Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Santa Barbara 2023

Once more traditional and picturesque than hip, the laid-back SoCal city is becoming increasingly more creative mostly thanks to its new “Funk Zone.”

Now sitting amongst its gorgeous beaches, historic harbor, stunning mountain background, and beautiful ocean views is the very arty warehouse district which is filled with tasty eats, cool coffee shops, independent stores, and even an Urban Wine Trail.

If you’re looking for accommodation, of course, there is still plenty of what Santa Barbara does so well such as some very cute and stylishly quirky boutiques. From my many visits here are my favorite cool and unusual hotels in Santa Barbara (no particular order)…

1. Palihouse – a beautiful, chic and stylish upscale Mediterranean-style boutique located in historic Presidio District

In the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara is the lovely Palihouse; a hacienda-style hotel with white walls, curved arches, and plenty of terracotta tiles.

Parasols and palm trees provide shade around an internal courtyard with an exquisite heated outdoor pool (which I just loved!).

The 24 rooms and suites are charmingly styled with a mixture of well-chosen traditional and modern furnishings, and many have private patios or balconies to make the most of the lovely gardens.

There’s a delightful garden café, cocktail bar, and lobby lounge which combine to make a very pleasant, relaxing oasis in what feels like your own private villa.

Borrow a bicycle or just step outside to experience the history, romance, and intrigue of this charming Spanish colonial-inspired neighborhood. I think you’ll fall in love with this place just like I did! 

• To book, check prices or dates for Palihouse Santa Barbara

2. The Waterman, Waterfront District – a hip and funky abode set in the trendy Funk Zone neighborhood 

Located between the East Beach and the West Beach in the Waterfront district of Santa Barbara and only three blocks from the beach, I thought The Waterman is a good-looking Marriott hotel in a Spanish villa style with a wonderful heated outdoor pool.

That it belongs to the Marriott Bonvoy group is the only corporate connection; it’s a small, immensely enjoyable, funky hotel with uniquely designed rooms and bags of charm.

It is perfectly located just a short walk to nearby restaurants, award-winning microbreweries, wine-tasting rooms, shopping, and local beaches and attractions which were handy for my stay.

There’s no onsite restaurant but, if you don’t want to walk out, there’s a very well-equipped communal kitchen to prepare your own food.

• To book, check prices or dates for The Waterman, Santa Barbara

3. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta- a trendy, upscale boutique with a creative and very Instagrammable design

West of Santa Barbara, in the Goleta district, is The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. A retro-inspired hotel imaginatively designed to maximize the bright Californian days with space and color.

I loved the artful guest rooms and suites feature earthy, eccentric textures and fabrics with a nod to surf-culture nostalgia, including record players with a choice of vinyl.

There’s a nice, quirky-casual, restaurant serving locally sourced dishes; craft cocktails, local beers, and wines in an unfussy, cool bar; a fitness center, and a large outdoor pool which hosts occasional live entertainment. There’s even a ballroom if you fancy inviting a few hundred friends for a boogie.

• To book, check prices or dates for The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

4. Harbor View Inn – a beautiful and trendy oceanfront boutique where casual meets luxury

In the perfect location exactly where Stearns Wharf and Mission Creek meet the beach, is the Harbor View Inn.

It’s a resort-style hotel, not a small inn, built in a vaguely Spanish style directly across the boulevard from West Beach and at the very end of the bustling State Street.

The contemporary guest rooms are robustly styled and feature a patio or balcony. All the suites have balconies with views, separate living rooms with wet bars, and sunken tubs in the bathrooms.

Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub, an adults-only exercise room, and a good spa offering facials and massages.

Dining options include the poolside bar and grill, a coffee bar with light snacks, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with more of those ocean views. I thought this was a gorgeous option in Santa Barbara especially for fans of trendy design. 

• To book, check prices or dates for Harbor View Inn Santa Barbara

5. Kimpton Canary Hotel – a unique and very well-presented boutique which provides the quintessential Santa Barbara experience

In Downtown Santa Barbara, located just steps from lively State Street, is the Kimpton Canary Hotel. An attractive Spanish colonial boutique hotel which artfully combines Mediterranean roots and contemporary California style in its authentic décor.

