Lavender Inn by the Sea

3.5 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Carriage and Western Art Museum
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lavender Inn by the Sea

Front of property
Exterior
Property amenity
Free daily continental breakfast
Fitness facility

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
206 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪13 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(56 reviews)
  • 290 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(36 reviews)
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(59 reviews)
  • 290 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, Lavender Inn by the Sea is adjacent to Carriage and Western Art Museum and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Santa Barbara City College. This 23-room hotel has free breakfast along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara City College - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Leadbetter Beach - 12 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 9 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eli Luria Library - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪John Dunn Gourmet Dining Room - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Lavender Inn by the Sea

Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Carriage and Western Art Museum
Guests staying at Lavender Inn by the Sea enjoy an outdoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, laundry facilities, and a garden.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have hair dryers, free toiletries, and bathrobes. Coffee makers, free local calls, and ceiling fans are also available.
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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Fenced pool
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • 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. 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.
  • 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. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Lavender Inn
Lavender Inn Sea
Lavender Inn Sea Santa Barbara
Lavender Sea Santa Barbara
Lavender Inn By The Sea Hotel Santa Barbara
Lavender Sea
Lavender Inn by the Sea Hotel
Lavender Inn by the Sea Santa Barbara
Lavender Inn by the Sea Hotel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

Lavender Inn by the Sea offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

As of Dec 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lavender Inn by the Sea on Jan 5, 2026 start from $167.2, 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 close to Lavender Inn by the Sea?

This hotel is situated in Santa Barbara Beach, just steps from Carriage and Western Art Museum and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum, and within a short walk of Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll also find Leadbetter Beach and Paseo Nuevo Mall less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Lavender Inn by the Sea include a casino?

No, Lavender Inn by the Sea doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Is Lavender Inn by the Sea a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like in-room massages and bathrobes as well as an outdoor pool.

Does Lavender Inn by the Sea have a hot tub?

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

Does Lavender Inn by the Sea have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Lavender Inn by the Sea offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will Lavender Inn by the Sea allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Lavender Inn by the Sea though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Lavender Inn by the Sea?

The closest major airport to Lavender Inn by the Sea is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 9.9 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is located 29.8 mi away (46-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Lavender Inn by the Sea?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Lavender Inn by the Sea.

Reviews

Lavender Inn by the Sea Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 933 out of 1284 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 225 out of 1284 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 93 out of 1284 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 22 out of 1284 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 1284 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed the location, room and grounds. Weak included breakfast but nice happy hour each evening.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Noeme

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent location, very close to the beach and lots of restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Hotel staff was friendly and helpful. There is complimentary breakfast, which was basic but good enough, water and coffee, as well as sparkling wine when we checked in. Free parking as well. All nice touches. Rooms were clean, although a bit dated. The only issue was the extremely loud AC unit. Very, very loud sounded like an airplane! And the hotel is on the Main Street, so you will hear cars as well as the train going by. I could not sleep all night because of the sound, it was too warm to sleep without the ac. Other than that, it’s a great property and very close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer. I would stay again, as the location was great and it was a good value overall, just bring some ear plugs!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quaint little boutique hotel in Santa Barbara within walking distance to the wharf and the waterfront. The free bike rental was a bonus and the breakfast was simple but delicious!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

BRETT, folsom

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Rating was suspect . Very over rated reviews. Not what I expected but still decent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kelly

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Gail

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

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super neat and clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monish

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

10/10 Excellent

Mary, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
we love staying at Lavendar Inn- so close to everything!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mathieu

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location near wharf, funk town, restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room was dated. Staff was friendly and the property and room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Millie

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
had a pleasant stay at this hotel. The room was comfortable and well-kept, providing a relaxing atmosphere throughout my visit. Getting around was very easy—the location made it convenient to access nearby places without any hassle. Overall, it was a smooth and comfortable experience
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

philippe

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
ok for 1 night not in the best area in Santa Barbara not in town not close to the beach
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Yoram

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Terry

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was dark and had no fresh air. The TV had 2 remotes and one set of instructions and we couldn’t find anything to watch.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very nice little motel. quiet, clean, and very nice staff. loved all the outdoor seating options for relaxing and eating. the breakfast is pretty basic but the evening wine hour was a nice added amenity.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frederick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good variety of breakfast options and afternoon wine, cheese and crackers was a great plus for us. Location was great. Close to all Santa Barbara has to offer. Within walking distance of Marina and Pier restaurants and activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John p

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

6/10 Okay

Charlie, Lafayette

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The AC unit was inside the room, making it hard to relax or sleep. The breakfast was very poor, and for the price they charge, they could certainly do better. Overall, great location and excellent staff, but the owner seems cheap.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025