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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
14.3 mi from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"Great stay here! Amazing view from our room. Staff was nice & the food from the hotel restaurant was solid! "
United States
Vincent
The price is £148
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean

Vagabond Inn - Carpinteria North

Vagabond Inn - Carpinteria North
2.5 star property
8.6 mi from Waterfront
The price is £170
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Vagabond Inn - Carpinteria North

Inn on Summer Hill

Inn on Summer Hill
3.0 star property
5 mi from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (355 reviews)
"Lovely place. Staff was accommodating. "
United States
Dawn
The price is £179
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Inn on Summer Hill

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South
2.0 star property
9.8 mi from Waterfront
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,268 reviews)
"Friendly staff , clean rooms , nearby stores"
United States
Samantha
The price is £82
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG
2.5 star property
9.9 mi from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,004 reviews)
"Awesome hotel. Clean with super nice people. We always stay at this property and it never disappoint. "
United States
Magdalena
The price is £132
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria by IHG

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn
3.5 star property
8.9 mi from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,496 reviews)
"Our family loves staying at the Best Western Carpinteria. "
United States
Brian
The price is £130
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach, 1 mi from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (414 reviews)
"When I arrived after midnight after a long, tiring drive, I was greeted by a very friendly manager who was kind to give me a later check out when I asked. The hotel and my ADA king room were beautiful and luxurious, providing the rest and easy morning I needed. I look forward to staying here again."
United States
Jason
The price is £140
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Property

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
East Beach, 0.7 mi from Waterfront
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,003 reviews)
"Good place to stay"
United States
Debojyoti
The price is £111
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
The Inn at East Beach

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.3 mi from Waterfront
7.8 out of 10, Good, (270 reviews)
"Great restaurants and amenities, location was perfect. Really enjoyed the bike rentals."
United States
Oren
The price is £269
includes taxes & fees
17 May - 18 May
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
4.0 star property
East Beach, 0.5 mi from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice alternative to the very expensive hotels in the area."
United States
geoffrey
The price is £122
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Montecito Inn

Montecito Inn
4.0 star property
2.4 mi from Waterfront
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,004 reviews)
"The staff was absolutely outstanding, in all areas, during our stay"
United States
Lisa
The price is £193
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Montecito Inn

Casa Del Sol

Casa Del Sol
2.5 star property
9.9 mi from Waterfront
7.0 out of 10, Good, (664 reviews)
"The room was clean but small. Small bathroom and it's a Motel."
United States
Richard
The price is £101
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Casa Del Sol

The Craft House Inn

The Craft House Inn
4.0 star property
1.7 mi from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (21 reviews)
"Home/room felt like home while our short stay away from home. Host was very helpful throughout our stay."
United States
Norma
The price is £152
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
The Craft House Inn

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North
2.0 star property
8.6 mi from Waterfront
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,126 reviews)
"Good place to stay"
United States
Mario
The price is £72
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - North

La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 0.9 mi from Waterfront
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,005 reviews)
"Gorgeous colonial style hotel, blocks from the beach."
United States
Robert
The price is £159
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
La Playa Inn

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 0.9 mi from Waterfront
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,220 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay and ate planning our next trip to stay there!"
United States
Nuria
The price is £118
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Studio Carpinteria

Vagabond Inn Studio Carpinteria
2.5 star property
9.9 mi from Waterfront
The price is £292
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Vagabond Inn Studio Carpinteria

Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.0 star property
Laguna, 1 mi from Waterfront
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (171 reviews)
"Great location for a short stay in Santa Barbara!"
United States
Sophie
The price is £170
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Casa Riviera

The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 0.8 mi from Waterfront
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,111 reviews)
"We loved our stay. Nice room, friendly staff, close to beach. "
United States
JEN
The price is £132
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
The Franciscan Hotel

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
6.4 mi from Waterfront
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,100 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful hotel! Beautiful views, wonderful staff. And an excellent continental breakfast. It was an amazing time."
United States
Maria
The price is £145
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
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.

Where to stay in Waterfront

Find the best Waterfront areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Waterfront
Learn more about Waterfront

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

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 East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Top Waterfront Hotel Reviews

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?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Waterfront.
How can I save on a Waterfront hotel booking with Expedia?
Members always get our best prices. Find our best Waterfront hotel deals by joining Expedia's free travel rewards program today. As a member, you can unlock instant savings and member perks when you're logged in to your account. Another tip is to book your hotel and flights together on Expedia, where bundling can result in significant savings.
How much is the nightly rate at a Waterfront hotel?
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.