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Waterfront Hotels, Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

1. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,376 reviews)
"Great comfortable stay and nice breakfast"
Canada
Julia
The price is AU$236
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,467 reviews)
"Great location. The room was small, clean and simple and the staff was friendly."
United States
David S
The price is AU$228
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

3. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,269 reviews)
"Great stay! Loved the workers so nice, so clean and loved the breakfast"
United States
Rosslyn
The price is AU$253
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Beachside Inn

4. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,113 reviews)
"Great place"
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is AU$333
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

5. Marina Beach Hotel

Marina Beach Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,175 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Amy
The price is AU$338
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Marina Beach Hotel

6. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,270 reviews)
"Lovely stay, Comfortable, friendly, and the kitchenette was a plus."
United States
Naomi
The price is AU$287
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
The Franciscan Hotel

7. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.5 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (444 reviews)
"Amazing beach loved it here"
United States
McKenna
The price is AU$468
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

8. Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent staff, large clean room, hotels in this area have limited parking"
United States
Edie
The price is AU$192
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

9. The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,007 reviews)
"Close to beach."
United States
Shubh
The price is AU$222
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
The Inn at East Beach

10. Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"Great place...clean, fabulous staff, lovely place. Would go back in a heart beat."
United States
wendy
The price is AU$386
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Riviera Beach House

11. Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Simple hotel but great location!"
United States
Abraham
The price is AU$290
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Castillo Inn at the Beach

12. La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,007 reviews)
"Perfect location! Great room. Great continental breakfast."
United States
Greer
The price is AU$378
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
La Playa Inn

13. Villa Rosa Inn

Villa Rosa Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay"
United States
Jose
The price is AU$221
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Villa Rosa Inn

14. Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,005 reviews)
"The property was very beautiful. Staff was friendly."
United States
Emma
The price is AU$544
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Santa Barbara Inn

15. Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach, 1.6 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (484 reviews)
"The staff was amazing"
United States
Elliott
The price is AU$221
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

16. Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing location, amenities and cleanliness!"
United States
Katrin
The price is AU$414
includes taxes & fees
22 Sept - 23 Sept
Harbor House Inn

17. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
Lower State, 1.5 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,489 reviews)
"Great location and fun updated hotel. "
United States
Marilyn
The price is AU$369
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Hotel Santa Barbara

18. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
3.5 star property
Lower State, 1.2 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (688 reviews)
"We had complimentary coffee and oatmeal. Fridge in our room and microwave were a plus! Very charming decor and close to the main downtown area."
United States
Diana
The price is AU$237
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Haley Hotel

19. Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea
3.0 star property
West Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
6.2 out of 10, (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful location, great staff, and spacious room"
United States
cinthya
The price is AU$195
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Ala Mar by the Sea

20. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel and location!"
United States
Rachita
The price is AU$354
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Mason Beach Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Waterfront

Find the best Waterfront areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

West Beach

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

East Beach

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

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Waterfront

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Waterfront that travellers recommend?
Two of the best hotels in Waterfront that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are Palihouse Santa Barbara and Hotel Californian.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, is highly praised for its friendly and fantastic staff. Guests frequently mention the absolutely beautiful and spacious rooms, which feature premium bedding, designer toiletries, and air conditioning. Many rooms also include a cosy fireplace, and the hotel provides luxurious Frette Italian sheets and bathrobes for added comfort. Its convenient location is noted as fantastic, making it an excellent choice for exploring the area.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Hotel Californian, which has a 9.2 rating. This hotel offers a range of luxury amenities, including champagne service and a poolside bar. Guests can enjoy designer toiletries, premium bedding, and bathrobes in their rooms. The hotel also boasts a winery with a tasting room and private tours. Its location is considered perfect, with the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum just 0.9 km away and the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum at 1.3 km. Reviewers consistently highlight the beautiful, great rooms, comfortable beds, amazing service, and friendly staff.
What are the best family hotels in Waterfront?
For excellent family-friendly hotels in Waterfront, consider the Montecito Inn, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, The Milo, Mar Monte Hotel, and Hotel Californian.

The 4-star Montecito Inn, with an 8.6 rating, offers a pool, connecting rooms, sofa beds, and cribs, with optional babysitting services on-site. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, comfortable rooms, and its great location near Montecito Village Shopping Centre and Hammond's Beach.

