13 Hip Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera, is a stunning Southern California city to visit. This is my favorite coastal getaway in California and I’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara.

With abundant ocean views, lush foliage, and beautiful architecture, I can’t think of a better getaway in California. I can’t count how many times I’ve taken a weekend trip down to Santa Barbara. Whether it be with friends or my family, or my recent weekend away, I fall in love with this city every time.

You can’t miss the city’s signature details, like red-tiled roofs, bright bougainvillea, and coastal panoramas.

This list of Santa Barbara hotels has so many boutique options (something I love about the destination). These options range from beachside inns to Victorian estates to hip hotels near State Street. As you start perusing through, you’ll see that there is something for every traveler.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara:

1. The Steward, Santa Barbara, for the best overall boutique hotel
2. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, for the best luxury boutique
3. Palihouse Santa Barbara, for best downtown boutique hotel

If you’re planning a trip, check out my posts on the best things to do and the best restaurants. I even have this slow road trip guide that also includes excursions to nearby Ventura and Ojai. Santa Barbara and nearby areas are great for a road trip in this part of California.

The Best Santa Barbara Boutique Hotels

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1. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara, a coastal hideaway, featuring 24 guest rooms and a Mediterranean-style courtyard, calls downtown’s Historic Presidio neighborhood home. Rooms are residential-style, with larger options including studios and apartments, some of which have kitchenettes. Rooms are bright and airy, and the grounds—which feature a pool and garden café—are charming. Book the best rates here.

Address: 915 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

2. The Steward, Santa Barbara

Occupying 4.7 acres and a lush garden setting, The Steward is a peaceful retreat. The property has a peaceful atmosphere with a calming design and yoga classes on the lawn. Between its pool, hot tub, and indoor fireplace, the hotel offers plenty of places to relax. Its restaurant, Terra, features local California cuisine and a monthly winemaker collaboration menu. Book the best rates here.

Address: 5490 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

3. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta

Located in Goleta on Highway 1, The Leta is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Its convenient location also provides easy access to nearby attractions like Lake Los Carneros and Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove. Beachy, boho design details run throughout its rooms, on-site restaurant, and pool area. The Leta is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, meaning you can earn and redeem points for your stay. Book the best rates here.

Address: 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117

4. Drift Santa Barbara

Design lovers take note—Drift Santa Barbara is for you. Its aesthetic is minimal, modern, and organic, and the feel is reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s laid-back culture. Amenities include everything you need for a quintessentially California stay, like yoga mats and blocks, surfboards, and bikes. A surf-inspired coffee shop and craft bar are also on-site for drinks and dining. Book the best rates here.

Address: 524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

5. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

El Encanto is a must-stay in Santa Barbara. This dreamy property from the 1920s, once a popular getaway for Hollywood stars, has been restored to stand as one of California’s top resorts. The hotel’s Spanish-colonial and California craftsman styles were kept and still show today. They also added modern features like a zero-edge outdoor pool and boutique spa to update the hotel. Don’t miss the hillside restaurant, which showcases the best of California cuisine. Book the best rates here.

Address: 800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

6. Hideaway Santa Barbara

Extensively renovated in 2019, the gleaming Hideaway Santa Barbara sits a mere three blocks from the beach. Rooms have a coastal look with blue and white colors, and natural and woven accents, giving a beach house feel. Comfort is a key priority for the hotel, whose inviting lobby and fresh-baked cookies are ready to welcome guests. Rooms are well-appointed, with many suites featuring mountain views and six including fireplaces. Book the best rates here.

Address: 420 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

7. The Waterman

Stay at The Waterman to experience the trendy and quirky Funk Zone neighborhood. Enjoy shopping, dining, art galleries, culture, breweries, and wine-tasting rooms in this vibrant area. The hotel offers various amenities for guests to enjoy. These include a library lounge, games, a pool, and a kitchen that guests can use. The Waterman is part of Marriott’s portfolio, meaning you can earn and redeem points for your stay. Book the best rates here.

Address: 12 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

8. Hotel Santa Barbara

In the heart of downtown, hospitality and history collide at the Hotel Santa Barbara. Part of the city’s fabric since 1876, the hotel has gone through rebuilds and transitions over the last century to become the blend of historic and modern charm that defines it today. Free bikes, a gym, and Starbucks on-site are some of the conveniences available for you to enjoy in Santa Barbara. Book the best rates here.

Address: 533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

9. Hotel Milo

Intimate and laid-back, the hacienda-style Hotel Milo is a 2.5-acre oasis near the center of the city. Its 121 rooms, spread across six buildings, are right across the street from West Beach, and beach cruiser bikes are complimentary for guests. The hotel has many things to enjoy, like fire pits, courtyards, and poolside cabanas, all with beautiful views. Book the best rates here.

Address: 202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

10. Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn is the perfect place for all things waterfront in Santa Barbara. It perfectly captures the city’s romanticism, with bougainvillea-draped pergolas and wrought-iron fixtures, and its architecture is the quintessential Spanish style you’ll see throughout the city. They have newly renovated 45 rooms and suites, and they offer everything you need for a modern and comfortable stay. Book the best rates here.

Address: 324 W Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

11. Simpson House Inn

Stay at Simpson House Inn, a unique experience in an 1874 Victorian estate with beautiful English gardens. Its 15 guest rooms are scattered across its manor, carriage barn, and English cottages. Each stay includes snacks, wine, and appetizers in the evening. It also includes desserts and a gourmet breakfast. You can enjoy breakfast in the main house or your room. Book the best rates here.

Address: 121 E Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

12. Kimpton Canary Hotel

Set in the heart of downtown, the Kimpton Canary Hotel seems to have it all. Its privileged location, just footsteps off Main Street, is practically unbeatable, and the rooms echo the Spanish-style architecture that defines Santa Barbara. The rooftop is a highlight, with a bar, pool, and hot tub that make the perfect place to watch the sunset, lounge, or take a dip. Book the best rates here.

Address: 31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

13. Blue Sands Inn

Blue Sands Inn is another centrally located property, within easy walking distance to the beach, the Zoo, Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone. The locally owned hotel’s dedication to supporting local artists and artisans shines through in every aspect of the hotel, from custom-made furniture to the art on the walls. It’s also deeply committed to being as eco-friendly as possible. Book the best rates here.

Address: 421 S Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

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Frequently Asked Questions: Santa Barbara

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Santa Barbara?

I believe hotels offer a wide variety of experiences in the area. If I plan to spend my time enjoying restaurants and the downtown, I like to be close to that as much as possible. That said, I love the more in-nature hotels available too as these offer a quieter experience.

How Many Nights Would You Spend in Santa Barbara?

I always recommend to friends and family to stay a minimum of three nights. Santa Barbara has a lot to do. You can go shopping, enjoy restaurants, nightlife, and more. Then nearby, there are things like beaches, wineries, and coastal drives. Three nights gives you the perfect amount of time.

Do You Have Any Favorite Restaurants in Santa Barbara?

Absolutely! After dozens of trips down, I have a handful of restaurants I love to visit. Sama Sama Kitchen, Bouchon, and Loquita are a few. This guide to the best restaurants in Santa Barbara will help you!

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