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Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 star property

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View from room
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Interior
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

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, Paseo Nuevo Mall
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room (Cozy)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Cozy)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for State Street Premium View Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

State Street Premium View Room

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ground floor (Cozy)

City view

Ground floor (Cozy)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Mountain View

Mountain view

Premium Room, Mountain View

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

View all photos for Premium Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

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

View all photos for Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Penthouse (Drift)

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Bunk Room)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Bunk Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, Balcony, City View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

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, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is adjacent to Antioch University and within a 5-minute walk of Paseo Nuevo Mall. 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

  • Paseo Nuevo Mall - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪M. Special Brewing Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara Craft Ramen - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Casa Agria Specialty Ales - Santa Barbara Taproom - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Shaker Mill - ‬3 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 18 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 are also included. 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 18 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
  • 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

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 18 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.

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 MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center. You'll also find Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for USD 18 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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

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

Are there hot tubs at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

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).

Are there rooms with balconies at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

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

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 417 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 417 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 417 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 417 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 417 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daoud

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Joe from the concierge was awesome! She was helpful and just the best! She made us feel so comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Our staff was fantastic. We loved the bunk beds! Everything was amazing. Would stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Elias

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Jamie, Raleigh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Had the DRIFT Penthouse room. Aesthetically it was awesome. Could be better designed. PROs: - large rooms, nice layout - beautiful deck - as many towels as needed - coffee/espresso maker, microwave and fridge - 2 bathrooms - location close to a lot of restaurants and other sights - easy access with door codes - liked both DAWN and DUSK downstairs CONs: - master bath had 6" gap between door and glass - zero privacy - no place to put luggage or clothes except on couch (can stuff shoes or unused luggage under bed) - can't reach some curtains without standing on couch - no place to sit and work on computer or write anything (need to stand at kitchen island - no chairs - or sit with computer on lap) - bathroom mirrors only have lights on 1 side - very trendy but impractical (put up a makeup mirror or add lights!) - only 1 side of bed had bedside table - kept running into hanging lamp on 1 side of bed (hang it higher) -outdoor furniture is fixed/modular and faces the building wall - not the view. Put 2 chairs out there that can be moved. Along with a small table. - music across the street is VERY loud all evening - should be clearer how and when you get door codes and/or say there is a person there to check you in (we scrambled to get them while driving since none auto- arrived as they had said) - very expensive for all the CONs
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carter

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

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

10/10 Excellent

Alina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very nice and clean! It was close to everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennice

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wonderful place. The hotels of the future. Easy in and out. No formal lobby structure and GREAT lobby welcome. Jo was fabulous. Thoughtful, Helpful and super nice. I can only hope all check-in folks are like her!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quick weekend getaway at Drift and in Santa Barbara and we had a blast. Fantastic hotel in the heart of downtown that exceeded expectations in every way!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

santo, wheaton

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean But too small
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Amy

Location was fantastic. Room was nice. Staff was completely unresponsive. Asked 5 times to fix broken shade (said they would come and never did), asked 4 times for towels (ended up just asking from cleaning staff), asked for iron (never sent). Never had an experience like that before.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

nicholas

Traveled with family
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

4/10 Poor

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Shows great online but looks were deceiving… overall, great location & aesthetic but small rooms felt like a hostel right off the State Street bar. Paying nearly $500 / night for a closet-sized room, which hotel doesn’t have photos online, felt misrepresented. PROS: great location, clean & modern vibe, friendly staff. CONS: absolutely tiniest rooms on first floor, felt like a closet (bathroom / shower / sitting “area” / sink / bed all within 10ft room). First floor room right off public State Street bar, can hear loud party noise throughout the night. limited to no staff, single person (very friendly and accommodating) manning a concierge booth outside the coffee shop attached to first floor.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Alexis

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My wife and I got married here in September and couldn’t have been happier with the Drift! Cristina, Michael, Alecia and the whole team were so incredibly accommodating and wonderful to work with. The hotel is super stylish, with a modern, earthy, Mediterranean vibe, the rooms are cozy and the bar downstairs, Dusk, is dynamite. We’re looking forward to coming back again and again and can’t recommend it enough to others!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ahmed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean hotel, excellent staff they go for and beyond helping you in addressing any question or concerns, very thoughtful and considerate. I like to mention Joe, who she addressed every request that I had. Amazing location, plenty of dining options couple of blocks from the beach. I’m glad that I chose this hotel, a different recommended difference and Family
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Macey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Akash

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was great but we got a room that faced State st hoping to open the nice windows they have but they were blocked off. I totally understand the safety issues that come with windows that open like that but the pictures made it seem like we could and it would have been nice to be able to open them (even a little) and be able to hear the street noise and stuff outside. Other then that it was great and I would definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Weiqi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nayiri

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Jacky

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Quirky hotel with digital check in with reception desk on the street & use PIN code instead of a key to get in room. Made the most of a small room by including a fridge & glass surround shower in middle of room, however the bed only had one way of getting in & out so not easy for couples who may have to climb over their sleeping partner. Lighting very bad for doing makeup as me & my two friends found out who were in other rooms. Friendly staff and ideal location for walking to the beach, going out for dinner and shopping.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Javier

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

ANGELA

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norita

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

Excellent Choice of Hotel

Perfect location right on State Street near restaurants, shops and other places.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025