Harbor View Inn

Santa Barbara, California

Virgin rating

North Wing City View King
North Wing City View 2 Double
Resort/City View Room
Resort/City View Room
North Wing City View King
North Wing City View 2 Double
Resort/City View Room
Resort/City View Room

The hotel

You’ll feel relaxed as soon as you walk through the door of the Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara. Once the friendly staff have welcomed you to their Spanish villa-style retreat, it’s time to really chill out. Head to the oceanfront heated pool where you can relax with a cocktail, or the beach is just over the road if you prefer the ocean waves. Speaking of just over the road, Stearns Wharf is there, which is the oldest working wood wharf in California, and it offers restaurants, shops and even a small aquarium!

Amenities

  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to Beach

Where is it

Centrally located across from West Beach and Stearns Wharf, in Santa Barbara. In easy walking distance of local shops and restaurants.

Hotel information

149 rooms and suites on 3 floors in 3 buildings. All with balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV, Keurig coffee maker, mini-bar*, safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Resort/City View Rooms are located in the south or west wings, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

North Wing City Rooms with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Ocean View Rooms are located in the south or west wings of the hotel, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Pool bar (serving drinks and light bites, seasonal hours).

Outdoor oceanfront swimming pol and jacuzzi. Fitness centre.

Complimentary WiFi access. 24-hour reception. Gift shop/convenience store. Self-parking $32 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change - parking limited to one space per room).

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (943)
  • Very good (575)
  • Average (146)
  • Poor (61)
  • Terrible (73)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Truly a Memorable 90th Birthday

Dec 5, 2024 Hawaiiana2017 Los Angeles, California

We just checked out today with two rooms celebrating both parents 90th birthday at the Harbor View Inn. We stayed here in the East Wing several times about a decade ago and always considered the HVI the prize gem of Santa Barbara. Although we stayed only a night this time, I was received at the front desk by Cameron with such warmth,… Read more
We just checked out today with two rooms celebrating both parents 90th birthday at the Harbor View Inn. We stayed here in the East Wing several times about a decade ago and always considered the HVI the prize gem of Santa Barbara. Although we stayed only a night this time, I was received at the front desk by Cameron with such warmth, professionalism and efficiency. He also provided us a champagne and a cab Sauvignon as a welcome to celebrate this occasion. Such a wonderful gesture to kick off our stay. The HBI ocean front rooms in the west wing are just so serene, relaxing and epitomizes the ultimate California coastal legend. The rooms, at 450 sq ft, is generous with space and the newly remodeled bathrooms are luxurious. The beds are perfectly balanced with soft, but yet firmness that provides an excellent sleep. The best part of the beautiful rooms were the large lanais where you can sit out for hours and completely lose yourself. The HBI is arguably the most well positioned hotel in Santa Barbara as it leads right into the heart of State St and is a rock throw away from Stearns Wharf. The staff, led by Cameron, and the warm smiles of Jocelyn, will make any guest feel like a king for a day. A special shout out to the Director of Marketing and Sales, Berenice Lara, for answering all my questions with attention to detail and precision in ensuring mom and dad had a spectacular 24 hour stay. She was marvelous! We just can’t wait to return… Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating How delightful when a hotel EXCEEDS your expectations at every turn!

Dec 2, 2024 sarahmcbru Mill Valley, California

Our expectations were absolutely exceeded when we spent the night at the Harbor View Inn after Thanksgiving. The room was spacious with a view of the water. The amenities (beds, towels, soaps, etc) were of excellent quality. The aesthetic of the room felt warm and welcoming - not stuffy and sterile. AND everyone we spoke with who worked at the… Read more
Our expectations were absolutely exceeded when we spent the night at the Harbor View Inn after Thanksgiving. The room was spacious with a view of the water. The amenities (beds, towels, soaps, etc) were of excellent quality. The aesthetic of the room felt warm and welcoming - not stuffy and sterile. AND everyone we spoke with who worked at the hotel was kind and friendly. While it was expensive - we felt it was a great value. There is NO QUESTION that we will return. THANK YOU! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful hotel in a great spot.

Nov 21, 2024 Pippitydooda Taunton, United Kingdom

We spent 4 nights at the Harbor View Inn in an ocean view room and it was fantastic. We actually originally booked 3 nights but tweaked our plans and added an extra night here, which was no trouble at all. Parking was easy and there was plenty of it. The staff were really helpful and friendly without being intrusive. The room was gorgeous with a… Read more
We spent 4 nights at the Harbor View Inn in an ocean view room and it was fantastic. We actually originally booked 3 nights but tweaked our plans and added an extra night here, which was no trouble at all. Parking was easy and there was plenty of it. The staff were really helpful and friendly without being intrusive. The room was gorgeous with a beautiful view. I can even forgive the shower water pressure not being great as the bathroom was lovely and well equipped. The hotel is perfectly placed for being in Santa Barbara and we had a wonderful few days relaxing here, enjoying some of the lovely restaurants, taking a whale watching boat trip and generally enjoying the sunshine. I am sure we will return! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best hotel in Santa Barbara!

Nov 19, 2024 Lazarus Lynch N

The Harbor View Inn is a premiere destination for couples. My partner and I were treated so well by the staff. We were able to coordinate flower deliveries and special accommodations in our room to make our time special. We stayed at the newly renovated property, just a hop from the beach and the original location. It was a wonderful stay and I… Read more
The Harbor View Inn is a premiere destination for couples. My partner and I were treated so well by the staff. We were able to coordinate flower deliveries and special accommodations in our room to make our time special. We stayed at the newly renovated property, just a hop from the beach and the original location. It was a wonderful stay and I highly recommend it. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating New favorite. We'll be back!

Nov 17, 2024 Krista H Irvine, California

We splurged a bit for this trip because it was a special anniversary, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice. The staff at check in and check out were friendly and knowledgeable. The room was spacious and even more beautiful than it appeared online. The property's proximity to shopping and restaurants made it the perfect home base to… Read more
We splurged a bit for this trip because it was a special anniversary, and we couldn't have been happier with our choice. The staff at check in and check out were friendly and knowledgeable. The room was spacious and even more beautiful than it appeared online. The property's proximity to shopping and restaurants made it the perfect home base to walk about town. The service was impeccable. The room was magically cleaned and ready for us each day when we returned, regardless of the timing. We loved the wood shutters and room décor. One of my favorite features was the air conditioning. It was practically silent. I'm a light sleeper, so that was a huge plus for me. It's so rare in hotels! We plan to return every year or maybe more. Can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our stay. Read less