Hotel Californian

5.0 star property
Stylish beach retreat with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Californian

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Restaurant
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Reception
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Almeria)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 450 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed (Almeria)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 450 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Almeria)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 450 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 King Bed (Cordova)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 640 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Granada)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 550 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed (Granada)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 550 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite (Magellan)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1280 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Sestina)

  • 490 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed (Sestina)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 490 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Sestina)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 490 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Sevilla)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 490 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed (Sevilla)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 490 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Sevilla)

  • 490 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 King Bed (Tagerinn)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 670 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Almeria)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 450 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Sevilla)

  • 490 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Sevilla)

  • 490 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Granada)

  • 550 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Sestina)

  • 490 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Cordova)

  • 640 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, Hotel Californian is next to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and West Beach. This 121-room, 5-star hotel has conveniences like a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a gym.

What's nearby

  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • West Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 4 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara FisHouse - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Flor De Maiz - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Hotel Californian

Stylish beach retreat with outdoor pool
At Hotel Californian, guests enjoy a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a gym. Valet parking is available for USD 55 per night. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. 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 hotel include meeting rooms, a business center, and a free kid's club.
Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels and pay movies. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer designer toiletries and slippers. Other amenities include minibars, espresso makers, and free local calls.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

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

The onsite spa has 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open daily.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Covered self parking on site (USD 55 per night)
  • Covered valet parking on site (USD 55 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Limited onsite valet and self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a fee: USD 8 to 22 for adults and USD 5 to 18 for children
  • 3 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private wine tours
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Children's games
  • Free children's club
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 4 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 4 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2017
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium satellite channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay, plus a deposit of USD 200.00 per stay
  • Dogs only
  • 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
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: USD 51.39 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Additional inclusions
  • In-room bottled water
  • Internet access
  • Newspaper
  • Phone calls
  • Shuttle service

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 8 to 22 for adults, and USD 5 to 18 for children
  • Covered self parking fee: USD 55 per night
  • Covered valet parking fee: USD 55 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet deposit: USD 200.00 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 50.0 per night

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
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 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

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. 

Property is also known as

Hotel Californian Hotel Santa Barbara
Hotel Californian Hotel
Hotel Californian Santa Barbara
Hotel Californian Hotel Santa Barbara
Hotel Californian Hotel
Hotel Californian Santa Barbara
Californian Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Hotel Californian?

Hotel Californian offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Californian?

As of Dec 29, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Californian on Jan 11, 2026 start from $662.15, excluding 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 around Hotel Californian?

This hotel is situated in Santa Barbara Beach, just steps from MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Reagan Ranch Center, and within a short walk of Stearns Wharf. You'll also find Santa Barbara Harbor and East Beach less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Hotel Californian?

Yes, covered valet parking is offered for USD 55 per night with in/out privileges. Accessible parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Hotel Californian?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include Swedish massages, deep-tissue massages, couples treatments, and detox wraps.

Does Hotel Californian have a casino at the property?

No, Hotel Californian doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hotel Californian?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Hotel Californian good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as an outdoor pool and a poolside bar.

Are there hot tubs at Hotel Californian?

No, but guests can enjoy a steam room at this hotel.

Does Hotel Californian have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Hotel Californian has 3 restaurants, and serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Does Hotel Californian allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Hotel Californian for a fee of USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls. A deposit of USD 200.00 per stay is collected.

Are there connecting rooms at Hotel Californian?

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

What is the closest airport to Hotel Californian?

The closest major airport to Hotel Californian is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 10.7 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is around 25.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Hotel Californian?

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

Hotel Californian Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 695 out of 931 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 931 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 57 out of 931 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 931 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 931 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Felipe, New York

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room very modern furniture great bathroom service impeccable
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
This hotel truly sucked. The service was poor, restaurant & bar closed on a holiday weekend. Had to order room service that didn’t have a full bar - ordered $100 champagne that was served in a plastic pitcher with no top and warm. Waiter didn’t even pour for us. Took 30 min to receive towels at the pool and security failed to recognize us as guests and tried to deny us entry. $1200 per night? Sucked really badly!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nadine

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clifford

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gabby (manager) and the rest of her staff did everything to make our 10th wedding anniversary something special. I truly plan on making this trip to SB and staying at Hotel Californian an annual trip. The proximity to the beach was incredible. The rooftop pool has an incredible view. I took my time selecting a hotel that would make this a special weekend. And there was definitely some concern prior to arriving that my expectations would not be met. But with Gabby’s guidance, our stay felt special and classy. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abraham, Scottsdale

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel in Santa Barbara. Great attentive and friendly staff. The premises take you away to Caribbean paradise feeling.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Julian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiananmen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff made us feel welcome from the time we arrived to when we checked out. Very accommodating and polite. We had a great little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room! Comfortable bed nice art work, first rate liquors, coffee snacks. Pleasant staff. Great location.
Panoramic view.
View of the ocean.
Nice art.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Svetlana, San Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ripsime

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

mary

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrice

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff was super friendly and exceptional and the rooms gorgeous! Big and spacious, white marble bathrooms, the most comfy bed and bedding. Loved everything about it!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Henry Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely hotel
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lydia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Milind

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first visit to the area and our first stay at Hotel Californian. We were very pleased with the overall experience. The hotel offers excellent value, impeccable cleanliness, and attentive service. The property is stylish and well maintained, and the staff made us feel welcome. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gino

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This has got to be one of the worst trips I've ever been on.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025