Search the best hotels in Santa Barbara

Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara

With its mild year-round climate, Santa Barbara is a good option for a Californian city break. The city’s pretty historic centre is packed with independent shops and restaurants, so it’s the perfect place to head for a boutique break. Our hotel experts have scanned the length and breadth of the city to bring you a collection of the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara. Whether you want to stay right in the city centre or in one of the quieter suburbs, there is plenty to choose from. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next getaway?

Bath Street Inn

Santa Barbara (California)

Close to downtown Santa Barbara, this quaint B&B has a cosy, homely feel with ditsy decor, cute furniture and a library with lovely mountain views. Treats in store include complimentary afternoon tea with homemade cakes and cookies, plus a daily wine and cheese social hour. Charm with a capital C!

  • Romantic Break - Open air concerts at the intimate Santa Barbara Bowl with balmy nights of music under the stars
  • Beach Life - Stunning sandy beaches and a gorgeous Mediterranean climate make for a relaxing stay
  • Active Holiday - Rock climbing, hiking, biking, surfing, sailing - a haven for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Sights nearby - Santa Barbara's electric shuttle takes you to the waterfront for shopping, whale watching or a sunset cruise
from AU$238 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cheshire Cat

Santa Barbara (California)

Victorian B&B welcomes guests with crackling fireplaces, a flower filled garden and private terraces. Natural light floods the comfortable rooms, some have whirlpool tubs. Breakfast in bed, on the terrace or in the garden. A fantastic find in the heart of Santa Barbara. Sea or spa, be sure to visit.

  • Sights nearby - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a great place to hear more about the area and nature.
  • Fishing - Head to the pier and let out a line.
  • Great walks - Along the ocean front.
  • Full of character
from AU$308 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Upham

Santa Barbara (California)

Built in 1871, the Upham is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. This downtown Santa Barbara hotel comes with every modern convenience - while staying true to its historic roots. Rooms are simple, extremely comfortable and elegant. A timeless hotel, in a vibrant city.

  • Great walks - 5-minute drive to the beach and Stearns Wharf.
  • Barefoot Luxury
  • Outstanding location
  • Seaside
from AU$337 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Haley Hotel

Santa Barbara (California)

Nautical-themed 3* hotel located in downtown Santa Barbara, walking distance from the city's beaches and attractions. 17 spacious but simple rooms all face onto a communal yard with outdoor furniture and a relaxed sociable vibe. There is no restaurant but many great options in the neighbourhood.

  • Local exploring - The centrally-located downtown property is walking distance from the city's restaurants, art galleries, markets and beaches
  • House party feel
  • Local markets
  • Sailing
from AU$366 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Milo

Santa Barbara (California)

Boutique beach hotel perfection located in Santa Barbara's West Beach. Many of the beautifully decorated and elegant rooms have sea views and there are two swimming pools, a hot tub and cabanas. The neighbourhood is vibrant; sample local wine, explore the local art scene or shop till you drop.

  • Total relaxation - Hit the beach, curl up on a poolside cabana with a good book, relax in the hot tub or enjoy some local wine by the firepit
  • Beach Life - As well as sea views the property is 40m from West Beach and 350m to East Beach, both stretches of beautiful white sand
  • Local markets - Pick up locally sourced food and great wine at one of the city's fantastic farmer's markets
  • Birdwatching - Explore the 42 acre Andree Clark Bird Refuge for birdwatching, hiking and biking
from AU$369 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Simpson House Inn

Santa Barbara (California)

1874 Victorian Mansion turned B&B amid lush gardens and daily wine hour. Rooms are Victorian, with fireplace, four poster bed, hardwood floors and classic bathtubs. Location is perfect for beach life or relaxing in the garden with a book. Restaurants and galleries are walking distance.

  • Great walks - Check out the extensive gardens of the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.
  • Fishing - Go out and do some deep sea fishing with some local experts.
  • Hideaway - A truly quiet and intimate stay.
  • Secluded setting
from AU$392 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Inn on Summerhill

Santa Barbara (California)

A charming B&B near the beach in Santa Barbara. Craftsman-style architecture makes the property feel unique and homely; relax in the welcoming fireside living room with books and games. 16 beautiful and cosy rooms and suites have distinct wooden ceilings, fireplaces and either sea or garden views.

  • Active Holiday - Santa Barbara offers an enormous amount of activites; surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, hang-gliding and mountain biking
  • Local exploring - The area has endless things to do for everyone; whale-watch, shop, wine-taste, explore museums, hike or hit the beach
  • Romantic Break - With fireplaces, four poster beds, cosy throws and flat-screen TVs, it may be very difficult to leave the room
  • Sights nearby - Visit Solvang, a quaint Danish village with cobbled streets, indmills, brick sidewalks, and thatched rooftops
from AU$469 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Palihouse Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara (California)

Boutique hotel with all the trimmings in downtown Santa Barbara. The Spanish colonial mansion provides a perfect setting, think cobbled courtyards, pastel walls & palm-facing balconies. The Garden Cafe, cocktail bar, outdoor courtyard & beautiful pool tick all the boxes. Equal parts cool and cozy.

  • City Style - Blending the comfort of a residence with the cool factor of an on-trend boutique hotel, this is the ultimate home-away-from-home
  • Local exploring - Prime location to walk to Santa Barbara's shops, restaurants, museums & theaters and perfect for wine country day trips
  • Total relaxation - Dreamy little base for sightseeing in the morning and poolside relaxation in the afternoons
  • Restaurant - The property's Garden Cafe is located in the charming courtyard; expect healthy take on brunch classics and fresh lunches
from AU$602 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hideaway Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara (California)

Stylish B&B located walking distance from Santa Barbara's West Beach. 9 elegant rooms have been designed with impeccable taste; nautical hues, working fireplaces, spacious marble bathrooms and plenty of light. Home-made cookies are served daily, as well as breakfast in this home-away-from-home.

  • Local exploring - Despite feeling wonderful secluded, the excellent location means that all to see and do in Santa Barbara is on your doorstep
  • City Style - The extensive renovation in 2019 means that suites and public areas feel fresh and chic, with the latest technology
  • Sights nearby - Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is known for its vibrant art scene, galleries and cafes; walk just 6 blocks from the property
  • Great walks - Stroll to the harbour to catch a scenic sunset
from AU$608 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Californian

Santa Barbara (California)

This exclusive bolt-hole sits on the Santa Barbara coast, a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean. The hotel's interiors ooze American Riviera style, with monochrome textiles and Mediterranean-style tiles in the urban seaside rooms. A celebrated spa and restaurant complete this VIP escape.

  • Hideaway - With a chic pool, spa and restaurant within the hotel, there is no need to leave this refined beach hideaway
  • Beach Life - Set on one of the most exclusive stretches of seaside in America, this hotel makes a luxury beach break
  • Foodies - Foodies flock to this hotel for its acclaimed Mediterranean-influenced restaurant, Blackbird
  • Surfing - Surf Rincon, one of California's most famous waves; get started with surf lessons, available from a range of local providers
from AU$626 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
San Ysidro Ranch

Santa Barbara (California)

This romantic ranch sits in 500 acres with Pacific Ocean views, a pool and private hot tubs. Cottages and suites are luxurious, intimate and with outdoor rain showers. The Stonehouse uses locally sourced produce. Family and pets are welcome to this adventure haven.

  • Great walks - Explore the grounds.
  • Romantic
  • Views
  • Outstanding location
from AU$1069 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees