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

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

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Luxury Hotels

Tonight
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Tomorrow
19 Sept - 20 Sept
This weekend
18 Sept - 20 Sept
Next weekend
25 Sept - 27 Sept

Our top choices for Santa Barbara luxury hotels

1. El Encanto Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara
Upper Riviera
  • Coastal sophistication meets full-service luxury at this Santa Barbara boutique hotel with ocean-view dining and spa indulgence.
€727
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
El Encanto Santa Barbara

2. Rosewood Miramar Beach

Rosewood Miramar Beach
Montecito
  • Beachfront opulence awaits at this Montecito retreat with full-service spa, poolside cocktails, and pristine shores.
€1,718
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Rosewood Miramar Beach

3. Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian
Santa Barbara Beach
  • Coastal luxury retreat with a full-service spa and 3 upscale restaurants just minutes from Santa Barbara Harbour and beach.
€566
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Hotel Californian

4. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
Laguna
€418
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Palihouse Santa Barbara

5. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Downtown Santa Barbara
€441
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

6. Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
Upper East
  • Elegant Victorian luxury awaits in Upper East with spa services and lush garden retreats.
€382
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Simpson House Inn

7. Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
  • Elegant coastal luxury awaits at this Santa Barbara haven with ocean views and heated pool near East Beach.
€373
includes taxes & fees
23 Sept - 24 Sept
Santa Barbara Inn

8. The Milo

The Milo
Santa Barbara Beach
€283
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
The Milo

9. Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara
€230
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Hotel Santa Barbara

10. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Downtown Santa Barbara
€265
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Santa Barbaraand its attractions for luxury travelers

Santa Barbara, with its stunning coastal landscape, is a playground for luxury travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Begin your day with a visit to the Santa Barbara Mission, a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission, where you can admire the architecture and lush gardens. For those with a taste for the finer things, the Santa Barbara Wine Country offers exclusive wine-tasting experiences at renowned vineyards such as Sunken Gardens and Fess Parker, where you can indulge in exquisite local wines paired with gourmet bites. Spend a leisurely afternoon at the luxurious Butterfly Beach, known for its pristine shores and breathtaking sunsets, perfect for a romantic stroll or a family picnic. For art enthusiasts, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection that includes American and European masterpieces, providing a cultural feast in a serene setting. Finally, explore the vibrant shops and eateries of State Street, where high-end boutiques and fine dining await, ensuring a chic shopping experience. Staying in the upscale Montecito area offers easy access to these attractions while providing an exclusive vibe, with hotels like the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore and the San Ysidro Ranch, both known for their exceptional service and luxurious amenities, making your stay as pampered as it is unforgettable.

Find the best luxury hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara

For discerning travellers seeking a luxury stay in Santa Barbara, here are five top hotels that promise an extraordinary stay, complete with exquisite amenities and exceptional service.Simpson House Inn

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Simpson House Inn is the epitome of luxury, with an impressive review rating of 9.8. This exquisite hotel features elegant rooms with amenities such as fireplaces and stocked minibars, ensuring a refined stay. The hotel’s concierge service is dedicated to providing personalised assistance, enhancing the luxury experience for travelers.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its lavish accommodations, the inn offers a complimentary full breakfast, an on-site spa, and serene outdoor patios with mountain views. Guests can enjoy early check-in, historical district access, and a variety of nearby activities such as hiking and biking. The Victorian hotel design adds to the charm, with spacious rooms featuring kitchen amenities and designer toiletries for ultimate comfort.
  • Neighborhood: Upper East
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 1.1 km, Arlington Theater - 1.2 km, Santa Barbara Museum of Art - 1.2 km

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach is a splendid choice for luxury seekers, with an impressive review rating of 9.6. Guests can indulge in plush bathrobes and benefit from the attentive concierge service, ensuring a personalised experience throughout their stay. The hotel also features beautifully designed outdoor spaces where travelers can bask in the sun or take a dip in the outdoor pool.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its luxurious offerings, the hotel provides a hot tub for relaxation, complimentary breakfast options, and nearby activities such as kayaking and winery tours. Guests can also enjoy easy access to the beach, electric car charging stations, and convenient parking options. The hotel features a terrace, fitness facilities, and well-appointed accommodations with kitchen amenities for added convenience.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.1 km

