Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Santa Barbara, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

Oozing seaside charm, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort puts you just a flip flop stroll from the sands and ocean. Check out the casual coastal menu of its restaurants, and the Central Coast vintages in its Wine Tasting Room. And if that's not enough of the seaside vibes for you then check out the styling in your room for even more of a beachy feel (and ocean veiws if you opt for them)!. When you’re not making the most of your beachfront setting you can relax by the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, enjoy some lawn games in the palm-dotted grounds or pop to the sanctuary of the Spa del Mar for one of the wonderful treatments.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Tennis
  • Yoga
  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located just across from East Beach, on 24-acres in Santa Barbara, one mile from the Funk Zone District. Within a 10 minute walk of the pier and a 15-minute walk of downtown Santa Barbara.

Hotel information

360 rooms and suites, with a light and airy beachfront-style theme. All have either a balcony or patio, air-conditioning, WiFi access, HDTV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, bathroom amenities, and safe. 

Standard Rooms have either 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed, or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Resort View rooms offer pool or garden views, with either 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed, or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Partial Ocean View rooms with either 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed, or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Ocean View rooms with either 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed, or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Junior Suites feature a spacious living area with sofa bed, larger bathroom with dual rain shower heads, bathrobes and upraded amenities, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

One Bedroom Resort View Suites feature a separate living room with sofa bed, larger bathroom with dual rain shower heads, bathrobes and upraded amenities, and master bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Ocean View One Bedroom Suites are the same as above, but with sea views from the balcony.

Complimentary shuttle service to Santa Barbara regional airport, and to the downtown Santa Barbara AMTRAK station (reservations require 24 hours in advance). Self-parking $42 plus tax per night, and Valet parking $50 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change).

The Roundhouse (open for breakfast, with buffet and a la carte options). The Set (serving bistro-style classic dishes, open for lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch). Java del Mar (located in the lobby, serving breakfast sandwiches, Starbucks coffee, and other snacks). Wine Tasting Room (open seasonally). Terraza del Mar (poolside bar serving drinks and light bites - open seasonally). Room service*.

Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness centre. Spa del Mar*. Salon del Mar*. Cinema under the stars. Lawn games including croquet, giant checkers, giant chess, cornhole and bocce ball. Table tennis. Shuffleboard. Tennis*. Beachfront yoga classes*. Bicylce rental*. Kayak* and paddle board* rentals. 

WiFi access*. Concierge. Room service*.

This hotel has resort fees that are included in the room rate (subject to change)

Resort fee includes: - Internet access for up to 2 devices - Complimentary fitness classes - 2-hour bicycle rental for up to 2 people - 2 bottles of water daily (available from reception) – 2 beach chair - 20% discount on spa treatments and tennis clinics – Local activity discounts. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*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 (1582)
  • Very good (1248)
  • Average (835)
  • Poor (465)
  • Terrible (310)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The hotel was nice.

Dec 5, 2024 Cofley M California

My stay at the Santa Barbara Hilton Resort was average—not bad, but certainly not luxurious. We enjoyed our one-night stay to celebrate my wife’s birthday. As it was my first time in Santa Barbara, I appreciated the hotel’s prime location near the beach, which added to the experience. The food was enjoyable, and as vegans, we were pleased to find… Read more
My stay at the Santa Barbara Hilton Resort was average—not bad, but certainly not luxurious. We enjoyed our one-night stay to celebrate my wife’s birthday. As it was my first time in Santa Barbara, I appreciated the hotel’s prime location near the beach, which added to the experience. The food was enjoyable, and as vegans, we were pleased to find a few options available, though more variety would have been appreciated. The room was spacious, and as a Diamond member, I was upgraded to a suite with a balcony and a chair, which was a nice touch. However, I was disappointed that the hotel did not offer complimentary parking. ($42 per night), even as a gesture for my wife’s birthday, which would have made the stay feel more special. On the positive side, the property was clean, spacious, and offered bike rentals, though unfortunately, they weren’t available at night. Overall, while the stay had its highlights, there’s room for improvement to make it feel more memorable and tailored to guests’ special occasions. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay

