Santa Barbara is dubbed as the “American Riviera” because of its laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous Mediterranean-style towns.
It’s considered one of the most glamorous places to visit in California. If you’re planning a visit, save money in this notoriously expensive destination by staying at the best hotels in Santa Barbara you can book using points.
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- 1. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- 2. Kimpton Canary Hotel
- 3. Hotel Californian
- 4. Mar Monte Hotel
- 5. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- 6. The Waterman
- 7. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- 9. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
- 10. Kimpton Goodland
- 11. Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara Goleta
- 12. Hampton Inn Santa Barbara Goleta
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
1. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is right by the sparsely populated college town of Goleta. Despite not being within the city limits of Santa Barbara, the iconic area is only a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
Inside, there are 358 stunning guests rooms. Each room features stylish decor and guests can choose between a garden or ocean view. This dog-friendly hotel offers a standard room measuring 450-square feet.
On the ceilings are exposed wood beams contrasted by a blue patterned carpet. There’s an option of a king bed or two queen beds. These are covered in chic white linens and framed by a beautiful headboard. In-room amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, a well-stocked minibar, electronic safe, and ironing boards.
Dark wood chairs with cream upholstered fabric and warm lamps create a homey atmosphere. Meanwhile, move into the bathroom and you’ll find red terra-cotta tiles, a walk-in shower area, private toilets as well as spacious tubs. Asprey toiletries complete this area.
For amenities, the hotel has a Monarch Kids Club for kids ages 3 to 12 years old. For adults looking for pure relaxation, Spa at Bacara offers herbal massages and medical-grade treatments. There’s also a 24-hour gym, beach access, a tennis court, an event space, and three swimming pools.
Food is served at any of the four bars and restaurants onsite. Angel Oak is the main restaurant. It offers seafood and steak. To match the meals, there’s a 12,000-bottle wine selection here, so there’s always the perfect drink to match your meal.
If you want to enjoy a dedicated wine tasting, head to Foley Food + Wine Society. They hold tastings and even cooking classes. Other dining spaces to check out include the Bacara Bar and room service.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a Category 7 Marriott hotel. Stay here for free by exchanging 50,000 points on off-peak dates. However, on peak dates, you can redeem 70,000 points while in the average season, it requires 60,000 points per night.
If you opt for a paid booking, the low season rate is $886 per night for a standard room. The peak season rate is $1,470 per night while the average season rate is $1,200 per night.
2. Kimpton Canary Hotel
Kimpton Canary Hotel. Image Credit: Kimpton Canary Hotel
Kimpton Canary Hotel lies in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. It’s right on State Street where you get fantastic dining, shopping, and nightlife. This fantastic location makes it the ideal hub if you intend to be within easy access to all key sites.
Museum fans will love that it’s only a 5-minute walk from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, while the popular Stearns Wharf is a 20-minute walk away.
Entry-level rooms start at 300 square feet and are decorated in a unique style that mixes Californian flair with a Mediterranean vibe. The colors are soft and muted with rich patterned carpets atop wooden floors. Cozy touches like dark wood furniture, beautiful wall paintings, and even a four-poster bed with a canopy, add drama to the room.
There’s also a stocked minibar, yoga mat, and an iPod dock too. There’s even a balcony or patio, depending on what floor you’re staying in.
To complement the space, the bathrooms are also spacious with patterned wallpaper and decorative tiling. There’s a walk-in shower, toilet, and soaking tub. A small television set is also inside. For toiletries, they use C.O. Bigelow.
Finch & Fork is the only on-site restaurant. It’s popular with locals, especially their deviled eggs. They also offer fresh seafood with a fantastic wine list composed of wines from the local region. There’s also a pool bar for cocktails and small bites.
For amenities, the Kimpton Canary Hotel has a rooftop swimming pool surrounded by a sundeck and loungers. Hang out here and enjoy a cocktail while taking in the mountain view. You’ll also find a fire pit in this area.
The hotel doesn’t have a gym but offers access to a 24-hour fitness center nearby. In addition, there’s an event space and ballroom for rent.
Book a free night at the Kimpton Canary Hotel using 70,250 to 86,400 IHG Rewards points. However, if you opt for cash, the low season rate is $495 per night while the peak season rate is $1,030 per night. The average season rate is $750 per night.
