The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117
Enter dates to see prices
Full view
View all photos (2,587)2,587
360
Panoramas (48) 
Room & Suite (655)
View prices for your travel dates
Hotel direct offer!Earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on each stay
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
About
#6 of 12 hotels in Goleta
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.1
Value
3.6
Set against a backdrop of golden beaches and lush mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The iconic Central California resort spans 78 acres and features 358 guest rooms and suites, two natural beaches, lush gardens, and a collection of amenities including a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; three salt-water infinity pools; six culinary venues including the signature Angel Oak, housing the resort’s 12,000-bottle wine collection; robust activities program for guests of all ages; and 101,352 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The property is distinctly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering easy access to the region’s best vineyards. It is just minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Electric vehicle charging station
Wifi
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Beach
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Valet parking
Paid private parking on-site
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Yoga classes
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Happy hour
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Bicycles available
Boating
Hiking
Tennis court
Water sport equipment rentals
Evening entertainment
Patio
Tennis court offsite
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Kids club
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Executive lounge access
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Doorperson
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Dining area
Fireplace
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Seating area
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Quiet
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Hotel links
Special Offer:Earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on each stay
Location
43Car recommended
Grade: 43 out of 100
89Restaurantswithin 5 miles
11Attractionswithin 5 miles
8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Goleta rental cars
3275Reviews44Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 1,775
- 569
- 407
- 280
- 244
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
Incredible stay and incredible property. The property is breathtaking and seeing a sunset here is a must. We are at the o’bar, angel oak and had pool service and all experiences were great. The pool is huge and has incredible views. The staff all around the resort is super friendly and helpful as well. Definitely recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara is a wonderful property! The property is well laid out definitely giving you a relaxed resort vibe. The club lounge is one of the best club lounges of all of the Ritz's we have stayed. They have a great selection of food and drinks throughout the day and the staff is very attentive. We ate at three of the restaurants and they were all amazing. Angel Oak has a great menu for anyone's taste and the executive chef made some incredible dishes for us. We also tried the Japanese restaurant San Setto which is incredible too. The sushi is very fresh and the sushi chef is quite innovative with his courses. We also had lunch at the Bistro and had some yummy food there too. The cabanas are very cozy and the service from Ana our attendant was fantastic. The concierge team including Casey offered some wonderful treats and amenities for our family. The property has an excellent management team in Mr. Janicek, the GM, and Mr. Van Hooijdonk, the hotel manager. They both are personable, dedicated, and focused on providing guests a comfortable and special stay. Our family was celebrating my mom's birthday gathering from multiple states and the entire team went out of there way to make it a joyous occasion.…
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The staff is uniformly courteous and competent. Dinner at Angel Oak was our best meal in Santa Barbara and the scenery was spectacular. The fitness center is large and well equipped. That’s the good part. The grounds are mostly well manicured but there are several dead spots in the grass as a reminder that the resort is ‘pet friendly.’ However the biggest disappointment is the guest rooms. They are in desperate need of a refresh. Banged up furniture and ancient bathroom fixtures are not a good look for a Ritz Carlton.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Tell them if you have pet allergies. Dogs have full run of the resort from the lobby to the...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
I am generally a tough grader but the Bacara would have received 5 stars--except that it's a Ritz Carlton. I know RC holds itself out to the highest standards and I'm sure they would only want a 5-star rating if they earned it. This time, a one-night staycation on a Sunday night, fell just short for a few reasons. We reserved a standard King but due to my wife's Platinum Elite status, we were upgraded to a larger, corner room with both a fireplace inside and a spacious patio space with an easy-to-use fire pit. We loved the layout; although no ocean view, the room had a lovely garden view that was situated for privacy. Unlike some of the other firepit rooms we saw, our patio was on an upper level so people were not walking right by the room, yet the entrance to the room was from the ground floor. The room had two separated sinks, a large soaking tub that could open out to the bedroom (but could also be shuttered off), a shower, a closet with safe, a fridge, Nespresso coffee machine and generous coffee pod allowance, a small desk, and two stuff chairs. See photos. The thermostat to our room did not seem to be working properly however. Since it was blowing cool air when we checked in, we didn't notice until fairly late at night that the temperature was not matching the settings. We know we could have called to have it fixed but since it was already quite late when we returned to the room after a late dinner, we just ignored it and, as a result, were rather cold while sleeping. The grounds of the property were lovely and well maintained. We enjoyed taking the short trail to the beach on a beautiful sunny day. The area seems to enjoy a micro-climate that made it sunny even though on the drive from LA to Santa Barbara and further north to Goleta, it