Are you in a hurry?
Here is a quick list of Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, selected based on their rating
| Name of hotel | Accommodation Rating | Price, $ | |
| Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara |
8.0 / 10 (1147 Reviews) |
From 67$ | |
| Moxy Santa Barbara |
7.3 / 10 (14 Reviews) |
From 67$ | |
| Rose Garden Inn |
6.1 / 10 (1001 Reviews) |
From 77$ | |
| Cabrillo Inn At The Beach |
7.3 / 10 (1243 Reviews) |
From 227$ | |
| The Upham Hotel |
8.7 / 10 (262 Reviews) |
From 198$ |
Dear readers,
As I sit here soaking in the coastal breeze of Santa Barbara, I can’t help but reflect on a common dilemma faced by budget-conscious wanderers like us: the quest for affordable accommodations that don’t sacrifice comfort or convenience. It’s a tricky balance, akin to tightrope walking across the stunning shoreline views while keeping an eye on your pocketbook. Santa Barbara, known for its charming Spanish-style architecture and golden beaches, beckons travelers to revel in its beauty—but navigating the sea of options for low-cost lodgings can feel overwhelming.
In a place where the sun-kissed ambiance often comes with a hefty price tag, I’ve learned through experience that the cheapest hotel isn’t always the best choice. While the budget-friendly listings might seem enticing, the reality can sometimes be a disappointing mismatch of price and quality. I’ve found that investing a bit of time to research locations closer to key attractions can yield surprising rewards, allowing for both savings and a delightful stay. It’s all about balancing the trifecta of affordability, prime positioning, and a comfortable setting.
Moreover, let’s not overlook the importance of personal preferences when scouting for bargains. You might prioritize proximity to the beach over a few extra amenities, while someone else may desire a cozy ambiance paired with the allure of local flavor. In the vibrant tapestry of Santa Barbara, cheap hotels can still offer a taste of the local lifestyle, enjoyable experiences, and that unique character we yearn for on our adventures.
As you dive into your Santa Barbara escapade, join me on this exploration of how to navigate the cheap hotel conundrum. Together, let’s unveil the hidden gems that strike the ideal balance of price, location, and comfort—ensuring our journeys are both memorable and easy on the wallet.
Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara
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Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara
From 67$
Situated only 1.3 km from Five Points Shopping Center, the perfect Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara hotel features Wi-Fi in public areas and a garage on site. Boasting a prime location only a few steps from Chaucer's Bookstore, this Santa Barbara hotel includes a heated swimming pool.
Loreto Plaza Shopping Center is located 500 metres from the 3-star smoke-free hotel, and Santa Barbara airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away. Earl Warren Show Grounds Event Venue also lies nearly a 25-minute walk from the Sandpiper Santa Barbara.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is 4.2 km away, and Santa Barbara Amtrak is situated within a 6-km distance of the property.
There are 12 rooms with blackout drapes, central heating, and an ironing board. Some of them offer high-speed internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Also, the hotel features carpeted flooring.
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Moxy Santa Barbara
From 67$
Featuring a sun deck, a picnic area, and a library, Moxy Santa Barbara Hotel enjoys a waterfront location 10 minutes' walk from MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The hotel offers Wi-Fi in public areas, a private parking lot on site and a heated swimming pool.
Located just 0.9 km from Santa Barbara Amtrak railway station, this 3-star hotel stands in the immediate vicinity of Reagan Ranch Center. Santa Barbara Wine Collective is 350 metres from the Moxy, while Funk Zone is a 9-minute walk away.
The property is also not far from Moreton Bay. Chase Palm Park is within a few blocks of Moxy Santa Barbara Hotel.
The smoke-free property offers 27 cosy rooms, some of which comprise a patio and a seating area. They have a cosy interior. A walk-in shower and a sink, along with such comforts as a hairdryer and bath sheets, are also provided.
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Rose Garden Inn
From 77$
The comfortable Rose Garden Inn Santa Barbara is situated in a popular area of Santa Barbara, only 250 metres from Loreto Plaza Shopping Center and around a 20-minute walk from Earl Warren Show Grounds Event Venue. The 2-star motel also offers guests Wi-Fi in public areas.
Located within 5 minutes' walk of Gelson's Market, this Santa Barbara hotel is in close proximity to Chaucer's Bookstore. The accommodation is 4 km away from the centre of Santa Barbara.
Elings Park is 3.2 km away, and Santa Barbara Amtrak is situated about 6 km from the hotel.
This smoke-free property offers 47 rooms, some of them feature complimentary wireless internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as comforts such as individual climate control and an ironing set. The bathroom is equipped with an additional toilet and a shower, along with a hair dryer and towels.
