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From821US$ /night
Check-in
09Dec2025Select date
Check-out
10Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

36 State Street, Santa Barbara, California, United States
-
Close to the beach
Perfect
8.7
8.8
/10
3.0
4.1
/5

Hotel Californian showcases a unique blend of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Moroccan design influences. This 5-star Santa Barbara hotel offers a rooftop pool, diverse dining options, and access to the vibrant Funk Zone's tasting rooms and culinary experiences.

Rooms & Amenities

Accommodations at Hotel Californian feature custom furnishings by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, elegantly combining classic Spanish and Moroccan elements. Signature rooms include the Alcazar Suite, which provides spacious seating areas and stunning ocean views.

Dining & Drinking

Dining options include Blackbird, offering curated local cuisine, and The Society: State & Mason, serving wines from Foley Family Wines. Tan-Tan poolside dining presents handcrafted cocktails with ocean views.

Leisure & Wellness

Leisure amenities at Hotel Californian include a rooftop pool and a full-service spa, Majorelle, which specializes in customized treatments. Guests can explore the Funk Zone's numerous tasting rooms and dining venues on foot.

Events & Transportation

The hotel features a 2850-square-foot ballroom, a rooftop event deck, and five meeting rooms, making it suitable for corporate events and retreats. Transportation includes proximity to Flixbus and Amtrak services for convenient travel.

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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard King Room
2 persons
33 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
37 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Superior King Room
2 persons
31 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room
2 persons
37 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Paid Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Hairdresser
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Wind surfing
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Yoga class
  • Fishing

Services

  • Free shuttle service
  • Valet parking
  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Rooftop pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Discover a culinary tapestry at Hotel Californian, where flavors of America and the Mediterranean mingle in inviting spaces designed for family gatherings and relaxed dining. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that promises a delightful experience for every palate, from inventive cocktails to thoughtfully curated dishes celebrating local produce.
Hotel Californian Santa Barbara Restaurant photo
Hotel Californian Santa Barbara Restaurant photo

Goat Tree

American, Mediterranean
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern
Key Offerings
A delightful menu featuring modern American and Mediterranean dishes, ideal for leisurely family meals or friendly gatherings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this venue is perfect for enjoying a casual yet refined dining experience.
Reservation
no
07:00 - 21:00 daily

Restaurant #2

Not specified
Ambiance
Not specified
Key Offerings
Details are not available for specific offerings, ambiance, or cuisine style.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.

Location

36 State Street, Santa Barbara, California, United States
Map view
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, California, United States
Nearby
Museum
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
440 m
211 Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
440 m
Chapala St & Montecito Street
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
460 m
Winery
Santa Barbara Wine Collective
190 m
217 State St
Reagan Ranch Center
270 m
Park
Ambassador Park
410 m
Yanonali Street
Funk Zone
590 m
16 Helena Ave
Santa Barbara Surfing Museum
130 m
Beach
West Beach
420 m
Beach
Loquita Santa Barbara
230 m
216 East Yanonali Street
Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant
350 m
Winery
Municipal Winemakers
140 m
Store
Surf N Wear's The Beach House
80 m
409 State St
Faith Mission
530 m
Restaurants
Finney's
50 m
35 State St Suite A
Blackbird
90 m
36 State St
The Lark
220 m
131 Anacapa St Suite A
Santa Barbara FisHouse
290 m
101 E Cabrillo Blvd
Santo Mezcal
130 m
119 State St
Bluewater Grill
170 m
15 East Cabrillo Avenue
Oku
180 m
29 E Cabrillo Blvd
Lucky Penny
230 m
127 Anacapa Street
Helena Avenue Bakery
320 m
131 Anacapa St Ste C
Enterprise Fish Co
310 m
225 State Street
Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro
610 m
28 Anacapa St E
Explore Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf
8-minute walk
Historic pier with ocean views, shops, and eateries. Offers unique atmosphere and sea life exhibits.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
5-minute drive
Iconic Spanish-Moorish building with stunning murals and a clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Zoo
5-minute drive
Family-friendly zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits, picnic areas, and stunning ocean views.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor
18-minute walk
Quaint harbor offering boat rentals and seafood dining options, perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the water.
Santa Barbara Wine Collective
Santa Barbara Wine Collective
3-minute walk
Wine tasting experience featuring local wineries. Great for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
Kayaking at Santa Barbara Harbor
18-minute walk
Thrill-seeking kayaking adventure in sheltered waters. Rentals available; perfect for all skill levels.
Salt Cave Santa Barbara
5-minute drive
Wellness retreat promoting relaxation and respiratory benefits. Unique salt therapy experience in tranquil setting.
Finney's
Finney's
1-minute walk
Casual eatery with a vibrant atmosphere serving burgers and craft beers. Perfect for families and groups.
The Lark
The Lark
3-minute walk
Farm-to-table dining with seasonal dishes and a rustic vibe. Reservations recommended for evening dining.
Santa Barbara FisHouse
Santa Barbara FisHouse
4-minute walk
Seaside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood with ocean views. Great for casual dining and special occasions.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor
18-minute walk
Live performances and events regularly hosted at the waterfront, offering family-friendly fun and great ambiance.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
20-minute walk
Various exhibitions showcasing American, Asian, and European art. Guided tours and community events are available.

