boutique hotel; additional parking fees apply.
Charming nautical-themed outdoor area with games, fire pit, and pet relief area.
Conveniently located in the heart of Santa Barbara, walking distance to State Street, the ocean, and various attractions.
Limited breakfast selection, but great coffee nearby; no on-site dining options.
Stay in comfort and style in Santa Barbara at Haley Hotel. Emanating a laidback and casual vibe, this hotel’s rooms are bright, airy and modern. Done up in a minimalist and beachy theme, the accommodation at this hotel is in perfect sync with the surroundings. Guests also have access to a lovely outdoor space that has a sand-covered area with hammocks and surfboards, a wooden deck with barbecue facilities, a picnic table, a fire pit, and more. A giant outdoor chessboard is another quirky amenity of this hotel. West Beach is a short drive away from this boutique hotel.
Haley Hotel
Address: 26 East Haley Street
2.53 km (1.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
13. Santa Barbara Inn (from USD 479)
Located just a two-minute walk away from the beach, Santa Barbara Inn is an impressive property that boasts opulent interiors. The rooms and suites at this boutique property are very well-appointed with elegant furnishings complemented by modern fixtures. Each room is spacious and some have balconies offering ocean or mountain views. Stroll to the beach to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or sailing. On-site facilities at the hotel include a luxe outdoor pool, an oceanfront Italian restaurant, private parking, and more.
Santa Barbara Inn
Address: 901 East Cabrillo Boulevard
582 meters (0.4 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
14. Hideaway Santa Barbara (from USD 375)
Close to many points of interest like Antioch College, Santa Barbara Winery, and more, Hideaway Santa Barbara is a beautiful boutique hotel that oozes a typical Southern California charm. With a pretty blue and white exterior and modern interiors, the property offers fully furnished rooms with contemporary bathrooms. Spend some quiet time in the tranquil garden of the hotel or enjoy a vegetarian breakfast during your stay here. Walk to West Beach to indulge in a range of outdoor activities like swimming, water sports, seashell collecting, and more.
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
Address: 420 W Montecito St
3.07 km (2.0 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
15. Circle Bar B Guest Ranch (from USD 395)
Included breakfast and dinner, pricey but worth it. Meals are home-cooked and satisfying.
Rustic cabins, lovely pool, horseback riding, and outdoor activities. Laid-back, family-like atmosphere.
Peaceful mountain location with beautiful views and nearby horse farm. Close to wineries and Solvang.
Delicious and varied menu, genuine home-cooked meals. Some guests suggested adding more snack options.
For a country-style vacation in Santa Barbara, book yourself and your loved ones into Circle Bar B Guest Ranch. This boutique hotel has a mountain cabin-like feel in its large wooden decks with mountain views, log cabin-style lounge, and wide-open spaces. Guests can enjoy horse riding, taking a dip in the outdoor pool or play billiards in the game room. Each suite, cottage, room and cabin has an inviting interior with cozy furnishings, modern amenities and some even offer lovely views. Hiking can be enjoyed in areas near this hotel.
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch
Address: 1800 Refugio Road
37.95 km (23.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
16. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages (from USD 290)
For a relaxing and romantic time in Santa Barbara, check into Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages. Offering chic amenities combined with unique features like luxe bath features and elegant furnishings, this inn is a great accommodation option for the discerning traveler. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful flower garden or enjoy wine and cheese hour in the evening. The concierge can arrange for massages or other activities in the area. A short 10-minute drive from this boutique hotel will take you Stearns Wharf.
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
Address: 36 West Valerio Street
4.19 km (2.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
17. San Ysidro Ranch
Not quite like the Old West ranch you might have in mind, but rather a more luxurious one, this elegant hotel is located just on the outskirts of Santa Barbara, enjoying an unobtrusive atmosphere and tranquility. Its California-rustic style is complete with large rooms, equipped with a stone fireplace and heated bathroom floor, while its more spacious cottages also feature hot tubs on outdoor patios.
Spa facilities, wedding receptions, a 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool are also offered here. Please note, the hotel is temporarily closed for the remainder of 2018 due to damages from the mudslides. Check here for more info: http://www.sanysidroranch.com/.
San Ysidro Ranch
Address: 900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
4.65 km (2.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
18. Simpson House Inn (from USD 419)
Reasonable pricing for a Victorian B&B with complimentary wine and canapés.
Tranquil gardens, attentive staff, and a historic setting with well-maintained rooms.
Walking distance to attractions like the Presidio and State Street's trendy shops.
Delicious, carefully cooked breakfasts and delightful evening hors d’oeuvres.
If you’re looking for unique hotels in Santa Barbara, then this listing might interest you. Right in the heart of Santa Barbara, this Victorian-style bed and breakfast enjoys close proximity to the historic downtown with all its sightseeing and city amenities. Each room is individually decorated with Victorian details and hardwood floors, while all boast a flat-screen TV, work desk, and bath essentials. The pretty, calm, and peaceful surroundings are comprised of beautifully landscaped gardens for endless hours of relaxation. Accessibility for disabled guests and free bike rentals are also provided.
Simpson House Inn
Address: 121 East Arrellaga Street
3.88 km (2.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Boutique hotels near Santa Barbara, California
19. Blue Iguana Inn (from USD 199)
Blue Iguana Inn offers hotel rooms with a rustic design complemented by the room’s woven carpets, framed art, hardwood floors, and antique fireplace. Other than that, these rooms are also equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a refrigerator. There is also an iPod dock available in some rooms.
The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens where guests can relax. Finally, the hotel is only a 40-minute drive away from Santa Barbara and the plethora of shops, restaurants, and attractions there.
Blue Iguana Inn
Address: 11794 North Ventura Avenue
35.46 km (22.1 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Lavish stays in a blessed place
Luxurious accommodations, strolls by the beach, stunning landscape beauty, and high-end shopping are all perfectly mixed to create your ideal type of holiday. Not only that, Santa Barbara is also home to many great restaurants from restaurants with a view to kid-friendly ones. When combined with plenty of sunshine, a trip to this wonderful city is worth the money and time you’ll be investing so make sure you put Santa Barbara high on your list.
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