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.
Based on 1833 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (973)
Very good (579)
Average (146)
Poor (62)
Terrible (74)
Lovely hotel in a great location but do be careful about what room you book.
Jul 28, 2025Jon S
Rated this a four BUT it could have been a 1 - I’ll explain.
The hotel has four “wings”, which implies they are on the same block but they aren’t. The South and East wings are the main hotel site, and the west wing is just across the river and linked by a private walkway. However, the newer North wing is a full city block away and you can’t…
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Rated this a four BUT it could have been a 1 - I’ll explain.
The hotel has four “wings”, which implies they are on the same block but they aren’t. The South and East wings are the main hotel site, and the west wing is just across the river and linked by a private walkway. However, the newer North wing is a full city block away and you can’t reach the hotel reception or pools without crossing the road and walking around the block.
We had booked a “City View” room on a third party hotel booking site that made no mention of the hotel’s unusual layout or what wing we’d booked, and at check-in we were told we were in the North wing. As we have teenage daughters who wanted to use the pool we requested a change to one of the other blocks, and to be fair they did accommodate that request (but didn’t / couldn’t for a couple checking in at the same time as us who were pretty unhappy). I’d really urge bookers to check which wing they will be in as it could have quite a big impact on your stay.
One other thing to note - the hotel has no catering, not even breakfast, so if I’d been travelling for work I’d have been a bit annoyed at having to go out for every meal.
In summary, the good things about the hotel are: terrific location; very stylish, spacious rooms; nice pool; and free self-parking. Downsides are: unless you are careful you could be in the North wing, quite some way from the amenities; no onsite catering.
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Stylish, GREAT Location, Excellent Customer service
Jul 27, 2025minimiche1Phoenix, Arizona
We stayed here for my son's graduation from UCSB in June. I had actually wanted to stay closer to the university, but everything was booked. So I tried downtown SB. I am SOOOOO happy we stayed here instead! This hotel is on Cabrillo so it is CLOSE to everything for food and fun. Our room was in the North building which is new/renovated (to my…
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We stayed here for my son's graduation from UCSB in June. I had actually wanted to stay closer to the university, but everything was booked. So I tried downtown SB. I am SOOOOO happy we stayed here instead! This hotel is on Cabrillo so it is CLOSE to everything for food and fun. Our room was in the North building which is new/renovated (to my knowledge the South & West wing also fully renovated and same decor). The interior design of the room was lovely, classic. It was spacious and so well done! Even though we were on Mason & State Street, it was still pretty quiet, perfect location. We could exit our building and be on State street near some of the best dining and shopping in downtown Santa Barbara... the pier etc. All a few minutes walk! The staff was fantastic. SO kind, so helpful. They were very attentive to anything we needed during our stay. I would like to note that Cameron, Aaron, Marcos, Marisa & Barbara made our stay the best it could be. Thanks to each of you for your thoughtful attention to our reservation, questions or assistance we needed during our stay. I highly recommend this hotel for lovely rooms, attentive staff & great location.
Will be telling all the friends.
Thanks again. M Watson
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the jewel of santa barbra
Jul 13, 2025wael370Marbella, Spain
it the greatest stay … rooms are spacious, immaculate clean, just renovated… car parking conveniently under the building easy to access… location is prime, cafes, restaurants, and bikes rental shops are all walking distance… most definitely coming back for next summer vacation… thank you Harbor view inn , you made us happy
Outstanding location with great service and location!
Jun 23, 2025Sunshine66659899143El Dorado Hills, California
We really enjoyed our stay at Harborview Inn. The staff was amazing they were very helpful and knowledgeable of the area. Aaron and Barbara at the front desk were most helpful. We will definitely plan another vacation and stay at the Harbor View Inn again. Thank you so much.
Outstanding Location
Jun 19, 2025Christie VLong Beach, California
It's an Outstanding location, beautiful and easy walk to restaurants and the piers. The staff is helpful & friendly and the rooms are spaciuos and clean.