Take in panoramic views, and maybe a cocktail, from the glorious rooftop pool deck, featuring details like hand-painted tiles and elegant wrought iron, savor locally sourced cuisine and a world-class wine list at the restaurant, then retire to a generously sized guest suite offering a luxurious four-poster bed and city views.

I thought this was an excellent hotel, perfectly located for everything you want to see or do in beautiful Santa Barbara.

• To book, check prices or dates for Kimpton Canary Hotel Santa Barbara

6. Hideaway – one of the best boutiques in the city offering stylish contemporary decor

Near Pershing Park and West Beach in the Waterfront District is the delightful Hideaway Santa Barbara, a very beautiful genuinely boutique hotel tastefully designed in a pale California beach styling.

The room I stayed in was thoughtful, bright, and airy with big windows opening onto a balcony for mountain or garden views.

Cleverly chosen soothing colors, soft fabrics, and natural woods make for a very comfortable and relaxing ambiance throughout.

Hideaway prepares an excellent breakfast each day and there are dozens of really good restaurants featuring local cuisine, as well as regional wineries and tasting rooms, within a short walk.

• To book, check prices or dates for Hideaway Santa Barbara

7. Lavender Inn by the Sea – cute and beautiful accommodation located within walking distance from the waterfront and the trendy Funk zone

Surrounded by fragrant lavender gardens and just a couple of blocks from the beaches and harbor is the appropriately named Lavender Inn. The 23 rooms and suites are a little old-fashioned, but spacious, comfortable, and all smell of lavender.

When you’re ready to explore Santa Barbara, you can borrow a complimentary bicycle to cruise the oceanfront bike path or visit the nearby Funk Zone, home to boutique tasting rooms, cafés, and galleries.

Afterwards, return back to the Lavender Inn for wine on the patio or a dip in the, frankly, luscious outdoor heated swimming pool (loved this!) before strolling back to the oceanfront for an evening at one of the many restaurants nearby.

• To book, check prices or dates for Lavender Inn-by-the-Sea

8. Mar Monte – a polished abode with a unique and creative 1930s Spanish Colonial vibe

The Mar Monte Hotel looks out across Sycamore Beach; a particularly pleasant stretch just far enough away from East Beach to be quieter, but close enough to walk to the delights of Santa Barbara.

The hotel is almost resort-looking with large public areas designed in a statement Californian style and guest suites and rooms in a simpler, yet very appealing, fresh beach design.

There is a good restaurant, a very lovely café adjacent to a great little pool – not that you need it with the Pacific Ocean just across the street.

There are some great rooms with views across the ocean, but you need to book well ahead if you want to see the famous sunsets from those balconies. All in all, I thought this place was a beautiful and well-polished gem! 

• To book, check prices or dates for Mar Monte Hotel Santa Barbara

9. Drift – a hip, contemporary and stylish gem set in the heart of downtown on State Street

The Drift hotels with their organic, natural vibe and use of reclaimed materials and earth tones are a perfect match for the laid-back seaside life. I loved the design here! 

The location on State Street is perfect for strolling the car-free markets and plazas, and the beaches are nearby. Guests can borrow the free bikes to explore further afield or a surfboard for aquatic adventures.

Accommodations offer plenty of choices including rooms with bunk beds as well as standard and premium options, and views of State Street or the Santa Ynez mountains.

They come with cozy and minimalist decor in shades of driftwood, plus all the comforts like TV, wifi, coffee maker and fridge.

The Penthouse Suite is a world of its own with understated Santa Barbra luxury featuring a private balcony with firepit and a stunning view.

The all-day coffee shop Dawn has coffee, pastries and workspaces, and the Dusk bar serves beer, handcrafted cocktails, and tapas.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Drift Santa Barbara

10. Hotel Californian – a stunning and refined stay that became a top destination for visitors and local residents

Classic American Riviera luxury is updated with Moroccan details at the Hotel Californian, to create a tranquil beachside getaway.

It’s nicely situated in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone with wine tasting, art galleries, shops and restaurants all within walking distance.

The Spanish Revival architectural features whitewashed walls, terracotta-tiled roofs and keyhole arches highlighted with colorful artwork, tiles and hanging lanterns for a touch of Arabian Nights magic.

Custom furnishings by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard take the luxury factor even further with tufted headboards, leather accent furniture and plush drapes.

