Search Hotels by Hilton Hotels in Montecito from £282

Regularly ranked as one of the wealthiest communities in the US, the stylish suburb of Montecito has a chic village vibe. Just five miles east of downtown Santa Barbara, take a wander along Montecito’s quiet palm-lined streets to see gated estates – mostly home to the rich or famous – designer boutiques, chichi coffee shops and upscale SoCal restaurants.

Where to Stay in Montecito

For luxury accommodation, Montecito is definitely the place to stay. While the legendary Montecito Inn, opened by Charlie Chaplin in 1928, might not be on the cards, you could book an equally lavish room or suite in a luxury beachfront resort or a stylish ranch in the mountains.

Stay near Montecito's Attractions

Book a hotel off Montecito's main street to be within walking distance of Casa del Herrero, a grand 1930s estate built for the Steedman family and one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the US.

From here head west to Lotusland, the diverse botanical gardens in the 37-acre estate of the eccentric Polish opera singer, Madame Ganna Walska. A pre-booked guided tour is a must.

Time your visit to Montecito right and you could catch a classical concert at the annual summer music festival, held at the Music Academy of the West, a block from the beach.

Beachfront Hotels in Montecito

Montecito has a number of beach-front hotels, all of which are walking distance from the area's best beaches. Backed by swaying palms, Butterfly Beach is quiet and serene, and one of Santa Barbara's few west-facing shores. Miramar Beach is popular for celebrity spotting, or you could join the surfers at Hammond's Point.

Stylish Dining in Montecito

Montecito famously has some of Santa Barbara's most celebrated restaurants. After a day at the beach, shopping or sightseeing, head back to your Montecito hotel for a cocktail on the terrace, before heading out to hobnob with the Santa Barbara elite in one of suburb's chic neighbourhood restaurants.

From hip boutique hotels to hacienda-style guesthouses, wherever you choose to stay in Montecito, use Expedia's search tools to find the best deals on your next Santa Barbara getaway.