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Hotels in Waterfront, Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
2.0 star property
15.8 km from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,432 reviews)
"Great location, easy parking. Staff was very friendly. Great motel to take the dogs."
United States
Teresa
The price is CA $115
CA $136 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Rose Garden Inn

Rose Garden Inn
1.5 star property
6.2 km from Waterfront
6.6 out of 10, (1,018 reviews)
"Excellent thi is our 2 nd vacation here in SB , we plan to return here again next year , also price is very affordable"
United States
Silveria M
The price is CA $172
CA $196 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Rose Garden Inn

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, (456 reviews)
"Great place to stay!!"
United States
Viviano
The price is CA $298
CA $339 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3.0 star property
23.1 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,016 reviews)
"Beautiful location."
United States
Patricia
The price is CA $293
CA $329 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Casa Iglesia

Casa Iglesia
4.5 star property
Oak Park, 3.5 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (32 reviews)
"Great place to stay had a wonderful stay and met a lot of great people"
United States
Derrick
The price is CA $288
CA $433 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Casa Iglesia

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North
2.0 star property
13.8 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,264 reviews)
"Great place for staying. "
United States
Yanchao
The price is CA $111
CA $131 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

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, (354 reviews)
"Very nice and clean facility, but kind of spendy, but I suppose that's what you have to do to stay across from the beach."
United States
Guy
The price is CA $453
CA $581 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
2.0 star property
6 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,016 reviews)
"Had a great nights stay and the receptionist was extremely helpful. Will be staying again when I come for my next fishing excursion"
United States
Phillip
The price is CA $175
CA $210 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

The Craft House Inn

The Craft House Inn
4.0 star property
2.8 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (28 reviews)
"Home/room felt like home while our short stay away from home. Host was very helpful throughout our stay."
United States
Norma
The price is CA $275
CA $314 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 4 - Aug 5
The Craft House Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,017 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel! Our second stay and definitely not our last!"
United States
Logan J
The price is CA $437
CA $499 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Santa Barbara Inn

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
8.1 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (362 reviews)
"Lovely place. Staff was accommodating. "
United States
Dawn
The price is CA $501
CA $581 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Inn on Summer Hill

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,016 reviews)
"It was very close to the beach."
United States
Pamela
The price is CA $226
CA $257 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 26 - Jul 27
The Inn at East Beach

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, (1,418 reviews)
"The staff was helpful and friendly. Great location! Rooms were cute and comfortable."
United States
Jenny
The price is CA $260
CA $297 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Beach House Inn

Beach House Inn
2.0 star property
West Beach, 1.4 km from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (4 reviews)
"excellent location, accessible, clean and spacious! friendly staff."
United States
Sharon
The price is CA $412
CA $469 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Beach House Inn

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, (2,323 reviews)
"Great place to stay and great location."
United States
Martin
The price is CA $263
CA $311 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Town and Country Inn

Town and Country Inn
2.5 star property
4.9 km from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,015 reviews)
"We had a very good stay. Room was clean and the beds were very comfortable. Also, great proximity to all the sights of Santa Barbara. We'd definitely stay there again."
United States
Lorraine
The price is CA $168
CA $198 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Town and Country Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
3.5 star property
14.3 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,554 reviews)
"Room was clean and service was great"
United States
Peter
The price is CA $250
CA $288 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.5 star property
Laguna, 1.6 km from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (247 reviews)
"Clean room, modern, European vibe, easy check in and out, good location."
United States
Baharak
The price is CA $313
CA $461 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Casa Riviera

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG
2.5 star property
16 km from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,008 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Leticia I
The price is CA $253
CA $292 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

El Encanto Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara
5.0 star property
3.4 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (583 reviews)
"Wonderful stay"
United States
Dylan
The price is CA $920
CA $1,153 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 10 - Aug 11
El Encanto Santa Barbara
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.

Where to stay in Waterfront

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

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and East Beach.

Montecito

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach.

East Beach

East Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

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 24-48 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 Waterfront hotel booking with Expedia?
With Expedia, you'll unlock our lowest prices by becoming a member. It's free and easy to join, and you can even access member perks too. Just remember to sign in to get our best prices on Waterfront hotels. Another way to save is by booking your hotel and flights together on Expedia, where bundling can lead to significant savings.
How much is the nightly rate at a Waterfront hotel?
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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