Santa Barbara Inn, a boutique hotel, stands elegantly by East Beach. With Mediterranean-inspired architecture and ocean-view rooms, it’s an idyllic escape for a romantic, upscale stay in Santa Barbara.
15 Best Boutique Hotels In Santa Barbara in 2024
Dreaming of a romantic escape where sea breezes and Spanish architecture blend seamlessly? Santa Barbara’s boutique hotels offer just that. Our selection of the 15 best boutique hotels in this coastal haven is perfect for couples craving an intimate, luxurious getaway. Each property exudes unique charm, from beachfront idylls to urban oases, all wrapped in the city’s signature laid-back elegance. Indulge in bespoke services, savor locally-inspired cuisine, and soak in the mesmerizing views. These handpicked hotels are not just accommodations; they are romantic sanctuaries that promise to make your stay in Santa Barbara a memory to cherish.
Top 3 Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Inn
901 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $319 per night
Harbor House Inn
104 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $230 per night
Harbor House Inn offers a charming boutique experience in Santa Barbara, steps from West Beach. This quaint inn features individually decorated rooms and a cozy ambiance, perfect for a tranquil seaside retreat
Simpson House Inn
121 E Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $399 per night
Simpson House Inn, nestled in a historic Victorian estate, offers a boutique bed and breakfast experience in Santa Barbara. This secluded oasis features lush gardens and refined accommodations, ideal for a romantic retreat.
Full list of romantic boutique hotels in Santa Barbara
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $645 per night
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, is a luxurious boutique retreat in Santa Barbara’s hills. Offering enchanting gardens and panoramic views, it’s a haven of exclusivity and elegance for a serene getaway.
Haley Hotel
26 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $239 per night
Haley Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara, provides a chic, minimalist retreat. Its central location and stylish, eco-friendly design make it perfect for guests who appreciate sustainability and understated elegance in their travels.
Kimpton Canary Hotel Santa Barbara
31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $390 per night
Kimpton Canary Hotel provides a boutique, luxury experience in downtown Santa Barbara. With its rooftop pool and Spanish-style rooms, it’s a vibrant escape in the city’s cultural heart.
La Playa Inn
116 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $229 per night
La Playa Inn, a newly renovated boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, offers cozy, contemporary rooms in a serene setting. Located near the beach and State Street, it’s perfect for guests seeking a comfortable and convenient base to explore the city’s scenic beauty and local attractions.
Palihouse Santa Barbara
915 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $420 per night
Palihouse Santa Barbara is a stylish boutique hotel offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Nestled in the city’s historic district, it’s perfect for an intimate, sophisticated getaway.
The Upham Hotel
1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $315 per night
The Upham Hotel, the oldest continuously operating boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, provides historic charm in a garden setting. This hotel blends Victorian elegance with modern amenities for a timeless stay.
The Waterman
12 E Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $242 per night
The Waterman is a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara known for its vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Situated in the Funk Zone, this hotel offers eclectic, modern accommodations and a communal kitchen, ideal for adventurous travelers and social butterflies.
Harbor View Inn
28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $228 per night
Harbor View Inn, located right across from the beach, is a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara that combines coastal luxury with convenience. Featuring spacious rooms with ocean views and an on-site spa, it’s ideal for those seeking a relaxing beachfront escape with easy access to Stearns Wharf and downtown attractions.
Hotel Santa Barbara
533 State St corner of State and Cota Streets, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $299 per night
Hotel Santa Barbara, set in the heart of downtown, combines boutique elegance with historic grace. This hotel’s prime location and chic, comfortable rooms make it ideal for exploring the city’s charm.
Cheap boutique hotels in Santa Barbara
Montecito Inn
1295 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $211 per night
Montecito Inn, a boutique gem in Santa Barbara, exudes 1920s glamour. Originally built by Charlie Chaplin, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a timeless atmosphere, perfect for a historic escape.
Riviera Beach House
121 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $183 per night
Riviera Beach House, steps from the beach and downtown, is a lively boutique hotel in Santa Barbara. Its vibrant, surf-inspired decor and relaxed vibe make it perfect for a fun, casual stay.”
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Rated!
Perfect choice for couples
Great value for money!