Santa Barbara Inn

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: The Santa Barbara Inn stands out as a premier luxury destination, with a remarkable review rating of 9.4. Guests can enjoy premium bedding, luxurious bathrobes, and exceptional concierge services. The hotel features an outdoor pool and on-site golf, making it an excellent choice for leisure and relaxation.
  • Other amenities: Alongside its luxurious offerings, the inn provides valet parking, a restaurant with ocean views, and a fitness centre. Guests can relax on their private balconies or terraces, while enjoying nearby beach access and ocean views. Additional services include housekeeping and designer toiletries, enhancing the overall traveler experience.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Barbara Zoo - 0.7 km, East Beach - 0.2 km, Cabrillo Pavillion - 0.3 km

Lavender Inn by the Sea

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Lavender Inn by the Sea is a delightful luxury retreat, earning a stellar review rating of 9.4. Guests can unwind in plush bathrobes and take advantage of the concierge service to enhance their stay. The inviting outdoor pool area is perfect for relaxation, complemented by the surrounding beauty of Santa Barbara's coastline.
  • Other amenities: In addition to luxury amenities, travelers can enjoy a hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to the nearby beach. The hotel offers sun loungers around the pool, internet access, and a tranquil garden area. Nearby activities such as kayaking and winery tours are also available to complement a perfect getaway.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.1 km

Inn By The Harbor

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: With a remarkable review rating of 9.2, Inn By The Harbor delivers a charming luxury experience. Guests will appreciate the comfort of bathrobes and personalised service from the concierge. The outdoor pool provides a serene spot for relaxation, while the nearby beach offers an inviting escape for sunbathing and strolls along the shore.
  • Other amenities: Beyond its luxurious touches, the hotel offers a hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and convenient access to local attractions such as sailing and kayaking. Guests can enjoy sun loungers by the pool, access to fitness facilities, and well-equipped rooms featuring kitchen amenities. The hotel also provides off-street parking and a garden area for leisurely afternoons.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.4 km

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Hotel was located in the center of everything. Steps away from shopping and restaurants. Staff were really nice and accommodating, they would have freshly baked cookies for guests. Definitely will be returning."
Paula 3-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Hotel Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Comfortable, clean room. Staff was very welcoming and helpful. Great location, easy walk to the harbor."
Patricia 1-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"Very friendly, professional staff. Easy check in and out. Very nice room. Clean and nicely decorated. Comfy bed, good strong shower. The only issue we had was the air conditioner was pretty noisy. Cooled just fine but woke me up when it turned on and off."
Elizabeth 1-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Sandpiper Lodge
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent
"Accessible room was great. Staff were wonderful,kind, helpful."
rose 3-night trip
Posted 14 hours ago
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent
"La proximité avec le bord de la mer."
anne 1-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
Beachside Inn
The Milo

The Milo

8/10 Good
"Near the ocean but no view from our room. The advertisement is deceptive. Only a few room have a ocean view. When I inquired about it we were told it was Expedia's issue. All I know is on solution was offered. Other than the view it's a nice property. Walking distance to restaurants, beach and pier. Only valet parking $40 per night. Others got amenities i.e. wine that wasn't available through Expedia booking."
Alisa 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
The Milo

Frequently asked questions

Are you looking for a luxury hotel for your stay in Santa Barbara?
Arrange a flight into Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) Airport or Santa Ynez, CA (SQA) Airport, and then treat yourself to a stay at one of 5 luxurious hotels. During your visit, you might want to enjoy the wineries and beaches which Santa Barbara is known for.
What's the best luxury hotel in Santa Barbara?
Hotel Californian is a luxury hotel with 3 restaurants and a full-service spa, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Rosewood Miramar Beach and El Encanto Santa Barbara are other upscale choices for your holiday.
How many luxury hotels can I expect to find in Santa Barbara?
Lie in the lap of luxury during your getaway to Santa Barbara in one of Expedia's 5 luxury hotels.
When can I expect good weather in Santa Barbara?
Planning for the weather is a good way to make your trip to Santa Barbara relaxing and enjoyable, especially when you're splurging. 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's there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer when you visit Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater and Santa Barbara Bowl. If you have some spare time during your trip, you might want to check out Mission Santa Barbara and West Beach.
How can I get around Santa Barbara?
It's easier to get around town in style when you know your options. To see more of the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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