A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Tomorrow
Aug 13 - Aug 14
This weekend
Aug 14 - Aug 16
Next weekend
Aug 21 - Aug 23

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

1. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
Canada
Julia
₩227,554
₩270,438 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
Joe
₩203,894
₩232,441 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Sandpiper Lodge

3. Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Mark
₩248,537
₩288,787 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

4. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
Downtown Santa Barbara
United States
Rey Jacob
₩242,554
₩290,622 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Haley Hotel

5. The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Marcella
₩246,580
₩281,102 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
The Franciscan Hotel

6. Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
North State
United States
michael
₩179,246
₩204,699 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Lemon Tree Inn

7. Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Oak Park
United States
Yoshiko
₩226,918
₩259,123 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

8. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
North State
United States
Elizabeth
₩146,194
₩177,933 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

9. Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites
San Roque
United States
Celine
₩193,626
₩220,732 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Oasis Inn & Suites

10. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Omar
₩298,956
₩351,610 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
View all properties

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.

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

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

8/10 Good
"Room is clean and bed was comfortable. The rooms don’t have a closet nor iron. Staff is okay. I asked to be checked in ½ hour before and stated I had to wait. Policy is policy so no complaint. Room a/c worked very good. Parking is tight but space is available."
Armando 2-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
The Milo

The Milo

8/10 Good
"Great location if you want to dine, shop, go to the beach or pool. The property is older but maintained pretty well and the rooms are well appointed with bathrobes, slippers, coffee and water"
Ann 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
The Milo
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent
"The room was clean, I was disappointed I couldn’t use the fitness room until the poll opened and that was too late in the morning."
Teresa 1-night trip
Posted 17 hours ago
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"."
Matthew 1-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Hotel Santa Barbara
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Beautiful place, staff lovely."
Anita 3-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn

10/10 Excellent
"The staff went out of their way to help to ensure our stay was good. The pool area and restaurant were excellent!"
Dana 1-night trip
Posted 20 hours ago
Lemon Tree Inn
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

10/10 Excellent
"The hotel was amazing! Staff was friendly and helpful. Both restaurants at the hotel made wonderful food. We had breakfast daily, lunch once, and dinner once. We loved everything they made. The hotel is close to everything you want see or fo in Santa Barbara. I highly recommend this hotel."
Freddy 4-night trip
Posted 21 hours ago
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

8/10 Good
"Well renovated hotel, with some nice amenities like a small breakfast and afternoon snack. Great location, close to the marina, wharf, and State Street. A little pricey for such a small room on weekdays, but I guess this is California."
Mark 2-night trip
Posted 23 hours ago
Beachside Inn

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Arlington Theater, Presidio Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara Bowl.
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 Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 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.

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