Price from: $161 per night
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, close to West Beach, is a boutique hotel offering comfortable accommodations with a touch of luxury. This hotel features a relaxing ambiance, heated pool, and proximity to the waterfront, ideal for a leisurely coastal stay.
Why you should book boutique hotel in Santa Barbara?
Booking a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara offers a unique and memorable experience, blending personalized service with the city’s idyllic coastal charm. Here’s why a boutique hotel is a great choice for your Santa Barbara stay:
- Distinctive Character and Style: Boutique hotels in Santa Barbara are known for their distinctive character, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and unique architectural and design elements that reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage and beachside elegance.
- Personalized Service: Boutique hotels typically provide a more personalized and attentive service, ensuring a stay that’s both memorable and tailored to individual preferences.
- Prime Locations: Many boutique hotels in Santa Barbara are ideally situated, offering convenient access to beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant downtown areas, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.
- Unique Design and Ambiance: These hotels often feature creative and artistic design elements, providing an aesthetic experience that enhances your stay and connects you to the local environment.
- Intimate Atmosphere: The smaller scale of boutique hotels fosters a more intimate and exclusive environment, ideal for romantic getaways, special occasions, or a relaxing retreat.
- Local Flavor: Staying at a boutique hotel can give you a deeper sense of Santa Barbara’s local culture and lifestyle, with many properties showcasing local art, cuisine, and traditions.
- Exceptional Dining Options: Boutique hotels in Santa Barbara often offer high-quality dining experiences, focusing on local ingredients, wine, and culinary innovation.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Aligning with California’s environmental consciousness, several boutique hotels in Santa Barbara emphasize sustainability, offering eco-friendly amenities and practices.
In essence, choosing a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara isn’t just about finding a place to stay; it’s about experiencing the city’s unique vibe and culture in a more intimate and personalized setting, enveloped by the natural beauty and serenity of the California coast.
Google reviews for Santa Barbara boutique hotels
1. We were not informed in advance about the train horn or the construction outside our window, nor were we made aware of how early it would start and the extent of the noise. It's notable that we were intentionally placed in that specific room without prior notification.2. The concierge lacked attentiveness throughout our stay, and basic items like shoe polish were unavailable. Both the concierge and front desk showed a lack of interest in assisting or procuring these items, contributing to a less-than-ideal experience.3. The front desk could have been more accommodating with upgrades, considering their availability. Additionally, a more flexible approach to checkout could have been offered, ultimately avoiding a negative checkout experience.4. The checkout experience felt overly aggressive, and we felt harassed with constant knocks and calls from maids and staff, despite having arranged an extension in advance. The persistence seemed unnecessary, creating the impression that they were eager for us to leave. It was like they were counting the seconds until we were gone.5. No in room dining menu.6. The restaurant prices were excessively high, and even as guests, there was no discount or incentive to choose the hotel restaurant for any meal.7. When we requested additional water bottles from the hotel staff, they only provided us with one.8. The entire floor had a persistent bacon smell for an entire day, which was particularly nauseating for us, considering one person has a severe pork allergy and the other is forbidden from consuming pork in any way.9. Despite the high rating, we were surprised by the hotel's overall performance. The fantastic location was a highlight, and we appreciated the free parking across the street. However, the idea of paying nearly $60 to park at our own hotel seemed absurd, especially considering the lack of self-parking options and the mandatory overnight parking fee.10. Surprisingly, the valet staff, despite not using their services, were the most welcoming during our stay. Comparing this to a recent experience at the Shangri-La, it's striking how hotels with similar pricing can vary significantly in both value and customer service.We were overall disappointed with our experience, and unfortunately, we won't be choosing to stay at the Santa Barbara Inn again.
