The Best Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara - 2026 Updated Prices

A historic building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

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Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Hotel Santa Barbara	4.0 star property	9.4 Exceptional 1,469 reviews	View
Haley Hotel	3.5 star property	8.8 Excellent 679 reviews	View
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG	4.0 star property	8.8 Excellent 1,003 reviews	View
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton	4.0 star property	8.6 Excellent 1,002 reviews	View
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels	3.5 star property	8.4 Very good 477 reviews	View

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Find the best Downtown Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

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A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

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A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.

West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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A beach with palm trees, a pier, and the ocean at sunset.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

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A large tree with dense foliage in a park.

Lower State

While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

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Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

8/10 Good

"Great customer service."

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

8/10 Good

"We chose this hotel because it is within very close walking distance of the beach and pier. The hotel has plenty of parking, is very clean and well-kept, and the staff is helpful and friendly. The free morning breakfast includes pastries, yogurt, waffles, juice, tea, coffee and fruits, among other things. The rooms are spacious and just fine except for two things. To control the temperature you have to use a remote and point it at the air conditioner. We had to ask the attendant to explain how to use the remote because it is not user friendly. The other issue is that you can't get Netflix via the tv unless you use your hotspot, and the internet is not great. For the price we paid I feel that there should not have been any problems."

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

10/10 Excellent

"The property was super modern — sadly the AC was not working properly so I got offer some discount. It works because I only stay for a day but my friends had two nights of that. Not fun in the summer. But we spent most of our day out, and used bicycle from the hotel which was fun. Location is excellent. And a nice bar on site. Will return if the AC is fixed. Since it’s a boutique hotel — no other amenities offered."

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

10/10 Excellent

"Room was immaculate, comfortable, and well-lit. Staff was helpful and friendly. And the location is unbeatable: right by State Street and the Funk Zone but still peaceful, and close to the Santa Barbara Bowl! We would definitely stay again."

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Santa Barbara?

Travellers love the Downtown Santa Barbara neighbourhood for its beautiful beaches, array of dining options and major shopping area. Make sure that you visit Presidio Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater as part of your Downtown Santa Barbara travel plans.

How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Santa Barbara?

With 17 Expedia hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Santa Barbara to choose from, this is a good starting point for exploring the greater Santa Barbara area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Santa Barbara, will I receive a refund?

Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to review top deals in Downtown Santa Barbara.

What can I see and do in this Santa Barbara neighbourhood?

Presidio Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and Hill-Carrillo Adobe are some local landmarks to explore in Downtown Santa Barbara. As you're discovering the neighbourhood, Arlington Theater and Lobero Theater are some other places worth a visit. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Santa Barbara include La Arcada, Casa de la Guerra and De la Guerra Plaza. While you're out sightseeing in Santa Barbara, make sure that you visit other sights such as Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum or Paseo Nuevo Mall.

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Barbara hotels

1. Hotel Santa Barbara

2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

3. Haley Hotel

4. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

5. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

6. The Upham Hotel

7. Inn By The Harbor

8. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

9. Lavender Inn by the Sea

10. Casa Jardin

11. Casa Riviera

12. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

13. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

14. Casa Iglesia

15. Palihouse Santa Barbara

16. The Presidio

17. Bath Street Inn

18. Simpson House Inn

19. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

20. Marina Beach Hotel

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach

Montecito

West Beach

East Beach

Lower State

Top Downtown Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Frequently asked questions

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