I loved that the unique rooms have soft-as-a-cloud beds and balconies with sweeping views.

The wellness theme continues at the Majorelle Spa, and there are several restaurants and lounges like the Djinn Library Bar and the Blackbird where you can relax with creative cocktails.

The Mediterranean-style Goat Tree cafe with must-have croissants and delicious smoothies is open all day and there’s a new wine-tasting venue on-site as well.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Californian

11. Blue Sands Inn – chic and intimate accommodation with a trendy, contemporary design

Tucked back from the noise of the beachfront boulevard, yet just two minutes walk across the little Cabrillo Park to East Beach, is Blue Sands Inn. A cute motel-type property vaguely reminiscent of a small ship, with decks, galleys and a lovely little pool.

The rooms were wonderfully styled in simple beach-cabin designs with pastels and natural woods enlivened with pieces of local art. There is no restaurant on-site, but plenty of choices in the surrounding streets.

I thought The Blue Sands Inn is the perfect place to unwind after a day getting out and about to explore the delights of the American Riviera.

• To book, check prices or dates for Blue Sands Inn, Santa Barbara

12. El Encanto – an upscale hotel offering a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman buildings set in lush gardens

This is a beautiful resort hotel, a mix of Spanish colonial revival and craftsman buildings begun in the 1920s, amid 7 acres of lush gardens, on a private hillside setting in the Riviera neighborhood overlooking Santa Barbara.

The 92 refined, elegant guest rooms, suites, and bungalows at El Encanto Santa Barbara feature marble bathrooms with heated stone floors and classic hand-picked furnishings.

Some have a private garden or terrace, and full fireplaces. Perks include a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool, fitness center and a spa with a big range of facials, massage and body treatments.

The swanky on-site restaurant serves California Coastal cuisine, much of it locally sourced and all of it superbly presented. I thought this was a great choice for a chic and modern stay! 

• To book, check prices or dates for El Encanto Santa Barbara

13. Hotel Milo – an exotic Spanish Colonial revival-style boutique that offers panoramic views of the West Beach

The Spanish-style architecture with sprawling low, red-tiled buildings set amid tropical gardens is the perfect setting for the good life here in the endless summer of Santa Barbara.

Named after the famous hotelier Milo Potter, this boutique hotel is within walking distance to all Santa Barbara attractions.

The spacious rooms and suites have a quaint, classic look with luxurious and I particularly loved the occasional quirky touches like mahogany detailing, wood floors, chintz furnishings and whimsical artwork, plus coffee makers, TVs, and ocean or garden views.

Outdoor living with a dining area, firepits and hot tubs makes full use of the gorgeous climate, and there are free bikes for guests to use during their stay.

Two heated outdoor swimming pools with cabanas will tempt to spend your days at the hotel itself but there are the wine country, sea sports and cruises, and the artsy town to explore as well.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

14. Kimpton Goodland – a cool, chic but laid-back upscale gem which makes a great base for a stylish and romantic boutique couple’s break

This thriving mid-range hotel in Goleta is archetypal of a Californian gem. With sunshine and coastline, it talks of longboards, music, and mid-century motifs, which I totally fell for! 

The ocean air exudes a vitality you can unleash in the state-of-the-art fitness center. If Californian culinary temptations didn’t make your list today, enjoy great food from Outpost, or libations from Good Bar all located onsite at Kimpton Goodland.

Enjoy romantic evenings luxuriating on the super comfy bed, relaxing in robes, and feeling all pristine from Atelier bathroom products. Bathe in the warm glow of the sunset as you cuddle up together for a movie on the HDTV.

Keep current with free Wi-Fi and keep indulged from the gourmet honor bar. The blend of light-touch Californian style and friendly service makes the Kimpton Goodland ideal for that romantic getaway.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Kimpton Goodland

15. Beachside Inn – a cool but relaxed gem set in a retro 1940s, motor court-style property

If anywhere has the right to call itself Beachside, it’s this place. Adjacent to Pershing Park, across the street from Santa Barbara Harbor and so close to the beautiful West Beach you could almost roll out of bed into the sand from the cute Beachside Inn Santa Barbara.

There’s a small, heated pool, but this isn’t a hotel for rest and relaxation, it’s located in the heart of Santa Barbara with shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs on the doorstep.

