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The Waterman vs Hotel Californian

Both properties are endorsed by writers. Overall, Hotel Californian ranks slightly better than The Wayfarer. Hotel Californian has a TripExpert Score of 77 with endorsements from 4 sources like Lonely Planet, Fodor's and Condé Nast Traveler.

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
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