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3. Hotel Californian
Hotel Californian. Image Credit: Hotel Californian
One of the best resorts in California you can book using points, Hotel Californian is a historic hotel that’s strictly off-limits to kids. The hotel is right on State Street, where it’s surrounded by shopping and dining spots.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard, an acclaimed interior designer, helped design all of the 121 rooms here. It combines Moorish style with a contemporary charm, allowing the rooms to have a distinct character. The rooms include gorgeous carpeting with patterned half wallpaper, thick, comfortable Italian linen sheets, and cozy modern lamps.
Sprinkled in spots is Bullard’s bespoke furniture. The minibar is filled with half-size versions of distilled spirits and local wines. The bathrooms are on the small side but it’s got striking marble, bronze fixtures, distinct tiling, and showers with good water pressure. No two rooms are alike.
The hotel is only a few meters away from the beach. There’s a gas grill for guests if they feel like throwing a barbecue. Other amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, a library bar, a fitness center, and a luxury spa.
Dine at Blackbird and make sure to try out their Wagyu burger. Meanwhile, for breakfast, check out Goat Tree, a cool market eatery with a Moroccan nod to its name.
Hotel Californian is a Preferred Hotels property. You can book a rewards night here using 55,000 Choice Privileges points per night. If you opt for cash, the low season rate is $580 per night while the peak season rate is $1,280 per night. During the average season, you can pay up to $738 per night.
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4. Mar Monte Hotel
Mar Monte Hotel. Image Credit: Mar Monte Hotel
Recently remodeled, Mar Monte Hotel is a refreshing beachside hotel right off Cabrillo Boulevard. Cross the road and you’ll find yourself on the beach, meanwhile, the rest of the neighborhood is filled with restaurants and cafes. If you feel like walking, you can get to Downtown Santa Barbara on foot.
Measuring 300 square feet, the rooms are refreshing thanks to plenty of natural sunlight. Bare, white textured walls create a modern yet chic feel while black accents are found on the bed frame, mirror, and furniture. The bed is covered in thick white sheets while on the floor is a patterned carpet.
There’s a small balcony with chairs and a table. For in-room media, there’s a 55-inch flat-screen TV, a small fridge, and a Keurig coffeemaker. The bathroom is small with a toilet and a glass-enclosed shower with decorative tiles. There’s also a bathrobe and an ironing board provided.
For amenities, there’s a fitness center and a swimming pool with a hot tub. There are also free bikes you can use for three hours so you can explore the city. A bocce court is also available. You can borrow equipment from the front desk.
When it comes to food, Cafe Lido is great for breakfast and lunch. Another onsite restaurant is Costa Kitchen and Bar. They offer Italian dishes together with local Californian cuisine.
Mar Monte Hotel is a Category 5 World of Hyatt member. You can book a free standard room here for 17,000 points on off-peak dates or 23,000 points on peak dates. Visit during the standard dates and it will be 20,000 points per night.
The low season rate is $310 per night while the peak season rate is $760 per night. During the average season, you can expect a standard room to be $570 per night.
Make your trip to Santa Barbara special by staying at the Mar Monte Hotel. This charming hotel lets you book using points so you can save up and have a fantastic trip. Even better, as an AuPACS customer, you’re entitled to great perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, or hotel credits when you go for a paid booking.
5. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta. Image Credit: Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta
Perfect for short or extended stays, the Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta is located just minutes away from Santa Barbara. The hotel is close to notable landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Mission Santa Barbara. In addition, the Los Padres National Forest is within driving distance while Goleta Beach is a mere 5-minute drive away.
Entry-level rooms are 457 square feet with a chic, neutral color palette. Touches of Venetian red are on accent walls and the carpet. The bed is king-sized and draped in white sheets and framed by a wooden headboard. There’s a desk for work, a sofa and large windows for sunlight.
Each room features a kitchenette with a sink, microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and stovetop. There’s even a dining area for four. It’s perfect for those who want to cook instead of eating out all the time. The bathrooms are fresh and clean with a toilet, spacious vanity, and glass-enclosed shower enclosures. Some rooms feature a shower/tub combination.
For amenities, you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, a spa tub, as well as a gym. There’s free breakfast, even a picnic and BBQ area for guests who feel like having grilled items. More dining options are nearby too.
Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta is a Category 6 Marriott hotel. You can book a free night here by redeeming 40,000 points on off-peak nights. However, on peak nights, it’ll require 60,000 points and 50,000 points on standard nights.
Prefer cash bookings? A standard room in the low season is $350 per night while the peak season rate is $600 per night. The average season rate is $450.
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6. The Waterman
The Waterman. Image Credit: The Waterman
Perfect for a relaxing getaway, The Waterman is a Marriott property located at the city center of Santa Barbara inside the trendy Funk Zone. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a 3-minute walk from here. Moreover, Stearn’s Wharf is about 10-minutes on foot, while the Santa Barbara Station is only a 3-minute jaunt.
