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The best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

Check out our pick of great cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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In the centre of Santa Barbara, Cactus Room - Private Entrance features garden views from the terrace. Among the facilities at this property are full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Outdoor dining is also possible at the guest house.

Very clean, cute decorations, street parking available

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9.3
Superb
47 reviews
Price from
ISK 28,370
per night

Casa Jardin - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara offers accommodation within 500 metres of the centre of Santa Barbara, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave. This apartment features free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. The apartment has private entrance.

We stayed at Casa Jardin for 3 nights over a long weekend and it was perfect. Our room was small but well set up so that it didn't feel too tight. There was plenty of space for our bags and clothes, the bathroom was a good size and had nice amenities, and the room still managed to squeeze in a kitchenette. Location was perfect -- right near downtown, great tasting rooms, coffee, and food. We appreciated the included white noise machine, though the street noise was not too bad. Parking on site was easy and convenient. The check-in process was also very easy and the keypad on the door worked great so that we didn't need to carry a key around. I will definitely be recommending Casa Jardin to anyone I know traveling to Santa Barbara!

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9.3
Superb
44 reviews
Price from
ISK 31,389
per night

Casa Valerio - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara features accommodation within 500 metres of the centre of Santa Barbara, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio. Featuring a private entrance, the apartment allows guests to maintain their privacy.

The property is perfect for the price, being centrally located, very clean, well serviced and spacious. Would highly recommend a stay here!

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9.1
Superb
84 reviews
Price from
ISK 39,398
per night

Featuring 2-star accommodation, Castillo Inn at the Beach is situated in Santa Barbara, less than 1 km from East Beach and a 10-minute walk from Leadbetter Beach. The property is set 18 km from University of California, Santa Barbara, 8.3 km from Westmont College and 1.7 km from Brooks Institute of Photography. The property is non-smoking and is located 400 metres from West Beach.

very stylish bathroom, great location

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8.6
Fabulous
1,369 reviews
Price from
ISK 29,791
per night

An outdoor pool with a hot tub is featured at Franciscan Inn Santa Barbara. Modern amenities like a flat-screen TV and free WiFi are provided in all rooms.

Styled in subtle coloured floral or off-white bedding, all rooms feature a contemporary feel and an iPod docking station at Franciscan Inn.

The hotel rooms are beatiful and comfortable. The pool is very nice. The beach and restaurants are very close in walking distance.

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8.7
Fabulous
1,351 reviews
Price from
ISK 31,352
per night

Situated in Santa Barbara, 400 metres from West Beach, ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and barbecue facilities. Popular points of interest nearby include Santa Barbara City College, Antioch College and Brooks Institute of Photography. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

Nice and clean place. Stuff very friendly and nice, they organize events often and make your stay very fun! 😀 I highly recommend this place

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8.9
Fabulous
214 reviews
Price from
ISK 7,318
per night

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Santa Barbara City College. Free WiFi is available.

Featuring modern Mexican-inspired décor, each bright room at Agave Inn includes a flat-screen TV with cable. Comfortably furnished, all en suite rooms include a fridge and microwave.

Safe, clean, beautiful,and cozy! Safe area, near downtown and gas station. Check in is quick. We arrived there a little bit late, the lady served us very friendly, clearly, and patiently. I like this room, it’s clean, cozy, lovely. I like this Santa Barbara style room!

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8.4
Very good
373 reviews
Price from
ISK 21,899
per night

Featuring a hot tub, Hummingbird Haven is located in Santa Barbara. This holiday home provides accommodation with a patio. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and University of California, Santa Barbara is 10 km away.

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9.5
Exceptional
2 reviews
Price from
ISK 127,645
per night

Funk Zone Apartment Walking Distance to the Beach is situated in the West Beach district of Santa Barbara, 700 metres from West Beach, 1.4 km from Leadbetter Beach and 18 km from University of California, Santa Barbara. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the holiday home free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is set 600 metres from East Beach.

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10
Exceptional
1 reviews
Price from
ISK 51,746
per night

Brand New Apartment Close to Beach and Downtown is situated in the West Beach district of Santa Barbara, 700 metres from West Beach, 1.4 km from Leadbetter Beach and 18 km from University of California, Santa Barbara. The property is around 8.4 km from Westmont College, 1.1 km from Brooks Institute of Photography and 1.9 km from Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The property is non-smoking and is located 600 metres from East Beach.

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9
Superb
1 reviews
Price from
ISK 55,764
per night

Looking for a cheap hotel?

For those on a budget, these cheap and cheerful hotels still have a lot to offer, with most offering WiFi and convenient locations. Popular with backpackers, many properties can be found in central locations and include comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also find a number of options which feature a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
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Most booked cheap hotels in Santa Barbara this month

Enjoy breakfast in Santa Barbara!

  • ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 214 reviews

    Situated in Santa Barbara, 400 metres from West Beach, ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and barbecue facilities.

    Amazing location. Super clean. Great bed and shower

  • Cactus Room - Private Entrance
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 47 reviews

    In the centre of Santa Barbara, Cactus Room - Private Entrance features garden views from the terrace.

    Very clean, cute decorations, street parking available

  • Hummingbird Haven
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 2 reviews

    Featuring a hot tub, Hummingbird Haven is located in Santa Barbara. This holiday home provides accommodation with a patio.

  • Funk Zone Apartment Walking Distance to the Beach
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review

    Funk Zone Apartment Walking Distance to the Beach is situated in the West Beach district of Santa Barbara, 700 metres from West Beach, 1.4 km from Leadbetter Beach and 18 km from University of...

