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$909
Free cancellation until 08/18/22
$909
Free cancellation until 08/18/22
$909
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Room & Suite (128)
Pool & Beach (25)
About
#22 of 55 hotels in Santa Barbara
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.3
Value
3.9
A luxury hotel in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, Hotel Californian continues to redefine luxury in the celebrated American Riviera.
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Property amenities
Electric vehicle charging station
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Paid private parking on-site
Parking garage
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Rooftop pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Wine / champagne
Shuttle bus service
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Rooftop terrace
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Room service
Safe
Bottled water
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Iron
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Business
Hotel links
Location
Full view
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
46Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
30Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Getting there
Santa Barbara Station4 min
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $39/day
Nearby restaurants
Mony's Mexican Food
192 reviews4 minMexican
Finney's
227 reviews1 minAmerican
Santo Mezcal
211 reviews2 minMexican
Loquita Santa Barbara
307 reviews4 minLatin
See all nearby restaurantsNearby attractions
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
357 reviews5 minPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Reagan Ranch Center
261 reviews4 minSpeciality Museums
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
73 reviews2 minScience Museums
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
171 reviews6 minNatural History Museums
See all nearby attractions768Reviews10Q+A68Room tips
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There's no ice machines or accessible water and hotel is spread out to where this makes for drought like conditions. Resort fees are an added charge not communicated in the credit card booking process. Their reservation experience is so complicated your whole experience is based on how you book the reservation. Late check out makes for late check-ins for paying customers with lots of questions. In room dinning is only available for a little over 12 hrs. The hotel is just too expensive for the mediocre luxury service provided.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: call ahead and talk to the in-house reservation department to dial in your stay, still no...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
First time in Santa Barbara. Californian is a lovely hotel for exploring Santa Barbara Funk Zone. It's a very lively area with lots of people, but it didn't interfere with our sleep at night. Hotel layout is unusual. Our room was in the same building as lobby. Pool and Spa are in a building across State street. Restaurant is across E Mason street. Great view from the rooftop pool (our room didn't have view). Awesome food at the restaurant. Nobody seems to swim at the nearby beach in the middle of July, so we didn't either. There are occasional homeless people roaming the area, including beach.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 6 days ago
Hello katie3105, Greetings to you and yours and thank you for settling in with us during what we hope will be the first of several retreats enjoyed in the American Riviera. As you discovered, there is much to be explored in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone and our hotel serves as the front door to this eclectic neighborhood which is home to a variety of restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries, and boutiques. We appreciate you letting future travelers know that our hotel embodies multiple buildings, with each building housing various amenities. With the sun shining nearly all year round, navigating from one building to the other provides guests with the chance to explore our patios and enjoy the California lifestyle. We thank you once more for sharing your review and we invite you to be in touch if we can assist in planning another retreat. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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Location is in a very touristy area and the property is spread across 3 buildings. This is not a 5 star resort and over priced. Unfortunately, front desk staff is very young & doesn’t have expertise required for checking in guests.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 1 week ago
Hello bf91fsdxci, We appreciate you spending your time with us and thank you for allowing us to serve as your host. As your comments note, our sense of luxury is different than that of the more formal brands as we embrace the Santa Barbara lifestyle, rather than the “traditional”. With that said, we understand all forms of luxury expect a thoughtful welcome and we extend our apologies for your arrival falling short of expectation. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention so that our leadership may continue to focus on further training and coaching our talent, and we once again extend our sincerest of apologies. We appreciate you sharing your added feedback regarding our neighborhood and while Stearns Wharf is just a block or two away, our front door also serves as the front door to the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. As we hope you found, this area offers an assortment of tasting rooms, restaurants and boutiques, ideal for evening stroll. Earning your endless accolades will remain our top goal and we do hope to one day welcome you again as we would like nothing more than to spoil you with a treasured experience in the American Riviera. Until then. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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+1