The rooms here are cozy with single rooms available for solo travelers. The Cozy King room is 175 square feet. While it’s small, it is comfortable. The hostel and hotel hybrid room comes with a king bed and a Murphy bed so it can sleep up to 3 people at once.
All the decor is chic and elegant with a slim wood desk, lamps, and patterned wallpaper. Inside the bathroom, you get white subway tiles and a standalone sink. There’s a toilet and shower area with Lather bath products.
Head outside and lounge by the heated swimming pool. You can also indulge in community games like corn hole and ping pong. A small fitness area is onsite too. If you feel like exploring the beach, there are beach cruiser bikes available for rent.
For dining, you can grab a coffee in the common area. There’s also a snack bar/deli. Most restaurants are within walking distance so you’ll never go hungry.
The Waterman is a Category 6 Marriott hotel which means you can redeem a free night here. During off-peak dates, you can exchange 40,000 points per night for a standard room. On peak dates, redeem 60,000 points while on standard dates, you can use 50,000 points per night.
In the low season, a standard room here costs $328 per night while in the peak season, the same room costs $665. The average room rate is $450 per night.
7. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Image Credit: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a mile away from the trendy spot, Funk Zone, where all the art showrooms and wine trails are situated. Santa Barbara Downtown is only an 11-minute walk from the hotel while the Cabrillo Pavillion is only an 8-minute walk.
Entry-level rooms offer 452 square feet of space. They come with neutral shades of color on the walls and furniture. There’s a king bed with a padded headboard and stylish bedside lamps. A sofabed and armchair are on the opposite side, along with a desk.
The bathroom is cozy with designer toiletries, a private bath, and a shower/tub combination. Hairdryers and toilets are also in each room.
Dine at The Set and check out amazing ocean views while relishing delicious meals. Meanwhile, The Roundhouse is right by the lobby. For on-the-go sandwiches and snacks, the Java del Mar is a convenient stop. Finally, Terraza del Mar Pool Bar is perfect for cocktails and light bites. Room service is also available.
The hotel has two outdoor tennis courts, a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool, bike rentals, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort lets you redeem a rewards night by using 76,000 to 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night. If you opt for a paid booking, the low season rate is $315 per night while in the peak season, the rate is $750 per night. The average season rate is $440 per night.
8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta. Image Credit: Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta
Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta may not be at the city center of Santa Barbara, but it’s still only a 6-7 minute drive away. Within walking distance to the hotel is the University of California, Santa Barbara. Golf lovers will also love the fact that the Glen Annie Golf Club is only a 3-minute drive from here.
A standard room at the Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta measures 344 square feet. These are pleasantly decorated with a king bed dressed in white sheets paired with a wooden headboard. Near the foot is a comfortable sofa bed and underneath is a patterned carpet. There’s also a work desk, flat-screen TV, and wooden cabinets for storage.
The bathrooms here are roomy. It has white tiled floors, a shower area, and a granite vanity with a single sink. A lighted mirror hangs on the wall while a private toilet area is set on a private alcove.
For dining, there’s one restaurant here called The Bistro. It serves breakfast along with light bites and a selection of handcrafted cocktails. You can also grab delicious meals in other nearby restaurants.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool with a spa tub. There’s also a mini-golf and fitness center as well. For business travelers, they can use the meeting room and business center.
A Category 6 Marriot hotel, the Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta can be booked for free with points. You can redeem 40,000 points on off-peak dates. On peak dates, you can use 60,000 points per night while on standard dates, it requires 50,000 points.
The low season rate for a standard room is $250 per night. However, visit in the peak season and it’ll cost $530 per night. The average season rate is $420 per night for a standard room.
9. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara. Image Credit: Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara is close to the boardwalk, making notable landmarks easily accessible. La Cumbre Plaza is a 17-minute walk away while the Earl Warren Showgrounds is just a 2-minute drive away. If you fancy heading to the park, there’s Elings Park (a 5-minute drive) and More Mesa as well.
The rooms at the hotel are slightly bigger compared to other rooms in the area. It measures 450 square feet with dark wooden floors, a sofa, and a convertible ottoman/table. There’s a desk with a leather chair, and of course, a king bed.
While the bathroom looks simple, it’s highly functional. There’s a marble sink beneath a lighted mirror. There’s a shower/tub combination and toilet. You’ll also find designer toiletries and robes as well.
