The 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara [2023]

Santa Barbara is a gorgeous city on the central California coast and is part of what’s known by many as the “American Riviera.” With the spectacular vistas framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this unmissable destination is a top pick for those in search of a refined beach getaway.

To fit the upscale style of Santa Barbara, there are many luxurious boutique hotels to choose from that cater to the tastes of every guest — here’s a look at some of our favorites.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara

Casa del Mar Inn

Price: From $199 per night

Located just 1 block away from the beach, the beautiful Casa del Mar Inn provides an excellent getaway for guests looking to unwind. A relaxing courtyard framed by lovely gardens adds to the atmosphere, and the communal fire pit is a great venue for socializing with a drink or 2.

A buffet-style continental breakfast is served every morning. In the late afternoons, guests can enjoy a wine-and-cheese event. Those who wish to explore Santa Barbara should feel free to ask the staff for tips and directions.

Casa del Mar goes the extra mile in helping guests achieve relaxation by providing them with wellness treatments at the trendy Spa del Mar. Guest rooms have king or queen beds and feature a kitchenette, while some of the upgraded rooms have a fireplace.

Hot Tip: Want to explore more of the state? Check out our full guide to the best beaches in California!

The Eagle Inn

Price: From $199 per night

The Eagle Inn is a beautiful, cozy boutique property and can be found right next to West Beach in a house with Mission-style architecture. New and returning visitors favor this popular location, as it offers a lovely beach holiday atmosphere with personalized service.

Accommodation options at the Eagle Inn include elegant guest rooms and spacious casitas. Each of them is beautifully appointed with loving attention to detail. Custom furnishings add a further dose of style.

The casitas are ideal for those traveling in groups or for guests looking for a bit more privacy and space during their stay. They include a fireplace, a whirlpool tub, a private balcony or veranda, and private patio access. All rooms feature a coffee maker, a minifridge, and more.

Harbor View Inn

Price: From $268 per night

A 4-star oceanfront hotel with luxurious amenities, the Harbor View Inn is a Santa Barbara favorite. Only a short walk away from the Santa Barbara Winery, this family-friendly resort places guests in the middle of all the best the city has to offer.

Located where Stearns Wharf and West Beach meet, gorgeous views are guaranteed to all guests. On-site amenities include a quaint gift shop, a fitness center, a business center, and a relaxing pool.

The Harbor View has both guest rooms and suites. Each of them has a private balcony or patio, along with a Keurig coffee maker, waffle weave robes, a minifridge, a minibar, and more.

Hideaway Santa Barbara

Price: From $235 per night

An emblem of stylish hospitality, Hideaway Santa Barbara is conveniently located within walking distance to Stearns Wharf, the train station, and Leadbetter Beach. This peaceful Santa Barbara oasis is beautifully appointed with coastal decor and beach-influenced color palettes for extra sophistication.

This all-suite resort is packed full of amenities. Guests are also treated to fresh cookies, daily hot breakfasts, and fresh-brewed local coffee.

Each guest room has a JBL Bluetooth alarm clock/speaker, a TV equipped with an Apple TV box, and more. Some suites have a work area with a desk and amazing mountain views. Others have a separate sitting area and a fireplace.

Hotel Californian

Price: From $620 per night

Found in the trendy Funk Zone neighborhood of Santa Barbara, the Hotel Californian is a sophisticated landmark. The Hotel Californian is located in a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival house. Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed the interior with details inspired by Morocco.

Guests are immediately transported to a different place upon stepping through the door. The sumptuous boutique experience on the American Riviera includes the on-site Majorelle Spa, which features a full range of wellness treatments, massages, and more.

You’ll find tiles throughout the property that were hand-crafted and flattened in Morocco before arriving at their eventual home at the Californian.

Gorgeous guest rooms and spacious suites feature custom accents and a luxurious experience for all guests.

Hotel Milo

Price: From $366 per night

The trendy Hotel Milo offers Southern California charm and comfort right next to West Beach. Hotel Milo offers easy access to the mountains and the area’s numerous hiking and fitness opportunities.

This boutique hotel features a Spanish-inspired ambiance and architecture. The property boasts refined outdoor spaces that include a tropical garden as well as 2 heated pools. It also offers beach cruisers for anyone wishing to explore, in addition to discounted valet parking.

The guest rooms and suites have lovely coastal California and Colonial Spanish designs that are sure to delight all guests. Each room has an iPhone docking station, deluxe bath products, high-speed Wi-Fi, and beverage coolers to keep guests refreshed after a day in the sun.

Montecito Inn

From: $253 per night

The beautiful Santa Barbara suburb of Montecito is home to the Montecito Inn. The hotel has a star-studded history. Charlie Chaplin fell in love with the location and then in 1928, along with a group of investors, built the Montecito Inn as a luxurious private getaway.

Since its inception, the Montecito Inn has provided opulent service in a stunning setting to guests from all around the world. Accommodations at the Montecito Inn include luxurious guest rooms and suites styled in the typical Santa Barbara blend of Mediterranean and Californian aesthetics.

Each room features an iHome clock and music player and a work area with a comfortable table or desk. Upgraded rooms have a fireplace and a bathroom outfitted with Italian marble.

Santa Barbara Inn

Price: From $446 per night

The stylish Santa Barbara Inn brings Mediterranean style with elements like red terra cotta roofs and bright stucco to California. It also offers stunning views over East Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

The coastal glamour is amplified with details like gas lanterns, gorgeous lounge areas around the heated outdoor pools, and the oceanfront terrace.

Accommodations at the Santa Barbara have recently been refurbished to become even more sophisticated than before. All of them feature complimentary Wi-Fi access, plush bathrobes, blackout curtains, and more.

Simpson House Inn

Price: From $379 per night

An ideal location for a romantic getaway, the majority of the Simpson House Inn is housed in a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1847. There’s also a Carriage House with country-chic guest rooms, as well as private cottages full of light and space.

The gorgeous English-style gardens offer an oasis of tranquility, but the property is just a short walk away from downtown Santa Barbara. Guests are treated to gourmet breakfast every morning, followed by afternoon refreshments and an evening wine-and-hors d’oeuvres reception.

This property offers historic elegance combined with modern conveniences. All guest rooms have a unique design, but all of them share a timeless style. Some rooms have Victorian-style clawfoot tubs, while others have a whirlpool alternative.

Final Thoughts

Santa Barbara is a unique American city heavily influenced by its past as a Spanish colony. There’s so much to offer for all types of visitors, and your stay is guaranteed to be taken to the next level if you choose to stay at one of these fantastic boutique properties.