Simpson House Inn is a restored Victorian estate built in 1874, situated on an acre of English gardens in Santa Barbara's historic Upper East Neighborhood. The property includes the original Manor, a Carriage House, and freestanding cottages. This boutique hotel offers the intimacy of a traditional B&B with luxury amenities. It's a short walk to State Street, the waterfront, beaches, and numerous dining and cultural attractions.
Should you book Simpson House Inn?
A stay at a historic estate with intimate rooms and gardens, including a chef-prepared breakfast.
Best for
- historic stays
- romantic getaways
- garden lovers
Maybe not ideal for
- those seeking modern hotel chains
historic estate
This Victorian estate, built in 1874, sits on a full acre of English gardens. The property includes the Manor, Carriage House, and cottages, offering a secluded feel moments from downtown.
chef-prepared breakfast
A daily chef-prepared breakfast is included, served in the gardens or historic dining spaces. The menu features pastries, fruit, and various hot dishes, with optional Bellinis or Mimosas.
gardens and patios
Explore the lush English gardens or relax on private patios and balconies. Several rooms and cottages offer direct access to outdoor spaces overlooking the grounds.
Rooms & rates
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Adults only
- Non-smoking rooms
- Flat-screen TV
- Facilities for disabled guests
Bathroom
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Terrace
- Garden
Living Area
- Seating area
Location
121 East Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States, Santa Barbara, California
Simpson House Inn is located in Santa Barbara, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens at 0.1 mi; the nearest bus station, Transit Center, is 0.6 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardenspark0.1 mi
- Trinity Episcopal Churchplace of worship0.2 mi
- Alameda Parkpark0.2 mi
- Santa Barbara Museum of Artmuseum0.5 mi
- Casa Doloresmuseum0.7 mi
Getting around
- Transit Centerbus station0.6 mi
- Greyhound Bus Stationbus station1.3 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
9.5 / 10 · Exceptional on Booking.com, from 151 guest reviews
Simpson House Inn earns overwhelmingly enthusiastic reviews for its lush Victorian gardens, outstanding gourmet breakfasts, evening wine and appetizers, and genuinely warm, attentive staff. The handful of complaints are mostly minor and practical — tight parking, occasional plumbing inconsistencies, thin walls, and a couple of room-specific issues — with one guest also noting that requesting tips for an included breakfast felt out of place. Overall sentiment is exceptionally positive, with many guests describing the inn as a standout experience and planning return visits.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 28 · average 9.8
They wrote about: breakfast, staff, room
Reviews scoring 7–9: 2 · average 8
They wrote about: staff, room, facilities
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
- Check-out
From 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 21
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the location of Simpson House Inn?
Simpson House Inn is located in Santa Barbara, California, in the historic Upper East Neighborhood, a short walk from State Street and the waterfront.
What rooms are available?
The inn offers fifteen distinct rooms and cottages, including the Robert and Julia Simpson Room, Parlor Room, Margaret Simpson Room, Sun room, Katharine McCormick Room, Mary Simpson Room, The Garden Room, Abbeywood Cottage, Greenwich Cottage, Plumstead Cottage, Pendle Cottage, and Weathervane.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a chef-prepared breakfast is included with every stay. It is served in the gardens and historic dining spaces.
Is there parking available?
Yes, private parking is available on-site for guests.
Is the property family-friendly?
Yes, families and children are welcome at Simpson House Inn.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are permitted upon approval.
What is nearby?
The inn is moments from State Street, the waterfront, beaches, wine-tasting rooms, and cultural attractions.
Does the inn have WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available for guests.