Getting around
City Centre
Santa Barbara15 min  ·  1.2 km
Airports
Santa Barbara (SBA)31 min  ·  20.5 km
Presidente Itamar Franco (iza)74 min  ·  48.8 km
Train
Santa Barbara Amtrak4 min  ·  300 m

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
4.5/5 based on 554 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 150 reviews
#12 of 55 hotels in Santa Barbara based on Tripadvisor
Samuel
United States, February  2025
5.8/10

My stay at Hotel Californian was a mixed bag. The architectural beauty and spacious rooms stood out, providing a comfortable atmosphere. However, the inconsistent service, particularly at the restaurants, and issues with the room's amenities left me disappointed. Overall, there's potential, but improvements are needed to match the hotel's premium pricing. 🌆

Rooms
7.0
The room was spacious and clean, featuring lovely design elements and a great view. However, I noticed some minor damage on the furniture that diminished the overall experience.
Service
5.0
While some staff were friendly and accommodating, I encountered moments of rudeness from the front desk that were quite off-putting. Restaurant service was also notably slow.
Location
9.0
The location is superb, making it easy to walk to the beach, restaurants, and shopping in downtown Santa Barbara, which I really appreciated.
Dining
5.0
Dining experiences were disappointing, particularly with long wait times for service and low-quality room service options. I hope they improve the dining experience for future guests.
Facilities
6.0
The amenities like the rooftop pool and spa services added some enjoyment, but overall maintenance and attention to guest requests could be improved.
Tony
United States, January  2025
7.0/10

I had mixed feelings about my stay. The hotel's gorgeous architecture and prime location near the beach were definite highlights, but I encountered some serious service and room issues that dampened the experience. My requests for special decorations for a surprise anniversary celebration were not fulfilled, and the cleanliness of the room left much to be desired, especially the dirty carpet. Overall, while the ambiance and facilities are impressive, the quality of service and attention to detail needs significant improvement.

Rooms
6.0
The room was poorly cleaned with cobwebs and a dirty carpet. I expected more given the price I paid.
Service
5.0
The service was inconsistent. While some staff were accommodating, the miscommunication about my anniversary preparations was frustrating.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location is perfect, close to the beach and local attractions, making it easy to explore Santa Barbara.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were subpar, and the food by the pool served in to-go boxes felt unusual and didn't meet my expectations.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel's facilities, including the rooftop pool, were lovely, but the distance from my room to main amenities was inconvenient.
George
United States, December  2024
7.2/10

