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Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.
A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.
A modern bar area with a wooden table and chairs, shelves with bottles and glasses, and a large window overlooking the street.
A bedroom with a large bed, a bench, and a view of the city through large windows.
A modern bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a view of the city through a window.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Presidio Santa Barbara
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room (Cozy)

A modern bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a view of the city through a window.

Room (Cozy)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for State Street Premium View Room

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a bench, a chair, and a small table. There are two windows with curtains, and a wooden wall paneling.

State Street Premium View Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ground floor (Cozy)

A modern bathroom with a shower, a towel rack, and a shelf with toiletries.

Ground floor (Cozy)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Mountain View

A bedroom with a large bed, a window seat, and a view of the outdoors.

Premium Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse (Drift)

A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Penthouse (Drift)

A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.

Penthouse (Drift)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Bunk Room)

A bunk bed room with a built-in desk and a window.

Room (Bunk Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, Balcony, City View

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a bedside lamp, a bench, and a bed with white linens.

Premium Room, Balcony, City View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Downtown Santa Barbara within a short walk of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Santa Barbara Harbor. This 46-room, 3.5-star hotel has a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe, along with free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Presidio Santa Barbara - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 8 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Institution Ale Company - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪EOS Lounge - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Broad Street Oyster Company - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels features free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Self parking is offered for USD 33 per day. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with concierge services and luggage storage.
43-inch Smart TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Safes and phones are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.
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

  • Uncovered self parking on site (USD 33 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily on-the-go breakfast available 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a fee: USD 5 to 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests will receive an email within 48 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 15 per person
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 33 per day

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

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. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Drift Santa Barbara
Drift Santa Barbara a Member of Design Hotels
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Hotel
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

As of Oct 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels on Nov 9, 2026 start from $287, 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 within easy reach of Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

This hotel is situated in Downtown Santa Barbara, just steps from Paseo Nuevo Mall, and within a 10-minute walk of Reagan Ranch Center and Lobero Theater. You'll also find Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Bowl within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for USD 33 per day.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels include a casino?

No, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include premium bedding, Netflix, and bathrobes.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels serves to-go breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its cafe.

Will Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels though service animals are welcome.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have connecting rooms available?

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

What is the closest airport to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

The closest major airport to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 10.3 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is located 30 mi away (38-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a furnished balcony where guests can enjoy mountain and city views.

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 297 out of 504 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 78 out of 504 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 64 out of 504 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 504 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 504 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique atmosphere, clean room , great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, staff and accommodations..close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, very quaint, beautifully decorated, staff is amazing, convenient to shopping restaurants and beach
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little spot for the weekend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! Cute rooms, but on the smaller side. Minimalistic amenities. Staff was helpful. Dawn and Dusk patio area is great. They have bikes you can use for the day which was fun!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My daughter and I loved this choice for a hotel. We didn’t know anything about it but the price fit what we were looking for in the area we were hoping for. The reviews we read are all accurate to our experience. It was the ideal location and the room we had was quiet. The space was small but super functional and fit two of us perfectly. The cafe downstairs is a delight and you get a free coffee daily. We will definitely be back and we’re so sad to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location - cute rooms- great attentive service
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location of The Drift is perfect. Everything is very walkable make it super convenient. One item to note, the rooms are VERY SMALL. Well decorated but unless you are getting a larger room they really aren't meant for 2 people. I will say the staff are AMAZING, from great communication prior to going and during the stay, everyone was great!! Definitely would recommend this hotel as it wasn't a bad stay, just was thrown off by the room size for the price.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the vibe in this hotel and bar! It was a great location and we were able to walk everywhere. We even checked out the bikes and took a bike ride. It was a special event we were celebrating and we felt really spoiled here. The staff was very helpful and made sure we have everything we needed. I would stay her again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Amenities
Great location - but very pricey for what it is. Tiny tiny rooms
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our go to hotel, right on the Main street with dining and shopping options all around. Cozy mini rooms. love the concept. Modern minimalist. Bar has the best craft cocktails around with several mixologists. a must visit.. even if you don't stay here.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Small small rooms. Hard for Lyft drivers to navigate to the check in entrance. It’s in the back. When I arrived there was no attendant available and we waiting a long time for the room to be ready. Dust on the wooden declarations.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Front desk service was so accommodating - both day team and night team. Hotel was clean and so cute. The coffee shop and bar attached to the hotel was a perfect addition.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was very clean and location was great. Room was very small.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean but smaller thank we’s seen in the photos. What I didn’t like was the sink by the bed and there wasn’t a closet to hang our clothes, just three hangers. But it was okay just not what was expected. The location is beautiful right on State St.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a comfy room. It was small, but very efficient and had everything I needed for a comfortable 1 night stay for a work trip. It would have been tight for 2 people, but doable to a long weekend where you are planning outdoor activities. Overall great location and value
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff was nice and the hotel was comfy
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, Aesthetically pleasing. Nice staff. Cute hotel. Small rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location and service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great find! Loved it so much - beds and pillows were comfy. Only complaint was the wood beams were very dusty which made me wake up w insane allergies and the window was covered w cobwebs outside- - they could use a window washer and better cleaning w ceilings but the room felt clean and it was super cozy indeed. Felt like an nyc hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely little hotel, friendly staff. Very modern and clean. Positioned directly on the main road near lots of shops and nightlife so you don’t have to travel far for entertainment. I would stay here again for sure and would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel with even better staff! Would stay here every time I’m in Santa Barbara.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

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