Luxury hotels in Santa Barbara

Hey! When I travel I love to stay at luxurious hotels - especially the kind of places that offer over the top extras and really spoil their guests with great service, nice spas, awesome restaurants and beautiful views. What more can you want? To save some time, I've put together this list of my favourite 5-star hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara. I hope you will like it!

• 1 Simpson House Inn Santa Barbara, United States

  

  Hotel. Stay in the heart of Santa Barbara. Simpson House Inn is a historic boutique hotel and bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, set within a restored Victorian estate just moments from downtown. Tucked behind gates and surrounded by gardens, the inn offers the charm of a classic Santa Barbara retreat with the comfort and service of a refined modern hotel. Built in 1874 and set on an acre of lush English gardens, the estate includes the original Manor and a collection of thoughtfully restored cottages, each attended to with the polish of a dedicated hospitality team. Guests enjoy personalized service, a chef-prepared breakfast each morning, and the quiet assurance of a professionally operated property designed for both intimate stays and full-estate gatherings. Located in Santa Barbara’s historic Upper East Neighborhood, just minutes from State Street and the waterfront, Simpson House offers a peaceful escape within walking distance of the city’s renowned restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, beaches, and cultural attractions. Whether visiting as a couple, with friends, or reserving the property for a private celebration, Simpson House offers the rare combination of boutique hospitality and residential ease. Show full description Guest review score 9.6, rooms from around $1403.

  See available rooms

• 2 El Encanto Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, United States

  

  Hotel. Perched above the Pacific with sweeping ocean vistas, El Encanto is a serene boutique retreat just five minutes from central Santa Barbara. This iconic hillside hideaway features an outdoor pool, full-service spa, and a locally inspired restaurant and bar. Each spacious guest room includes complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, fireplace, and a cozy sitting area overlooking lush gardens. Guests can stay active in the modern fitness center or take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and business services. El Encanto offers convenient access to local attractions, including the Santa Barbara Mission and Botanical Gardens—both just two miles away. The Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course is a 10-minute drive. Show full description Guest review score 8.9, rooms from around $2829.

  See available rooms

• 3 Hotel Californian Santa Barbara, United States

  

  Hotel. Located next to the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, the Hotel Californian is just steps from the beach and features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy several on-site dining options and take advantage of the on-site spa. Every air-conditioned guest room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a refrigerator, a coffee machine, free toiletries and a desk. Some rooms also feature a balcony. The hotel has two locations where guests can dine. Goat Tree offers casual dining all day offering fresh local fare including pastries and baked goods, a full breakfast menu, and cold-pressed juices and coffee. Blackbird offers Mediterranean-influenced cuisine with the Pacific Ocean and Funk Zone as a backdrop. The hotel spa, Majorelle, offers a steam room, a salon, and an indoor and outdoor lounge. Kunin Wines is 100 metres from Hotel Californian, while Santa Barbara Wine Collective is 200 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Santa Barbara Airport, 14 km from the hotel. Show full description Guest review score 8.7, rooms from around $2188.

  See available rooms

• 4 The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, United States

  

  Hotel. Adjacent to the Sandpiper golf course, this Santa Barbara resort boasts beautiful ocean views, an outdoor pool and on-site dining. All guest rooms include a private patio with a view. At the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, all en suite rooms include a TV. Comfortably furnished, all rooms feature a seating area. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. A variety of dining options are available at the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Signature cocktails are available at the ‘O’ Bar & Terrace. Guests can also unwind at the on-site fitness centre. There are also tennis courts and hiking trails on-site. The property hosts one of the largest spas on the west coast with added features like an adults-only pool and a rooftop terrace. There is also a meeting area for guests on business. Santa Barbara city centre is 13 miles away from the resort. The Santa Barbara Mission is 18 minutes’ drive away. Show full description Guest review score 7.7, rooms from around $2656.

  See available rooms

I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in June 2026. Did I miss a luxury hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!