The Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA from $98 - Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

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Tonight

May 3 - May 4

Tomorrow

May 4 - May 5

This weekend

May 3 - May 5

Pick from 9 Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels and compare room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

"Such a great location. Clean and spacious rooms. Right by the beach. Wonderful staff with exceptional customer service. Parking. Highly recommend. "

$199 total

includes taxes & fees

May 6 - May 7

"The inn boasts classic Mediterranean flare, surrounded by lush gardens. Its proximity to the waterfront and downtown makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. Each morning, guests are treated to a continental breakfast. Don’t expect to walk out of there full but it’s plenty for a small bite. In the afternoon, unwind with a glass of wine during the inn’s small bites and wine reception. Lounge under the sun or enjoy a leisurely read in the charming courtyard. They have tons of foliage and...

$262 total

includes taxes & fees

May 27 - May 28

"I liked it alot.."

$218 total

includes taxes & fees

May 19 - May 20

Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

"Avania inn was a great place to stay. It was clean, quiet, and in a walkable,central area."

$204 total

includes taxes & fees

May 12 - May 13

"Great customer service!"

$218 total

includes taxes & fees

May 15 - May 16

"this is another return stay at the sandpiper. The best bargain in Santa Barbara. clean rooms, friendly staff. "

$153 total

includes taxes & fees

May 15 - May 16

"It was near the ocean and some good dining. The staff was awesome"

$152 total

includes taxes & fees

May 5 - May 6

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds

"Lorenzo who checked us in - was very nice and helpful. We appreciated his dinner recommendations in the area. "

$147 total

includes taxes & fees

May 6 - May 7

"I was fine with this property."

$112 total

includes taxes & fees

May 6 - May 7

2-star hotels in Santa Barbara

Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

3750 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA

Get rates

8.8/10 Excellent! (70 reviews)

How can I get cheap hotels in Santa Barbara?

Best tips to find a cheap hotel in Santa Barbara

If you're looking to travel to Santa Barbara on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $98. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit. At most, hotel prices can be as high as $229. Staying a short amount of time in Santa Barbara is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.
When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don't have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don't have that many nights to stay. For budget hotels in Santa Barbara, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That's generally enough to enjoy the city's top attractions, though there's certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.
When booking cheap hotel rooms in Santa Barbara, it's typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand. However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.
When you utilize search filters on Expedia, you'll be able to narrow down your results in a flash. These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in Santa Barbara, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating, or proximity to local attractions. You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.

Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels information

Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara	9
Highest price	$229
Cheapest price	$98
Number of guest reviews	8,372
Total number of hotels in Santa Barbara	1,860

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?

Santa Barbara has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Arlington Theater.

What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?

Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.

How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Barbara?

Expedia has 9 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.

What's the weather like in Santa Barbara?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn’t as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.

What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you’re looking to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, you can get outdoors at Leadbetter Beach, Cabrillo Pavillion, or Arroyo Burro Beach.

How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?

Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn’t suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.

Recent reviews of Santa Barbara hotels
Expedia verified reviews

5/5 Excellent

"Avania inn was a great place to stay. It was clean, quiet, and in a walkable,central area."

A verified traveler from Temecula stayed at Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Posted 22 hours ago

5/5 Excellent

"This is a charming hotel along a pedestrian mall in downtown Santa Barbara. The hotel is currently undergoing some renovations, but they did not detract from the property. There are free beverages in the lobby, high quality personal care products in the rooms, and many fine details in the interior and architecture that reflect this building’s age. "