Question 1

What are the best beach hotels in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Some of the best beach hotels in Santa Barbara include the Marina Beach Motel, Harbor House Inn, and Palihouse Santa Barbara.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with a 9.8 rating, is frequently praised for its friendly and helpful staff, as well as its beautiful and clean rooms. Guests also appreciate the complimentary continental breakfast and free self-parking.

For excellent location and service, consider the 3-star Harbor House Inn, rated 9.6. Reviewers highlight its superb location near the sea and ocean, and guests can also take advantage of free bicycle rentals.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, with a 9.6 rating, offers a resort-inclusive outdoor pool with sun loungers, which is a great feature for relaxation. Visitors often comment on the fantastic location and the friendly, helpful staff.

Question 2

How much does a beach hotel in Santa Barbara cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices for beach hotels in Santa Barbara vary, but you can find a great deal from £82 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're travelling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Question 3

Which Santa Barbara hotels are near the best beaches?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near the best beaches in Santa Barbara, consider the Marina Beach Motel, Harbor House Inn, or Palihouse Santa Barbara.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with a 9.8 rating, is located very close to the beach, and guests frequently highlight its excellent location. It also offers complimentary breakfast.

Harbor House Inn, a 3-star property with a 9.6 rating, is also situated near the sea and ocean. Reviewers often mention its great location and the availability of free bikes for guests.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, rated 9.6 by guests, is located near the beach and features an outdoor pool with sun loungers. Customers frequently praise its fantastic location and beautiful rooms.

Question 4

Which beach hotels in Santa Barbara are good for families?

Accepted Answer

For a family holiday in Santa Barbara, several much-loved beach hotels offer excellent options.

The 3-star Marina Beach Motel, with a 9.8 rating, is known for its friendly and helpful staff and beautiful, clean rooms. It is located very near the beach and offers free breakfast, making it convenient for families.

Another great choice is the 3-star Harbor House Inn, rated 9.6. Guests frequently praise its great location near the sea and ocean, and it provides free internet and free bicycles, which can be a fun activity for families.

The 4-star Palihouse Santa Barbara, with a 9.6 rating, features an outdoor pool with sun loungers, which is a lovely amenity for families to relax by. Reviewers often highlight its fantastic and convenient location near the beach.

The 3.5-star Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, rated 9.4, offers spacious and clean rooms, along with a free continental breakfast. Families will appreciate its location near the beach and the availability of free cribs.

Finally, the 3.5-star Lavender Inn by the Sea, with a 9.4 rating, also provides a complimentary continental breakfast and is much-loved for its comfortable and clean rooms. It is located near the beach and offers a nice, clean pool.

Question 5

What are the best Santa Barbara hotels with ocean views?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Santa Barbara offering ocean views, consider the Rosewood Miramar Beach, El Encanto Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian, or Santa Barbara Inn.

The 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, with a 9.4 rating, provides both ocean and beach views, and features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar. Guests frequently mention the exceptional service and amazing staff.

El Encanto Santa Barbara, a 5-star hotel rated 9.4, offers ocean views and is located near the beach. It includes amenities such as a restaurant with ocean views, a poolside bar, and rooms with rainfall showerheads and deep soaking bathtubs. Reviewers often highlight the exceptional service and excellent food.

The 5-star Hotel Californian, with a 9.2 rating, provides ocean views and is near the beach. It features a poolside bar and rooms with designer toiletries and premium bedding. Guests frequently praise the beautiful rooms and superb location.

The Santa Barbara Inn, a 4-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, offers partial ocean views and is located near the beach. It has an outdoor pool with sun loungers. Customers often comment on the excellent and friendly staff, as well as the comfortable and clean rooms.

Question 6

What are the top-rated beach hotels in Santa Barbara with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For top-rated beach hotels in Santa Barbara with a pool, consider the Rosewood Miramar Beach, El Encanto Santa Barbara, and Hotel Californian.

The 5-star Rosewood Miramar Beach, with a 9.4 rating, offers direct beach views and multiple pools, including one specifically for children. Guests often comment on the exceptional service and amazing staff.

El Encanto Santa Barbara, a 5-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, is located near the beach and provides stunning ocean views. It features an outdoor pool and offers amenities like massage services and a restaurant with alfresco and ocean-view dining.

The 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2, is also near the beach and boasts an outdoor pool. Reviewers frequently praise its beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, and superb location.

Question 7

Which beach hotels in Santa Barbara are good for couples?

Accepted Answer

For couples looking for a beach hotel in Santa Barbara, excellent choices include El Encanto Santa Barbara, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and Hotel Californian.