We stayed at the Santa Barbara Inn to celebrate a special occasion, and unfortunately did not have a good experience. I don’t usually speak up when I get bad service, but our time at the SB Inn was particularly disappointing. Here are the issues we experienced:1. The Valet attendant when we arrived on Friday very loudly and rudely yelled at my spouse in her car for not pulling up enough. It shocked us both, and was completely unwarranted. It really upset her and made a bad first impression.2. At check-in the gentleman working the desk was unorganized and didn’t even wish us congratulations, even though we were celebrating a special occasion which was on our reservation.3. When we came back down to get service at the front desk because only one key worked, the front desk was unattended for a long period of time even though we could hear people talking behind the desk, and we had to yell for someone to come help us.4. There is no coffee or tea complimentary in the room which was very inconvenient because of its limited availability. This seems very unreasonable when you consider we paid $550 a night, and even a cheaper or lesser quality hotel has coffee complimentary in the room.5. The only coffee they have available in the lobby is bad quality, and is not even available all day.6. When we expressed our concern about not having access to coffee all day, and that it was not available in the room, the front desk staff chose to use the opportunity to say how we should have come earlier, and very rudely minimized our concern. Instead of owning the situation, they chose to lecture us on how it was the restaurant’s fault, instead of trying to sympathize and apologize. They generally acted as if they didn’t care, and didn’t care about us.7. The internet never worked for us during our stay. We tried multiple different ways to troubleshoot, such as disconnecting/reconnecting, restarting our devices, and turning off cellular data, but it still didn’t work. Because of this, we were not able to respond to pressing work-related emails, and had to go off property to get internet access.8. The room furnishings, particularly in the bathroom, are cheap and worn. The floors are very thin and you hear everything above or below you. The quality of the room and its appearance should at least be relative to the price paid. In this instance, the price paid is not on par with the quality of room provided.9. Lastly, was just generally had bad customer service at this property. The front of the house staff don’t seem to care about the guests or don’t seem interested in delivering good quality service. They care more about being right and lecturing you, then resolving issues with your stay.10. There were also many low quality attributes which seemed out of place. Such as the restaurant staff doing silverware roll ups on the pool deck, food service staff having meetings on the pool deck / guest areas, staff not being at their posts when we need service, and repairs to the room below us taking place early in the morning without warning. When we were there to celebrate a special occasion, and paying $2,000 for 3 nights we expected a better quality of service.
First the great. Staff are wonderful. Convivo restaurant is amazing. Breakfasts fantastic, both food and coffee. Renee and Carlos were special servers. Really efficient and friendly.Now the not so great! Room was clean but with rather dated looking furniture and horrendous view of telephone wires, delivery trucks and garbage area. We didn't book an ocean view but the ad said ALL rooms had ocean OR mountain view. We were part of a wedding party and booked six months ago. For $475 a night, we were shocked.Also, the toiletries were not a luxurious brand as supplied by other hotels with lower prices.My husband and I are world travelers and have experienced many top notch hotels.Sadly, apart from the staff and restaurant, Santa Barbara Inn isn't one of them.
Had a great stay here. Great location with the beach being right across the street. The rooms are spacious and clean. The front desk staff were polite and the cleaning crew does a great job! Food at the restaurant Convivo was delicious! Be sure to book an ocean view room, otherwise the view from the attached balcony can be underwhelming. Overall a great place to relax in Santa Barbara.
I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Santa Barbara Inn, a hotel that purports to offer classic elegance and a coastal luxury experience. Regrettably, my experience didn't align with their claims. Considering its rates, I anticipated top-tier amenities and a contemporary ambiance, yet unfortunately, the hotel fell short on both fronts.While the rooms are spacious, they struck me as quite average. The omission of conveniences like soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers in the shower was a surprise. I also noted that the water pressure in the shower was disappointingly low.The location, set right in front of the beach, is the hotel's primary asset. Yet, even this feature cannot fully compensate for the shortfalls in amenities and value. Additionally, it's worth noting that unless you pay extra for an ocean view, your room may likely face a parking lot, which can be a disappointment.While I understand the hotel has a Spanish Mediterranean-style, the overall ambiance seemed outdated. Modern, high-quality amenities and fixtures would make the stay more comfortable and worth the investment.
Came in for lunch on 10/8 and had a great experiencUnbelievable location, that I’m so I got to see during the day! The building and the grounds were amazing and the viewership to the west, were breathtaking. I visited the garden which was filled with many of my favorites like watermelon sage, and hot lips sage, as well as a bunch of other supercool herbs.I was literally caught off guard by the level of cooking that was over the top, and easily surpassed all of the other two Michelin starred restaurants I have visited previously. The popcorn was a great treat, and I am only used to having something like that when I make it myself at home. What really showed me what level the cooking was on was the extremely well executed chicken and the black cod, both with exceptional flavor which is the result of knowing how to season on an expert level. Very few chefs, including ones with three stars, are able to obtain this depth of flavor.Respect!
