Harbor View Inn

Santa Barbara, California

Star rating

North Wing City View King
North Wing City View 2 Double
Resort/City View Room
Resort/City View Room
North Wing City View King
North Wing City View 2 Double
Resort/City View Room
Resort/City View Room

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 (992)
  • Very good (582)
  • Average (146)
  • Poor (63)
  • Terrible (80)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Horrible Customer Service

Apr 22, 2026 PaHale

I booked an ocean-view room four months ago, provided my credit card, received a reservation number, and believed everything was confirmed. Then, just two days before my stay, I was suddenly told my reservation had been canceled. There was no phone call and no meaningful follow-up. I was simply left with a canceled reservation and told I would… Read more
I booked an ocean-view room four months ago, provided my credit card, received a reservation number, and believed everything was confirmed. Then, just two days before my stay, I was suddenly told my reservation had been canceled. There was no phone call and no meaningful follow-up. I was simply left with a canceled reservation and told I would have to rebook. To make matters worse, they said the room I originally reserved had already been resold. It certainly feels like my reservation was canceled because I booked at a lower rate and they found someone else willing to pay more. When I called the front desk, they were no help at all. I asked to speak with the general manager, but instead I was transferred to what seemed to be the front desk manager on duty, who was rude and completely unhelpful. I was told this was somehow my fault because they allegedly sent an email four months ago saying the card didn’t go through. If that were true, why did the reservation remain active until today with no phone call, no follow-up, and no warning? This was handled terribly from start to finish. Avoid this place until management gets its act together. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating We absolutely loved this hotel!!

Apr 20, 2026 Mindy L

We absolutely loved this hotel!!! I agonized over picking the right hotel with the best location and it be affordable, yet clean and nice. Harbor View was way better than expected. The staff was super friendly, the hotel was super clean and location was second to none. Right on State st. There was a free shuttle from the pier to State street… Read more
We absolutely loved this hotel!!! I agonized over picking the right hotel with the best location and it be affordable, yet clean and nice. Harbor View was way better than expected. The staff was super friendly, the hotel was super clean and location was second to none. Right on State st. There was a free shuttle from the pier to State street shopping, but walking was not too far. We stayed in the North building, it was brand new, super clean room, great balcony, city view, it was just amazing. We ate near the hotel for every meal, and did not have a bad one. Jeannie’s was worth the wait for breakfast, Finney’s fabulous craft beer and the meals so yummy, Rocco’s Pizza delish and the Mexican food place to die for. We were 1/2 block from the beach and pier, art walk on Sunday (like a little street fair), bike rentals and kayak rentals near by. The hotel pool was lovely. We highly recommend this hotel!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Gem by the Ocean

Mar 7, 2026 Gregory B

We had a wonderful time with our grandchildren on a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. It was our first time at the Harbor View Inn. The setting, directly across from the ocean, is stunning and the grounds are beautiful and meticulously maintained. The room was large and had a great view of the ocean from our patio. The pool was heated to a very… Read more
We had a wonderful time with our grandchildren on a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. It was our first time at the Harbor View Inn. The setting, directly across from the ocean, is stunning and the grounds are beautiful and meticulously maintained. The room was large and had a great view of the ocean from our patio. The pool was heated to a very comfortable level to swim in March. The location is convenient to restaurants, stores, and walks along the ocean. The staff at the front desk, Jason and Hope, were very helpful and had a warm welcoming attitude throughout our stay. We will definitely be back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic location and property! Book it!

Feb 24, 2026 eric t

Just got back from staying at the Harbor View Inn. Fantastic. There may be other hotels that are as good, but none surpasses the Harbor View Inn for the peaceful and beautiful setting. Maybe we were lucky, but there were NO KIDS anywhere on the property, making things really relaxing. The staff was very attentive and informative. I'm… Read more
Just got back from staying at the Harbor View Inn. Fantastic. There may be other hotels that are as good, but none surpasses the Harbor View Inn for the peaceful and beautiful setting. Maybe we were lucky, but there were NO KIDS anywhere on the property, making things really relaxing. The staff was very attentive and informative. I'm already planning my next visit to this stunning hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Hotel in Santa Barbara

Jan 24, 2026 j0hnturnbull London, United Kingdom

We are from the UK and have stayed many times at the Harbor View Inn. We really wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Santa Barbara. The location is perfect and the staff are all very friendly and helpful especially Daisy and Kaitlyn on reception. Just a shame we can't visit more often but looking forward to next time. Highly recommend.