Harbor View Inn

Santa Barbara, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

You’ll feel relaxed as soon as you walk through the door of the Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara. Once the friendly staff have welcomed you to their Spanish villa-style retreat, it’s time to really chill out. Head to the oceanfront heated pool where you can relax with a cocktail, or the beach is just over the road if you prefer the ocean waves. Speaking of just over the road, Stearns Wharf is there, which is the oldest working wood wharf in California, and it offers restaurants, shops and even a small aquarium!

Amenities

  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to Beach

Where is it

Centrally located across from West Beach and Stearns Wharf, in Santa Barbara. In easy walking distance of local shops and restaurants.

Hotel information

149 rooms and suites on 3 floors in 3 buildings. All with balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV, Keurig coffee maker, mini-bar*, safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Resort/City View Rooms are located in the south or west wings, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

North Wing City Rooms with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Ocean View Rooms are located in the south or west wings of the hotel, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Pool bar (serving drinks and light bites, seasonal hours).

Outdoor oceanfront swimming pol and jacuzzi. Fitness centre.

Complimentary WiFi access. 24-hour reception. Gift shop/convenience store. Self-parking $32 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change - parking limited to one space per room).

*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 (911)
  • Very good (565)
  • Average (143)
  • Poor (61)
  • Terrible (72)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous!

Jan 19, 2024 Meghann D

We had such a wonderful stay at the Harbor View Inn. When we checked in we were kindly welcomed with a card some snacks and a celebratory bottle of champagne. We had stunning views of the ocean from our room, a nice pool, gym and everything within walking distance. I love that this hotel is family owned which made our experience more… Read more
We had such a wonderful stay at the Harbor View Inn. When we checked in we were kindly welcomed with a card some snacks and a celebratory bottle of champagne. We had stunning views of the ocean from our room, a nice pool, gym and everything within walking distance. I love that this hotel is family owned which made our experience more personable. I highly recommend! If I go back this is definitely where I will be staying. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great option in Santa Barbara, good value for money

Jan 5, 2024 _yo_pmc London, United Kingdom

Very clean room, good service, reasonable price. Parking included. Ideally located at walking distance of State St and Downtown Santa Barbara as well as the main pier. No incredible view from the room however.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent hotel with the best location in Santa Barbara!!!

Dec 19, 2023 Burculian Norwalk, California

We recently stayed 2 nights at the Harbor View Inn in Santa Barbara, CA. This hotel is perfectly located across the street from Sterns Wharf, and is within walking distance to Downtown Santa Barbara, Funk Zone, the Amtrak station and several other landmarks. Check-In: We arrived late Friday evening as our Amtrak train from Los Angeles was… Read more
We recently stayed 2 nights at the Harbor View Inn in Santa Barbara, CA. This hotel is perfectly located across the street from Sterns Wharf, and is within walking distance to Downtown Santa Barbara, Funk Zone, the Amtrak station and several other landmarks. Check-In: We arrived late Friday evening as our Amtrak train from Los Angeles was delayed. Upon stepping into the lobby, Kevin greeted us and had us checked in within a few seconds. He offered to have the concierge take our bags to the room, but we kindly declined the service. He provided us with directions to our room, which was greatly appreciated, as the property is huge!!! He also spent several minutes answering our questions and provided several great suggestions and tips for activities, breakfast and dinner. I truly feel Kevin went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Room: Our room was on the 3rd floor of the west wing. It was a big room with a balcony that overlooked the pool area and Sterns Wharf. Keeping the big window open brought a nice breeze into our room. The beds were comfortable and allowed for a great night of sleep. The shower was modern and provided ample water pressure. I appreciated the fact that the toilet had a separate door to separate it from the restroom (basin/shower). Amenities: The ice machine was located next to the elevators, but the only vending machines available were on the first floor by the swimming pool. The television seemed awfully small for such a big room. The prime location, service and cleanliness of the facility made our stay very pleasant. Can't wait to return to Santa Barbara and the Harbor View Inn! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best hotel in the heart of SB

Dec 18, 2023 Anayeli C

This is my 3rd time staying at this amazing hotel! Amazing customer service and all the staff makes you feel at home and welcomed! Beautiful ocean view room with balcony! The room was very clean and such cute decor. We enjoyed our friend’s trip very much. Close to everything which is a plus. Walking distance to the beach and downtown SB. I would… Read more
This is my 3rd time staying at this amazing hotel! Amazing customer service and all the staff makes you feel at home and welcomed! Beautiful ocean view room with balcony! The room was very clean and such cute decor. We enjoyed our friend’s trip very much. Close to everything which is a plus. Walking distance to the beach and downtown SB. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks for the amazing hospitality! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best hotel in Santa Barbara. 10 out of 10. You will not be disappointed.

Dec 14, 2023 kelslindz Santa Barbara, California

Checking In: When checking in to the Harbor View Inn it is always a pleasure. Everyone is very kind and pleasant. During this visit there were some outstanding employess that stood out to me becuase they went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. At the front desk Cameron and Brenda were amazing they both were so polite and knowelegable of the… Read more
Checking In: When checking in to the Harbor View Inn it is always a pleasure. Everyone is very kind and pleasant. During this visit there were some outstanding employess that stood out to me becuase they went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. At the front desk Cameron and Brenda were amazing they both were so polite and knowelegable of the area and also asked if I needed anything to make our stay more pleasant. Rosalyn (spelling) was also so helpful at immediate check in its like she knew me for years even though we just met. The bellman were also very helpful everytime I saw them in the weekend I was there. Both Brandon and Miles couldn't have been more helpful in giving directions or helping with luggage or just keeping the door open. If you have not visit this hotel in Santa Barbara you are missing out. Next time you plan a trip to sunny Santa Barbara you must stay here, its also across from the beach and it a great location to all the hot spots. Just ask one of these employees where the cool spots are and they will show you the way. See you next time guys!!! Read less