LikedBeautiful room. Exceptional staff. Perfect location.
★★★★★ · East Beach, Santa Barbara
Hotel Californian
36 State Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States · #5 of 6 by guest score in Santa Barbara
8.7Excellent121 reviews
From $924a night · lowest rate found Oct 2026
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Hotel Californian guest ratings
Guest category scores, compared with the average across the 6 Santa Barbara hotels on this site.
| Rating category | Hotel Californian | Santa Barbara average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff | 9.1 | 9.3 | -0.2 |
| Facilities | 8.9 | 9 | -0.1 |
| Cleanliness | 9.2 | 9.3 | -0.1 |
| Comfort | 9.4 | 9.3 | +0.1 |
| Value for money | 7.2 | 7.9 | -0.7 |
| Location | 9.5 | 9.5 | 0 |
Hotel Californian reviews
“will come back again”
LikedI absolutely loved staying at Hotel Californian. The location is super convenient, everything is within walking distance, from the beach to cafes, restaurants, and the Funk Zone area What made me fall in love with this hotel the most is the design and atmosphere. The hotel building and the surrounding area are incredibly beautiful, with Spanish Colonial and Moroccan-inspired architecture that honestly made me feel like I was somewhere in Greece or Spain. The white walls, terracotta tones, and charming details everywhere create such a dreamy Mediterranean vibe. The whole experience felt luxurious, relaxing, and very aesthetic. Definitely one of the prettiest hotels I’ve stayed at Santa Barbara
Dislikedthe overnight parking fee is expensive at $60
“The Californian did not disappoint in any way whatsoever - I think the staff was more attentive than I remember…”
LikedThe rooms were gorgeous and very well-appointed; we were able to open the doors and let in the sea breeze, which was very pleasant ! The bottle of wine awaiting us ( a Santa Barbara white wine) was a great extra touch & much appreciated…The proximity to the Blackbird Restaurant was great for a wonderful meal and that Focacia bread was to die for !
DislikedNothing at all!
“This was a wonderful trip and we will be staying here again in the future!”
LikedThe property was extremely beautiful and it was very clean! Staff is extremely friendly and accommodating! The hotel is walking distance to everything in the Funk Zone. This is an amazing location!
“Can/t wait to come back!”
LikedThe staff was friendly and helpful in every encounter; front desk, room, valet, pool, bar - everyone. Amazingly comfortable room.
LikedA heritage hotel right @ the funk zone . The pier accessible by walk cycle cart and e cars around. The place to go have sea urchins 😉
“Beautiful hotel in fantastic location in need of a fine dining restaurant.”
LikedThe room is beautifully appointed and the hotel is located in the best possible location.
DislikedThe cups in the room were not washed when the room was cleaned. The so called restaurant was short on 4 dishes and had a limited menu. For such a beautiful hotel there should be a fine dining restaurant.
“Perfect hotel in an amazing location!”
LikedFantastic hotel from start to finish. Great location, amazing staff and facilities. Well worth the money paid.
Reviews from verified guests.
