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Ala Mar by the Sea

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a flag.
A seaside patio with tables and chairs, palm trees, and a view of the beach and ocean.
A well-lit entrance with a decorative archway, a purple door, and potted plants labeled 'VILLA' and 'ROSA'.
A pool area with a red umbrella, stone statues, and a spa sign.
A dolphin statue in a garden with cacti and red flowers.

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

A bedroom with a large bed, a headboard, a nightstand, a lamp, a chair, and a window with blinds.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A wooden-paneled room with two beds, each with patterned bedding, a desk with a lamp, and an air conditioning unit.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Oceanfront King

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden headboard, and a mirror above it. There are two bedside tables with lamps, a wooden bench, and framed pictures on the walls.

Oceanfront King

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

View all photos for Queen Twin Spa

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, a wooden headboard, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

Queen Twin Spa

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

A hotel room with two beds, a painting on the wall, and a small table with a lamp.

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a patterned bedspread, a bedside lamp, and a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.

Queen

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

View all photos for King Spa

A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with blue bedding, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wall-mounted picture frame.

King Spa

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

View all photos for King Twin Spa

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and a mirror.

King Twin Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, Ala Mar by the Sea is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. This 18-room, 3-star motel welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Motels in Santa BarbaraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Leadbetter Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 7 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Santa Barbara Shellfish Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Shaker Mill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Mother Stearns Candy Co. - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with tours or tickets, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include meeting rooms, express check-in, and a terrace.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets ensure a restful night. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and local meal delivery service. Housekeeping is available on request.
An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

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

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent
  • LED lighting
  • Mobile key entry
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 28.50 for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests are asked to check in between 3 PM and 11 PM on Saturdays and by 10 PM Sunday through Friday. To arrange check-in outside of these hours, guests should contact hotel/vacation rental management in advance.

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from June 5 2027 to July 5 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Select guestrooms
During renovations, the motel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50 per pet, per day
  • 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
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for USD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 50 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 50.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 28.50

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • 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, and checking in is easy with express services. 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.
  • 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. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Ala Mar
Ala Mar Sea
Ala Mar Sea Hotel
Ala Mar Sea Hotel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Ala Mar by the Sea?

As of Aug 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on Aug 23, 2026 start from $201, 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 near Ala Mar by the Sea?

This motel is situated in Santa Barbara Beach within a 10-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll also find Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Bowl within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Wheelchair-accessible van parking is also available for guests.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea include a casino on the premises?

No, Ala Mar by the Sea doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Ala Mar by the Sea?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

What do couples enjoy most about Ala Mar by the Sea?

There are many amenities for couples at this motel, including champagne service, a private hot tub in some guestrooms, as well as an outdoor pool.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a hot tub?

No, but this motel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Ala Mar by the Sea for a fee of USD 50 per pet, per day. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have connecting rooms available?

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

What is the closest airport to Ala Mar by the Sea?

The closest major airport to Ala Mar by the Sea is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 10.6 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is around 25.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yes, some guestrooms at this motel offer either a balcony and a patio where guests can enjoy ocean views.

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 220 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 158 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 251 out of 1013 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so spacious, amazing ocean view. Will be booking again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Renae

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great pet friendly spot loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is A+, the ladies who work there were very nice and friendly, property has a ton of character and relaxing. Loved the happy hour!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a gem in Santa Barbara! Walking distance to all the BEST bars and restaurants. Will be our new base in SB!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Staff & service
Hotel is in a great location, beautiful views. Parking is a little difficult. Room could use some updates.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very pleasant. Room was a little small but very clean. No elevator to second floor. The balcony area has a great view looking out to the ocean.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Santana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach view from the couches on the huge palm tree lined sundeck was amazing! We could feel the ocean spray as baby seals frolicked in the gently breaking waves as they rolled across the shoreline.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Love it, hidden gem.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Tysha

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking lot is very small so most of the time you need to find parking on the street. Pool and breakfast is located at the neighboring hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The location was excellent! Walking distance to everything. But the room was okay but the walls were stained with what appeared to be soda/wine or some kind of liquid that was still and running down the wall. I should have said something, but I was only there one night and was tired. Parking was available and good, continental breakfast was less than expected, tons of people and long lines and no staff monitoring. Overall stay was okay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Very nostalgic and exceptionally clean. Super friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sheila

.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Cesar

Disliked: Staff & service
Parking is not reliable , had to park on the street . On checking out in the AM there was not staff in the front desk we waiting an extra hour went back , still no staff , had to leave a note on the frenzy desk with my room key to check out .
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Amenities
awesome …get room 15!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cristal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
If you book a room at the Ala Mar Motel, the check in is at the Villa Rosa Inn which is like a 1-2 minute walk. Location has a very limited parking spaces but they do have additional parking in front of Villa Rosa Inn. There is no pool at this location but they do have a large balcony with couple of chairs and tables. If you are interested in the pool, the pool is located on Villa Rosa Inn. Ala Mar Motel is located just across the beach and it’s a like 15-20 minutes walk to the downtown Santa Barbara. Other than that this still a really good place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Henna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES - beware they are scammers will do hundreds in authorized charges and then will not answer the phone or your messages. STAY AWAY
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Chris

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Absolute SCAM! I booked this hotel for my wife's birthday weekend through Expedia. It's across the street from the beach in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. Sounds ideal right? BEWARE. Upon check in, a gentleman in front of us in line was asking why the hotel had charged his credit card $200 above the price he booked through a third-party service. The front desk staff
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Dylan

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We did not get the room we had booked. Had to switch rooms due to a foul smell/possible gas leak. The next room's AC was broken, the faucet wouldn't stop running, and there was mold in the bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The property was unique with two different hotels being under same ownership. The Ala Mar was obviously an aging beach hotel but maintained with some cute characteristics. Loved the upper patio looking out to the beach. Unfortunately we got a back corner room with one window with no view. Broken window shades. A coffee maker with no coffee. Chipped walls / paint. But cute older characteristics. Older furniture. Arched doorway. Tiled floor. Pool and jacuzzi were in working order. Coffee and light breakfast in the morning was adequate. A lot of unique pieces, art, and figurines / statues around the property which gave it a unique feel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mikhail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cozy vintage hotel next to the ocean, nice walk bun. Definitely five stars!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Noriko

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It took long time to check in but otherwise everything was great! Great location, large clean room. easy access to nice restaurants and shopping.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Louise

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was not cleaned very well, the shower especially Very outdated appliances in breakfast area. Great location and looks nice outside but needs cleaning.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is shabby and poorly maintained, pretending to be “eclectic”. When I protested the poor quality in my room and requested to check out one day early from my reservation, the front desk person told me I could do so, and so I made a reservation at another hotel for the following night. Then the next morning when I went to check out, that very same person claimed otherwise and charged me. I’m still fighting it.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Vanessa

We checked in at 3PM. We were given our keys but when we entered, the room was unclean. The towels were dirty & on the floor, the bed was slept in. There were half eaten yogurt and coffee cups laying about. We waited in the lobby over an hour past check in waiting for someone to be available to clean the room. We eventually had to leave so we wouldn't miss our dinner reservations. It was cleaned by the time we returned. People are overall nice just clearly understaffed. No other concerns beyond that. If you are just looking for somewhere to crash for the night that isnt priced at $800/night then I recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026