Nov 27, 2024 Sabrina O

I recently stayed at this resort and was so pleasantly surprised. Upon check in, Cordero was friendly and noticed that we were celebrating my birthday. We were upgraded to a nicer room and received a complimentary breakfast. Our server at the Set restaurant was amazing as well. While the pool was closed we still made use of the bike rental and… Read more
I recently stayed at this resort and was so pleasantly surprised. Upon check in, Cordero was friendly and noticed that we were celebrating my birthday. We were upgraded to a nicer room and received a complimentary breakfast. Our server at the Set restaurant was amazing as well. While the pool was closed we still made use of the bike rental and roasting smores. Great experience overall!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating So cozy for a Winter time Anniversary

Nov 26, 2024 Elif6792

Thank you Tommy for your help at check-in and throughout. I just really wanted to give him a shoutout and whichever gentle soul upgraded us for our anniversary stay. I wanna say Sophia? Our room was so cool - we got to stay on the rotunda overlooking the ocean and it was so beautiful in the moody fall weather. Such a cozy stay. I know it's a beach… Read more
Thank you Tommy for your help at check-in and throughout. I just really wanted to give him a shoutout and whichever gentle soul upgraded us for our anniversary stay. I wanna say Sophia? Our room was so cool - we got to stay on the rotunda overlooking the ocean and it was so beautiful in the moody fall weather. Such a cozy stay. I know it's a beach resort, but with our anniversary falling in the colder months, we just love the cold weather and seeking refuge somewhere cozy with a fireplace and gorgeous Xmas decor. We enjoyed a cocktail by the fireplace in the bar patio our first night and slept great. Thank you again! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Foodborne illness

Nov 19, 2024 Jillian M

In early November, I stayed at the Hilton in Santa Barbara for a conference, during which over 100 attendees, including myself and my co-worker, contracted a food-borne illness confirmed through laboratory testing in the ER as E. coli. We experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea for days. While confined to our room due to the illness, we requested… Read more
In early November, I stayed at the Hilton in Santa Barbara for a conference, during which over 100 attendees, including myself and my co-worker, contracted a food-borne illness confirmed through laboratory testing in the ER as E. coli. We experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea for days. While confined to our room due to the illness, we requested additional toilet paper and water since our room was not cleaned or restocked. Shockingly, staff refused to provide either, leaving us to manage in an already dire situation. After leaving, we reached out to the hotel and corporate multiple times to discuss our concerns and the ongoing food safety issues, but the response has been dismissive and unhelpful. The incident was reported to the Department of Health and is under investigation, but the hotel has not offered any meaningful resolution. This was an awful experience, and I strongly advise others to avoid staying here. We are still seeking a full refund for this terrible ordeal. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What a Disappointing Hotel Experience

Nov 17, 2024 ronahw

My husband and I recently stayed here for a wedding. We upgraded our room and had a beautiful ocean view with a large balcony and a two room suite. We paid over $750 a night. That includes the $40 a day for parking plus a number of added CA fees. This hotel needs a lot of repairs and love. The light on the balcony was hanging while the… Read more
My husband and I recently stayed here for a wedding. We upgraded our room and had a beautiful ocean view with a large balcony and a two room suite. We paid over $750 a night. That includes the $40 a day for parking plus a number of added CA fees. This hotel needs a lot of repairs and love. The light on the balcony was hanging while the outdoor couch had bird poop an it and the balcony needed to be swept. Inside ALL the lamps had 3 way switches but only 1 worked. Don’t plan on having your room made up because they only have house keeping for the day you leave. Need toilet paper? You better look when you check in because we had to go to the front desk and ask. Decide the day you want to have coffee because you won’t get it again, there isn’t any house keeping remember. There are no bathroom amenities other than a bar of soap. This hotel was a HUGE disappointment. We have stayed at many Hiltons and we were looking forward to staying there. Never have we been more dissatisfied. I must add, however, it was an absolutely beautiful venue for a wedding, just don’t stay there. Read less