Good Cheap hotels in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers a range of good cheap hotel options that cater to budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and convenience. These accommodations often provide a welcoming atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy a pleasant stay without straining their finances. Many of these hotels are strategically located, making it easy for visitors to explore the surrounding attractions and enjoy the charm of the area. By striking a balance between affordability and quality, these budget-friendly options ensure that guests can experience a satisfying getaway without breaking the bank.
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Cabrillo Inn At The Beach
From 227$
The 3-star Cabrillo Inn At The Beach Santa Barbara offers easy access to Cabrillo Pavillion Arts Center, which is situated approximately a 5-minute walk away. Featuring a restaurant and a shopping area, this hotel is located 550 metres from Santa Barbara Zoo.
The hotel is 2.3 km from Stearns Wharf Harbor and in close proximity to Cabrillo and Milpas bus stop. Los Banos Del Mar Public Swimming Pool is around 10 minutes by car from the property, and Santa Barbara airport is 25 km away.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to East Beach, which is 700 metres away. Also, Cabrillo Inn At The Beach is within 3 km of Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Certain rooms have an adjoining terrace and a seating area for your convenience. Guests will make use of free toiletries and bath sheets in bathrooms equipped with a separate toilet and a shower. The rooms also look onto the patio.
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The Upham Hotel
From 198$
The charming Upham Hotel Santa Barbara, situated about a 5-minute walk from Spirit of the ocean fountain, boasts a banquet hall, suited for shared moments. Featuring 55 rooms with views of the garden, this Santa Barbara hotel is 2.4 km from Stearns Wharf Harbor.
Located only 600 m from Granada Theatre, the 3-star hotel is also within 25 minutes' walk of Moreton Bay Fig Tree. You'll be 1.3 km from Turtle Pond.
This Santa Barbara property is surrounded by gardens.
Offering spacious decor with a stone fireplace, some of the rooms come with blackout curtains, an iron and ironing board as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathrooms include nice touches such as a shower cap.
Hotels in Santa Barbara
| Best reviews Hotel ❤️ | Sandpiper Lodge - Santa Barbara |
| Top Hotel for couples 💑 | Moxy Santa Barbara |
| Family Hotel 👪 | Rose Garden Inn |
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Palmoro House
From 79$
The 3-star Palmoro House Hotel Santa Barbara accommodates guests in a popular area of Santa Barbara and sits merely 5 minutes' walk from Santa Barbara Zoo. Located just 200 m from Dwight Murphy Park and 2.3 km from Moreton Bay Fig Tree, the wonderful hotel features a shared lounge and a bocce ball court.
The hotel has a waterfront location in the vicinity of Santa Barbara Art Glass. The Spanish Santa Barbara County Courthouse is within 3 km of the Palmoro House, while Milpas & Puerta Vallarta bus stop is around 5 minutes' walk away.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to West Beach, which is nearly 5 minutes away by car.
The accommodation has 24 rooms with a balcony. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels along with coffee/tea making facilities are provided. This smoke-free hotel offers carpet flooring and elegant furniture for a pleasant stay. Offering hair dryers and toiletries, the bathrooms also feature a separate toilet and a shower.
Cheap Hotels in Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options that cater to travelers looking for affordable stays without compromising on location. These cheap hotels provide convenient access to local attractions, dining, and shopping, making it easy for visitors to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Often characterized by charming architecture and a welcoming ambiance, these budget accommodations create a comfortable base for both leisure and business travelers alike. With a range of options available, tourists can find comfortable lodging that suits their needs while still allowing them to enjoy the unique offerings of downtown Santa Barbara.
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Quality Inn
From 106$
Situated approximately 25 minutes' walk from Five Points Shopping Center, the 2-star Quality Inn Santa Barbara features Wi-Fi throughout the property, and parking on site. This Santa Barbara hotel is within walking distance of many of the attractions including Chaucer's Bookstore and Chinese Evangelical Free Church.
Located around 200 metres from Trader Joe's, the hotel is also 4.8 km from Santa Barbara Amtrak railway station. You can reach the centre of Santa Barbara in 25 minutes on foot.
Parks are within walking distance of the accommodation, and Stearns Wharf Harbor is about 6 km away.
Offering free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, the 34 rooms come with ironing facilities and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay. They have a beautiful interior. Guests can also enjoy views of the downtown.
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Oasis Inn And Suites
From 69$
The 2-star Oasis Inn And Suites Santa Barbara is located within 25 minutes' walk of Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, offering 35 rooms along with a sun terrace, a picnic area, and barbecue grills. Staying at the smoke-free hotel, guests discover the popular area in close proximity to Chaucer's Bookstore.