Another great option is the 4-star Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, rated 7.6. This hotel provides a pool, connecting rooms, complimentary cribs, and sofa beds, along with child-friendly window designs. Reviews highlight its excellent location, clean rooms, friendly staff, and great amenities.

The 4-star The Milo, boasting an 8.4 rating, is ideal for families, offering complimentary cribs, a pool, and a playpen for children. Its location is praised for direct access to the beach, and it even provides beach toys. Guests often comment on the superb location, comfortable rooms, and excellent service.

The 4-star Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, with an 8.0 rating, features complimentary cribs and rollaway beds, kids' meals, connecting rooms, and a pool. This hotel is commended for its amazing location close to East Beach and the Cabrillo Bike Path, along with clean rooms and excellent service.

For a more luxurious family stay, the 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2, offers a children's club with complimentary activities, cribs, and games for children. The hotel also has a pool, valet parking, and rooms with premium bedding. Guests consistently praise its beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, superb location, and amazing service.
What are the best 5-star hotels in Waterfront?
For a superb 5-star hotel in Waterfront, the Hotel Californian is an excellent choice.

This exceptional hotel holds a 9.2 rating and offers a range of luxurious amenities. Guests frequently highlight the beautiful and comfortable rooms with premium bedding, as well as the amazing and friendly service from the staff. Many rooms feature a fireplace and offer mountain views. The hotel provides designer toiletries and bathrobes for added comfort, along with convenient valet parking. For dining and leisure, there is a winery with a tasting room and private tours, a poolside bar, and couples dining options. The location is perfect, with the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum just 0.9 km away and De la Guerra Plaza 1.1 km away.
What are the best spa hotels in Waterfront?
For exceptional spa hotels in Waterfront, consider the Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, or The Eagle Inn.

The 5-star Hotel Californian, with a superb 9.2 rating, offers a full-service spa with a wide array of treatments including aromatherapy, body wraps, detoxification wraps, deep tissue massages, facials, and manicures and pedicures. It features dedicated treatment rooms, including options for couples, and a steam room for ultimate relaxation. Guests consistently praise its great location, beautiful rooms, and amazing service from friendly staff. It is conveniently located near Santa Barbara Harbor, just 0.7 km away.

Another excellent choice is the 3.5-star Harbor View Inn, also with an impressive 9.2 rating. While offering a spa, it also boasts an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, and accessible facilities, including a pool hoist, making it ideal for a relaxing stay. Guests highlight its great location, spacious and clean rooms, and friendly staff. It is very close to Santa Barbara Harbor, only 0.5 km away.

The 3-star The Eagle Inn, rated an outstanding 9.4, provides massage and couples treatment rooms. Guests particularly rave about the excellent and delicious free cooked breakfast, the great location, beautiful and clean rooms, and the great service from friendly staff. This hotel is also conveniently located near Santa Barbara Harbor, just 0.5 km away.
Which beach resorts in Waterfront do travellers love?
For an excellent beachfront experience in Waterfront, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is highly recommended by travellers.

This 4-star resort, with a rating of 7.6, is praised for its great location with ocean views and proximity to the beach. Guests frequently mention the clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent food. The resort also offers a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, including Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs, body wraps, and massages, superb for relaxation. It is conveniently located near Santa Barbara Harbor, the Carriage and Western Art Museum, and the Cabrillo Bike Path.
What hotels in Waterfront offer free breakfast?
For hotels in Waterfront that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Marina Beach Motel, Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, The Eagle Inn, West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, and Inn By The Harbor.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with an impressive 9.8 rating, provides a delicious continental breakfast free of charge. Guests frequently praise its excellent location, which is just 1.2 km from Leadbetter Beach and 0.3 km from the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. The staff are also noted for being friendly and helpful.

Another superb option is the 3.5-star Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, rated 9.4. This hotel offers a free continental breakfast daily and is conveniently located just 1.1 km from Leadbetter Beach. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the helpful staff.

The 3-star The Eagle Inn, also with a 9.4 rating, offers a free cooked breakfast. It's situated 1.2 km from Leadbetter Beach and 0.4 km from the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum. Guests consistently highlight the excellent breakfast and the hotel's superb location.

The 3-star West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, rated 9.4, provides a free continental breakfast daily. It is well-located near Leadbetter Beach, only 1.1 km away. The hotel is often commended for its superb location and friendly staff.

