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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Simpson House Inn

Both hotels are praised by professionals. On balance, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara ranks marginally higher than Simpson House Inn. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara comes in at #4 in Santa Barbara with endorsements from 11 reviews like Afar Magazine, Jetsetter 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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Simpson House Inn
Simpson House Inn
8 / 10
121 East Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
From $290 /night
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
  • Free Parking
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Concierge Concierge
"While the Simpson is pretty grand, with French antique armoires, wood-burning fireplaces, and an acre of flowering gardens, it still feels like a home."
Frommer's Frommer's
"Fact is, the Simpson House goes the distance -- and then some -- to create the perfect stay." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Upscale
"The quaint and upscale Simpson House Inn resides in a quiet residential area in an old Victorian home, originally built in 1872." Full review
Star Service Star Service
"This is indeed Santa Barbara's best bed-and-breakfast." Full review
Gayot Gayot
"This beautifully restored Victorian dates back to 1874 and is known as one of America's best B&Bs."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Whether you book an elegant suite .... or a sweet cottage with a wood-burning fireplace, you'll be pampered at this Victorian-era estate ensconced by English gardens." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"If you're a fan of traditional B&Bs, this property, with its beautifully appointed Victorian main house and acre of lush gardens, is for you." Full review
Hideaway Report Hideaway Report
91.0
"This utterly charming bed-and-breakfast is just a short stroll from Santa Barbara’s many shops and restaurants." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
9.0
"The inn is boutique in size, but lavish in luxury accommodations and amenities." Full review