Hotel Californian
Santa Barbara, United States · ★★★★★ · 9.2/10 Exceptional · guest rating
Luxury hotel in downtown Santa Barbara, Moorish and Spanish Colonial in style, with a spa, a pool, a restaurant and a bar, steps from the beach and the wharf.
Hotel Californian is on State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, very close to the beach. The building, which opened in 2017 on the site where a hotel from 1925 once stood, blends Moorish and Spanish Colonial architecture, the style that defines the city. The interiors feature geometric tiles and patterned floors, and the lobby has a central seating area.
The hotel has a spa, a pool with lounge chairs, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar and room service, and pets are welcome. It sits in a lively district steps from the harbor, the wharf and museums, which makes it practical for exploring on foot. Restaurant, spa and pool hours can vary; confirm them with the hotel before you travel. The location lets you combine beach, museums and walks without relying on a car.
Why stay here
- Luxury hotel in downtown Santa Barbara
- Moorish and Spanish Colonial style with carefully designed interiors
- West Beach about 2 minutes on foot, Stearns Wharf about 7
- Spa, pool, restaurant and bar inside the hotel
- Tip: confirm spa and pool hours with the hotel
The setting
The hotel rises in an entertainment district of Santa Barbara, close to the beach and the harbor. Inside you will find a spacious lobby, a restaurant with hexagonal tiles, an outdoor patio with tables and a pool area with lounge chairs. The rooms are bright, with beds and touches of color, and the bathrooms feature marble and designer mirrors. The atmosphere is lively, typical of the city center.
What we like
- Central location, steps from West Beach, the harbor and Stearns Wharf
- Moorish and Spanish Colonial architecture with carefully designed interiors
- Spa, pool and fitness center inside the hotel
- On-site restaurant and bar, plus room service
- Close to the MOXI museum, handy if you are traveling with kids
Worth knowing
- It is an urban hotel in a lively district, so there is street activity
- Green space within the hotel is limited
Don't miss
Walk to Stearns Wharf and the harbor, about 7 minutes on foot, and stop by the MOXI museum if you are traveling with kids. With a car, a half-day trip to the Santa Ynez wine valley complements your stay nicely.
Facilities
- Spa
- Pool with lounge chairs
- Fitness center
- Restaurant and bar
- Outdoor patio with tables
- Room service
- Air conditioning
- Parking
- Business services
- Laundry
- 24-hour front desk
- Pets allowed
Location
The hotel is at 36 State Street, in downtown Santa Barbara. West Beach and the MOXI museum are about a 2-minute walk away; Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor about 7; and Santa Barbara City College about 10. The zoo and the valley wine country require a car. Traffic varies with the time of year.
Address: 36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
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Frequently asked questions
Is it close to the beach?
Yes. West Beach is about a 2-minute walk away, and Stearns Wharf and the harbor about 7. It is a convenient location for exploring the coast on foot.
Does it have a pool and a spa?
The hotel has a pool and a spa, as well as a fitness center. Hours and access conditions can change, so it is best to confirm them with the hotel.
Can you eat at the hotel?
There is a restaurant and a bar, plus room service. Confirm hours, menus and reservations directly with the hotel before you go.
Are pets allowed?
The hotel is listed as pet friendly. Conditions, restrictions and possible fees can vary, so check with the hotel before you book.
Want to compare dates? Check availability for Hotel Californian / see the current rates.
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