Pros (+) Location, rooms and service were fantastic.
Cons (-) Nothing, loved it.
5 stars
Hotel Californian
Photos of Hotel Californian
Overview
Located in Santa Barbara, the Hotel Californian Seaside Santa Barbara Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring Spanish Colonial revived architecture and a modern Moorish theme. Originally built in 1925, the hotel has 121 rooms overlooking a picturesque landscape. It is a high-end, elegant option in the center of activity in Santa Barbara, also known as the “American Rivera.”
Accommodations at the hotel feature custom furniture, signature Moroccan inspired tile wainscoting, premium cocktail carts with gourmet snacks, interior décor designed by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard and standard turndown service. The bathrooms have Mashrabiya pattern vanities and closet doors and bronze oil rubbed bath fixtures.
The hotel offers plenty of dining options, including the Goat Tree with casual all-day dining, fresh local pastries, gourmet café offerings, a full breakfast menu and prepacked picnic baskets and The Blackbird, a signature restaurant with Mediterranean influenced cuisine, local wines and communal plates that allow guests to sample the varied menu including the Wagyu burger, cinnamon chicken, and grilled octopus.
In addition to a fitness area, rooftop wedding and event venue, Hotel Californian Seaside includes its own spa, Majorelle, featuring aromatherapy with its own aroma design bar and couples treatment area. Guests can work out with a personal trainer, and enjoy a salon and nail spa that offers in room service as well.
Whether for business travel or vacation, The Hotel Californian Seaside with it’s on-site fashion boutique, close proximity to entertainment, and the beach that is just steps outside the rooms, is an excellent choice. The hotel captures the spirit of luxury while providing high-end comfort and amenities with no compare.
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*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
Amenities at Hotel Californian
- Outdoor pool
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Room service
- Coffee machine
- Valet parking
- Shuttle service (free)
Accessibility and suitability
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Entire unit wheelchair accessible
- Hypoallergenic
- No smoking
- Lowered sink
- Non-feather pillow
- Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
- Shower chair
- Accessible by elevator
- Adapted bath
- Allergy-free room
- Toilet with grab rails
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Basics
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Internet
- Wi-Fi
- Fire extinguisher
- Free toiletries
- Smoke alarms
- Heating
- Air-conditioned
- Linens
- Towels
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Trash cans
- Conditioner
Dining
- Wine glasses
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
- Minibar
- Breakfast in the room
- Refrigerator
- Coffee machine
- Dining table
General
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Storage available
- Beachfront
- Fireplace
- Sea view
- Seating area
- Slippers
- Sofa
- Soundproof rooms
- Telephone
- Carpeted
Services and conveniences
- Business center
- Wake-up service
- Concierge service
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Room service
- Key card access
- Express check-out
- Private check-in/check-out
- 24hr front desk
- Safety deposit box
- Bottle of water
Things to do
- Beach access
- Bicycle rental
- Fishing
- Board games/puzzles
- Canoeing
- Cycling
- Evening entertainment
- Beauty salon
- Windsurfing
- Hiking
Pool and spa
- Spa
- Hot tub
- Outdoor pool
- Pool towels
- Pool with a view
- Spa and wellness center
- Rooftop pool
- Massage
- Sauna
Bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobe
- Private bathroom
- Shower
- Shower cap
- Additional toilet
- Toilet
- Toilet paper
Parking and transportation
- Parking
- Private parking
- Shuttle service (free)
- EV charging station
- Valet parking
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Pants press
- Iron and ironing board
Bedroom
- Feather pillow
- Socket near the bed
- Alarm clock
- Clothes rack
- Wardrobe or closet
Media and entertainment
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable or satellite TV
- Streaming service
- TV
Outdoor
- Garden
- Terrace/Patio
- Balcony
Workspace
- Fax/photocopying
- Laptop safe
- Desk
Health and safety
- Daily housekeeping
Family friendly
- Cribs available
Fitness
- Fitness center
Reviews of Hotel Californian
8.8
Very good
399 verified ratings
Wonderful
254
Very good
51
Good
48
Okay
15
Fair
11
Mediocre
9
Poor
11
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests appreciated the hotel's great location, excellent service, and cleanliness. Many enjoyed the beautiful rooftop pool and amenities, although some found the pricing high and the room sizes small. While the staff was generally friendly, there were a few complaints about service delays and issues with room access. Overall, it’s a lovely hotel with a charming atmosphere.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(2)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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Score by provider
8.7 out of 10
210 reviews
9 out of 10
48 reviews
8.9 out of 10
26 reviews
10 out of 10
2 reviews
All reviews
Pros (+) Loved the location and decor
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
What dining options are available at Hotel Californian?
