Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

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

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

Room (Cozy)

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

State Street Premium View Room

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

Ground floor (Cozy)

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

Premium Room, Mountain View

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

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

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

Penthouse (Drift)

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

Room (Bunk Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, Balcony, City View

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

About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels places you in Downtown Santa Barbara, within a leisurely stroll of popular sights such as Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Stearns Wharf. 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
  • Lobero Theater - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 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

  • ‪Casa Agria Specialty Ales - Santa Barbara Taproom - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪M. Special Brewing Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Cafe - ‬1 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 33 per day. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with luggage storage and concierge services.
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.

Similar properties

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

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 Jun 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels on Jul 6, 2026 start from $266, 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 within a short 14-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and also 17 minutes on foot from Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll also find Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Zoo 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 city and mountain views.

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 265 out of 450 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 67 out of 450 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 57 out of 450 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 450 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 27 out of 450 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace

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

10/10 Excellent

Wesley

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

6/10 Okay

PHILLIP NELSON

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

10/10 Excellent

Lleni

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

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

10/10 Excellent

juan

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

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

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

10/10 Excellent

nicholas

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic room, very clean and a comfortable bed. Nice staff and the bar, Dusk, was a lot of fun as well.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable room. Cozy, quiet. And coffee in the morning was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alina

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Norita

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Mom and Daughter getaway

Great location to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daoud

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Youjin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Drift Hotel was so amazing! It was the perfect location to walk around State St, and explore around Santa Barbara
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
perfect spot to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nienchu Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The human-less check in system never works. Other than that the hotel is nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Karina

The ac didn’t work
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall great experience, great location and the hospitality was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel is in a great location but all the odd number rooms face a loud venue with music going until 2am. Terrible for anyone who can’t sleep with music coming through the walls.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Great place and location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024