There are minimal facilities at the hotel but you do get one restaurant and a bar. There’s also a fitness center for those who want to get some workouts done. Business travelers can use the conference space or the 24-hour business center.
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara is a Category 4 World of Hyatt hotel. Book a standard room for free by using 12,000 points on off-peak dates. Visit during peak dates and you’ll need to redeem 18,000 points per night. Meanwhile, the standard dates will require 15,000 per night.
A standard room booking in the low season costs $198 per night while in the peak season, the cost is around $496 per night. The average season rate is $360 per night.
10. Kimpton Goodland
Kimpton Goodland. Image Credit: Kimpton Goodland
Kimpton Goodland may not be located inside Santa Barbara but those visiting the region find it’s a convenient enough location. The hotel is 15-minutes away from downtown Santa Barbara so key sights are still easily accessible.
This cool boutique hotel is everything but traditional. Outside, you’ll spot a cool airstream. Inside the lobby is Bohemian-style decor you would normally find on a Pinterest board. The bedrooms feature a chic but fun atmosphere. There’s a king bed dressed in white Frette linens and a wooden bed frame.
Warm lighting is provided via bedside and floor lamps while a mini seating area is situated near the window. Opposite the bed is a stylish credenza with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and a safe. A Crosley record player is also in each room. They provide three records to play but you can borrow more from the lobby.
The bathroom is small and shows subtle signs of the hotel’s past life. It has a single sink, a closet with Frette robes, and a yoga mat. A smaller alcove houses the toilet and a glass-enclosed shower. The shower backsplash features decorative tiling too. Meanwhile, Atelier Bloem toiletries are also in the room.
For amenities, there’s an outdoor pool, a tiny gym, and two main food areas. The Good Bar is a chill place for hanging out. You can grab snacks and cocktails while here. Right across the reception is the Outpost. It’s an indoor dining area serving coastal Californian dishes. There’s also a coffee cart each morning for coffee lovers to indulge in.
If you’re looking for a quaint and fun hotel, the Kimpton Goodland is a great place to visit. You can book a free night using 36,000 to 65,750 IHG Rewards points. For paid bookings, the low season rate is $220 per night while the peak season rate is $575 per night. During the average season, the rate is $350 per night.
11. Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara Goleta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara-Goleta. Image Credit: Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara-Goleta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara Goleta is right on the border of Santa Barbara. It’s easy to access the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport from here. There are also shopping centers with cinemas and restaurants to explore. For those wanting to explore the beach, Isla Vista Beach is only a 4-minute drive.
Rooms are well-appointed with a host of amenities designed for comfort. They measure 315 square feet with a king bed, beautiful patterned carpets, and a neutral, calming color palette. There’s a spacious desk paired with a Herman Miller ergonomic chair, a flat-screen TV, and blackout blinds for a great night’s sleep.
The bathrooms come with a shower and tub combination, a bright LED mirror, and Neutrogena toiletries.
At the hotel, you can enjoy a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a restaurant and bar. The main restaurant is The Garden Grille while the Channel Island Terrace is perfect for light bites and drinks around the fire pit. There’s also Spyglass Bistro and Bar for sipping Californian wines.
The Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara Goleta lets you book a free night using 67,000 Hilton Honors points per night. For paid bookings, the low season rate is $195 while the peak season rate is $460 per night. The average season rate is $338 per night.
12. Hampton Inn Santa Barbara Goleta
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara-Goleta. Image Credit: Hampton Inn Santa Barbara-Goleta
The Hampton Inn Santa Barbara Goleta is a chic new hotel positioned just eight miles from downtown Santa Barbara. It’s found right at the heart of Old Town Goleta so shops, restaurants, and even gorgeous golf courses are within the area.
Simple yet comfortable, the rooms feature carpet flooring with clean and fresh Hampton beds. There’s a flat-screen TV, a work desk as well as an in-room coffeemaker. For the bathrooms, these are kept basic with a large vanity counter, a mirror, a toilet, and a shower/tub combination. WaterPik showerheads are installed too.
There’s a free breakfast served each morning, including overflowing coffee and tea. Dining options are available in the nearby areas so you can easily grab something to eat. For facilities, guests can enjoy a spa tub, an outdoor swimming pool, and a business center.
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara Goleta lets you book a free night using only 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night. A standard room in the low season costs $161 per night while in the peak season, it costs $541. However, visit during the average season and the same room will cost $295 per night only.
Wrapping Up
Make your trip to Santa Barbara count by staying at these fantastic hotels. They’re perfect for exploring this unique and charming coastal city.
Safe travels!