Here are detailed profiles of the best hotels in Santa Barbara, California, each offering unique charm, luxurious accommodations, refined dining, and thoughtful amenities, covering location, rooms & suites, food & drink, amenities, and access to the airport.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Location
Nestled on scenic Butterfly Beach between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this legendary Spanish Colonial resort sits on a sprawling 22-acre estate. It’s just a short drive from Montecito’s upscale boutiques and downtown Santa Barbara’s historic State Street.
Rooms & Suites
Featuring 206 accommodations—including ocean-view rooms, lush-jungle-colorway suites, and freestanding bungalows—The Biltmore exudes timeless charm. Its signature options include Fremont Bungalows and Bungalow Suites with private plunge pools and fireplaces. Interiors showcase marble bathrooms, hardwood floors, custom furnishings, and large terraces or patios for soaking in coastal views.
Food & Drinks at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Dining is anchored by Ty Lounge, known for its classic Moscow Mule and cozy ambiance, alongside casual pool-side bites. A new Nobu restaurant is slated to launch post-renovation, while the Bed & Breakfast package includes signature breakfast offerings.
Amenities
The resort features multiple pools (including the iconic Jungle Pool), eucalyptus-lined gardens, two tennis courts, a full-service spa & wellness center with a steam room, fitness gym, and weekend shuttle service into town. Concierge arranges wine tours, whale watching, and Channel Islands excursions.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 12 miles (20 minutes) from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA); about 93 miles (1 hour 50 minutes) from LAX.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Location
Tucked into seven lush hillside acres in Montecito, El Encanto overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara below. It’s close to upscale Coast Village Road yet feels gloriously secluded.
Rooms & Suites at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
This boutique gem features 92 Spanish-Colonial–inspired rooms and suites, many with private balconies or patios. Interiors blend terracotta hues, hand-painted tiles, crisp linens, and natural textures—evoking California-cool luxury.
Food & Drinks
El Encanto’s signature dining offers seasonally inspired, locally sourced Californian cuisine with stunning ocean-view backdrops. Guests praise sunset cocktails at the hilltop bar. A recent Reddit review noted:
“Love cocktails at … El Encanto in sunset hours. Prefer the intimate and layback feel … Food … is good and occasionally great.”
Amenities
Guest amenities include an infinity pool, full-service spa, fitness center, sauna, complimentary bikes for exploring, curated experiences, and concierge support.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 7 miles (15–20 minutes) from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.
The Ritz‑Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Location
Located in Goleta on 78 acres overlooking the ocean, this expansive Mediterranean-style resort boasts two private beaches and a rugged bluff-top setting.
Rooms & Suites
Includes 311 guest rooms and 49 premium suites. Each features coastal-inspired décor, balconies or patios with ocean or garden views, and upscale amenities. Two-bedroom Channel Island suites include kitchenettes for longer stays.
Food & Drinks
Dining is elevated with three restaurants and four bars. Angel Oak (focused on steaks and locally sourced cuisine), Mediterranean-inspired terrace dining, beach food trucks, and cozy lounge bars provide variety.
Amenities at the Ritz‑Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
On-site boasts three infinity-edge pools, clifftop cabanas, a 42,000 sq ft spa with wellness offerings, four clay tennis courts, two golf course partnerships nearby, a screening room, meeting spaces, and direct beach access.
Distance to Airport
About 10 miles (15–20 minutes) from SBA. A short drive from Santa Barbara proper.
San Ysidro Ranch
Location
Nestled in Montecito foothills on 500 acres, set among olive groves, roses, and majestic views. Known for its romantic history as honeymoon grounds of Jackie & JFK.
Rooms & Suites
Features 41 private cottages and suites—each uniquely styled with white clapboard, roaring fireplaces, and plush furnishings. Villas feel more like intimate homes than hotel rooms.
Food & Drinks at San Ysidro Ranch
Home to the Stonehouse restaurant, which received Wine Spectator’s Grand Award, serving award-winning Californian fine dining. Guests enjoy private terrace meals and refined wine cellars.
Amenities
Includes a luxe pool, spa, fitness center, salon, wine cellar tours, walking trails, and stunning garden landscapes. The ranch exudes old-Hollywood romance and personalized luxury.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 12 miles (20–25 minutes) from SBA.
Montecito Inn
Location
A historic classic on Montecito’s Coast Village Road, this Mediterranean-style inn is steps from Butterfly Beach and surrounded by upscale shopping and eateries.
Rooms & Suites
Around 60 rooms decorated in French provincial style with Italian marble baths. Highlights include the Tower Suite (favored by Charlie Chaplin), with vintage romance and boutique comforts.
Food & Drinks
The on-site Montecito Café serves California-Nouveau cuisine in a charming setting. Guests also enjoy proximity to Montecito’s many gourmet restaurants and coffee houses.
Amenities at Montecito Inn
Offers a small pool, spa, fitness room, charming corridors with movie memorabilia, a film-library, and relaxed indoor/outdoor lounges. The vibe is intimate Hollywood-era nostalgia.
Distance to Airport
Just 6 miles (10–15 minutes) from SBA.
Recommendations by interest
Experience
Classic beachfront resort
Hidden hillside elegance
Grand oceanfront luxury
Romantic, historic hideaway
Boutique, cozy Montecito charm
Best Hotel
Four Seasons Biltmore
Belmond El Encanto
Ritz‑Carlton Bacara
San Ysidro Ranch
Montecito Inn