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Ala Mar by the Sea

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Front of property
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Reception
Exterior

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | View from room

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Oceanfront King

Oceanfront King | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Oceanfront King

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen Twin Spa

Queen Twin Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Queen Twin Spa

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen

Queen | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for King Spa

King Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for King Twin Spa

King Twin Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

King Twin Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, Ala Mar by the Sea is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. This 18-room, 3-star motel welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Motels in Santa BarbaraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Leadbetter Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 7 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mother Stearns Candy Co. - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Rodeo Room - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this beach motel include meeting rooms, express check-in, and a terrace.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets ensure a restful night. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and local meal delivery service. Housekeeping is available on request.
An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent
  • LED lighting
  • Mobile key entry
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 28.50 for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests are asked to check in between 3 PM and 11 PM on Saturdays and by 10 PM Sunday through Friday. To arrange check-in outside of these hours, guests should contact hotel/vacation rental management in advance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 50.0 per night
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for USD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 50 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 50.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 28.50

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Ala Mar
Ala Mar Sea
Ala Mar Sea Hotel
Ala Mar Sea Hotel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Ala Mar by the Sea?

As of Jun 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on Jun 29, 2026 start from $250, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do near Ala Mar by the Sea?

This motel is situated in Santa Barbara Beach within a 10-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll also find Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Bowl within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Wheelchair-accessible van parking is also available for guests.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea include a casino on the premises?

No, Ala Mar by the Sea doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Ala Mar by the Sea?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

What do couples enjoy most about Ala Mar by the Sea?

This beachfront motel offers many amenities for couples such as champagne service, a private hot tub in some guestrooms, as well as an outdoor pool.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a hot tub?

No, but this motel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Ala Mar by the Sea for a fee of USD 50 per pet, per day. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

What is the closest airport to Ala Mar by the Sea?

The closest major airport to Ala Mar by the Sea is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 10.6 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is around 25.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yes, some guestrooms at this motel offer either a balcony and a patio where guests can enjoy ocean views.

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 214 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 190 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 157 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 249 out of 1002 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Santana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach view from the couches on the huge palm tree lined sundeck was amazing! We could feel the ocean spray as baby seals frolicked in the gently breaking waves as they rolled across the shoreline.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Love it, hidden gem.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Very nostalgic and exceptionally clean. Super friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Amenities
awesome …get room 15!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Yesenia

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I went with my family of 5 and the room was very small. The main desk and pool is located in a whole other building. Attending is very poor and unhelpful. Breakfast is horrible, no good options. Photos that are uploaded are false, nothing like the experience. Very difficult to find parking. Room was missing many things. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Louise

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was not cleaned very well, the shower especially Very outdated appliances in breakfast area. Great location and looks nice outside but needs cleaning.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had to wait a winute for room. But all good therw after
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mikhail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cozy vintage hotel next to the ocean, nice walk bun. Definitely five stars!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The receptionist Melody was fantastic despite how busy they were. Substantially understaffed, funky older motel that truthfully I went through and cleaned with a washcloth. However proximity to the beach, the great staff and just being in Santa Barbara makes it all worth while 👍
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Noriko

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It took long time to check in but otherwise everything was great! Great location, large clean room. easy access to nice restaurants and shopping.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

kyle

Worst experience ever. For the price we paid we were given a room with no windows like all tye other rooms next to us and was like sleeping in the linen closet with graffiti on the bathroom wall, the tv didnt work,a teddy bear hook on the bathroom door. No soap or shampoo! Crack head meth head manager! She was high as a kite! I want my money back!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Carolyn

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty rooms. No toilet paper. Inconvenient check in. Extra unexpected Fees for $131.26 after check out not listed on Expedia receipt. No response after 4 emails requesting a receipt explaining the extra fees. There are plenty of other places to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Shilpi

Moldy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Billy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great. Our room was a little run down. The bathroom door was really hard to shut because it was dragging on the floor. The fridge leaked some water. Advertised patio was just really a shared walkway for our room. Staff reached out on first day to check in which was nice but never responded when listed these issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mario

Disliked: Amenities
Is not in the same building, difficult to find
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Rejeena

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The tub was so dirty. You could see the black mold around the jets and tiles. Barely felt okay to shower in the tub let alone bathe in it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Marleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was nice and clean access to the beach is great.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful setting with gorgeous view, luxury touches, in pristine condition.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aldo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I recommend this place, great location basically for everything on this town!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I took the train from the San Francisco Bay Area down to Santa Barbara for a getaway trip. Totally Spurt of the moment. I was delighted to stumble upon this hotel. It was so comfortable had such a nice vibe. Warm welcoming service. I'm enjoying the 'French country chic' ( with the Spanish twist:-) decor. I will definitely return here!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a marvelous stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meghan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Awesome motel

I love staying here when I come to Santa Barbara!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sara

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very accommodating and helpful, neighborhood was fine and very convenient but the bathroom had mold and very clear water damage throughout. Probably would not stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025