You can vacation in the luxury town of Santa Barbara, California, and stay within your travel budget. Here are some inexpensive SB hotels that save you money.
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara has long been a mecca for luxury travelers and outdoor adventure seekers alike. Just stroll down Santa Barbara's main thoroughfare, State Street: High-end spas, art galleries, and expensive retail stores sit side-by-side with affordable restaurants and camp equipment stores. There are even a couple iffy-looking tattoo parlors and old-fashioned, murkily-lit bars, closer to the beach.
For tourists on a budget, or who simply do not want to spend a large chunk of their travel money on a fancy hotel, the pickings are slim. While there are an abundance of mid-range B&B's and luxury hotels, there are actually only a handful of hotels that are both reputable and reasonably clean, that also qualify as budget hotels in Santa Barbara.
Some budget hotels that are a good value for their price range:
- Days Inn Santa Barbara, at 116 Castillo St., is one block from Yacht Harbor. There is an on-site restaurant, but the Days Inn is also within walking distance of many dining options. The big draw of this hotel is that is is right across the street from the beach, near boat rentals and the warm sand bordering the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Each room has a modem for computer hookups. Complimentary continental breakfast.
- Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel, at 134 Chapala St., is one block from the train station, and two blocks from the beach. There is a bank of computers in the lobby for internet access, and complimentary continental breakfasts for guests of the tourist hostel. Student Specials are available off-season. Brent Smith, the owner of the Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel, told me that he wants "budget travelers to be able to stay in Santa Barbara without paying an arm and a leg for accomodation." Great guy!
- Orange Tree Inn, at 1920 State St., is in a lively location. State Street has an active, youthful nightlife, particularly in summer and during Spring Break. The Orange Tree Hotel also has the courtyard parking lot design of a motor inn. This hotel is great for college students on a tight budget, who don't want to be "hushed" when they're having a good time. Free breakfast.
- Mason Beach Inn, at 324 West Mason St., is an excellent value for your money. The prettiest budget hotel in Santa Barbara, the Mason Beach Inn is also quiet and peaceful. It is four easily walkable blocks to State Street and just steps from the harbor. This Inn is a bit more pricey than the other budget hotels listed here, but the value is evident. Free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Santa Barbara is such a beautiful, fun and cultured town. Save money during your visit, and have a great vacation!
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