Hotel Californian offers a variety of dining options including the casual all-day dining at Goat Tree, fresh local pastries, gourmet café offerings, a full breakfast menu, and prepacked picnic baskets. Additionally, guests can enjoy the signature restaurant, The Blackbird, with Mediterranean influenced cuisine, local wines, and communal plates that allow guests to sample the varied menu including the Wagyu burger, cinnamon chicken, and grilled octopus.
What amenities does Hotel Californian offer for relaxation and wellness?
Hotel Californian provides a rooftop wedding and event venue, its own spa, Majorelle, featuring aromatherapy with its own aroma design bar and couples treatment area. Guests can also work out with a personal trainer, and enjoy a salon and nail spa that offers in-room service.
What are guests saying about the cleanliness of the rooms at Hotel Californian?
Guests have described the rooms at Hotel Californian as clean and gorgeous, with exquisite room designs and very good condition. However, some guests have mentioned minor damage on the furniture and cabinets in their rooms.
What are the nearby attractions to Hotel Californian?
Hotel Californian is conveniently located near West Beach, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Presidio of Santa Barbara, and other popular attractions, making it an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore the area.
What are some common concerns about Hotel Californian?
Some guests have expressed concerns about the level of service, including the front desk staff and the availability of dining options. Additionally, there have been mentions of issues with cleanliness, noise insulation, and the value for the price paid.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Opt for a Room Away from the Train Tracks
Some guests reported being disturbed by the noise from passing trains, so consider requesting a room away from the railroad tracks for a quieter stay.
Explore Nearby Dining Options
The hotel's prime location offers easy access to a variety of great restaurants, providing an opportunity to explore the local dining scene.
Take Advantage of the Rooftop Pool and Hot Tub
Guests highly recommend spending time at the rooftop pool and hot tub, which offer amazing views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Consider Bringing Your Own Toiletries
Some guests mentioned that the toiletries were not always replenished promptly, so it might be helpful to bring your own to ensure you have everything you need.
Request Detailed Information at Check-In
Upon arrival, consider asking for comprehensive information about the hotel's amenities, including the gym, pool, and other facilities, to avoid any confusion during your stay.
Be Mindful of Parking Costs
Guests noted that the valet parking can be expensive, so it's worth considering this additional cost when planning your stay.
Check for Room Damage
Some guests reported minor damages in their rooms, so it may be beneficial to inspect the room upon arrival and notify the staff of any issues.
Inquire About Nearby Attractions
The hotel's central location makes it convenient for exploring nearby attractions, so don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations on places to visit and things to do in the area.
Consider Bringing Earplugs
If you are a light sleeper, bringing earplugs might be useful due to occasional noise disturbances, such as passing trains or other guests.
Plan for Self-Parking
If you prefer self-parking, it's advisable to plan for this in advance, as availability may be limited, and some guests found it more convenient than valet parking.
Location
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
What's nearby
- West Beach274 yd
- Andalucia Building0.3 mi
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center0.3 mi
- Stearns Wharf0.3 mi
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum0.7 mi
- Presidio State Historic Park0.8 mi
- Janssens-Orella-Birk Building1 mi
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse1 mi
- Karpeles Manuscript Library1.1 mi
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art1.1 mi
- Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra1.3 mi
- Alameda Park1.3 mi
Policies
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 4:00 PM, check out anytime before 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Essential information about Hotel Californian
Low season | May |
|---|---|
High season | August |
Average price (weeknight) | $705 |
Average price (weekend night) | $873 |
When to book a room at Hotel Californian
Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price
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Nearby hotels and places to stay
Closest
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See most recommended stays in Santa BarbaraGood to know
Value for money | 7.6 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.9 mi |
Nearest Airport | Santa Barbara |
Distance to airport | 8.7 mi |
Everything you need to know for your stay in Santa Barbara
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