was often cloudy until we just hit Goleta. We've experienced this in Palos Verdes as well; an interesting and delightful surprise. The beach, while pretty, is not a classic, white sand swimming beach like that one would find further south. But it is still great for walks and solitude. The upper entrance to the main pool area has an unusual vista: one can see an upper family pool, below which is a large adult pool, beyond which in the distance one can see waves crashing on the beach. Really nice. (see photo) After our walk, we hit Haskell's Poolside Bar for a snack. Although the Buffalo-style chicken wings were tasty, we were surprised that we were ignored after sitting at an open table for quite a few minutes. There were at least four different staffers who saw us but literally turned away instead of making any attempt to greet or help us. Presumably they were not wait staff or were not assigned to our table. But I would expect the RC to train their staff to greet guests, let us know they noticed us and that our server would soon come to take our order. Or anything approaching that. Finally, the car valets were friendly and seemed eager to please. But the one time we phoned ahead for our car, it didn't seem to matter, since we had to wait about ten minutes for our car to be retrieved. …
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
The Bacara was once one of my favorite hotels in Santa Barbara as I used to come with my husband for weekend getaways from LA and to celebrate my birthdays. After a few years’ hiatus, I decided to treat my mother to a mother-daughter getaway at the Ritz Bacara for a nice luxurious vacation and to have some R&R The arrival experience was what I remembered which my mom was impressed with. The valet team were nice, quick and efficient and the check-in process at the front desk was great, with them having our room ready for us early. However, upon arriving to our room that’s when the trip started to become sub par. The room smelled like cigarette smoke (which the bellman noticed immediately), and shouldn’t have as they are supposed to have non-smoking rooms. The AC unit didn’t work properly and woke us up w a screeching sound at midnight (super annoying), the TV kept spontaneously shutting off various times when we were trying to enjoy a program, and constantly had to be rebooted, the room didn’t have robes like they were supposed to, wash cloths and hair conditioner (basic amenities) were missing from the bathroom, the light fixture above the tub looked like it was going to fall from the ceiling and had visible mold growing, and there was a dirty rag left on our balcony. Like wtf! I had requested a non-connecting door, but we still got placed in a room with a connector, even though the property was not at full capacity (we were there from a Monday-Wednesday), so not sure why my request couldn’t be fulfilled. In regards to noise, You could easily hear your neighbors/housekeeping up above our room moving furniture around at random hours and making loud noises. Service: The service was fairly slow at the Bistro restaurant. When my mom ordered coffee, they said that it would take 10-15 min because they didn’t have any made. Also, when my mom ordered a chocolate croissant, the waitress said that they ran out. However, up at the Caffe they had plenty. A five star hotel typically makes more of an effort to appease their guests. And when we went to our dinner reservation at Angel Oak, the hostess asked if we wanted indoor or outdoor seating. Thinking it was available, we said we wanted outdoor seating to see the sunset, but then the hostess advised that we would have to wait 25 min for a table, even though plenty were available. Super weird. The F&B prices at the restaurants were also way overpriced for what you actually get. I eat at amazing restaurants all over the world, and the restaurants on property were way more expensive than other luxury properties. I don’t get it. To me, the Bacara has lost its 5 star status and is now a 4 star property, but charges 5 star prices. I didn’t Ritz Carlton vibes while I was there, but moreso Autograph Collection vibes. Hopefully some improvements can be made for those who are seeking a true 5-star luxury experience.…
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Ask for a room on the top floor. Make sure you test the TV and AC unit before unpacking.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Steven Janicek, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Responded 5 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and I am very sorry we did not live up to your expectations for the mother-daughter get-a-way weekend. Those moments are rare and special and while we are honored you chose to stay with us we let you down and for that I am very sorry. You have my word that we are determined to improve, and I will make sure those items you pointed out will be taken care of. Once again, my apologies and please contact me directly next time you can get away with your mom and I will make sure we deliver beyond expectations.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The best thing about this place is the staff. They were all great. Beyond that, though, it was at best a mediocre experience -- especially given the extremely high room rates. The rooms desperately need renovation. This would be a big project, but unless they are going to be cutting room rates by more than 50%, it seems essential. The rooms are basic Marriott standard, not Ritz Carlton. The room configuration was weird, with lots of wasted space, and too much furniture for the size of the room. The mandatory valet parking charge is ridiculous and abusive. There is plenty of parking and, other than greed, there is no reason why this hotel should not offer free or low cost self-parking. Prices for everything at the resort were very high -- even by the standards of upscale resorts. For example, about $15 for a mass-market beer serviced in a plastic cup. And there is nowhere within walking distance. So you really do need a car. The beach at this hotel is not at all attractive, and there are no chairs, umbrellas or service on the beach. As a result, very few people use the beach and the pool gets quite crowded. Finally, although the name of the hotel includes the words "Santa Barbara," this hotel is not in Santa Barbara, but in a different town about a 15-20 minute drive from Santa Barbara. It is not all bad. There are some nice views and the weather is good. Plus Santa Barbara (15 mins away) is a nice town to walk around for a few hours, with some good restaurants. But unless you get a huge discount, I would stay someplace else.