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 Fess Parker 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, 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 $40 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 dinner, drinks and weekend brunch). Java del Mar (located in the lobby, serving breakfast sandwiches, Starbucks coffee, and other snacks). Fess Parker Wine Tasting Room (open seasonally). Terraza del Mar (poolside bar serving drinks and light bites - open seasonally). 

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 - 2-hour bicycle rental for up to 2 people - 2 glass of select house wine – 2 bottles of water daily (available from reception) – 2 beach chair - 20% discount on spa treatments and tennis clinics – Unlimited local phone calls - Electric vehicle charging - 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 (1575)
  • Very good (1246)
  • Average (828)
  • Poor (455)
  • Terrible (295)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Sub-par overall & the saddest comforter ever!

May 11, 2024 FlyingAlpaca Palo Alto, California

I loved the idea of this resort, but to be honest, our stay did not meet expectations. I initially thought that the bed in our "upgraded" room was accidentally made without a blanket. However it turns out that the comforter is so old (and gray!) that there are almost no down or feathers left in them, except for the small wads in the corners. This… Read more
I loved the idea of this resort, but to be honest, our stay did not meet expectations. I initially thought that the bed in our "upgraded" room was accidentally made without a blanket. However it turns out that the comforter is so old (and gray!) that there are almost no down or feathers left in them, except for the small wads in the corners. This was one of the most uncomfortable hotel beds I've experienced. Carpets reek of chemicals that bring to mind rotting fruit. As I write this brief review, the intermittent wifi has dropped four times. Staff are friendly and do what they can. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Mediocre at best.

May 9, 2024 Worldlyweare Long Island, New York

This property needs some maintenance. Especially outside. The grass is crappy and it’s not kept up. Gardens are sloppy. Needs work. Looks like no one cares. Rooms are a little dated. For the price …… not cool. Oh and front desk person was a condescending jerk.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great location and wonderful staff

May 1, 2024 bruce h

Great location walking distance to the Funk Zone, Harbor and Stearns Wharf. There are many restaurants and wine tasting rooms within walking distance. It’s right across the street from the beach and many of the rooms have ocean views. You can see and hear the surf from the property. The staff is very friendly and helpful. As a Diamond member… Read more
Great location walking distance to the Funk Zone, Harbor and Stearns Wharf. There are many restaurants and wine tasting rooms within walking distance. It’s right across the street from the beach and many of the rooms have ocean views. You can see and hear the surf from the property. The staff is very friendly and helpful. As a Diamond member I’ve always received some type of upgrade. We have been coming to this property for over 20 years and have never been disappointed. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Maybe it will get better

Apr 20, 2024 aprillefresh Oakland, California

It’s dirty and smells terrible, but breakfast was delicious and service is pretty good. My husband wanted to stay here his whole life and has been disappointed that his bucketlist item has been lackluster. We moved rooms because the first REEKED of dog urine. They were gracious about a room switch but it stinks like mildew! Sigh..
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Diamond Member, who cares

Apr 9, 2024 Charley P Colorado Springs, Colorado

2nd night in a row at a Hilton Hotel and tonight they won’t even take/apply my Hilton Honors number. What is going on with Hilton Rewards??? I’m a Diamond member and for the second night in a row I’m treated like a nobody. Not impressed, hopefully tomorrow night at the Marriott I’m staying at it will be a better experience. Bartender was great… Read more
2nd night in a row at a Hilton Hotel and tonight they won’t even take/apply my Hilton Honors number. What is going on with Hilton Rewards??? I’m a Diamond member and for the second night in a row I’m treated like a nobody. Not impressed, hopefully tomorrow night at the Marriott I’m staying at it will be a better experience. Bartender was great though, you guys could learn something about customer service from her! Read less