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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Hotel Californian

Both properties are rated highly by experts. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara ranks significantly better than Hotel Californian. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has a TripExpert Score of 86 with accolades from 11 sources like Fodor's, Gayot and Travel + Leisure.

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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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
show all amenities
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