The food and stay were top-notch. Wonderful hospitality and service from the host. It’s a gem that one definitely can’t miss on CA-1.Hopefully they’ll be receiving another Michelin star in the near future because they definitely deserve it!
Truly an exceptional place to stay and eat. We stayed and dined at Harbor House for our 1st anniversary. The service, from the inn staff to restaurant, help make our celebration one we will never forget. The hospitality was world class and they even helped us store our cake topper overnight and brought it to our room the next evening with a bottle of champagne. Dinner at Harbor House was a unique, unexpected, and delicious dive into coastal California cuisine. Definitely worth a special trip to experience.
I'm going to start this by saying, just go. Book a reservation for their restaurant. You will not regret it.We went for the lunch tasting menu because we did a last minute trip to Mendocino and the dinner reservations were completely booked for the entire month. However, the lunch was amazing and was surprisingly cheap for a Michelin starred tasting menu. $95 for lunch and another $95 for the wine pairing.We got there ~30 minutes early so we had the opportunity to relax outside in cozy chairs overlooking the ocean cliff. It was beautiful and relaxing. There is a small path to get down to the ocean.They use local ingredients harvested from their own gardens, nearby gardens, or ingredients foraged for by the ocean/cliffs. On paper, the menu wasn't super thrilling to me but the flavors created by their team blew me away. Every dish was delicious, savory, and left me wanting more even though I was stuffed by the end.While the food was great, the server staff were on another level. We went for lunch on 8/11/2023 so whoever the two people working that day were amazing. You almost didn't notice they were there until you started to think you need something and they would magically appear. They noticed the tiniest details and would fix things quickly. Most importantly, when they fill your wine glass before the course comes out, they would refill when the food was delivered so you could enjoy the wine alone and then reenjoy it with the food.
Harbor House Inn is in a good location with restaurants and shops very close, and the beach within a 5 minute walk. This hotel is clean, and the rooms are a nice size. We stayed on the 2nd floor in a King Room, and it was very spacious. The beds are comfortable, and there was a fireplace inside.The staff is friendly and was responsive to our needs. Check-in was quick and easy.The only minor cons is the parking lot is a tight squeeze, as are the showers. However, way more positives. And we will be back the next time we are in town.
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FAQs about Santa Barbara boutique hotels
What is the typical price range for boutique hotels in Santa Barbara?
Boutique hotels in Santa Barbara vary in price, generally ranging from $200 to over $500 per night. Factors influencing the cost include the hotel’s location, the level of luxury, and the amenities offered. Beachfront and downtown properties, especially those with ocean views or unique historical significance, tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, there are more affordable boutique options available, particularly during the off-peak seasons or in less central locations, still offering the distinct charm and personalized service of a boutique experience.
When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara for a boutique hotel stay?
The best time to visit Santa Barbara for a boutique hotel experience is during the late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). These months offer comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and the natural beauty of the region in full bloom. While the summer months are popular among tourists, they can also bring higher hotel rates and more crowded attractions. Visiting in the shoulder seasons allows you to enjoy milder weather and better hotel rates, making it an ideal time to explore the unique offerings of Santa Barbara’s boutique hotels.
Are boutique hotels in Santa Barbara affordable during popular events and festivals?
Prices for boutique hotels in Santa Barbara can increase during popular events and festivals, such as the Summer Solstice Parade or the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. However, with advance planning, more affordable options can still be found. Booking well in advance is key to securing better rates. You might also consider staying in hotels a bit removed from the event locations, as they often offer more competitive pricing. Some boutique hotels may also provide special packages or promotions during these periods, which could include additional amenities or discounts for longer stays, enhancing the value of your visit during these exciting times.
How to book a boutique hotel in Santa Barbara?
We’ve picked out top boutique hotels in Santa Barbara for you. This includes details about rooms, hotel rankings, location, and a brief overview. Once you’ve selected a hotel, click ‘See available rooms‘ to visit our partner’s site. Input your preferred dates to check availability. The website will then compare prices from various platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value. After redirection, fill out the additional details about your stay. Some hotels offer pay-at-the-hotel options, while others need payment upfront, typically with a free cancellation policy.