The 5-star El Encanto Santa Barbara, with a 9.4 rating, offers ocean views from many rooms and features amenities like a massage service, deep soaking bathtubs, and a restaurant with ocean views. Guests frequently mention the exceptional service and amazing location.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, also a 5-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, provides various ocean and beach views, along with an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and a poolside bar. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional and absolutely amazing staff.

The 5-star Hotel Californian, rated 9.2, is located very near the beach and offers ocean views. It provides amenities such as a poolside bar, champagne service, and designer toiletries. Guests often praise the beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, and great location.

Question 8

Which area of Santa Barbara is best to stay in for beaches?

Accepted Answer

The best area of Santa Barbara to stay in for beaches is the beachfront area, particularly around East Beach and West Beach.

This stretch of coastline offers direct access to the Pacific Ocean, with the Santa Barbara Pier (Stearns Wharf) centrally located between the two main beaches. The Cabrillo Boulevard promenade runs parallel to the sand, superb for walks, cycling, or rollerblading, and you'll find plenty of hotels right across from the beach.

Families often find this area ideal due to the easy beach access and nearby recreational activities. East Beach, for instance, has volleyball courts and a playground, while West Beach is calmer and great for paddleboarding or kayaking. Many hotels here offer family-friendly amenities, and you're just a short walk from the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Couples looking for a relaxing coastal escape will also appreciate this area. You can enjoy sunbathing, romantic strolls along the shore, and beautiful sunsets over the ocean.

Question 9

Which top beach hotels in Santa Barbara offer water sport activities?

Accepted Answer

For top beach hotels in Santa Barbara offering water sport activities, consider the Harbor House Inn, Lavender Inn by the Sea, Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, The Eagle Inn, and El Encanto Santa Barbara.

The 3-star Harbor House Inn, with a 9.6 rating, is located near the beach and offers access to a wide range of water sports, including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. Guests frequently praise its superb location and excellent staff.

The 3.5-star Lavender Inn by the Sea, rated 9.4, is also near the beach and provides access to kayaking and sailing. Reviewers highlight its friendly staff and comfortable rooms.

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, is close to the beach and allows for kayaking, sailing, parasailing, surfing, and bodyboarding. Many guests appreciate its spacious rooms and great breakfast.

The 3-star The Eagle Inn, rated 9.4, is located near the ocean and offers activities such as motorboating, kayaking, personal motor watercraft, snorkeling, surfing, bodyboarding, parasailing, sailing, and scuba diving. Guests often comment on the excellent breakfast and beautiful rooms.

El Encanto Santa Barbara, a 5-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, offers ocean views and is near the beach, with activities like kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, and sailing available. Customers frequently mention the exceptional service and excellent food.

Question 10

What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Barbara is during the summer months, particularly from July to August. This period offers consistently warm and sunny weather, with average temperatures hovering around 24°C, creating ideal conditions for enjoying the coastline and water activities.

During this high season, the beaches are bustling with activity, and the ocean is at its most inviting for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. It's a fantastic time for families looking to make the most of the extensive beach facilities and for anyone keen on soaking up the Californian sun. You'll find a lively option along the waterfront, with plenty of opportunities for beachfront dining and strolling along Stearns Wharf.

For a delightful alternative, consider visiting in May. This shoulder month still offers beautiful weather, with pleasant temperatures around 20°C, great for beach walks and enjoying the ocean breeze without the peak summer crowds.

Question 11

How can I save on a beach hotel in Santa Barbara with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ —Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Santa Barbara beach hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. But, if you're feeling spontaneous, check out the last-minute deals.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 12

What beach activities should we do in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

The best beach activities in Santa Barbara revolve around its iconic Stearns Wharf and the adjacent beaches.

Stearns Wharf, a historic pier, is a central point for many beach activities. From here, you can take a boat tour of the coastline, offering views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and potentially spotting marine life like dolphins. There are also several casual dining options on the wharf, providing a relaxed spot for a meal with ocean views. Families often enjoy the Sea Centre, an interactive marine education facility located directly on the pier.

East Beach, located just east of Stearns Wharf, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. The wide, sandy expanse is well-maintained and offers plenty of space for relaxation. You can also find courts for beach volleyball here,

which are often busy with local games. This beach is particularly good for families due to its calm waters and the presence of lifeguards during peak season.

For those looking for a more active experience, renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards is a popular choice. Several rental shops are located near Stearns Wharf, making it easy to get out on the water and explore the coastline at your own pace.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to book flights and a beach hotel in Santa Barbara as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking a beach vacation package well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 14

Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Santa Barbara for you.

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