Santa Barbara's coastal retreat offers wave-riding adventures or peaceful sunbathing, with staff ready to enhance beach experiences at this waterfront haven
Ala Mar by the Sea, along Santa Barbara's coast, offers a peaceful getaway with continental breakfast and a scenic terrace. Enjoy in-room WiFi, on-site motorized watercraft, or relax at nearby Leadbetter Beach. Guests love the beachfront location and helpful staff.
Located in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara, Ala Mar by the Sea is in the entertainment district and on the beach. Presidio Santa Barbara and Mission Santa Barbara are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Bike Path. Check out an event or a game at Santa Barbara Bowl, and consider making time for Santa Barbara Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Santa Barbara travel guide
Located close to Presidio Santa Barbara and Leadbetter Beach, Ala Mar by the Sea provides free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
Free self parking
Express check-in, ATM/banking services, and tour/ticket assistance
Smoke-free premises, meeting rooms, and motorized watercraft on site
Guest reviews give top marks for the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as perks like free WiFi and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
Recycling and LED light bulbs
Refrigerators, microwaves, and irons/ironing boards
Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
Cribs/infant beds, heating, and daily housekeeping
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
On the beach
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
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Local artist showcase
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Smoking not allowed
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.
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Food and water bowls are available
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
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
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
We should mention
This property does not have 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
Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Ala Mar by the Sea?
As of Apr 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on May 7, 2026 start from ¥24,159, 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.
Is Ala Mar by the Sea pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Ala Mar by the Sea?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Ala Mar by the Sea?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Ala Mar by the Sea located?
Located in Santa Barbara Beach, this beachfront motel is in the entertainment district and within a 15-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km). Santa Barbara Station is 7 minutes by foot.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews
6.0
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
Room was not cleaned very well, the shower especially Very outdated appliances in breakfast area. Great location and looks nice outside but needs cleaning.
Louise
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Brian
Jan 21, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had to wait a winute for room. But all good therw after
Brian
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Christopher
Jan 2, 2026
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The receptionist Melody was fantastic despite how busy they were. Substantially understaffed, funky older motel that truthfully I went through and cleaned with a washcloth. However proximity to the beach, the great staff and just being in Santa Barbara makes it all worth while 👍
You have to check in to the hotel at the neighboring property, which is fine but there should have been instructions in the check in email to let you know. This property is a motel with an amazing location. The room was clean and was fine, nothing great, nothing terrible in our room 117. Worst thing- the shower didn’t work, only the tub and the water was cold. It was like taking a very cold sponge bath. Don’t think I would stay here again even with the great location.
I took the train from the San Francisco Bay Area down to Santa Barbara for a getaway trip. Totally Spurt of the moment. I was delighted to stumble upon this hotel. It was so comfortable had such a nice vibe. Warm welcoming service. I'm enjoying the 'French country chic' ( with the Spanish twist:-) decor. I will definitely return here!
Our room did not match Expedia's property description. No microwave, no fridge, and heater clanked too loud to use. Also, there was no where to park. Shouldn't each room have a dedicated parking space? Horrible room. Friendly staff though.
Staff was very accommodating and helpful, neighborhood was fine and very convenient but the bathroom had mold and very clear water damage throughout. Probably would not stay again.
Lovely Hotel. view of the beach, walking distance of shops etc. Easy parking. Checking in was slow and at neighbouring hotel, which was a little confusing.
The place was nice and clean access to the beach is great.
Marleen
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Nicholas
Dec 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room is decent, it looks like they did a makeover recently but the lights flicker and the main entry door is very hard to open. From 3-5am the upstairs neighbor sounded like they were doing and Irish dance and it was impossible to sleep. The key stopped working to enter the room and when we went to the main desk in the next building the door was locked and the phone number to reach someone had a full mailbox.
The motel is right across the street from the ocean which is a very nice view.
joyce
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany
Apr 10, 2025
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The location in relation to the train station and the beach is spectacular. The neighborhood is late-night-walking to the hotel, very friendly. There were multiple families walking with us down the street to other hotels/hostels after our midnight arrival on Amtrak
Our room was perfect. From the cobblestone flooring to the decor and furniture, it really makes you comfortable
All the amenities for a night in Santa Barbara.
Sean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
john
Sep 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful view of the ocean and the pier. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city