There are 69 rooms and suites furnished in a simple, comfortable style, try and book one with a balcony overlooking the harbor for unforgettable views, and a hearty breakfast with a grab-and-go option if you need to hit the town in a hurry. I loved this cute gem! 

• To book, check prices or dates for Beachside Inn Santa Barbara

16. Hotel Milo – an exotic Spanish Colonial revival-style boutique that offers panoramic views of the West Beach

The Spanish-style architecture with sprawling low, red-tiled buildings set amid tropical gardens is the perfect setting for the good life here in the endless summer of Santa Barbara.

Named after the famous hotelier Milo Potter, the Hotel Milo Santa Barbara is within walking distance to all Santa Barbara attractions.

The spacious rooms and suites have a quaint, classic look with luxurious and I loved the quirky touches like mahogany detailing, wood floors, chintz furnishings and whimsical artwork, plus coffee makers, TVs, and ocean or garden views.

Outdoor living with a dining area, firepits and hot tubs makes full use of the gorgeous climate, and there are free bikes for guests to use during their stay.

Two heated outdoor swimming pools with cabanas will tempt to spend your days at the hotel itself but there are the wine country, sea sports and cruises, and the artsy town to explore as well.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

17. Hotel Virginia – an ultra-chic and laid-back abode housed in a Mediterranean colonial building in the Old Town

This historic 1916 building listed in the National Register of Historic Places has all the charm of the period Spanish architecture and a great location in downtown Santa Barbara near the shops, restaurants and bars as well as Stearns Wharf, the pier and the beach.

I was particularly fond of the breezy, open interiors with coastal and Mediterranean-inspired decor and details like arched doorways, chandeliers and the mermaid mosaic in the lobby set the tone for a carefree seaside stay.

The Brisa cafe offers coastal comfort foods all day like acai bowls and breakfast burritos, and there are plenty of grab-and-go options for when you want to be out and about.

But above all, guests would say it’s the stellar service with courteous and helpful front desk and valet staff that really sets Hotel Virginia apart.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

18. Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages, Downtown – cute, cozy, and stylishly quirky

Set in two incredibly pretty colonial-style houses dating from the 19th century and an annex, this genteel bed and breakfast is 4 blocks from the State Street center of downtown Santa Barbara.

Quaint, individually decorated rooms and suites with a delicate Victorian vibe look out over sumptuous gardens and shady verandas (this was my favorite bit!)

Some rooms at Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages have fireplaces, private balconies, whirlpool tubs or hot tubs, all have a subtle country charm and fleeting references to Alice in Wonderland. There are also 4 adjoining cottages with kitchens if you want more space.

A continental breakfast buffet (with hot dishes on weekends) is available, but the best is afternoon wine and snacks served on the patio and occasional evening sweets.

• To book, check prices or dates for Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

19. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara – an upscale, Mediterranean-style resort with gorgeous ocean views

A large 358-room resort hotel in over 7 acres of grounds at the far western edge of Goleta. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is laid out as a collection of white villas in picturesque, landscaped gardens with its own 2-mile beach.

There are three good-sized pools, one refreshingly for adults only, all designed to complement the gardens and exploit the ocean views.

Each of the rooms or suites is furnished with chunky Mediterranean décor and has a balcony or terrace to make the most of the lovely gardens and stunning views. My highlight though was the food opinions – there are a staggering six restaurants, an enormous spa, and fitness center as well as a wine-tasting room boasting a selection of over 12,000 bottles.

• To book, check prices or dates for The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

20. Bath Street Inn, Downtown – a quaint and quirky beauty set in 1890’s Victorian house

In Downtown Santa Barbara, a few blocks back from the bustling State Street is the very cute Bath Street Inn, a bed and breakfast in an old Dutch-looking Victorian weatherboard home.

Set between the main building and a summer house, the 12 charming rooms feature Victorian décor with vivid patterns and original pieces (a highlight of mine!)

Some rooms have private entrances or balconies, fireplaces, window seats or scenic views of the mountains.

Complimentary perks include a fabulous full breakfast served on the garden patio or in the dining room, plus occasional wine nights, or afternoon tea with homemade cakes and lemonade.

A beautiful escape from corporate accommodation and a great location to wander into Santa Barbara.

• To book, check prices or dates for Bath Street Inn, Downtown