This Santa Barbara motel is conveniently situated 3.3 km from the lush Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. The Oasis Santa Barbara is approximately 300 metres from State & Broadmoor bus stop and fairly close to Gelson's Market.
The accommodation is also a short way from Los Padres National Forest. Five Points Shopping Center is also situated merely 1.4 km away.
Some of the air-conditioned rooms have an equipped kitchenette and a full kitchen, and such facilities as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, along with coffee and tea making equipment. Ironing facilities are featured for guests' comfort. Offering a separate toilet and a sink, the bathrooms are also fitted with bath sheets. Certain rooms overlook the garden.
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Marina Beach Hotel
From 223$
Marina Beach Motel Santa Barbara is perfectly located a 10-minute walk from Reagan Ranch Center and offers views of the city. Wi-Fi is accessible in public areas and a car park is provided on site.
Situated 0.8 km from Santa Barbara City College, this hotel is only a few steps from Ambassador Park. Santa Barbara Zoo is a 15-minute drive from the 3-star hotel, while Castillo & Montecito bus stop is a 10-minute walk away.
A mountain are near the property, and the white - sand Leadbetter Beach is 1.2 km away.
This Santa Barbara hotel welcomes guests to 27 rooms complete with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as comforts like an ironing set and air conditioning. They come equipped with a microwave oven and a refrigerator. Bathrooms come with a separate toilet and a shower, along with hair dryers and toiletries.
Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara with Free Parking
Finding cheap hotels in Santa Barbara that offer free parking can be a great way to save money during your stay. These budget-friendly accommodations often provide travelers with convenient access to local attractions while allowing for easy vehicle access without the added expense of parking fees. Many of these hotels feature simple yet comfortable accommodations, making them a practical choice for visitors looking to enjoy their time without breaking the bank. Whether traveling alone, with family, or on a romantic getaway, economical options with complimentary parking can enhance the overall experience by providing both affordability and convenience.
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Castillo Inn At The Beach
From 135$
Located within a few steps of a harbour, the perfect 2-star Castillo Inn At The Beach Santa Barbara is also near the entertainment district of Santa Barbara. The boutique hotel offers Wi-Fi in public areas and has a business centre for those staying on business.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is only 1.8 km from the hotel, while approximately a 10-minute ride from Santa Barbara Zoo this place. At smoke-free Castillo Inn At The Beach Santa Barbara you'll be just a 13-minute stroll from Leadbetter Beach.
Old Mission Santa Barbara Catholic Church is a short way from the accommodation, and Santa Barbara Amtrak is situated 700 metres away.
Each of the 22 rooms is equipped with air conditioning as well as a flat-screen television. Some rooms include a private bathroom.
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The Eagle Inn
From 199$
Boasting a picnic area and various recreational opportunities, the 3-star Eagle Inn Santa Barbara lies merely an 8-minute walk from Moreton Bay Fig Tree. High-speed Internet access is available in public areas and a car park is provided on site too.
Guests can access Santa Barbara County Courthouse 2.2 km from the inn, while Santa Barbara Art Glass is 2.3 km away. From the comfortable hotel it will take 25 minutes to walk to Shoreline Public Park.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Leadbetter Beach, which is about 1 km away. The Eagle Inn is an ideal place for exploring Ambassador Park, located 250 metres away.
The 29 rooms at Eagle Inn Santa Barbara are air-conditioned, some of them have a stone fireplace along with coffee/tea making facilities and a microwave. Complimentary wireless internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as comforts as an iron with ironing board and climate control are also featured. The private bathrooms come with dressing gowns and a shower cap. Guests can also enjoy city views. A kitchenette with a microwave, an electric kettle, and a fridge are available in a holiday home.
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Hotel Santa Barbara
From 189$
Featuring a cash machine and a lift, the 3-star Hotel Santa Barbara is just a 5-minute walk from Casa de la Guerra Historic House Museum. Boasting winery tours and whale watching, the hotel is located within easy reach of The Historic La Arcada Courtyard Shopping Mall.
Reagan Ranch Center is around 600 metres away, while Santa Barbara Amtrak train station is only 1.3 km from the charming hotel. Guests can quickly get to Peabody Stadium, which is 20 minutes' walk away.
This accommodation offers a central location near a lake. Hotel Santa Barbara is located 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo.
The smoke-free property welcomes guests to 75 smoke-free rooms. Some of them come with wireless internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels along with a minibar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities. This hotel offers carpeted flooring and elegant furniture for a pleasant stay. The private bathrooms are fitted with bath sheets. Guests can also enjoy pool views.
