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The 10 Best Budget Hotels in Santa Barbara, USA

Check out our selection of great cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

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Review Score

Wonderful: 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
Wonderful
44 reviews
Price from
$206.55
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
Wonderful
41 reviews
Price from
$198.70
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
Wonderful
79 reviews
Price from
$215.46
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.

Close to the beach really nice place. The staff were very helpful. Enjoyed the area near to a beautiful beach.

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8.6
Excellent
1,376 reviews
Price from
$188.76
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.

bath room is up-dated design, clean and good. Staff in the office is extremely helpful and welcoming.

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8.7
Excellent
1,336 reviews
Price from
$219
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.

The location is great. Close to the train station, close to the beach and downtown. The Hostel is by the river, if you are a morning person like me, you would love having your coffee by the river or maybe some Yoga. The beds are very comfortable, the room is spacious, bathrooms are clean and of a good standard. Self-made chocolate chip pancakes are great for breakfast. The patio by the river is a bonus, you can rarely see a patio like this at a hostel. It is a bit pricey but, you can compensate for it with coffee, breakfast, and comfort. The staff is very young, they love laughter and having fun. Overall, the young staff adds to the Hostel's great vibe. I can't understand why other clients complain about this. I don't see any negativity in a bunch of young people having fun while working. This is a 10 out of 10 hostel, book it without hesitation and enjoy your pancakes in the morning. "Elza" is the employee of the day, week, and year ;-)

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8.9
Excellent
204 reviews
Price from
$46.45
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.

Lovely staff. Easy, seamless experience. Free and safe parking. Rooms were gorgeous- spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated and really comfortable bed. A hidden gem. For an overnight stay while on the road I was really impressed!

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8.4
Very Good
369 reviews
Price from
$149
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
$300
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
Wonderful
1 reviews
Price from
$269.50
per night

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. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the apartment free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is located 600 metres from East Beach.

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10
Exceptional
1 reviews
Price from
$346.50
per night

Looking for a cheap hotel?

For those trying to save, these fun, budget hotels still have lots to offer, from WiFi to convenient locations. Popular with backpackers, many properties are set in central areas and include comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also find loads of options that feature 24-hour front desks and luggage storage.
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Most booked cheap hotels in Santa Barbara this month

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  • ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 204 reviews

    Located in Santa Barbara, a 4-minute walk from West Beach, ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel has accommodations with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and barbecue facilities.

    Amazing location. Super clean. Great bed and shower

  • 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 offers accommodations in Santa Barbara, 11 miles from University of California, Santa Barbara and 5.2 miles from Westmont College.

  • Brand New Apartment Close to Beach and Downtown
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1 review

    Brand New Apartment Close to Beach and Downtown offers accommodations in Santa Barbara, a 14-minute walk from Antioch College and 5.2 miles from Westmont College.

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

    2 bedroom with bunk room and private yard for pets is located in Santa Barbara, just 11 miles from University of California, Santa Barbara and 5.2 miles from Westmont College.

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

    Goleta Getaway offers accommodations in Santa Barbara, 11 miles from Antioch College and 12 miles from Amtrack Station Santa Barbara.

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

    Santa Cruz offers accommodations in Santa Barbara, 1.4 miles from Amtrack Station Santa Barbara and 1.8 miles from Antioch College.

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

  • Casa Jardin - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 41 reviews

    Casa Jardin - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara offers accommodations within 600 yards of the center 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.

  • Cactus Room - Private Entrance
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 44 reviews

    The recently renovated Cactus Room - Private Entrance provides accommodations with a garden and a terrace in the heart of Santa Barbara.

    Very clean, cute decorations, street parking available

  • Casa Valerio - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 79 reviews

    Casa Valerio - Boutique Suites in Downtown Santa Barbara features accommodations within 600 yards of the center of Santa Barbara, with free Wifi and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven, and a...

    Pet friendly, nice location, clean and friendly hosts

  • The Franciscan Hotel
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,336 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
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,376 reviews

    A 9-minute walk from East Beach, Castillo Inn at the Beach provides 2-star accommodations in the West Beach district of Santa Barbara.

    The mattress was extremely comfortable very nice!!!

  • Agave Inn
    Central location
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 369 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.

FAQ about cheap hotels in Santa Barbara







Cheap hotels that guests love in Santa Barbara

  • Avg. price/night: $370.14
    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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $362.31
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 2,047 reviews
    Excellent location. Great staff. Room was very comfortable. Had coffee machine and hotel offered coffee and cookies in reception as well as a breakfast of porridge and fruit. Very nice touch. Lovely pool area. Spotless. Nice relaxing seating area next to pool and a free glass of wine on arrival. Great shower. Loved this hotel. Definitely on my return list of hotels.
    Barry
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $295.26
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,336 reviews
    Decent sized room in a prime location. Ideal for a night’s stay in Santa Barbara.
    Bradley
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $295.26
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,336 reviews
    Perfect location - 3 minutes walk from the ocean. The staff looked after me well, I loved the free coffee/cookies on the front desk. Ben helped me book a taxi as I was leaving in the early hours, and there's a great Mexican restaurant nearby. Bed was super comfortable, bathroom especially clean, I had a lovely stay here. Secure and spotless!
    Samantha
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $362.31
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 2,047 reviews
    The location is very good, we walked to down town and the beach. Room and property was very clean. Personel was very friendly. We had to pay for parking our car. There is no breakfast, but we could take coffee, tea or water and cakes or fruit for free. That was very good. It was a good room, spacious and nice. Nice swimming pool and hot tub.
    Marie-Louise
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $285.17
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,090 reviews
    Darling little motel. Location excellent. Very clean and all the staff are welcoming. We would come again.
    S
    SUSAN
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $295.26
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,336 reviews
    Everything. The man at the reception was really kind and professional. Breakfast not included but you can get free coffee, cockies and fruit at the reception. Free parking and SPA. Location is great. The room are new and very clean.
    Matiar Danial
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $156.44
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,237 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
  • Avg. price/night: $343.85
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 790 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: $156.44
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,237 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 traveler

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