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Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels
1. Beachside Inn
Beachside Inn3.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,329 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1,329 reviews)
"Would stay again"
"Would stay again"
Jose
The price is ￥23,699
￥23,699
￥27,063 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 30 - Dec 1
2. Sandpiper Lodge
Sandpiper Lodge2.0 star property
North State
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (2,816 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(2,816 reviews)
"Good place to stay"
"Good place to stay"Jorge
The price is ￥17,278
￥17,278
￥19,697 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
3. Castillo Inn at the Beach
Castillo Inn at the Beach2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,006 reviews)
"The area is very quiet and restaurants are around the corner."
"The area is very quiet and restaurants are around the corner."Fred
The price is ￥22,821
￥22,821
￥26,060 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
4. The Inn at East Beach
The Inn at East Beach2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,010 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(1,010 reviews)
"Loved my stay here! Just across the street from east beach, lots of parking, perfect location"
"Loved my stay here! Just across the street from east beach, lots of parking, perfect location"Alison
The price is ￥17,637
￥17,637
￥20,106 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
5. Rose Garden Inn
Rose Garden Inn1.5 star property
North State
6.6 out of 10, (1,005 reviews)
6.6/10
(1,005 reviews)
"Budget friendly great location!"
"Budget friendly great location!"Katharina
The price is ￥15,174
￥15,174
￥17,299 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
6. The Presidio
The Presidio2.0 star property
Santa Barbara
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (889 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(889 reviews)
"On State Street within walking distance to downtown to eat and shop.."
"On State Street within walking distance to downtown to eat and shop.."Linda
The price is ￥18,753
￥18,753
￥21,378 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
7. Inn By The Harbor
Inn By The Harbor3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,976 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,976 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay.
Lovely helpful staff.
Great location to walk to the Beach and restaurants."
"Really enjoyed my stay.
Lovely helpful staff.
Great location to walk to the Beach and restaurants."
Tricia
The price is ￥37,077
￥37,077
￥42,340 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
8. ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel2.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (278 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(278 reviews)
"Loved that the Amtrak Train station is directly behind the hostel, like 20 steps away at the most. Place is very clean, the breakfasts are great. Staff is wonderful and helpful. Plenty of activities that are a part of you stay, including some dinners. Also within walking distance of the beach and wonderful shops."
"Loved that the Amtrak Train station is directly behind the hostel, like 20 steps away at the most. Place is very clean, the breakfasts are great. Staff is wonderful and helpful. Plenty of activities that are a part of you stay, including some dinners. Also within walking distance of the beach and wonderful shops."Kerri
The price is ￥21,694
￥21,694
￥24,732 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
9. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South2.0 star property
Carpinteria
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,845 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(1,845 reviews)
"Perfect stay! My dogs and I were very happy there."
"Perfect stay! My dogs and I were very happy there."Eva Marie
The price is ￥12,001
￥12,001
￥14,452 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
10. Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara2.0 star property
Fairview
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,201 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(1,201 reviews)
"Close to venue"
"Close to venue"Kelly
The price is ￥15,643
￥15,643
￥18,308 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews
Castillo Inn at the Beach
Castillo Inn at the BeachSanta Barbara Beach
10/10 Excellent
Had a really nice stay here. The location is convenient for
both restaurants and the harbour. Not cheap, but represents good value for Santa Barbara.
Had a really nice stay here. The location is convenient for
both restaurants and the harbour. Not cheap, but represents good value for Santa Barbara.
Thomas
Inn By The Harbor
Inn By The HarborSanta Barbara Beach
10/10 Excellent
Beautiful hotel, walkable to everything. Pretty low key while we stayed there, so it was quiet. Free wine and snacks for happy hour and a good selection for the free breakfast. Organic eggs, egg bites, fruits, pastries etc!
Super friendly and knowledgeable Front Desk person when we checked in. Have us a list of places to eat which included what’s vegan/ gluten free
Beautiful hotel, walkable to everything. Pretty low key while we stayed there, so it was quiet. Free wine and snacks for happy hour and a good selection for the free breakfast. Organic eggs, egg bites, fruits, pastries etc!
Super friendly and knowledgeable Front Desk person when we checked in. Have us a list of places to eat which included what’s vegan/ gluten free
angela
Beachside Inn
Beachside InnSanta Barbara Beach
10/10 Excellent
Cute little hotel right across from a harbor.
Great staff, nicely decorated and updated.
Convenient and safe. Free parking!!
Cute little hotel right across from a harbor.
Great staff, nicely decorated and updated.
Convenient and safe. Free parking!!
Ross
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
ITH Santa Barbara Surf HostelSanta Barbara Beach
10/10 Excellent
Very pleasant experience
Very pleasant experience
Julianna
Sandpiper Lodge
Sandpiper LodgeNorth State
10/10 Excellent
It’s a nice and affordable place to stay in Santa Barbara
It’s a nice and affordable place to stay in Santa Barbara
Kim
The Inn at East Beach
The Inn at East BeachSanta Barbara Beach
10/10 Excellent
We needed an inexpensive option and this ended up being so much better than expected! We even had an ocean view! Clean room and friendly staff. It was perfect!
We needed an inexpensive option and this ended up being so much better than expected! We even had an ocean view! Clean room and friendly staff. It was perfect!
Stacy
The Presidio
The PresidioSanta Barbara
10/10 Excellent
Super friend staff. Rooms a little bit outdated but great stay and great location (near downtown) nonetheless.