Finally, the 3.5-star Inn By The Harbor, with a 9.2 rating, offers a free continental breakfast. It is very close to the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum, just 0.1 km away, and 1.0 km from Leadbetter Beach. Guests often mention the friendly staff and the comfortable beds.
What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Waterfront?
For top pet-friendly hotels in Waterfront, consider the Palihouse Santa Barbara, Haley Hotel, and Riviera Beach House.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is a fantastic choice for travellers with pets. It specifically caters to dogs and offers amenities such as food and water bowls, pet-sitting services, and a dedicated dog exercise area. Guests frequently praise the friendly and fantastic staff, the absolutely beautiful and big rooms, and the convenient location. It is also close to the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum, just 0.7 km away.

Another excellent option is the 3.5-star Haley Hotel, rated 8.8. This hotel welcomes both dogs and cats and provides a dog exercise area. Guests appreciate its excellent location and the nice, quiet rooms. The Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum is just 0.7 km from the hotel.

The 3.5-star Riviera Beach House, with an 8.4 rating, is another highly-rated pet-friendly hotel that permits dogs and provides food and water bowls. Visitors often highlight its convenient and great location, the clean and big rooms, and the friendly and helpful staff. It is located 1.2 km from the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum.
What are the best budget hotels in Waterfront?
For budget-friendly hotels in Waterfront that come highly recommended, consider The Eagle Inn, West Beach Inn, and Marina Beach Motel.

The 3-star The Eagle Inn, with an outstanding rating of 9.4, is praised by guests for its friendly staff, excellent breakfast, and beautiful, clean rooms. It offers free WiFi, free self-parking, and complimentary cooked breakfast, along with free toiletries. It is conveniently located near Santa Barbara Carriage Museum, only 0.4 km away, and Leadbetter Beach, 1.2 km away.

Another excellent option is the 3-star West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, which also boasts a 9.4 rating. Guests frequently highlight its superb location, friendly and helpful staff, and nice, clean rooms. This hotel provides free WiFi, free self-parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast, as well as free toiletries. It's just 0.4 km from Santa Barbara Carriage Museum and 1.1 km from Leadbetter Beach.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel is also a superb choice, achieving an impressive 9.8 rating. Travellers consistently praise its friendly and helpful staff, beautiful, clean rooms, and excellent location. Amenities include free WiFi, free self-parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast, along with free toiletries and bicycle usage. It is very close to Santa Barbara Carriage Museum at 0.3 km and Leadbetter Beach at 1.2 km.
What are the most romantic hotels in Waterfront for couples?
For a romantic stay in Waterfront, couples have several excellent choices, including Harbor House Inn and Palihouse Santa Barbara.

The 3-star Harbor House Inn, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is great for couples seeking a coastal retreat. Guests consistently praise its great location near the ocean, beach, and sea, as well as the clean, good rooms and excellent, friendly staff. It is also very close to Santa Barbara Harbor, just 0.4 km away.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, scoring 9.6. This hotel is known for its beautiful rooms and fantastic, convenient location, just 0.5 km from Santa Barbara County Courthouse. It features an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and fireplaces, creating a wonderfully relaxing setting.
What are the best hotels in Waterfront near Stearns Wharf?
For family-friendly hotels near Stearns Wharf in Waterfront, consider the Hotel Californian, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, and Moxy Santa Barbara.

The 5-star Hotel Californian, with an impressive 9.2 rating, is a luxurious option offering a pool, covered valet parking, and a winery with a tasting room. Families will appreciate the children's club with free activities and complimentary cribs. Guests frequently mention the beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, and amazing service.

Another excellent choice is the Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, boasting a 9.0 rating. This hotel provides a pool, free self-parking, and complimentary WiFi. They also offer travel cribs for families. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, spacious and clean rooms, and the convenient location.

The 3.5-star Moxy Santa Barbara, rated 8.6, is a great option for families with its outdoor pool, children's games, and secured shared pool area with sun loungers and a hoist. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline − this is often within 24 to 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our 'Fully refundable property' filter during your search to find the right Waterfront hotel for you.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Waterfront with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Waterfront hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Waterfront?
Hotel prices in Waterfront often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates and sort search results by 'Price: low to high' for our cheapest rates.

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