Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLower State
Drift Santa Barbara
Baja-minimalist promenade survivor
Lower State Santa Barbara, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
Drift HotelsBaja-minimalist promenade survivor
A breezy Baja aesthetic runs through the property, with keyless check-ins and folding doors opening to the promenade.
“It leans heavily into raw, natural materials with a handcrafted feel that is best associated with West Coast design.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Minimalist concrete, warm oak millwork, and salvaged floor joists by Anacapa Architecture.
Notable
A restored 1920s brick building that survived Santa Barbara's historic 1925 earthquake.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The building that contains Drift Santa Barbara is a beautifully renovated example of Twenties Spanish architecture, in keeping with the picturesque local style.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Set directly on car-free State Street, the hotel puts downtown tasting rooms, restaurants, and the Pacific shoreline within easy reach.
The rooms
Custom oak millwork and concrete keep spaces uncluttered, while the penthouse adds a private terrace with a fire pit.
Bikes and yoga
Complimentary loaner beach cruisers and surfboards are on hand for the coast, alongside Saturday morning yoga classes.
Bar
Dusk
Craft agave cocktails and fresh crudo headline the raw bar, with live acoustic sessions on Tuesday nights.
At the table
Dawn pours Good Citizen Coffee espresso and pour-overs alongside fresh pastries, opening right onto State Street.
How it began
The 1920s brick structure is one of the few downtown buildings that survived Santa Barbara's 1925 earthquake.
Good to know
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Drift Santa Barbara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.