Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Santa Barbara, California

Virgin rating

Standard Two Queen Room
Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room
Ocean View King Room
Standard Bathroom
Accessible Bathroom
Lobby
Junior Suite
The Set
One Bedroom Suite Resort View
One Bedroom Suite Bathroom
Fitness Centre
Resort View King
Standard Two Queen Room
Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room
Ocean View King Room
Standard Bathroom
Accessible Bathroom
Lobby
Junior Suite
The Set
One Bedroom Suite Resort View
One Bedroom Suite Bathroom
Fitness Centre
Resort View King

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 (1583)
  • Very good (1248)
  • Average (836)
  • Poor (465)
  • Terrible (310)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Could be so much better…

Jan 8, 2025 bayocum21 California

We are committed Hilton members and always look for opportunities to stay at their hotels and resorts. This is our second time staying here, and while there are definitely some pluses, there are some negatives as well. First the good: this is a great location with a beautiful view and access to Santa Barbara beaches. The lobby area and associated… Read more
We are committed Hilton members and always look for opportunities to stay at their hotels and resorts. This is our second time staying here, and while there are definitely some pluses, there are some negatives as well. First the good: this is a great location with a beautiful view and access to Santa Barbara beaches. The lobby area and associated dining and coffee shop are all definite bonuses, well kept and available early for those of us that like to get coffee before 8 AM. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and the common areas around the lobby and in the main building are well taken care of. Now for some of the bummer: the room we stayed in was in one of the outline wings, the eucalyptus wing, and was located upstairs with an ocean view. Upon approaching the room, there were a number of signs that things weren’t being as well taken care of. We noticed a shuffleboard court and a giant chess game as well. That’s obvious was the lawn golf game that was just strewn all over one of the lawns. The shuffleboard court had broken poles, and the chess game was in disarray. These don’t impact your staying in anyway, but what they do let you know is that the resort isn’t on top of these things, and they provide an overall since of a lack of upkeep. It would be so easy to just replace these or put them up as the ground’s crew comes through, but that was not the case. Instead, it gave the sense of being abandoned. The next challenge is that the second floor has no elevator access. That’s OK for us because we’re able-bodied, but for some folks that would be a tremendous challenge. As we walked into our second floor hallway, the overwhelming chemically sweet smell of some sort of air “freshener” was almost noxious. On subsequent trips in and out of the room, we literally held our breath. Luckily, we were able to air out our room and reduce the smell to a mere nuisance. The room had a beautiful view with decent outdoor furniture on the patio. While the room itself was dated, the furnishings were comfortable and clean, and there was plenty of space to unpack and unwind. In the bathroom, the handle on the shower was coming off at the top, another small sign of a lack of attention. The beauty of the location along with the lobby amenities, and Means we’ll definitely give this location another chance. However, we will absolutely request that we get a room in the main building and one that hasn’t been carpet bombed in chemicals. Also, if you drive an electric vehicle and it’s not a Tesla just be aware that there’s only one charger for you. My suggestion is to valet Park, which is only $10 more than self parking, to make sure you get access. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family with 2 teens + 1 pet

Dec 25, 2024 Vijay Anand L

Nice place to stay. Highly recommend. Very clean. Modern. Spacious. Centrally located. Downtown is 10 min drive. Pier is 10 min walk. Breakfast is decent though does not justify the price. But it’s fine. Same goes with dinner. Decent stuff. Bottom line - nice place to stay. Definitely Recommend.
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