Family Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara
Family-friendly budget accommodations in Santa Barbara offer a welcoming environment for travelers looking to enjoy a getaway without breaking the bank. These affordable options often feature spacious rooms that can comfortably accommodate families, making it easier to relax together after a day of exploration. Many of these hotels prioritize accessibility to local attractions, enabling families to maximize their experience while keeping travel costs manageable. With a focus on convenience and affordability, these establishments create a cozy home base for memorable family adventures.
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Haley Hotel
From 247$
Comprising 8 rooms, Haley Hotel Santa Barbara is near a beach district, 3 km from Old Mission Santa Barbara Catholic Church. Featuring a shared lounge and baggage storage, the hotel is located not far from Reagan Ranch Center.
Ambassador Park is a 14-minute walk from this 3-star hotel, while Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants is 9 minutes' walk away. The property places you 1.2 km from West Beach.
The smoke-free hotel is also within reach of Moreton Bay. Located in Santa Barbara, Haley Hotel lies in the immediate vicinity of Storke Plaza.
The hotel offers rooms with a sitting area featuring an air conditioner, along with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Bathrooms with a walk-in shower, a separate toilet, and a sink, also feature hairdryers and towels for guests' extra comfort.
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Coast Village Inn
From 119$
Located about 25 minutes' walk from Manning Park, the lovely Coast Village Inn Santa Barbara features Wi-Fi in public areas and private parking on site. This 2-star smoke-free hotel features a lounge bar and boasts an ideal location 300 metres from Butterfly Beach.
The motel is conveniently situated 3.5 km from Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. The free beach is nearly 5 minutes' walk away.
Casa del Herrero is also situated 2.2 km away.
All of the non-smoking rooms are appointed with complimentary wireless internet and an LCD TV set along with a mini-fridge-bar and an electric kettle, and some of them include an adjoining terrace and a kitchen. Guests will make use of hairdryers and toiletries in bathrooms equipped with a separate toilet and a shower. These rooms also overlook the garden. A kitchen with an electric kettle, a dishwasher, and a stovetop are available in a house.
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Casa Del Mar Inn
From 149$
The 3-star Casa Del Mar Inn Santa Barbara is situated in a popular area of Santa Barbara, 2.5 km from Santa Barbara Zoo and 17 minutes on foot from Los Banos Del Mar Public Swimming Pool. Featuring a lobby area, the hotel is located not far from MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
The centre of Santa Barbara is a 15 minutes' walk of this inn. From the Casa it will take about 25 minutes to walk to El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Leadbetter Beach, which is around 1 km away. Casa Del Mar Inn is located 200 m from Ambassador Park in Santa Barbara.
There are 21 rooms at the hotel, each of them has ironing facilities, as well as entertainment amenities such as a television. Some rooms are fitted with a private bathroom.
Pet-Friendly Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara
Finding pet-friendly accommodations in Santa Barbara doesn't have to break the bank, as several budget-friendly options welcome furry companions without compromising comfort. These affordable hotels often provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for both you and your pet, allowing you to enjoy your stay without the worry of expensive pet fees. Many establishments understand the importance of including pets in your travel plans and offer a range of convenient services to ensure a pleasant experience. By choosing a budget-friendly, pet-welcoming hotel, you can have peace of mind knowing that your beloved animal can join you for your Santa Barbara adventure.
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De La Vina Inn
From 229$
De La Vina Inn Santa Barbara is situated in a popular area of Santa Barbara, 1.1 km from Casa de la Guerra Historic House Museum and nearly a 25-minute walk from Old Mission Santa Barbara Catholic Church. Located a short way from the tranquil 2-block Alameda Park, the hotel features 9 rooms with views of the garden.
This hotel lies in the centre of Santa Barbara, 400 metres from Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The city centre of Santa Barbara can be reached in 10 minutes on foot.
Certain rooms have a fireplace and large windows along with wardrobes for guests' convenience. Private bathrooms include nice touches such as bathrobes.
Cheap Weekly Hotels in Santa Barbara
Cheap weekly hotels in Santa Barbara offer an affordable lodging option for travelers looking to make the most of their stay without breaking the bank. These accommodations typically provide budget-friendly rates that appeal to both extended-stay visitors and those simply seeking a more economical choice for shorter trips. With various options available, guests can find comfortable rooms that cater to diverse needs, allowing them to enjoy the local attractions and scenic beauty. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or connecting with family, opting for a weekly hotel can be a smart choice for cost-conscious tourists looking to balance comfort and savings.