The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbaravsThe Genevieve
Both hotels are praised by those who travel for a living. On balance, Bacara Resort & Spa is preferred by most writers compared to Santa Ynez Inn. Bacara Resort & Spa ranks #3 in Santa Barbara with accolades from 10 sources including Afar Magazine, Fodor's and Gayot.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Show All Reviews
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
From $149/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"All the rooms are designed with a... beach-chic vibe, but the ocean-view suites hold the key to Bacara's secret weapon: dramatic sea cliff vistas that open onto a wild stretch of beach."
Oyster
Luxury
"There is much to love about the Bacara, a destination resort located on a rocky stretch of coastline about 20 minutes west of Santa Barbara." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Mediterranean-style oceanfront villas sprawled over 78 lush acres between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering a laundry list of activities." Full review
Time Out
"This picturesque getaway could be mistaken for the coast of Italy, set up with mediterranean-style villas spread out over a long stretch of beach in Goleta." Full review
Star Service
"This ambitious, self-contained, deluxe destination resort is the only true oceanfront resort in Santa Barbara, though the Four Seasons is only about 14 feet shy of that claim." Full review
i
Avoid the less expensive rooms at the back of the property, where trains and cars rumble by, and request the more expensive quieter rooms overlooking the pools and ocean.
Gayot
"Spa aficionados still flock to the white stucco sanctuary."
Jetsetter
"Classic Santa Barbara-area celeb hideout mixing beach bumming with wine tasting and a sprawling spa." Full review
Afar Magazine
"Bacara Spa and Resort feels secluded for a reason: it sits on 78 oceanfront acres on the North end of Santa Barbara." Full review
i
Don't miss the exceptional massages at the spa, 42,000 square feet of hot tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms, and areas to relax in.
The Telegraph
8.0
"With a spectacular setting overlooking the Pacific, Bacara is the only hotel in the area with direct beach access and gets it right on every level." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"Ideally located on 78
beachfront acres with the vast Pacific Ocean displayed before you, The Ritz-Carlton
Bacara, Santa Barbara is quintessential California coastal luxury." Full review
The Genevieve
3627 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, CA 93460
From $271/night
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Concierge
- Restaurant
Fodor's
"This posh two-story Victorian inn in downtown Santa Ynez was built from scratch in 2002, and the owners have furnished all the rooms with authentic historical pieces." Full review
Jetsetter
"Victorian elegance and decadent spa treatments amid the vines of Santa Barbara wine country." Full review