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El Capitan Canyon vs Hotel Californian

Both El Capitan Canyon and Hotel Californian are recommended by expert reviewers. Overall, Hotel Californian is preferred by most reviewers compared to El Capitan Canyon. Hotel Californian is ranked #14 in Santa Barbara with approval from 4 reviewers including Forbes Travel Guide, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler.

El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
7 / 10
11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
From $0 /night
  • Restaurant
  • Pool
  • Family Friendly
  • Free Parking
  • Kitchenette
  • Meeting Rooms
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Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"These comfortable cedar cabins—outfitted with Wi-Fi and other 21st-century amenities—are near El Capitan State Beach, a 17-mile drive from Santa Barbara." Full review
Gayot Gayot
"Near the beautiful beaches north of Santa Barbara, families cram into this luxury campground to enjoy the semi-rustic life."
Oyster Oyster
Mid-Range
"With enough modern conveniences to satisfy travelers who would rather just semi-rough it. Guests stay in cabins, tents, or yurts; only cabins have en-suite bathrooms." Full review
goop goop
"Made up of cabins and tents... El Capitan offers a rustic but luxurious way to experience the El Capitan Canyon and beach near Santa Barbara." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"About 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, off Hwy 101 opposite El Capitán State Beach, this ‘glamping’ resort is for anyone who loves camping, but hates to wake up with dirt under their nails." Full review
Hotel Californian
Hotel Californian
7 / 10
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3528
From $433 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Room Service
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
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Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"The hotel is perfectly positioned to help you discover the area, thanks in no small part to the switched-on team who can be relied upon for their on-point recommendations." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"The complex includes various rooms and suites...a rooftop pool deck with panoramic views, a Moroccan-themed spa, two restaurants. meeting rooms, ballrooms, and boutiques." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Spread across three buildings, the spacious rooms come in four color schemes (orange, green, yellow and purple) and most have balconies along with attractive design features." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"Occupying three prime blocks of Santa Barbara real estate just a stone’s throw from the beach, the refreshed Hotel Californian has been more than two decades in the making." Full review
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
3.0
"According to recent visitors, a stay at the Hotel Californian is worth the high room rates, the $35 daily resort fee and the $39 valet parking fee. Adjacent to the Santa Barbara,..." Full review