  • Brand New Apartment Close to Beach and Downtown
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Brand New Apartment Close to Beach and Downtown is situated in the West Beach district of Santa Barbara, 700 metres from West Beach, 1.4 km from Leadbetter Beach and 18 km from University of...

  • 2 bedroom with bunk room and private yard for pets
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review

    Offering city views, 2 bedroom with bunk room and private yard for pets is an accommodation situated in Santa Barbara, 700 metres from West Beach and 1.4 km from Leadbetter Beach.

  • Goleta Getaway
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3 reviews

    Set in Santa Barbara in the California region, Goleta Getaway features a patio. It is located 18 km from Antioch College and offers an ATM.

  • Tropical Beach Villa with Deck, Spa Walk to Ocean
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review

    Located in Santa Barbara in the California region, with One Thousand Steps Beach and Leadbetter Beach nearby, Tropical Beach Villa with Deck, Spa Walk to Ocean features accommodation with free private...

Great access to the city centre! Check these cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

  • Upscale Downtown Home Walk to Beach shops Bars 2
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 2 reviews

    Right in the heart of Santa Barbara, situated within a short distance of East Beach and West Beach, Upscale Downtown Home Walk to Beach shops Bars 2 offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household...

  • Casa Jardin - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 44 reviews

    Casa Jardin - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara offers accommodation within 500 metres of the centre of Santa Barbara, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.

    Easy to walk to points of interest. Very good coffee in room.

  • Casa Valerio - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 83 reviews

    Casa Valerio - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara features accommodation within 500 metres of the centre of Santa Barbara, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a...

    Everything was great, super cute and really clean!

  • The Franciscan Hotel
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,351 reviews

    An outdoor pool with a hot tub is featured at Franciscan Inn Santa Barbara. Modern amenities like a flat-screen TV and free WiFi are provided in all rooms.

    Lovely hotel in a great location. Staff were excellent

  • Castillo Inn at the Beach
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,369 reviews

    Featuring 2-star accommodation, Castillo Inn at the Beach is situated in Santa Barbara, less than 1 km from East Beach and a 10-minute walk from Leadbetter Beach.

    The mattress was extremely comfortable very nice!!!

  • Agave Inn
    Central location
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 372 reviews

    Just 10 minutes’ drive from Santa Barbara City College. Free WiFi is available. Featuring modern Mexican-inspired décor, each bright room at Agave Inn includes a flat-screen TV with cable.

    Well positioned parking available. Bed comfortable.

  • Santa Cruz
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1 review

    Santa Cruz is set in the East Beach district of Santa Barbara, 2.1 km from West Beach, 2.5 km from Butterfly Beach and 20 km from University of California, Santa Barbara.

FAQ about cheap hotels in Santa Barbara







Cheap hotels that guests love in Santa Barbara

  • Avg. price/night: ISK 28,075
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 214 reviews
    Amazing location! Very clean and the beds were comfortable. Good number of showers/bathrooms etc for the number of people staying there - didn’t have to wait. Great espresso and kitchen facilities. Zack’s taco night was great!
    Kate
    Solo traveller
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 403 reviews
    Great location. Very quaint and super cute Also very clean
    machaela
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 49,574
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 455 reviews
    The location is great, right next to the beach. The pool area is good with plenty of seating. The room was very clean and comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Would recommend to anyone thinking of staying in this area. Lots of good eats in walking distance.
    Phil
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 44,752
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 2,318 reviews
    Great location close to the beach and pier. Very clean. Free tea and coffee. Great staff. Nice room.
    Lajos
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 26,432
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,505 reviews
    This is a hotel located just across the street from the beach and it is very affordable! It has a retro charm - it's clean, quiet, and everything was comfortable. You can walk to restaurants and there is a heated pool! It doesn't have all the latest updates or a bunch of frills - but it is more than comfortable. Fans are included in each room and the rooms are very clean and comfortable.
    Jesse
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 34,564
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,762 reviews
    Hotel in a quiet location with parking in front of the rooms, a pool, and even a small independent café in the parking lot. Very clean and comfortable rooms, with a nice bed, bathroom and television - equipped with a fridge and bottles of water and biscuits on arrival next to the coffee machine.
    Edward
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 49,574
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 455 reviews
    Location, close to beach and Santa Barbara. Heated outdoor pool, small but clean. Jonny on reception very helpful. Always plenty of towels. The rooms and the communal space including pool area very clean. The showers in the bed rooms worked excellently.
    Dympna
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 20,358
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,257 reviews
    location was good if you have a car. Was one of the cheapest options in Santa Barbara, so good if you’re traveling on a budget. also free parking.
    Tom
    Young couple
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 784 reviews
    My wife and I had a great 2 night stay here in Nov 22. The hotel is in a very central location right in the middle of State Street, the pedestrianized main street in downtown Santa Barbara. It is surrounded by all the downtown shops, bars and restaurants and a short walk to the Funk Zone, West beach and Stearns Wharf and pier. Although it is very central, it was not noisy. The main hotel entrance is impressive, and our room was large, well equipped and very clean. There is also car parking, which is ideal.
    Guy
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: ISK 20,358
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,257 reviews
    The motel room I used was very clean and quiet. I slept very well as the large bed was very comfortable. The bathroom especially the shower were very good with no major issues. The room was well heated. The location was very good as it was within walking distance of Mission Santa Barbara in a very nice area. There was a bus stop right outside the motel so one could easily reach downtown. Both the man and woman I dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
    denis
    Solo traveller

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