5 Star Hotel with 1/2 Star service. Where do I begin: Check in - we were vaguely waved by front desk clerk to our room/ it’s out to the right elevator to 3rd floor Room ready at 4.45 not 4 Room service ordered at 7pm -rang front desk and spoke to Max - he told me he was right on it- rang Max 3 more times - never heard back from Max so gave up at 10pm Towels are gorgeous to look at but they are so non absorbent- your laundry uses too much fabric softener. Here’s the tip; Use the robe instead. Resort fee! Never even told about the pool, bikes etc….. what a joke Decor beautiful…… you can put a goat in Chanel but it’s still a goat! Buffet unit scratched, bubbling gloss 1 or 2 pack on the top. Should have gone with a similar finish to the grey faux wood tiles on the floor. We’re there for 3 days. Awake every morning at 6.30- went to get coffee from the goat restaurant and the same server did not recognise me! Even after having four coffees every morning. Las Vegas Venetian Resort remembered my name and my order after 2 days- and they are super busy. That blew me away. All reviews that are left have the same line from management as a response; please don’t condescend to your guests- address the problems you obviously have. Not one good morning from front office, valet, or waiting staff but your grounds people, maintenance and housekeeping were amazing. Swap them to the service rolls and put your other “front of house” people in their rolls. As an ex hospitality worker I am appalled that: Room service ended at 8pm (if you get it at all) The restaurant -the goat- has a message that they are busy and can’t answer the phone but they will get back to you (three days and nothing) The complete non-recognition of guests - I’m not American so my accent stands out and is memorable. That this hotel is open- charging what they do for below sub standard service is beyond me. Management you need to train your staff in customer service, curtesy and how to follow up with guest complaints. Please do not respond with thank you …. we are sorry…… blah blah. DO SOMETHING…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Just avoid staying here.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 1 week ago
Hello spocktheonly, Greetings from Santa Barbara. As we hope you trust, our leadership team finds great value in the feedback shared by our guests, and especially when those guests have walked in our shoes and have previous experience in the hospitality industry. We thank you for passing along your comments and we apologize that your visit fell short of expectation. The oversights mentioned are not indicative of the experiences we wish to create, and we are embarrassed that your visit was riddled with multiple missed service requests. While the labor shortage is not an excuse, we have unfortunately not been immune to the challenges, though we are pleased to report that we have dozens of new talent members who have joined our team within the last 60 days. We will continue to provide those talent members with the training and resources needed to provide exceptional moments and we look forward to your impressions be vastly different the next time we see you. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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Lovely location but really expensive. A bit disappointed with the service at the pool and the AC in our room did not seem to work. Also, the tv only worked once in a while. Overall I would stay there again simply for the location.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 1 week ago
Hello dhjh3lgm40, We are certainly pleased to read that you should join us again and we applaud you for making great use of our iconic location, which as you discovered, serves as the front door to the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. While we are thrilled to learn that we impressed at many turns, the areas of opportunity are noted, and we regret that your experience fell short of the exceptional moments we strive to create. We look forward to shining even brighter the next time we see you and we invite you to be in touch if we can assist in planning your next visit in the American Riviera. Until then. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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Consists of 3 smart buildings at the beach / harbour end of town. We stayed in the building with the roof top pool. Pool deck was amazing. Mountains at the rear. Ocean to the front. We drank fizz, swam in the pool and loved it. Room was smart and spacious. Hotel didn't feel corporate or stuffy. Genuinely relaxed. Didnt give 5 stars because the service was a bit patchy around check in / check out. Not sure why. Could be a lot slicker (waiting, hanging around, a few different people to speak with to get car parked and bags out.....still not sure I understand my bill on check out.......)
