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Hotel Santa Barbara vs The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Both properties are endorsed by expert writers. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara scores significantly better than Hotel Santa Barbara. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara scores 86 with accolades from 11 reviewers including Time Out, Star Service and Travel + Leisure.

Hotel Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
7 / 10
533 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
From $119 /night
  • Free Internet
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
  • Multilingual
  • Business Center
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Oyster Oyster
Mid-Range
"This classic 1926 hotel lies on the heart of Santa Barbara's famous State Street, known as a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Old-fashioned yet unpretentious, the 1925 Hotel Santa Barbara has rooms done up with rattan and blond-wood furnishings and sunny Mediterranean colors – Provence meets the beach." Full review
Star Service Star Service
"Located less than a mile from the pier (a 15-minute walk), this was once a key player in downtown Santa Barbara, and aided in the gentrification of lower State Street." Full review
i
Active guests can ask for discounted day passes to 24 Hour Fitness, just two blocks away from the hotel.
Rough Guide Rough Guide
"Considering its prime Downtown location, this spot offers good value for its comfortable rooms, internet access and complimentary breakfast."
Gayot Gayot
"The hotel may not have a pool or restaurant (apart from a handy Starbucks outlet), but with this incredibly central State Street location, they may not be missed."
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"A solid choice in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic downtown. Its unique character and role in Santa Barbara’s story is not only indelible but still being written." Full review
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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