Super friend staff. Rooms a little bit outdated but great stay and great location (near downtown) nonetheless.
Joseph
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Royal Copenhagen InnDowntown Solvang
10/10 Excellent
Very charming, seemed to be relatively recently updated, and was in a great, convenient location to the shops and restaurants of Solvang.
Very charming, seemed to be relatively recently updated, and was in a great, convenient location to the shops and restaurants of Solvang.
SCOTT
Pea Soup Andersen's Inn
Pea Soup Andersen's InnBuellton
10/10 Excellent
Beautiful stay. Very homey. Loved how it looked out to a courtyard
Beautiful stay. Very homey. Loved how it looked out to a courtyard
Heather
Quality Inn Buellton - Solvang
Quality Inn Buellton - SolvangBuellton
10/10 Excellent
Helpful staff, clean, quiet room with a nice continental breakfast!
AC and TV had been updated recently and worked well.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an economy hotel.
Helpful staff, clean, quiet room with a nice continental breakfast!
AC and TV had been updated recently and worked well.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for an economy hotel.
Keith
San Marcos Motel
San Marcos MotelBuellton
10/10 Excellent
Guests seem mindful of keeping noise down. The staff was accommodating and prompt. It was a great place to stay for a night, so close to Solvang.
Guests seem mindful of keeping noise down. The staff was accommodating and prompt. It was a great place to stay for a night, so close to Solvang.
Wendy
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria SouthCarpinteria
10/10 Excellent
was very clean, and easy parking.
was very clean, and easy parking.
Ciro
Motel 6 Buellton, CA - Solvang Area
Motel 6 Buellton, CA - Solvang AreaBuellton
10/10 Excellent
This was our second stay at this property. It is an outstanding value for the area. Some people turn up their nose when you mention Motel 6, but this property doesn't deserve that reaction. Our room was very clean and comfortable and the property was quiet. We will keep staying at this property as long as it stays such a great value. We just use the room for sleeping and showers in morning, and this property is perfect for that!
This was our second stay at this property. It is an outstanding value for the area. Some people turn up their nose when you mention Motel 6, but this property doesn't deserve that reaction. Our room was very clean and comfortable and the property was quiet. We will keep staying at this property as long as it stays such a great value. We just use the room for sleeping and showers in morning, and this property is perfect for that!
Michael
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa BarbaraFairview
10/10 Excellent
Great value.
Great value.
Toby
Find out more about Santa Barbara
Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of budget-friendly activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Start your adventure at the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission, a historic site with beautiful gardens that you can explore for free. Next, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where you can climb the clock tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline at no cost. For a dose of art and culture, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features free admission on Sundays, showcasing an impressive collection of American and European art. Families will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can enjoy discounted tickets on certain days, making it an affordable outing with the kids. Lastly, head to the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district filled with local galleries, street art, and wine tasting rooms—many of which offer reasonably priced options. For accommodations, consider the downtown area, where you’ll find various budget-friendly hotels that provide easy access to these attractions, allowing you to explore the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and local eateries without breaking the bank. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local food trucks or grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes offering delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices.
Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara
For travelers seeking affordable yet comfortable accommodations in Santa Barbara, these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each provides essential amenities and convenient access to the beautiful Santa Barbara coast.
- Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marina Beach Motel stands out as a prime budget option with an impressive review rating of 9.8, making it a favorite among travelers. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free self-parking, ensuring a straightforward experience. The motel’s nearby the beach allows travelers to soak up the sun without traveling far.
- Other amenities: In addition to free Wi-Fi, Marina Beach Motel features onsite bicycles for guests to explore the area. The kitchenette in some rooms allows for easy meal preparation, while the furnished patio offers a relaxing space to unwind. Beach towels and access to nearby wineries add to the enjoyable experience at this budget-friendly motel.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.15 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles
- Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn offers travelers a budget-friendly stay with an excellent review rating of 9.6. This inviting inn provides free Wi-Fi and self-parking, ensuring that guests can enjoy their vacation without overspending. The hotel features a lovely terrace and patio area, perfect for guests looking to relax outside after a day of fun in the sun.
- Other amenities: Guests can also benefit from a convenient location near the beach and boardwalk, allowing for easy access to Santa Barbara's attractions. Other amenities include air conditioning for comfort and designer toiletries for a touch of luxury at an affordable price. With off-street parking and a friendly concierge, La Playa Inn is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.58 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.64 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.65 miles
- Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Harbor House Inn is a delightful budget choice with a solid guest review rating of 9.6. This charming inn offers guests free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay affordably. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor hot spring and private hot tub, providing a unique way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
- Other amenities: Additional amenities include free bicycles for exploring the nearby coastline, various water sports options, and beach towels for beach outings. With a well-equipped kitchenette in select rooms, guests can enjoy home-cooked meals. The inn’s location near the beach and boardwalk enhances the overall experience for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.11 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles
- Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: A fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara boasts a high guest review rating of 9.2. This hotel offers free self-parking and a complimentary daily breakfast, ensuring guests can start their day without added expenses. Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby attractions.
- Other amenities: Additional features include free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, allowing guests to easily enjoy Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. With nearby golf and various outdoor activities, the Avania Inn makes for a great base to explore the area.
- Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
- Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.62 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.62 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.69 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, and Presidio Santa Barbara.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Avania Inn of Santa Barbara and Sandpiper Lodge.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.