Santa Barbara has long been one of southern California’s top vacation destinations, and as such, the lodging choices here are numerous. Those seeking Santa Barbara lodging will be able to choose from a fine array of hotels, resorts, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. When selecting your accommodations in Santa Barbara, you can opt for the more pricy options on the beach side of town, or you can save a bit by staying downtown. There are advantages to both, so you can decide as you see fit. As far as rates are concerned, Santa Barbara lodging is relatively expensive, though there are some affordable gems here that won’t put a huge dent in your travel budget if that’s what you’re looking for. While booking your Santa Barbara hotel room or vacation rental in advance is always a good idea, it’s especially important in the busier summer months. The discount Santa Barbara hotels usually fill up the quickest in the summertime, so you’ll definitely want to secure your room ahead of time if you have value in mind.

The Santa Barbara resorts are the most expansive hotels in the area, so if it’s extra facilities that you want, they are the best option. Consistently heralded as one of the best California beach resorts, the Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara is an elegant and luxurious haven that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of travelers. When it comes to service and comfort, you can hardly top the Four Seasons Biltmore (pictured above). In addition to immaculate rooms and suites, the resort also boasts a handful of delightful restaurants, a couple of sleek lounges, a deluxe spa, a dynamic fitness center, 3 tennis courts, and 2 sparkling pools. You’re right on the beach when you stay at the Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara, so you can sunbathe, swim, surf, boogie board, or take in sunsets at your leisure. The San Ysidro Ranch Resort is another fine choice for those who are interested in luxurious Santa Barbara resorts, only this one is not found on the beach. Instead, it rests on 540 lush acres in the Montecito foothills. While just a few miles from town, it feels like it’s in a world all it’s own. Attention to each and every detail is something that the San Ysidro Ranch Resort prides itself on, and you might be interested to know that the resort was the setting for John and Jackie Kennedy’s honeymoon, not to mention Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier’s wedding.

Staying at one of the ultra-luxurious Santa Barbara resorts is truly a delight, but if your budget doesn’t exactly allow for such opulent arrangements, there are lesser-priced resorts here as well. Found just across the street from the beach on the city’s edge, Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort Hotel is an excellent Santa Barbara lodging choice for those who are looking for a more affordable resort experience. Even though the rates are lower here than they are at the more expensive Santa Barbara resorts, you still get a pretty luxurious room that is keen on amenities. In addition to a charming decor, these spacious rooms boast extras like signature bath products, mini-bars, premium bedding and pillows, and furnished balconies or patios. Spa services are available to guests at an extra fee, and among the resort facilities are tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a gift shop. Another resort that you might consider adding to your Santa Barbara lodging list is the Bacara Resort and Spa, which is priced in-between the aforementioned luxury resorts and Fess Parker’s.

Santa Barbara Map

Resorts certainly aren’t your only option when it comes to the Santa Barbara hotels. There are a bunch of attractive inns and boutique hotels where guests can enjoy plenty in the way of comfort and amenities. The Inn of the Spanish Garden (pictured, left) is one of the best boutique hotels in Santa Barbara. Offering 23 cozy and quaint rooms that are quite luxurious, the Inn of the Spanish Garden is ideal for couples or for those seeking a relaxed lodging experience. The Inn At East Beach is another excellent boutique hotel, and it’s rates are about half those at the Inn of the Spanish Garden. As far as discount Santa Barbara hotels are concerned, those wanting to spend even less should be happy with a stay at the Blue Sands Motel, the Marina Beach Motel, or the Ramada Limited Santa Barbara. As mentioned, the Santa Barbara hotels pretty much run the gamut, so you won’t have a problem finding one that fits your needs.

On top of featuring a bunch of excellent hotels in a myriad of price ranges, Santa Barbara also offers its visitors a healthy array of attractive vacation rentals to consider. Couples seeking privacy for a romantic getaway will appreciate a stay at a vacation rental due to the added privacy that they tend to provide, and families will surely find a spacious rental home to be ideal. The vacation rentals in Santa Barbara come in all shapes and sizes, and most are luxurious. From cottages and beach apartments, to homes and haciendas, the vacation rentals in Santa Barbara have something for everyone. There are options in town, near the beach, and in the surrounding foothills and mountains, so choosing the right setting to suit your plans is always an option. Whichever Santa Barbara lodging you choose to go with, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Los Angeles is only 90 miles away, and Ventura is even closer, so you can pay them visits in addition to enjoying all that Santa Barbara has to offer