Ala Mar by the Sea

2.0 star property
Beachfront motel with free breakfast and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Front of property
Property grounds
Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View | View from room
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
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.

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Panoramic Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
93101, CA, Santa Barbara, 102 West Cabrillo Blvd

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 5 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Longboard's Grill - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

Motel near Stearns Wharf
Located close to Presidio Santa Barbara and Leadbetter Beach, Ala Mar by the Sea provides free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a 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 concierge services
  • Smoke-free premises, tour/ticket assistance, 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 laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks like free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and heating

Similar properties

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

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace

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
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 60.0 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 60.0 per day
  • 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.
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.

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 at Ala Mar by the Sea?

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.

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Reviews

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

6.0

6.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

6.8

Staff & service

6.0

Eco-friendliness

5.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 192 out of 965 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 184 out of 965 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 188 out of 965 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 160 out of 965 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 241 out of 965 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

anatoliy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
In hotel description states continental breakfast included but only cofe and sweets
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Connie

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Down fall was bathtub was not great. When jets was used water was dirty. So could not use
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful setting with gorgeous view, luxury touches, in pristine condition.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The office is being run by staff at another hotel. It is impossible to query charges to bill after departure. There are no closets in the rooms. Not even a hook. No sound-proofing. Nice old tile throughout. Upper deck overlooking the ocean for all guests. Breakfast good but also at the other hotel up the street.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful rustic Mexican/Spanish decor, across the street from the beach, close to wharf and downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

janelle

cute place!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Augusto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!!! location is perfect food is at walking distance and the staff is very friendly I highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very nice and accommodating. Great location with many things to look at. The room we had was spacious and all were very unique. The entire place was very unique and beautiful to see. The complimentary breakfast and snacks/wine were delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
When I booked, price said included all taxes and fees. But checking in they charged me an extra $30 fee Breakfast was a joke.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Well, at least you can see the beach

I don't like to be negative -- this place could be really nice, but it needs some work. The main problem was that the toilet was not properly attached to the floor, and it leaked. Beyond that, I would have liked to have a coffee maker, a closet with hangers, and a comfortable chair or two; and my gal would have liked to have a hair dryer. But the bed was comfortable, and we slept well. Otherwise, I would have given it a rating of 1 star.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good price and location. Everything else was mediocre
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

amado

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and the Motel had a nice warm feeling to it. Perfect spot walking distance from Amtrak Station, which I rode to get there from Fullerton Station. Dont need to rent Car. There is also area for continental Breakfast and a happy hour from 5pm to 7 pm.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Because it was off-season, I had to go next door to check in. There was no one to call at midnight when the neighbor was having an argument - someone locked out and angry. Otherwise, the room was lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Omar

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I should probably be ok at staying at this property if it wasn't for the feeling of have being tricked on getting into their restaurant with some discount tickets given at check-in. The restaurant is a rip-off with over priced drinks and food.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bring ear plugs if you wanna get some sleep it gets pretty noisy. But besides the noise everything els was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Ala Mar Motel, Santa Barbara

Can't beat the location, but old and in disrepair. It also lacks amenities. Cleanliness was questionable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Saudi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
😍
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Like: Across the street from Pier/Ocean Dislike: No onsite Office
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Kevin

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Shanty in Paradise

Great location just across the street from the beach. However, the hotel is about 60 years past its prime. It gives the feel of living on the sidewalk. The continental breakfast is questionable, some days they have milk, some days not. Some days they have fruit, most days not.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very noisy
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

ANTHONY

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was old, toilet smelled of urine, the door to the unit wasn't sealed properly. in a nutshell, it was a dump
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

YUCHUAN

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Description said ocean view, actually no view, window is facing parking lot, bed was dirty
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

PETER

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was stayed ceiling leaking. Room small and dirty