Looking for the most unique places to stay in Santa Barbara? These hotels and inns are some of the most cute, boutique, and luxuriously fun places to stay in Santa Barbara, whether you’re looking to stay right by the beach downtown or escape somewhere a little quieter.
These hotels are some of the most fun places one can find along this beautiful Californian coastal city, perfect for exploring downtown, going on epic hikes, enjoying the ocean, and enjoying historical sites such as the Santa Barbara Mission.
Unique Santa Barbara
Whether you are on a California road trip, driving up Pacific coast highway, basing yourself for some epic beach hikes, or making Santa Barbara your weekend getaway destination, these cool SB stays should add an element of excitement to your journey.
If you are a love of unique things, check out unique things to do in Santa Barbara for some fun activities OR Santa Barbara hidden gems for some truly secret spots.
The Waterman: Funky Boutique Hotel With Pull-Out Wall Beds and Pool
The Waterman is one of the unique places to stay in Santa Barbara in the Funk Zone — just minutes away from the beach and State Street and in the heart of all the fun! It’s also a great choice as a budget friendly hotel that’s friendly for those planning to take on the city by foot. While there is no restaurant or bar on-site, there’s a communal kitchen to share with other guests. Bikes are also available for rent.
Each room is designed with pops of yellow and bold textures, and gives an overall modern hipster vibe, despite the exterior featuring Spanish-Colonial architecture. Interestingly, the rooms also offer Murphy wall beds (make sure to request ahead of time).
Cheshire Cat Inn: Boutique Santa Barbara Bed & Breakfast Fueled by English Hospitality
Welcome to one of the most unique places to stay in Santa Barbara! You may wonder: does this inn have anything to do with Alice in Wonderland? In fact, yes, it does! While not directly linked to the film’s creation, the bed & breakfast boasts an interior design inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Located just outside downtown, the Cheshire Cat Inn is an escape from the hustle and bustle while being near it all.
The bed & breakfast comprises three houses with guest rooms and four cottages, which can provide additional privacy for groups and families of up to four. Some rooms include balconies, soaking tubs, and gas-burning fireplaces for extra comfort. Unfortunately, pets are not welcome to stay here.
Agave Inn: Chic Mexican-Inspired Unique Hotel Outside Santa Barbara
The Agave Inn screams cute and unique boutique hotel in Santa Barbara. With only 13 rooms with an affordable price, this is a budget-friendly option for traveling in the area. Located 2 miles from the center of Santa Barbara and only a 15-minute walk from the iconic Santa Barbara Mission, it’s a no-brainer to choose this quaint inn.
The rooms will delight you with their Mexican-inspired design, colorful decor, and spaciousness. The inn offers a few room options, including double, king, a double room with two beds, and a family suite. The family suite includes a kitchen and sofa, and the king room includes a balcony with seating.
Riviera Beach House: Artsy Beach House in the Heart of Santa Barbara
The Riviera Beach House is one of the best Santa Barbara Unique hotels, steps from it all — the beach, the pier, and the Funk Zone. On-site, the Riviera Beach House features the Santo Mezcal Mexican Restaurant and a meeting and event space for small gatherings. In addition, the hotel is pet-friendly for a fee per visit.
The room design is interest-peaking, with vibrant colors, artwork, and exposed-brick walls. In addition, the ground floor rooms feature a patio. The hotel also offers a variety of packages and deals to make the most of your stay, including pet and wine-tasting packages.
The Leta Hotel: Boutique Hotel Escape in Goleta
While this unique hotel in Santa Barbara may not be at the heart of downtown (actually, it’s in Goleta), it leaves you near it all — as long as you have some wheels! Just a 15-minute drive, you’ll reach hiking trails, the Santa Barbara airport, beaches, and downtown. On-site, the boutique hotel features the CAYA restaurant and bar, a pool, and free parking.
The rooms feature charming Southwestern interior designs with cozy armchairs, ottomans, and artwork. Some rooms include pool views and patios, depending on your selection. The hotel also provides complimentary yoga mats, so get to stretching in the California sun!
Hotel Milo: Fun Place to Stay in Santa Barbara Along the Beach
Right in the city’s heart, this is one of the most cool places to stay in Santa Barbara. Hotel Milo is the perfect getaway just across the street from West Beach and is settled on a private hacienda. Hotel Milo offers a bike program for adults and children, so the whole family can enjoy cruising along the coast.
The rooms are inspired by the ocean and mountains, designed with pops of blue, artwork and dark wooden furniture. The best part of some of these rooms is the views of the pool, the ocean, or the mountains!
Kimpton Canary Hotel: Boutique Hotel with Epic Rooftop Terrace View
Steps away from State Street, this Spanish-colonial designed cool hotel in Santa Barbara is not to be overlooked when planning your trip. The hotel features an on-site farm-to-table restaurant and rooftop pool, perfect for relaxing while watching the sunset. The Kimpton Canary Hotel also includes complimentary bikes for getting around Santa Barbara in the most fun way possible.
Each room and suite includes a separate bedroom and living room, a work desk, and a yoga mat. Some rooms even feature balconies which I bet you can already imagine yourself sitting and drinking a morning coffee from! And if you can’t imagine that, how about a room with a soaking tub?
Hotel Californian: Moroccan-Inspired Unique Hotel in Santa Barbara
Settled in the heart of the Funk Zone, the Hotel Californian is one of the most cute and unique places to stay in Santa Barbara. The all-Californian hotel is right by the beach, the pier, and all there is to do in Santa Barbara. Resort amenities to look forward to are beach chairs and umbrellas, electric car charging stations, and the spa.
