Lower State Santa Barbara, California
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
Spanish-Moroccan seaside outpost
Three Spanish Colonial Revival buildings connect via open courtyards, bringing Moroccan tilework to Santa Barbara's waterfront.
“The hotel is perfectly positioned to help you discover the area, thanks in no small part to the switched-on team…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Custom Moroccan tiles across twenty-seven patterns, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Remarkable
Complimentary house car rides, loaner cruiser bikes, and Italian linens in every room.
Notable
Cobalt-tiled Majorelle spa with eucalyptus steam, beneath a 360-degree ocean-view rooftop pool.
What they say
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Styled in part on the original Hotel Californian built in 1925, the new iteration is composed of three separate buildings, resulting in a charming village-like feel.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Stearns Wharf and the beach sit a block away, and the Funk Zone's wine tasting rooms are right next door.
The rooms
Cobra sconces and custom geometric tilework accent the bedrooms, where private balconies look out toward the ocean or mountains.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The fourth-floor heated rooftop pool looks straight out over coastal palms toward the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains.
The spa
Blue mosaic tiles line the Moroccan-inspired baths, and the draped relaxation lounge centers on a stone water fountain.
The gym
Cardio machines and Peloton bikes sit beneath tall arched windows in the bright fitness studio.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Goat Tree serves house-made pastries on the streetfront patio, and Djinn pours craft cocktails in a Moroccan-themed library lounge.
Spacious rooms mix Spanish colonial architecture, Moroccan influences, and custom furnishings for a modern take on Santa Barbara chic.
How it began
The hotel preserved its original 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival facade when it was rebuilt after decades of sitting vacant.
Good to know
Stay here
Hotel Californian
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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.