During my stay at Hotel Californian, I was attracted by its stunning architectural beauty and spacious rooms, but unfortunately, I found much of the experience lacking for the price I paid. While the interior was lovely, the service did not meet the expectations that typically accompany such a high rate, and some aspects of my stay left me feeling disappointed. Overall, the hotel has potential, but several improvements are needed to truly stand out. 🌟

Rooms
7.0
My room was clean and spacious, featuring beautiful design elements, but I noticed some minor damage to the furniture that detracted from the overall luxury experience.
Service
5.0
I found the service to be inconsistent; while some staff were pleasant, others felt unfriendly and lacked professionalism, which negatively affected my stay.
Location
9.0
The location is superb, just a block from the beach and surrounded by excellent dining and shopping options, making it convenient to explore Santa Barbara.
Dining
5.0
While the dining options, especially at The Goat Tree, showcased great food, the service there was lacking, which was frustrating given the quality of what was on the menu.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities were decent, though I was disappointed with the pool area, which had a disturbing smell and wasn't inviting for relaxation.
John
United States, December  2024
5.8/10

My stay at Hotel Californian was a mixed bag. The architectural beauty of the hotel is stunning, and my room was spacious and well-appointed. However, I faced some issues with service, particularly with room amenities and dining options during my visit, which did detract from the overall experience.

Rooms
10.0
My room was large, immaculate, and well-appointed, with very nice bed linens. It definitely contributed to a comfortable stay.
Service
6.0
While the staff was generally friendly, I encountered delays in getting basic services and a lack of attention during my dining experiences.
Location
10.0
The hotel is conveniently located near local attractions, making it easy to explore Santa Barbara.
Dining
6.0
I had high hopes for dining options, but found the restaurant service to be lacking, leading me to seek alternatives.
Facilities
6.0
Although the hotel had many promising facilities, some were not operational or fell short of expectations, such as room service and the spa.
Tony
United States, October  2024
7.4/10

I had a nice stay at Hotel Californian, particularly because of the welcoming staff and spacious room. The hotel's location near the beach made it convenient for enjoying local attractions. However, I did have a few concerns about the value for the price and the poolside food experience. which was a bit underwhelming. Overall, it was a lovely getaway despite some minor hitches.

Rooms
10.0
The room was clean, spacious, and luxurious. I appreciated the attention to detail in its presentation and the provision of complimentary bottled water.
Service
10.0
The valet staff greeted me with smiles and were incredibly efficient, while the front desk manager addressed my concerns about space for baby essentials with an upgrade.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was prime, just a block from the beach and allowed me easy access to nearby attractions like wine tasting at Margerum.
Dining
6.0
I enjoyed breakfast at Goat Tree, especially the avocado toast. However, food served at the pool was presented in to-go boxes, which felt odd for the setting.
Facilities
7.0
The rooftop pool was a great spot to relax, but I found the noise from the staff below a bit distracting.
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Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 55 per day.
Internet
is available in for additional charge.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
126
FAQs
About Hotel Californian
How far is Hotel Californian from Santa Barbara Airport?
The hotel is 14 km from Santa Barbara Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Californian?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
Is there parking available at Hotel Californian?
Private parking is available on-site for 55 USD per day, and no reservation is needed.
What dining options are available at Hotel Californian?
On-site dining includes Goat Tree for casual fare and Blackbird for Mediterranean-influenced meals.
Does Hotel Californian have a fitness center?
Yes, there is a fitness center available for guests.
What room amenities are provided at Hotel Californian?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and free toiletries.
How close is Hotel Californian to the beach?
The hotel is just steps from the beach.
How far is Hotel Californian from the nearest train station?
Hotel Californian is approximately 350 m from the Santa Barbara Amtrak station.
What nearby attractions are accessible from Hotel Californian?
Nearby attractions include the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Urban Wine Trail, both within 1 km.
What are some recreational activities available at Hotel Californian?
Guests can enjoy activities such as cycling, hiking, and yoga classes.
Is there a pool at Hotel Californian?
Yes, there is a rooftop pool with stunning views.

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