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Date of stay: July 2022
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 1 week ago
Hello PaulReason23, It was a pleasure to welcome you and yours to the Santa Barbara Funk Zone and we thank you for allowing us to serve as your host. Your afternoons by the pool sound perfectly enchanting and we applaud you for choosing to relax and recharge. We trust you found the treatments at Majorelle spa would be a perfect complement to your itinerary and if not, perhaps you can explore this the next time you join us. We appreciate you letting us know more about your arrival and departure experiences and I invite you to be in touch if I can assist in understanding your final bill. Once more, the pleasure was ours and we look forward to fully impressing the next time we see you. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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Gorgeous from beginning to end. Moroccan style and decorations in a very beautifull spot in town. Nice details, pretty decor, lovely and clever pictures on a perfect location. Everything was perfect! We loved our stay here and would recommend
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 2 weeks ago
Hello ymorab781352, Your recommendation means the world to us, and we thank you for taking the time to share your spectacular review. From our Moroccan-inspired design to our central location, and endless list of amenities, we strive to curate a treasured experience on the American Riviera, and we are elated to find that this was achieved for you. On behalf of your many Hotel Californian friends, the pleasure was fully ours and we look forward to you visiting time and again for many years to come. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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Check in could have gone smoother- but it was a really busy weekend and the rooms werent ready in time. However when we walked into our rooms, our frustrations vanished. You cannot beat the location of this hotel, valet parking is smooth and easy, but luggage wasnt delivered to our room as promised. Property is large and seems a tad disjointed... The food at the goat tree was SUPERB and great value for money as well. Room service sucked.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 2 weeks ago
Hello sunnyjosh, Greetings from sunny Santa Barbara and thank you for joining in paradise. We appreciate you taking the time to share details of your experience and we are delighted to read that our Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed interiors fully captivated your senses. Your added feedback regarding your dining experiences have been heard and we look forward to your in-room dining experiences being just as stellar as your restaurant visit when we next see you. The pleasure was ours and we invite you to be in touch if can assist in confirming your next oceanside retreat. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception
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We stayed at this hotel for a wedding and would not stay there again. Even though it was a charming property and had great aesthetics, the service experience at this hotel was not becoming of a luxury hotel. The front desk staff we experienced were especially unpleasant and unprofessional.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from B P, Guest Services / Front Office at Hotel Californian
Responded 2 weeks ago
Hello cncdac3cg3, We thank you for settling in with us for what was surly a special weekend and we appreciate you sharing your review. While we are pleased to read that our interiors fully impressed, we are sorry to learn that your interactions with our guest reception talent left you disappointed. We hope you take comfort in knowing that our full management team reads through each review and the details you have provided will serve as a topic of conversation in our ongoing team coaching. With that in mind, I would certainly find value in understanding more about your conversations and extending a more personal apology would mean the world to me. My email address is provided below which I invite you to use in forwarding your own information and a convenient time that I may be in touch. We thank you once more and I look forward to speaking with you in the days ahead. All the best, Adam Turnbeaugh Director of Guest Reception aturnbeaugh@hotelcalifornian.com
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So, So, for the money. I would rate it as a 4 star with the lack of employees. It may be just a sign of the times??? We had some check-in issues with the incorrect rooms assigned for our friends, whom booked the same room type/cost as we did.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from A H, Other at Hotel Californian
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear c0nniesauvageau, Thank you for sharing your valued feedback with our team. We share in your frustration that you experienced some difficulty at check-in with your friends, as we take service seriously here at the Hotel Californian. We appreciate your understanding of the challenges our industry continues to face, but we know we can offer a five-star experience and we hope you will join us again one day. All the best, Adam Turnbaugh Director of Guest Reception
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PRICE RANGE
$754 - $1,138 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Barbara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
121
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Californian
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel Californian?
Nearby attractions include Moreton Bay Fig Tree (0.2 miles), Reagan Ranch Center (0.2 miles), and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (0.10 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel Californian?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel Californian?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel Californian?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel Californian?
Yes, a parking garage, paid private parking on-site, and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel Californian?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mony's Mexican Food, Finney's, and Loquita Santa Barbara.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel Californian?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Does Hotel Californian have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Hotel Californian offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Hotel Californian have airport transportation?
Yes, Hotel Californian offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Hotel Californian located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Santa Barbara.
Are any cleaning services offered at Hotel Californian?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.