Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Top Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Lobby sitting area
Sandpiper Lodge
Sandpiper Lodge
2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1947)
"Great place to stay. "
United States
Brent
The price is NT$2,710
NT$3,089 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Sandpiper Lodge
Front of property
Castillo Inn at the Beach
Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1002)
"We really enjoyed our stay. The hotel is walking distance to the beach, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife."
United States
Keith
The price is NT$4,122
NT$4,707 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Castillo Inn at the Beach
Front of property
The Franciscan Hotel
The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1022)
"Loved the location!"
United States
Sari
The Franciscan Hotel
View from room
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
3.5 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1007)
"Great place"
United States
Grant
The price is NT$4,938
NT$5,639 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony (Deluxe King with Balcony) | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1952)
"Always a great place to stay!"
United States
Ashley
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Exterior
Marina Beach Motel
Marina Beach Motel
3.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1001)
"Nicely remodeled motel with comfortable rooms in a great location near beach and restaurants."
United States
Greg
The price is NT$4,988
NT$5,686 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Marina Beach Motel
Exterior
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1146)
"Great place "
United States
Christian
The price is NT$3,616
NT$4,129 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
View from property
Beachside Inn
Beachside Inn
3.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1084)
"Clean, quiet, fun little boutique inn. "
Canada
Julie
The price is NT$4,759
NT$5,434 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Beachside Inn
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
The Presidio
The Presidio
2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (742)
"Easy parking, great location and room were very clean."
United States
Karen
The price is NT$3,356
NT$3,826 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
The Presidio
Exterior
Inn By The Harbor
Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1746)
"Well maintained property, friendly helpful staff. "
United States
Jeffrey
The price is NT$6,133
NT$7,004 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Inn By The Harbor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of budget-friendly activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Start your adventure at the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission, a historic site with beautiful gardens that you can explore for free. Next, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where you can climb the clock tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline at no cost. For a dose of art and culture, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features free admission on Sundays, showcasing an impressive collection of American and European art. Families will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can enjoy discounted tickets on certain days, making it an affordable outing with the kids. Lastly, head to the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district filled with local galleries, street art, and wine tasting rooms—many of which offer reasonably priced options. For accommodations, consider the downtown area, where you’ll find various budget-friendly hotels that provide easy access to these attractions, allowing you to explore the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and local eateries without breaking the bank. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local food trucks or grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes offering delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

For travelers seeking affordable yet comfortable accommodations in Santa Barbara, these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each provides essential amenities and convenient access to the beautiful Santa Barbara coast.

Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marina Beach Motel stands out as a prime budget option with an impressive review rating of 9.8, making it a favorite among travelers. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free self-parking, ensuring a straightforward experience. The motel’s nearby the beach allows travelers to soak up the sun without traveling far.
  • Other amenities: In addition to free Wi-Fi, Marina Beach Motel features onsite bicycles for guests to explore the area. The kitchenette in some rooms allows for easy meal preparation, while the furnished patio offers a relaxing space to unwind. Beach towels and access to nearby wineries add to the enjoyable experience at this budget-friendly motel.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.15 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles

La Playa Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn offers travelers a budget-friendly stay with an excellent review rating of 9.6. This inviting inn provides free Wi-Fi and self-parking, ensuring that guests can enjoy their vacation without overspending. The hotel features a lovely terrace and patio area, perfect for guests looking to relax outside after a day of fun in the sun.
  • Other amenities: Guests can also benefit from a convenient location near the beach and boardwalk, allowing for easy access to Santa Barbara's attractions. Other amenities include air conditioning for comfort and designer toiletries for a touch of luxury at an affordable price. With off-street parking and a friendly concierge, La Playa Inn is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.58 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.64 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.65 miles

Harbor House Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Harbor House Inn is a delightful budget choice with a solid guest review rating of 9.6. This charming inn offers guests free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay affordably. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor hot spring and private hot tub, providing a unique way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include free bicycles for exploring the nearby coastline, various water sports options, and beach towels for beach outings. With a well-equipped kitchenette in select rooms, guests can enjoy home-cooked meals. The inn’s location near the beach and boardwalk enhances the overall experience for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.41 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.11 miles, Stearns Wharf - 0.57 miles

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: A fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara boasts a high guest review rating of 9.2. This hotel offers free self-parking and a complimentary daily breakfast, ensuring guests can start their day without added expenses. Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby attractions.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, allowing guests to easily enjoy Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. With nearby golf and various outdoor activities, the Avania Inn makes for a great base to explore the area.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.62 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.62 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.69 miles

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

10/10 Excellent
"Nice hotel and staff. All within walking distance."
Faustina 2-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Inn By The Harbor

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Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Granada Theatre, Arlington Theater, and Lobero Theater.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Avania Inn of Santa Barbara and Castillo Inn at the Beach.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 11 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.