Santa Barbara is only about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles and it’s famous for a quick getaway to beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, wine tasting, or just to chill. Santa Barbara definitely has something for everyone.
Santa Barbara also has a reputation for its boutique shops and world-class resorts that make the city even more expensive. However, you are still able to enjoy this seaside paradise on a limited budget, because we have come up with 10 budget hotels in Santa Barbara for your ideal California retreat.
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 04, 2024.
1. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara (from USD 279)
Nestled in the downtown core of the city, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara offers a luxurious getaway without breaking the bank. It boasts two heated swimming pools placed in the outdoor areas. It also offers a well-equipped fitness center for travelers who want to work up some sweat during their stay. When they’re not soaking in the hot tub or swimming in the pool, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s oceanfront setting and head to the beach for a fun day of sun and sand.
Guests can end their day with an al fresco meal in the hotel’s patio dining area with a lovely, tropical garden.
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Address: 202 West Cabrillo Boulevard
2.54 km (1.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
2. Inn at East Beach (from USD 220)
Inn at East Beach features a great location that makes it a perfect home base for your adventure in Santa Barbara. It also offers very affordable accommodations so you can enjoy the extra bucks as you check out all the shops, restaurants, and pristine beaches near the property.
All the rooms in Inn at East Beach come with a flat-screen TV and access to Wi-Fi. There is also an outdoor swimming pool found on the property for a rejuvenating dip, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
Inn at East Beach
Address: 1029 Orilla Del Mar
369 meters (0.3 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
3. Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta (from USD 220)
Tucked between Highways 101 and 217, Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta offers affordable accommodations without compromising modern comforts. This 3-star hotel features spacious rooms and a suite, all come with a flat-screen TV and access to free Wi-Fi. Seating areas and dedicated workspaces are also available in the rooms.
For relaxation, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool on-site, complete with lounge chairs for resting in-between soaks. There is also a hot tub found on the property that is open to all guests. Meeting facilities and a business center provide convenience, especially for business travelers.
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
Address: 5665 Hollister Avenue
14.34 km (9.0 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
4. De La Vina Inn (from USD 258)
For a budget hotel, De La Vina Inn comes with modern conveniences that ensure travelers of a comfortable stay. This 3-star property offers private suites, all of which come with an exclusive bathroom and a flat-screen TV. The Penthouse Suite, suitable for two adults, boasts a private balcony that looks out to the blue waters, while the Brighton Suite delivers views of the beautifully landscaped garden. Other hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, wedding venues, and private parking spaces.
Because of the hotel’s strategic location, guests can enjoy easy access to several points of interest, including the El Presidio district, the Old Mission, and Stearns Wharf.
De La Vina Inn
Address: 1323 De La Vina Street
3.85 km (2.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
5. Kronborg Inn (from USD 159)
The Presidio
Address: 1620 State Street
4.03 km (2.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
6. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara (from USD 199)
This charming hotel on Bath Street offers homey accommodations for travelers at a reasonable rate. From rooms and suites to apartments and townhouses - this 4-star hotel boasts a wide range of accommodations for different kinds of guests. All rooms at this hotel come with mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Plus, the hotel provides fresh fruits every day for healthy snacking.
The in-house restaurant serves delectable dishes made from locally sourced produces throughout the day. You can pair your meals with wine or craft beer. If you’re looking to have a fun time with the family, the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect spot for it.
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Address: 2220 Bath Street
5.08 km (3.2 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
7. Lemon Tree Inn (from USD 155)
Lemon Tree Inn is a hotel with great access to stores, shops, and freeways, but it’s far enough from the tourist crowds. The Museum of Natural History is 1.6 km ( 1 mi) from the property and Arroyo Burro Beach is 5.8 km (3.5 mi) away. The property has a tropical courtyard and a swimming pool with an area with a hot tub.
Dining at the hotel restaurant, Crocodile restaurant, is a must. You will be served with delicious Italian and Californian cuisine. Another option is having breakfast at Garrett’s Restaurant, which is just a short walk away.
Lemon Tree Inn
Address: 2819 State Street
5.68 km (3.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
8. Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara (from USD 159)
Comfortable beds and fluffy white linens are only a few things Sandpiper Lodge has to offer to their guests. The front desk is open for 24 hours and free breakfast is served until 10:00 am. So make sure to grab your breakfast with scrambled eggs, toast, yogurt, juice, and coffee.
Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara
Address: 3525 State Street
6.98 km (4.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
9. Quality Inn Santa Barbara (from USD 130)
Quality Inn Santa Barbara is located just off the main street but still close to anything that you need for your holiday. Mission Santa Barbara is 1.6 km ( 1 mi) away and State Street is 3.2 km (2 mi) away.
You can enjoy a free buffet-style continental breakfast each morning. And within an easy walk, you will find many great cafes and restaurants. The property has access to the freeways, which make it easier to reach the beach within a 10-minute drive.
Quality Inn Santa Barbara
Address: 3055 De La Vina Street
6.17 km (3.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
10. Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach (from USD 194)
If you are planning to visit Santa Barbara with your lovely pet, Motel 6 Santa Barbara – Beach is your perfect accommodation on a budget. Located near the beach, this pet-friendly Santa Barbara motel meets all your needs for an affordable holiday. It has a swimming pool and a vending machine available for your late-night snacking options.
Motel 6-Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Address: 443 Corona Del Mar
448 meters (0.3 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
11. Agave Inn (from USD 159)
A modern Mexican-inspired hotel with everything you need, the hotel is clean and just remodeled. If you are not the big breakfast type of person, you will enjoy the light breakfast offered by this hotel. The breakfast selection is very basic with muffins, scones, some fruit, juice, and good coffee. You can also stop by at one of the many restaurants at the city centre.
Agave Inn
Address: 3222 State Street
6.49 km (4.1 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
12. Sunset Motel (from USD 89)
Affordable rates starting at $140 per night.
Clean rooms with mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Good water pressure in the shower.
Convenient location near coffee shops, restaurants, and markets. Walking distance to stores and a short drive to downtown.
No breakfast due to the pandemic, but a fantastic Indian restaurant and Starbucks are located nearby.
Sunset Motel is located near the bus line, so it’s easier for you to reach many destinations if you don’t want to bring your own transport. You will enjoy a free continental breakfast, which is served every morning in the lobby. But please note that there are no tables and chairs, so you need to eat your breakfast in your room.
There is a popcorn machine and also free juices served in the evening. What a perfect way to enjoy late-night snacking!
Sunset Motel
Address: 3504 State Street
6.92 km (4.3 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
13. Oasis Inn and Suites (from USD 137)
Oasis Inn and Suites is a 100% non-smoking Santa Barbara hotel. It has an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy and there are several choices of room types. The Suites offer a fully equipped kitchen and the hotel is walking distance to restaurants and shops, so you can buy your own food for a homemade dinner night at the suite.
Don’t forget to dine at Los Agaves for the best Mexican dishes at Santa Barbara, you will not be disappointed!
Oasis Inn and Suites
Address: 3344 State Street
6.74 km (4.2 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
14. Orange Tree Inn (from USD 143)
Orange Tree Inn is located 3.2 km (2 mi) from West Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The most memorable things about this property is the helpful manager on duty, who is always ready to provide the guests with anything they need, from extra towels to a hair dryer.
Orange Tree Inn
Address: 1920 State Street
4.45 km (2.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
15. Cabrillo Inn at the Beach (from USD 144)
A beachfront hotel on a budget! Cabrillo Inn at the Beach is located directly across the beach. It has a heated outdoor pool and offers a daily continental breakfast from fresh baked croissants to spinach quiche.
Rich at the front desk will always be ready to answer your questions related with your holiday activity and the other staffs like the lady at the breakfast room is friendly and always helpful with your needs. Put on your bikini and sunglass; let’s start our beach holiday from Cabrillo Inn at the Beach!
Cabrillo Inn at the Beach
Address: 931 East Cabrillo Boulevard
528 meters (0.4 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
16. Super 8 Santa Barbara/Goleta (from USD 161)
Start your day having a free continental breakfast. Within a short walk you will arrive at an executive golf course where you can practice your golfing skills. You can choose to spend the day visiting the Train Depot Museum, watching the boats go by at Goleta Pier, or enjoying the beach.
After you’re finished with your activities, take a quick dip in the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy the evening time.
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta
Address: 6021 Hollister Avenue
15.12 km (9.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara on a budget
Famous as an expensive holiday city, Santa Barbara has lots to offer for those budget-friendly travelers. Start by choosing your best accommodation with the best affordable price, and the rest will follow!
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