This luxury hotel in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone blends Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan touches. Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the 121-room property is steps from the beach and downtown. Originally opened in 1925, the hotel draws guests with its distinctive interiors, featuring over a million hand-painted tiles. It's a recognized destination for its blend of classic design and upscale amenities.
Should you book Hotel Californian?
Expect a stylish stay combining classic architecture with Moroccan design, close to the beach and the city's wine scene.
Best for
- Wine tasting in the Funk Zone
- Beachfront access
- Design-focused luxury
- Pet-friendly stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Parking incurs a daily fee
Funk Zone Location
Situated next to Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, the hotel is a short walk from Kunin Wines and Santa Barbara Wine Collective. The beach and MOXI museum are also nearby.
Moroccan-Inspired Design
The hotel's interiors feature a blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Moroccan influences, with custom furnishings by Martyn Lawrence Bullard and over a million decorative tiles.
On-Site Dining
Choose from two restaurants and three bars, including an upscale dining spot and a poolside venue. The hotel also offers a café and marketplace.
Majorelle Spa
This Moroccan-inspired spa offers personalized massages, facials, and wellness rituals. It includes a steam room and an aroma design bar.
Rooms & rates
Standard King Room
33.0 m² · 1 king bed
View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine
King Room
34.0 m² · 1 king bed
Balcony · Sea view · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV
Deluxe King Room
37.0 m² · 1 king bed
Balcony · View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV
Deluxe King Room - Accessible
37.0 m² · 1 king bed
View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine
Queen Room
31.0 m² · 1 queen bed
Balcony · Sea view · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV
King Room - Accessible
34.0 m² · 1 king bed
Balcony · View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Flat-screen TV
King Studio
46.0 m² · 1 king bed
Entire studio · Balcony · View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom
King Studio - Accessible
57.0 m² · 1 king bed
Private suite · Balcony · View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Attached bathroom
Deluxe Double Room
39.0 m² · 2 full beds
Balcony · View · Rooftop pool · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wifi in all areas
- Parking on site
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Beachfront
- 2 restaurants
- Fitness center
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Parking
- Spa and wellness center
- Pet friendly
- Wifi in all areas
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Shuttle service (free)
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Terrace
Activities
- Bicycle rental
- Live music/Performance
- Happy hour Additional charge
- Bike tours Additional charge
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Beach
- Evening entertainment
- Cycling
Food & Drink
- Coffee house on site
- Fruit Additional charge
- Wine/Champagne Additional charge
- Special diet meals (on request)
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
Parking Public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs US$65 per day.
- Valet parking
Location
36 State Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States, Santa Barbara, California
Hotel Californian is located in Santa Barbara, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation at 500 ft; the nearest bus station, Greyhound Bus Station, is 0.2 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovationmuseum500 ft
- Santa Barbarahistoric site0.2 mi
- Moreton Bay Fig Treeattraction0.2 mi
- West Beachbeach0.2 mi
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centeraquarium0.3 mi
Getting around
- Greyhound Bus Stationbus station0.2 mi
- Celebration Cruises Boat Ridesferry pier0.4 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.5 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 123 guest reviews
Hotel Californian earns consistently strong sentiment for its prime walkable location in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, beautifully appointed Moroccan-style rooms, and attentive staff — with many guests calling it among the best hotels they've experienced. However, recurring frustrations around the property's split layout (requiring guests to cross the street for the pool), limited on-site dining, steep parking and pet fees, and occasional housekeeping lapses temper the experience for some. Value-for-money is a notable concern for a handful of guests, though the majority feel the quality justifies the price.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 22 · average 9.7
They wrote about: location, room, staff
Reviews scoring 7–9: 8 · average 7.5
They wrote about: location, room, staff
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 4:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
Until 12:00 PM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dining options at Hotel Californian?
Hotel Californian has two on-site restaurants, The Knock Kitchen + Cocktails and Goat Tree café. There are also three bars: Djinn, The Society: State & Mason, and Tan Tan Pool.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Public parking is available on site and costs $65 per day. Valet parking is also offered.
Are there accessible rooms at Hotel Californian?
Yes, the hotel offers accessible room options including Deluxe King Room - Accessible and King Room - Accessible, which feature attached bathrooms.
Can I bring my pet to Hotel Californian?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their pets during their stay.
What rooms are available at Hotel Californian?
Room options range from Standard King Rooms to King Studios, including accessible versions. Some rooms feature balconies and sea views.
What is the hotel's location?
Hotel Californian is located at 36 State Street in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, next to the beach and near downtown attractions.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, the Majorelle Spa is a Moroccan-inspired spa offering massages, facials, and wellness rituals. It features a steam room and aroma design bar.
What amenities are in the rooms?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a minibar. Some rooms also have balconies and views.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, accessible from many of the rooms.
What is the price of a room?
Rooms start from $1,672 per night.