Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Santa Barbara, California Coast

Virgin rating

Two Queen Room
Wine Tasting Room
King Patio Room
Restaurant
Two Queen Room
Wine Tasting Room
King Patio Room
Restaurant

The hotel

Oozing seaside charm, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort puts you just a flip flop stroll from the sands and ocean. Check out the casual coastal menu of its restaurants, and the Central Coast vintages in its Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room. There’s even seaside styling in your room. And, when you’re not making the most of your beachfront setting, you can relax by the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, set in palm-dotted grounds. Or pop to the sanctuary of the Spa del Mar for one of the wonderful treatments.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Families
  • Room Service
  • Valet parking
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Close to Beach
  • Tennis
  • Restaurant

Where is it

On the beachfront in Santa Barbara, within a 10 minute walk of the pier and a 15-minute walk to the centre. There's easy access to Highway 101 and the Amtrak railway station.

Hotel information

360 rooms and suites, with a light and airy beachfront-style theme. All have either a balcony or patio, air-conditioning, WiFi access, large HDTV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and board, and safe. Resort View Rooms have either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

The Roundhouse (open for breakfast), The Set (bistro-style restaurant with outdoor fire pits and ocean views, open for lunch and dinner), Terraza del Mar (poolside snack bar), Java del Mar (coffee shop). Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room (open Tue–Sun). Heated outdoor pool. Whirlpool. Spa*. Fitness centre. Tennis. Bike rentals*. Lawn games, including shuffleboard and table tennis. Gift shop. Kids' activities*. Room service*. Self-parking $25, valet parking $35, plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change).

This hotel has resort fees that are included in the room rate (subject to change)

Resort fee includes: - Internet access -2-hour bicycle rental - glass of house wine (up to 2 adults) – 2 bottles of water daily – 20% discount on spa and tennis – local phone calls. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1532)
  • Very good (1226)
  • Average (807)
  • Poor (431)
  • Terrible (255)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful grounds but not worth $800.00 a night for a deluxe king Ocean View

May 12, 2022 C9464ABpatc

The grounds are beautiful and our view from our room was awesome but we spent more at a Ritz Carlton and they called us by name and much more accommodating...We received daily vouchers for Water(2) and Wine (2@$30.00 value) and 2@ $33.00 Breakfast Buffet...Water was great - Wine was not at all worth the voucher - you could also get beer or soda… Read more
The grounds are beautiful and our view from our room was awesome but we spent more at a Ritz Carlton and they called us by name and much more accommodating...We received daily vouchers for Water(2) and Wine (2@$30.00 value) and 2@ $33.00 Breakfast Buffet...Water was great - Wine was not at all worth the voucher - you could also get beer or soda but it was on tap - not a can or bottle that you could walk out with. Breakfast is good but not worth $33.00. And of course on top of that there is a resort and parking fee even when you pay $800.00 per night. There was no one at the pool restaurant and you had to walk to the lobby to order drinks and food. Would not stay here again unless there was an awesome deal. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Worst Hilton I Have Ever Stayed With

Apr 29, 2022 Adina S Orange County, CA

First, this hotel is not on the beach. It is across the highway from a beach. Next, nothing works. The parking lot entrance that is supposed to be operated by key card never works. The work around for entering is taking the ticket but when you want to leave, allow alot of time because you will need to wait a while for them to answer the call… Read more
First, this hotel is not on the beach. It is across the highway from a beach. Next, nothing works. The parking lot entrance that is supposed to be operated by key card never works. The work around for entering is taking the ticket but when you want to leave, allow alot of time because you will need to wait a while for them to answer the call button on the parking lot machine. I was here on business and needed to finish a project in the room. Tried to order room service and the app did not work. Tried to call room service and they did not answer. I got through to the outside reservation line faster than they answered (which was 15 minutes letting it ring before I gave up). You would think that if they want to charge you $50 to deliver an omlette and coffee to your room, they would at least pick up the phone. After walking to the lobby, I learned that the roomservice app was down. SO WHY WOULD YOU NOT ANSWER YOUR PHONE IF THE APP IS NOT WORKING? Last, while this is a small thing, it just demonstrates the "we do not care" attitude of this hoteo -- we came with our dog and usually hotels give you a water bowl or some other item -- nothing. The gal in the lobby said a manager would get in contact with me. I am still waiting for that but I'm not holding my breath. As for the grounds, they are nice but not fabulous. It could use a facelift because it is a bit dated and worn. All in all, I would not recommend this hotel at all. It is also along side the train tracks so if you have a room that is not on the beach side of the property you will hear trains every hour. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Favorite place ever: Santa Barbara

Apr 26, 2022 Ava G Boston, Massachusetts

Santa Barbara: you only have to go once to fall in love and want to return again and again (especially if you love wine, duh). We stayed in an oceanfront room, we were not at the hotel that much to be sincere because we were doing vineyard tours all day and going to lovely lunch places, but I can say I would gladly return here and choose this… Read more
Santa Barbara: you only have to go once to fall in love and want to return again and again (especially if you love wine, duh). We stayed in an oceanfront room, we were not at the hotel that much to be sincere because we were doing vineyard tours all day and going to lovely lunch places, but I can say I would gladly return here and choose this hotel again and again. Room service was great, location was perfect, and it was nice and quiet. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Location & views unbeatable, buildings beautiful but a little aged

Apr 21, 2022 quilterinAD

Our first impression driving in was WOW, a beautiful place! Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. The lobby was big but inviting, and there were floor to ceiling windows nearly everywhere. Big arched doors sometimes allowed stray birds in, but they had a wonderful way of dealing with them as they brought in a hawk that was trained… Read more
Our first impression driving in was WOW, a beautiful place! Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. The lobby was big but inviting, and there were floor to ceiling windows nearly everywhere. Big arched doors sometimes allowed stray birds in, but they had a wonderful way of dealing with them as they brought in a hawk that was trained to "usher" the wild birds out. The trainer would put a laser light where he wanted the hawk to go and the hawk would fly to it. Very entertaining AND useful. Our ocean view room was large with lots of space around the beds and an incredible view. The room cost more for the view but was worth it! The balconies are all VERY small. They're meant for 2 people only. We sat out there frequently just to absorb the sights and sounds. We were scouting for an extended family gathering and the people behind the desk were patient with our numerous questions and helpful with a diagram of the site and rooms. Aside from the small balconies, a con is that the site looks a bit old and tired with the outdoor walls in particular in dire need of fresh paint. But...we still give it an overall 4+. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful hotel and GREAT staff

Apr 14, 2022 Janetjanetkk Los Angeles, California

We enjoyed our stay very much and would return again!! The check in process was so easy. Marissa checked us in and was so helpful and kind. She made it seamless. She also later texted us making sure all was well which I thought was amazing. Great customer service. Sarah and Kezai were also wonderful. Nina upgraded our room to an ocean front and… Read more
We enjoyed our stay very much and would return again!! The check in process was so easy. Marissa checked us in and was so helpful and kind. She made it seamless. She also later texted us making sure all was well which I thought was amazing. Great customer service. Sarah and Kezai were also wonderful. Nina upgraded our room to an ocean front and we really appreciated that. The view from our room was gorgeous. She was also very helpful and very nice. The room was very clean, as was the entire hotel. Read less