The interior design of the rooms and suites exudes Spanish-colonial design with Moroccan inspiration, creating a unique and calming atmosphere. With pops of deep blue, tasteful art deco, and detailed Moroccan tiling, the rooms and suites provide a luxurious feel. In addition, some rooms and suites include ocean views and balconies for an extra Californian feel!
Mason Beach Inn: Colorful Spanish-Colonial Hotel Steps From Everything in Downtown Santa Barbara
If you’re looking for boutique hotels in Santa Barbara, check out the Mason Beach Inn! Located near the beach and State Street, you’re in the best of both worlds, from a relaxing beach vibe to exciting downtown action. It’s the perfect location to explore the best of Santa Barbara outside your door or chill by the pool all day in a lounge chair.
The hotel offers both rooms and suites which feature colorful patterns, boho fixtures, and cushy seating areas. Unfortunately, the hotel isn’t pet friendly but does offer some of the best parking rates from $12/ night.
Haley Hotel: Cool Nautical-Inspired Hotel along the Coast
The Haley Hotel along the coast is one of the most unique places to stay in Santa Barbara for its nautical themes. Located in downtown Santa Barbara just off State St and Hely St, it’s the ideal place to stay and explore the city, from its beaches to shopping and local cuisine. With a fun outdoor space to relax, the Haley Hotel is also an excellent place for event hosting downtown!
The rooms and suites at the Haley Hotel are welcoming and spacious. Each room is unique and trendy, with light hardwood flooring and accents, nautical-inspired decor, and local artwork. In addition, the hotel is pet friendly!
El Encanto: Boutique Getaway Among the Hills of Santa Barbara
El Encanto is where luxury meets boutique places to stay in Santa Barbara. Overlooking the city on 7 acres, El Encanto is home to a terrace restaurant, a pool, gardens, and a spa — making it the perfect escape from the noise of daily life. The resort can also help you organize fun activities such as cave diving and polo.
There are various accommodations, including rooms, suites, and bungalows. With designs that fuse Californian and Spanish-Colonial vision, the accommodations exude tranquility with an edge of drama. Some rooms include soaking tubs and patios, perfect for an additional relaxation layer in your private getaway.
Palihouse: Boho Vintage-Inspired Boutique Hotel in Santa Barbara Center
Nestled away in the Presidio neighborhood, Palihouse is one of Santa Barbara’s unique hotels with only 24 guest rooms and suites, making for an intimate and exclusive experience. With an on-site pool, cafe, and cocktail bar, the Palihouse is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the city or to relax away from it all. In addition, the hotel features a fitness room with Peloton bikes and offers a complimentary bike service for getting around the city.
The rooms and suites at Palihouse are delightful, with light pastels, vintage-inspired lighting, and wicker accents. Most notably, each room and suite includes an outdoor seating area, a fireplace, and a soaking tub!
Harbor View Inn: Unique Coastal Hotel in Santa Barbara with Ocean View Pool
Located along the coastline, the Harbor View Inn is one of the most unique places to stay in Santa Barbara. The hotel offers over 134 rooms and 15 suites, an ocean-view pool, a business center, and a fitness center. Located between the coast and State Street, it’s in a great location to enjoy all Santa Barbara offers.
The rooms and suites are charming with pops of blue, patterned wallpaper, and art deco. The best part of all the accommodations is they all include a balcony or patio, providing a lovely and private outdoor escape. In addition, some rooms have ocean and city views, depending on your selection.
Hideaway Santa Barbara: Cute Santa Barbara Place to Stay with Mountain and Ocean Views
The Hideaway is as it says in its name — an amazing Hideaway! Yet it’s still close to everything — six blocks from the Funk Zone and three blocks from the beach. The Hideaway offers daily breakfast, homemade cookies, and a cozy lobby.
The Hideaway boasts an airy, boho, and coastal energy with pops of blue, light wood furniture and large windows. Its suites define what it would look like to live in a sweet summer breeze. Some suites include mountain views, a fireplace, and a balcony — so pick wisely!
Rosewood Miramar Inn: Unique Luxury Oceanside Resort With Spa, Restaurants, and Spacious Accommodations
The Rosewood Miramar Inn is one of the Santa Barabra unique hotels that is the height of luxurious coastal vacationing. Situated along the beachfront, the Rosewood Miramar features an on-site pool, six restaurants, a yoga studio, and a spa. While not centrally located, the resort is ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle and focusing inwards.
The resort offers rooms, suites, and bungalows to suit guests’ needs, from group size to amenities. Select rooms feature ocean views, private courtyards, fireplaces, and soaking tubs. The resort is also pet-friendly and offers a package for you and your four-legged friends!
Blue Sands Inn: Unique and Chic Hotel in Central Santa Barbara With a Pool
The Blue Sands Inn is one of the most unique places to stay in Santa Barbara, with artsy, coastal, and boho energy. Well, on the outside, it gives Spanish-colonial architecture, but on the inside, it’s chic and cute! The hotel embraces everything local — from the ownership to the artwork, which is changed every month to feature new local artwork.
The rooms and suites come in a variety of styles, some including kitchens, ocean views, microwaves, and fireplaces — so you can get as homey feeling as you desire! One thing that does remain the same, though, is the unique interior design which is playful and minimalist, with a touch of boho.
That’s it for the most fun, unique, and cool places to stay in Santa Barbara! Which one will you choose?
