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Waterfront Hotels, Santa Barbara

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Our top choices for Waterfront hotels

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, (1,006 reviews)
"Cant wait to return. Very charming and perfect for a romantic getaway"
United States
Megan
The price is NZ$343
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

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, (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Leticia I
The price is NZ$406
includes taxes & fees
1 July - 2 July
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Casa Del Sol

Casa Del Sol
2.5 star property
15.9 km from Waterfront
7.0 out of 10, Good, (681 reviews)
"Sick vibes"
United States
Alex
The price is NZ$383
includes taxes & fees
5 July - 6 July
Casa Del Sol

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, (1,368 reviews)
"Great location and wonderful staff"
United States
Stephen
The price is NZ$171
includes taxes & fees
14 July - 15 July
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

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, (1,540 reviews)
"Clean and well located hotel. Close to the beach. We really enjoyed our stay"
United States
Paulina
The price is NZ$362
includes taxes & fees
19 July - 20 July
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

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, (1,229 reviews)
"Great place for staying. "
United States
Yanchao
The price is NZ$160
includes taxes & fees
14 July - 15 July
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
8.1 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (360 reviews)
"Lovely place. Staff was accommodating. "
United States
Dawn
The price is NZ$696
includes taxes & fees
1 July - 2 July
Inn on Summer Hill

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Rosewood Miramar Beach
5.0 star property
Montecito, 4.9 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (326 reviews)
"One of the best hotels Ive ever stayed "
United States
AKOP
The price is NZ$3,965
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Rosewood Miramar Beach

Montecito Inn

Montecito Inn
4.0 star property
3.8 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,006 reviews)
"Wonderful stay!"
United States
Anthony
The price is NZ$615
includes taxes & fees
14 July - 15 July
Montecito Inn

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
3.4 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"We had a very pleasant stay and definitely stay here again!"
United States
Andrea
The price is NZ$408
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
4.0 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,005 reviews)
"Very nice stay. Great location."
United States
brian
The price is NZ$721
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

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, (1,010 reviews)
"great location!"
United States
Karen
The price is NZ$306
includes taxes & fees
5 July - 6 July
The Inn at East Beach

Palmoro House

Palmoro House
3.0 star property
East Beach, 1.1 km from Waterfront
7.6 out of 10, Good, (340 reviews)
"Beach is 1 block away the zoo is only 7 min away walking rooms are super comfortable and clean "
United States
Reyna
The price is NZ$563
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Palmoro House

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, (1,400 reviews)
"A great spot just a stones throw to the beach. Very clean and tidy, just what we needed for a couple of nights."
United Kingdom
Angus
The price is NZ$382
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
East Beach, 1 km from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Such a cute property. Friendly staff, clean, comfortable room and very short walk to the water. Would definitely stay here again."
United States
Teri
The price is NZ$360
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.9 km from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,007 reviews)
"Amazing property and great service."
United States
jelica
The price is NZ$533
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Santa Barbara Inn

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.8 km from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Clean room and super convenient location. The staff are quite friendly as well."
United States
Jamil
The price is NZ$386
includes taxes & fees
13 July - 14 July
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

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, (338 reviews)
"Great stay! Use the fire pits at night."
United States
Salina
The price is NZ$740
includes taxes & fees
26 July - 27 July
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian
5.0 star property
The Funk Zone, 0.8 km from Waterfront
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (971 reviews)
"Loved the location and decoration. Amazing bed and pillows ❤️"
United States
Maria
The price is NZ$939
includes taxes & fees
5 July - 6 July
Hotel Californian

Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House
3.5 star property
The Funk Zone, 0.9 km from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay! In a perfect location! "
United States
Taylor
The price is NZ$465
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Riviera Beach House
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Waterfront

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

Santa Barbara Beach

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

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

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

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East Beach

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach.

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Waterfront

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 to 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 hotel booking in Waterfront with Expedia?
One Key™ – Expedia's free travel rewards programme – gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Waterfront hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Waterfront?
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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