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Best Santa Barbara Accommodations 2026

These are our personal top-selected vacation rentals and hotels in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara has accommodations to meet the needs of any traveler.  Below, we highlight some of the most popular options, starting with the most luxurious hotels the region has to offer. You’ll also see a selection of bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, waterfront options, and more. Take a look at where you’ll stay after a day with us enjoying a beautiful county

Belmond El Encanto hotel

Belmond El Encanto

luxury hotels

Exceptional comfort, refined design, and premium amenities.

  • Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara – Iconic coastal luxury resort surrounded by tropical gardens, offering elegant rooms, outstanding service, and exclusive beach club access near Montecito.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – World-class oceanfront resort featuring dramatic coastal views, multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, private beach access, and championship golf.
  • El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara – Classic boutique luxury hotel perched above the city, offering private bungalows, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Hotel Californian – Stylish luxury hotel in the Funk Zone blending Moroccan-inspired design with modern elegance, steps from the beach, fine dining, and wine tasting rooms.
  • Palihouse Santa Barbara – Trendy boutique luxury property featuring spacious suites, chic interiors, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere ideal for longer stays.

bed and breakfast inns

Cozy, charming, and full of local character.

  • Simpson House Inn – Award-winning romantic bed & breakfast offering beautifully restored rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and peaceful garden courtyards.
  • The Eagle Inn – Spanish-style boutique inn near the waterfront, known for warm hospitality, inviting rooms, and a walkable beachside location.
  • Harbor House Inn – Relaxed coastal inn close to the harbor, offering comfortable accommodations and a quiet atmosphere near the ocean.
  • Casa Del Mar Inn – Charming small inn near the beach providing cozy rooms, friendly service, and easy access to the waterfront.

boutique and trendy hotels

Stylish stays with personality and prime locations.

  • Kimpton Canary Hotel – Vibrant downtown boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool, city views, and direct access to State Street dining and shopping.
  • Drift Santa Barbara – Modern, design-forward boutique hotel with loft-style rooms and a minimalist coastal aesthetic.
  • Riviera Beach House – Laid-back boutique hotel steps from the beach, pier, and harbor, perfect for relaxed coastal stays.
  • Hotel Santa Barbara – Trendy downtown hotel located directly on State Street, ideal for nightlife, dining, and walkable exploration.

Waterfront hotels

Ocean-view rooms, beach access, and coastal charm.

  • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort – Spacious beachfront property with ocean views, swimming pool, resort amenities, and easy access to East Beach.
  • Santa Barbara Inn – Mediterranean-style beachfront inn steps from the ocean, offering oceanfront balconies, great on-site dining, and relaxed coastal comfort.
  • Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach – Beachside boutique inn with calm charm, suite-style rooms, complimentary breakfast, and proximity to coastal attractions.
  • Harbor View Inn – Classic beachfront stay featuring panoramic ocean views, private balconies, and cozy rooms across from the harbor.

downtown hotels

Ideal for shopping, dining, nightlife, and wine tasting rooms.

Luxury vacation rentals

Private estates, beach homes, and upscale retreats.

  • Santa Barbara Beachfront Rentals – Premium beachfront homes and coastal villas offering private patios, ocean views, and luxury amenities.
  • Winding Roads Vacation Rentals – High-end vacation homes throughout Santa Barbara and Montecito with concierge services and upscale comfort.
  • Montecito Luxury Rentals – Exclusive private estates featuring pools, ocean views, and secluded luxury in the prestigious Montecito area.