A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Santa Barbara from NZ$214

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Tonight
9 Aug - 10 Aug
Tomorrow
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Next weekend
14 Aug - 16 Aug
In two weeks
21 Aug - 23 Aug

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

1. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Martin
NZ$303
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
Joe
NZ$279
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Sandpiper Lodge

3. Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Mark
NZ$339
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

4. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
Downtown Santa Barbara
United States
Rey Jacob
NZ$276
includes taxes & fees
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Haley Hotel

5. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Marcella
NZ$338
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
The Franciscan Hotel

6. Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
North State
United States
michael
NZ$246
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Lemon Tree Inn

7. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Oak Park
United States
Yoshiko
NZ$311
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

8. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
North State
United States
Smita
NZ$214
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

9. Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites
San Roque
United States
Celine
NZ$265
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Oasis Inn & Suites

10. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Omar
NZ$422
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with its stunning coastal views and vibrant culture, offers plenty for the budget-conscious traveller. Start your adventure at the Santa Barbara Mission, a historical gem known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' where you can explore beautiful gardens and learn about California’s history for just a small donation. Next, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront at East Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views—all for free! Don’t miss the bustling Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you can taste local produce and grab affordable snacks while supporting local vendors. For those keen on art, the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum hosts free exhibitions showcasing regional artists. When it comes to accommodation, consider staying in the Funk Zone, a trendy area dotted with budget-friendly hotels and hostels. This vibrant neighbourhood is packed with local eateries and tasting rooms, making it easy to sample the renowned Santa Barbara wine scene without breaking the bank. With easy access to both the beach and local attractions, you can truly enjoy an enriching experience without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

For travellers seeking budget-friendly options in Santa Barbara, these hotels offer excellent value without sacrificing comfort or convenience.Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking exceptional value, the Marina Beach Motel shines with a stellar review rating of 9.8. This budget-friendly motel offers free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with free self-parking, making it a convenient choice for beach lovers. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with kitchenettes, allowing for easy meal preparation during their stay.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the essentials, the Marina Beach Motel features a furnished patio and patio for outdoor enjoyment, as well as complimentary bicycles to explore the coastal area. With nearby access to the beach, winery tours, and various outdoor activities, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant Santa Barbara lifestyle without overspending.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

Harbor House Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Harbor House Inn is a top-rated choice for budget travellers, with a remarkable review rating of 9.6. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking, all while being just a stone's throw from the beach. This charming inn provides a welcoming atmosphere with the added benefit of on-site bicycles for exploring the scenic surroundings.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include a hot tub for relaxation, a patio for unwinding outdoors, and convenient access to local attractions such as kayaking and winery tours. The hotel also features beach towels and umbrellas for those sunny days at the beach, ensuring travelers have everything they need for a perfect stay.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

Harbor House Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Harbour House Inn is a superb pick for budget travellers, receiving an excellent review rating of 9.6. With key amenities like free WiFi and self-parking, guests can enjoy a straightforward stay while being just a stone's throw from the beach.
  • Other amenities: The inn also features a private hot tub for relaxation, as well as patios for enjoying the fresh air. Guests can easily access nearby activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and winery tours, making it an ideal base for adventure seekers. With comfortable furnishings and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a delightful choice for any traveller.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Avania Inn of Santa Barbara is a fantastic choice for budget travellers, an impressive guest review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast options, free WiFi, and self-parking, making it easy to explore the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach without added expenses.
  • Other amenities: The inn features a lovely terrace for relaxation, an outdoor pool to unwind, and nearby access to both the beach and boardwalk. Additional conveniences include air conditioning, designer toiletries, and nearby golf opportunities for those looking to enjoy some leisure activities during their stay.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 1 km, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1.1 km

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott

FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott

10/10 Excellent
"Very clean room easy hotel to get around well situated in town. Abner and Sophia were helpful and attentive at the front desk and gave excellent directions to get around. Check - in was a breeze. Thank you for a wonderful stay."
Roman 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott
The Milo

The Milo

10/10 Excellent
"On the expensive side but worth it if you want to have all the options: pools, hot tub, on the beach, bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas, wine tastings, smores and firepits … Beds were perfectly comfortable. Staff was always nearby and ready to assist with anything. Wonderful stay!!"
Sharon 2-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
The Milo
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

8/10 Good
"We chose this hotel because it is within very close walking distance of the beach and pier. The hotel has plenty of parking, is very clean and well-kept, and the staff is helpful and friendly. The free morning breakfast includes pastries, yogurt, waffles, juice, tea, coffee and fruits, among other things. The rooms are spacious and just fine except for two things. To control the temperature you have to use a remote and point it at the air conditioner. We had to ask the attendant to explain how to use the remote because it is not user friendly. The other issue is that you can't get Netflix via the tv unless you use your hotspot, and the internet is not great. For the price we paid I feel that there should not have been any problems."
Beverly 2-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Great room, great staff, just a great time and stay."
edward 1-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent
"I always stay here when I charter off SB landing. Very convenient just across the street. Free breakfast is fire. Rooms a decent size. Only issue on my last stay was the construction noise from my 3rd floor during the day. Other than that will continue stay here when I charter off SB"
Cheryl 2-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Beachside Inn
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

8/10 Good
"Great small hotel"
Barbara 2-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Inn By The Harbor
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

8/10 Good
"No cleaning service today we were there"
Darron 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Arlington Theater, Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Bowl.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Other good options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many low-cost hotels will I find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 13°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 392 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Looking at these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal), situated 7.6 mi (12.2 km) away. If that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. To see more of the larger area, hop on a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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