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4- and 5-star hotels in Santa Barbara
A shortlist of 15 four- and five-star hotels in Santa Barbara, from waterfront resorts on Cabrillo Boulevard to small downtown inns near State Street. Guest ratings run from 4.0 to 4.7 out of 5 across 65 to 3,231 reviews, so it suits couples, families and business travellers alike.
Staying in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara sits on a mild, year-round coast, with the Santa Barbara Channel offshore and the Channel Islands visible on clear days. Late spring and early summer bring morning coastal fog, the pattern known as May Gray and June Gloom, which usually clears by afternoon. Downtown and the waterfront are compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, while a car helps for the Santa Ynez Valley wine region and the Los Padres National Forest.
The hotels spread from the centre outwards. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton on West Haley Street is 0.2 km from the centre, with Palihouse Santa Barbara on Garden Street and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG on West Carrillo Street at 0.6 km and Hotel Californian on State Street at 0.8 km. Santa Barbara Inn and Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort sit on East Cabrillo Boulevard. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on Channel Drive and Rosewood Miramar Beach on South Jameson Lane lie furthest out, at 5.0 km and 6.3 km.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Self Parking
Why stay hereA 5-star resort on Channel Dr, about 5.0 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a spa and a sauna, plus a tennis court and yoga for guests who like to keep moving. Bicycle hire and a garden terrace round out the grounds. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1200 reviews, it suits travellers who want a full-service resort with dining and a bar on site rather than a base for walking the city.
See Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa BarbaraRosewood Miramar Beach
1759 South Jameson Lane, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Lounge
Why stay hereSet on South Jameson Lane roughly 6.3 km from the centre, this 5-star property pairs a spa with an outdoor pool and a separate kids pool, so families and couples are both catered for. A fitness centre and yoga cover active days, and a picnic area and garden give quieter corners. Its 4.7 out of 5 rating across 1034 reviews reflects consistently strong guest feedback.
See Rosewood Miramar BeachEl Encanto Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereEl Encanto sits at 800 Alvarado Place, 2.3 km from the centre, close enough for easy access while keeping garden and terrace space of its own. An outdoor pool, a spa and a sauna handle relaxation, and sailing and surfing are available for guests who want time on the water. Breakfast, a restaurant and a bar mean the day can start and end on site. Guests rate it 4.6 out of 5 over 818 reviews.
See El Encanto Santa BarbaraHotel Californian
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereAt 36 State Street, only 0.8 km from the centre, this 5-star hotel puts the city within easy reach while offering an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and massage on site. A beauty salon, bars and a restaurant cover the rest of the day, and bike rental makes short trips simple. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 511 reviews, it fits guests who want a central address with full hotel services.
See Hotel CalifornianSan Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, United States
Why stay hereFor a five-star stay set back from the city bustle, San Ysidro Ranch sits 7.4 km from the centre of Santa Barbara at 900 San Ysidro Lane. Room service means meals can come to you rather than sending you out again, which suits guests who want the day to slow down once they are settled. It is a good fit for couples or anyone after a quieter base while still keeping Santa Barbara within reach by car.
See San Ysidro RanchSimpson House Inn
121 East Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 5-star inn on East Arrellaga Street, 1.6 km from the centre, with breakfast served and a library and garden for slow mornings. A spa and terrace add to the calm, and sailing, surfing and diving are on offer for guests who want the coast. Multilingual staff, a concierge and free car parking make arrivals straightforward. It suits couples and solo travellers who prefer a small-scale house to a large resort.
See Simpson House InnPalihouse Santa Barbara
915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay herePalihouse Santa Barbara on Garden Street is 0.6 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool and a fitness centre inside the building. Kitchenettes and family rooms make it a practical choice for longer stays and for guests travelling with children, and pets are allowed. A restaurant, bar and massage are also on hand. Guests give it 4.7 out of 5 across 208 reviews.
See Palihouse Santa BarbaraKimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Pool bar
Why stay hereOn West Carrillo Street, 0.6 km from the centre, the Kimpton Canary combines a central location with an outdoor pool and pool bar, plus a fitness centre and massage. Rooms come with balconies, bathrobes and minibars, and pets are welcome. A restaurant and bar mean dining is on site. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 677 reviews, it works well for guests who want to walk to the city's core.
See Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHGSanta Barbara Inn
901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereSanta Barbara Inn faces the sea on East Cabrillo Boulevard, 2.2 km from the centre, with a beach nearby and an outdoor pool. A fitness centre, restaurant and bar cover exercise and meals, and family rooms are available. Balconies, patios and terraces give guests outdoor space of their own. It holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating over 437 reviews, suiting travellers who want the waterfront setting.
See Santa Barbara InnThe Upham Hotel
1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Family rooms
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereThe Upham Hotel on De La Vina Street is 1.3 km from the centre and offers a garden, patio and terrace alongside a restaurant. A spa is available, and family rooms and fireplaces in some rooms add comfort. Rated 4.3 out of 5 across 335 reviews, it appeals to guests who value a garden setting and a restaurant on site while staying within walking reach of the centre.
See The Upham HotelA White Jasmine Inn
1327 Bath St, Santa Barbara, United States
- Wifi
Why stay hereA White Jasmine Inn on Bath Street is 1.3 km from the centre and keeps things simple, with wifi and a TV among its facilities. It is a 4-star address rated 4.3 out of 5 from 65 reviews, best suited to guests who want a small property close to the centre and do not need a pool, spa or restaurant on site.
See A White Jasmine InnHilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereThis beachfront resort on East Cabrillo Boulevard, 2.0 km from the centre, has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and massage, with a jacuzzi and beach nearby. Several bars and restaurants are on site, and pets are allowed. With 3231 reviews and a 4.1 out of 5 rating, it suits families and guests who want a large resort with plenty of facilities close to the water.
See Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront ResortHotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton
17 W Haley St, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereHotel Virginia on West Haley Street is just 0.2 km from the centre, the closest address on this list, and includes breakfast plus a bar and lounge. A concierge, valet parking and family rooms make stays easy, and special diets can be catered for. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 548 reviews, it is a good fit for guests who want to be in the middle of the city and walk everywhere.
See Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by HiltonMontecito Inn
1295 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereMontecito Inn on Coast Village Road, 5.1 km from the centre, offers an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and massage, plus a jacuzzi. Breakfast is served and a restaurant and bar are on site, while kitchens and kitchenettes in some rooms help longer stays. Horse riding is also available. Guests rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 383 reviews.
See Montecito InnHideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property
420 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereHideaway Santa Barbara on West Montecito Street, 0.9 km from the centre, is a small property with 98 reviews and a 4.0 out of 5 rating. Breakfast is served, and guests have a lounge and a garden-side patio, with a golf course among the listed facilities. Free car parking and pet-friendly policies make it convenient for drivers and travellers with animals. It suits guests who prefer a quiet, compact base near the centre.
See Hideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,200 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 5.0 km |
| Rosewood Miramar Beach | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,034 | – | – | Yes | – | 6.3 km |
| El Encanto Santa Barbara | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 818 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.3 km |
| Hotel Californian | ★★★★★ | 4.3 | 511 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.8 km |
| San Ysidro Ranch | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7.4 km |
| Simpson House Inn | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.6 km |
| Palihouse Santa Barbara | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 208 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.6 km |
| Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 677 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.6 km |
| Santa Barbara Inn | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 437 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 2.2 km |
| The Upham Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 335 | – | – | Yes | – | 1.3 km |
| A White Jasmine Inn | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 65 | – | – | – | – | 1.3 km |
| Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 3,231 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.0 km |
| Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 548 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 0.2 km |
| Montecito Inn | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 383 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 5.1 km |
| Hideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 98 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 0.9 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For romantic escapes
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and Rosewood Miramar Beach both score 4.7 out of 5, from 1,200 and 1,034 reviews, and list a spa among their facilities. El Encanto Santa Barbara, 4.6 out of 5 from 818 reviews, adds a sauna and fireplace, while Simpson House Inn offers a garden, terrace and spa.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara · Rosewood Miramar Beach · El Encanto Santa Barbara · Simpson House Inn
For families
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and Santa Barbara Inn both list Family rooms, an outdoor pool and Beach nearby, on East Cabrillo Boulevard. Palihouse Santa Barbara, rated 4.7 out of 5, adds a kitchenette, cot and outdoor pool, while Montecito Inn has kitchens with microwave and dishwasher, Family rooms and a pool on Coast Village Road.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort · Santa Barbara Inn · Palihouse Santa Barbara · Montecito Inn
For beach and water
Beach nearby appears in the facilities of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Santa Barbara Inn and Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, the last two on East Cabrillo Boulevard. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara lists Sailing, Rosewood Miramar Beach lists Surf, and Hotel Californian adds Canoe and Fishing.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara · Rosewood Miramar Beach · Santa Barbara Inn · Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
For a short break
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton is 0.2 km from the centre; Palihouse Santa Barbara and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG are both 0.6 km, and Hotel Californian on State Street is 0.8 km. All four are four-star, 4.1 to 4.7 out of 5, list parking, and stand within easy reach of downtown shops and restaurants.
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton · Palihouse Santa Barbara · Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG · Hotel Californian
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is about 10 miles west of downtown, near Goleta. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops at the Santa Barbara station on State Street, with direct service to Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo; the run from Los Angeles usually takes around two and a half to three hours. By car, US-101 connects the city to Ventura and Los Angeles to the southeast, and to Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo to the northwest. Downtown and the waterfront are walkable, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) runs local buses, and bicycle rentals and the paved coastal path are popular ways to get around.
When to go
The most reliable weather runs from late spring through autumn, with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. Late spring and early summer often bring morning fog along the coast, which usually clears by afternoon. Winter is mild, with most rainfall between November and March. Summer weekends and holiday periods are the busiest, especially around the waterfront and downtown; for a quieter visit with good conditions, consider September and October.
Questions, answered
Which hotels on this list are closest to the centre of Santa Barbara?
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton is 0.2 km from the centre, Palihouse Santa Barbara and Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG are 0.6 km, and Hotel Californian is 0.8 km. Hideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property follows at 0.9 km.
Do I need a car in Santa Barbara?
Not for downtown and the waterfront, which are compact and walkable, and local buses run across the city. A car is helpful for visiting the Santa Ynez Valley, Montecito and other areas beyond the city center. Bicycle rentals and the paved coastal path are another option.
What is the best way to get to Santa Barbara without a car?
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner serves the Santa Barbara station on State Street, with connections from Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo; the trip from Los Angeles typically takes around two and a half to three hours. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) lies about 10 miles west of downtown near Goleta and has flights from several western cities.
Are there hotels here for families?
Yes. Family rooms are listed at Palihouse Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Inn, The Upham Hotel, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Montecito Inn and Hideaway Santa Barbara A Kirkwood Collection Property. Montecito Inn also has kitchens with a microwave and dishwasher, and Palihouse Santa Barbara provides a cot.
Which hotels have a swimming pool?
An outdoor pool is listed at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Rosewood Miramar Beach, El Encanto Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, Palihouse Santa Barbara, Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG, Santa Barbara Inn, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and Montecito Inn. Rosewood Miramar Beach also lists a kids pool.
Which areas are best for first-time visitors?
The Waterfront and Downtown areas put you close to the beach, Stearns Wharf, State Street and many of the city's historic sites, which is where most of these hotels stand. Montecito and The Mesa offer quieter alternatives nearby, east of the city and on the bluff south of downtown.