A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

Santa Barbara Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, California

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Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
2.0 star property
North State
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (2,554 reviews)
"Location, pool, hottub, breakfast, in room fridge& microwave---great value for price!"
United States
Nancy
The price is €128
includes taxes & fees
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Sandpiper Lodge

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,314 reviews)
"3 blocks from the beach with an awesome staff and spotless rooms."
United States
Daneka
The price is €222
includes taxes & fees
13 Jul - 14 Jul
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
2.0 star property
North State
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,014 reviews)
"Had a great nights stay and the receptionist was extremely helpful. Will be staying again when I come for my next fishing excursion"
United States
Phillip
The price is €131
includes taxes & fees
26 Jul - 27 Jul
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,259 reviews)
"Great property and pool and breakfast!!!"
United States
Shubhrangshu
The price is €224
includes taxes & fees
9 Aug - 10 Aug
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
3.5 star property
North State
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,318 reviews)
"We had breakfast lunch dinner and happy hour at the restaurant Excellent food"
United States
Randi
The price is €141
includes taxes & fees
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Lemon Tree Inn

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,137 reviews)
"Really nice place to stay!"
United States
Kristine
The price is €227
includes taxes & fees
9 Aug - 10 Aug
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,013 reviews)
"great location!"
United States
Karen
The price is €170
includes taxes & fees
13 Jul - 14 Jul
The Inn at East Beach

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,015 reviews)
"Great location and outstanding property"
United States
Alec
The price is €319
includes taxes & fees
26 Jul - 27 Jul
Santa Barbara Inn

Rose Garden Inn

Rose Garden Inn
1.5 star property
North State
6.6 out of 10, (1,014 reviews)
"Great plaxe to stay"
United States
David
The price is €129
includes taxes & fees
19 Jul - 20 Jul
Rose Garden Inn

The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel
4.0 star property
Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,011 reviews)
"Gorgeous gardens and we loved the history of the Upham!"
United States
Terri Rae
The price is €204
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
The Upham Hotel
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.

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with its stunning coastal views and vibrant culture, offers plenty for the budget-conscious traveller. Start your adventure at the Santa Barbara Mission, a historical gem known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' where you can explore beautiful gardens and learn about California’s history for just a small donation. Next, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront at East Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views—all for free! Don’t miss the bustling Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you can taste local produce and grab affordable snacks while supporting local vendors. For those keen on art, the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum hosts free exhibitions showcasing regional artists. When it comes to accommodation, consider staying in the Funk Zone, a trendy area dotted with budget-friendly hotels and hostels. This vibrant neighbourhood is packed with local eateries and tasting rooms, making it easy to sample the renowned Santa Barbara wine scene without breaking the bank. With easy access to both the beach and local attractions, you can truly enjoy an enriching experience without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

For travellers seeking budget-friendly options in Santa Barbara, these hotels offer excellent value without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking exceptional value, the Marina Beach Motel shines with a stellar review rating of 9.8. This budget-friendly motel offers free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with free self-parking, making it a convenient choice for beach lovers. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with kitchenettes, allowing for easy meal preparation during their stay.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the essentials, the Marina Beach Motel features a furnished patio and patio for outdoor enjoyment, as well as complimentary bicycles to explore the coastal area. With nearby access to the beach, winery tours, and various outdoor activities, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant Santa Barbara lifestyle without overspending.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

La Playa Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn stands out with its excellent guest review rating of 9.6, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers. The hotel offers essential amenities including free WiFi and self-parking, ensuring a pleasant and affordable stay.
  • Other amenities: Guests can unwind on the terrace or patio, and enjoy the hotel's close nearby the stunning beach. With air conditioning, designer toiletries, and convenient off-street parking, La Playa Inn combines comfort with budget-friendly options for a relaxing getaway.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.9 km, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1 km

Harbor House Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Harbour House Inn is a superb pick for budget travellers, receiving an excellent review rating of 9.6. With key amenities like free WiFi and self-parking, guests can enjoy a straightforward stay while being just a stone's throw from the beach.
  • Other amenities: The inn also features a private hot tub for relaxation, as well as patios for enjoying the fresh air. Guests can easily access nearby activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and winery tours, making it an ideal base for adventure seekers. With comfortable furnishings and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a delightful choice for any traveller.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Avania Inn of Santa Barbara is a fantastic choice for budget travellers, an impressive guest review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast options, free WiFi, and self-parking, making it easy to explore the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach without added expenses.
  • Other amenities: The inn features a lovely terrace for relaxation, an outdoor pool to unwind, and nearby access to both the beach and boardwalk. Additional conveniences include air conditioning, designer toiletries, and nearby golf opportunities for those looking to enjoy some leisure activities during their stay.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 1 km, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1.1 km

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Other good options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many low-cost hotels will I find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 13°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 392 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at Leadbetter Beach, East Beach or Arroyo Burro Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Looking at these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal), situated 7.6 mi (12.2 km) away. If that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. To see more of the larger area, hop on a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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