…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Steven Janicek, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for your feedback regarding our parking prices and drink prices at the pool. We always validate the prices being charged are aligned with other resorts in our area and provide a value and will continue to review that as we move forward. Regarding the room size and furniture layout will be sure to inspect that room to see what can be done from a design standpoint. Our beach situation and what we can provide on the beach does have some state-imposed restrictions and while we always want to extend services such as chairs and tables at this time that is not something we can provide.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This property is quite nice, although the physical hotel requires some modernization. The property is beautiful, but so too are the parks and beaches and wineries around Ritz. Santa Barbara is obviously a well known small coastal city. The Ritz is enjoyable but the steep price tag to park is simply inexcusable. There is no close alternative for more palatable overnight parking rates. When you think about employee salaries, a typical employee may work a full day to pay for parking. At least no train horns like the Four Seasons!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Steven Janicek, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for the response and positive feedback regarding our property and location to all that make Santa Barbara County so special. Regarding our parking rates we do make sure it is in-line with other resorts in our area and we apologize there is no off-site parking available along the coastline. Sincerely
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I spent one night as a personal get away. The check in process took extremely long and when the desk clerk noticed my restlessness, she admitted she was new, which explained why at every question she would disappear to the back office to get answers. It was a frustrating and long 20-25 minutes before we were handed keys. The grounds are stunning. Very well kept and beautifully lush. The rooms need updating. There are several issues ranging from old, worn furniture to very few electrical outlets. In a time where outlets have become a staple in the hotel industry, this property, sadly, is way behind the times. We really enjoyed the pool along with the attentive staff hurrying about to complete food and drink orders. We were surprised to learn they had "run out" of piña colada and daiquiri mix. I don't believe I've ever been told that at a poolside service and particularly not at a Ritz Carlton. The spa is world class. Both my wife and I booked services and enjoyed them very much. Very clean and modern facility. Lastly, we were hurried out of our room. No late checkout consideration given, even though I am a high level Bonvoy member. It made no difference. This is when I reached the conclusion there is evidently a shortage of staff and various leadership issues at this property. For example. what beach side property runs out of piña colada mix? Thats a management problem. We won't be back until we've learned it has been completely refurbished. It is too expensive a stay to have to endure all the disappointments. …
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Bring extension chords with you if you have a lot of things to plug in. There are virtually no...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Steven Janicek, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for staying with us and my apologies for the delay in check in as well as not being able to extend a late check out, we do try and provide that as often as possible however in peak summer season it can be difficult. Regarding the piña colada and daiquiri mix and a staff member sharing we are out we have checked on that and certainly have a large inventory so looking at root cause of training. Thanks again for sharing your comments and staying with us.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This ain’t the Ritz. It’s a Marriott with Ritz prices. My family’s feet were black after staying in the room one night. See photos attached. No, the dirt isn’t from outside. It’s from inside our room. Gross. The manger’s response was poor, “It’s a holiday weekend, and we’re very busy.” This wouldn't happen at The Rosewood. How aggravating.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Steven Janicek, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for the feedback and I am very sorry for the room cleanliness situation. The comment provided by our staff is not acceptable and I can assure you it will be addressed, training will be acted upon. Once again thank you for the feedback and staying with us.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful ocean front property after attending a conference in LA. The property is absolutely stunning! The integration of landscaping and architecture is mesmerizing. The entire resort is a feast for the senses, with impeccable attention to detail and incredible thoughtfulness….. the experience was simply magical. The staff was incredibly caring, they strived to make us feel not only appreciated but cared for. Every meal we had was perfect, our room with its sweeping views of the ocean and comfortable created the ultimate haven for peace and relaxation. I cannot say enough about this resort and it’s amazing team. Thank you for an incredible experience. We hope to be back one day!!!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Goleta area.
PRICE RANGE
$529 - $1,104 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
santa barbara bacara resort, bacara spa resort santa barbara, bacara resort santa barbara ca, bacara santa barbara, bacara hotel santa barbara
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Bacara Resort & Spa
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaGoleta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
358
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingTHE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA, SANTA BARBARA - Updated 2023 Prices & Resort Reviews (Goleta, CA)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Which popular attractions are close to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Nearby attractions include Goleta Butterfly Grove (1.5 miles), Coronado Butterfly Preserve (0.1 miles), and Rancho La Patera & Stow House (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Conveniently located restaurants include Jane At The Marketplace, The Bistro, and Cajun Kitchen.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and fitness classes during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.