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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs The Waterman

The Wayfarer and Bacara Resort & Spa are both highly recommended by professional travelers. On balance, Bacara Resort & Spa is the choice of most writers compared to The Wayfarer. Bacara Resort & Spa has a TripExpert Score of 86 with praise from 10 reviews like The Telegraph, Travel + Leisure and Forbes Travel Guide.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
8 / 10
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
From $149 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
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Concierge 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 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 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 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 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 Gayot
"Spa aficionados still flock to the white stucco sanctuary."
Jetsetter Jetsetter
"Classic Santa Barbara-area celeb hideout mixing beach bumming with wine tasting and a sprawling spa." Full review
Afar Magazine 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 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 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
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The Waterman
The Waterman
7 / 10
12 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
From $169 /night
  • Free Internet
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
  • Laundy Room
  • Pool
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Gayot Gayot
"Guests can choose from 31 modern private and shared accommodations with full en-suite bathrooms. All enjoy access to a community kitchen and heated outdoor pool." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"The Wayfarer has both shared and pri- vate rooms—along with free Wi-Fi, a Spanish colonial–style communal kitchen, and a heated pool." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"Rates include breakfast, use of the community kitchen, and access to the outdoor heated pool and a sunny deck with reclining lounge chairs." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"Part hostel and part hotel, The Wayfarer is a sweet spot for those who want a playful, not-too-fussy place to rest their heads after a long day of traveling." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"Definitely in a category of its own." Full review