Santa Barbara, California
 

I want to stay 2-3 nights in Santa Barbara and need a recommendation for a hotel or B and B
for under $200. I want to br within walking distance to the central part of the city.

There's a nice motel 6 near the beach.

I've stayed at the Motel6s in Santa Barbara, too.

Hotels there are crazy overpriced.

Julie,

There are no bargains to be had at Santa Barbara hotels and to stay in your budget, i would research the hotels on Upper State street, like The Pepper Tree or the Sandman. Both hotels are close to shopping, restaurants and the bus station. ( SB has quite a decent bus system if you prefer not to get in your car each day.) and easy freeway access.

If you prefer to stay near the beach, try the Franciscan Inn.

Both of these areas are no more than 10 minutes apart and public transportation ( bus or trolley) should suit you well.

Do you have any specific hotel requirements other than price?

This is a really cute motel-like place in Santa Barbara. Free parking, continental breakfast, one block from the marina, low prices.
http://www.sbcastilloinn.com/

lynni, are you familiar with the location of Motel6 #1?

Half way between the Hyatt and Fess Parker. Not more than $200 a night in high season.

The only problem is, that it often is sold out far in advance.

And of course it is a Motel 6.

And I hope this isn't another poster waiting til the last minute to book during Old Spanish Days!!!

I take it the "walking distance" means you will not have a car. How are you arriving? A notch below (perhaps 2) Motel 6 is the Sandyland in Carpenteria. http://sandyland.com/
With the money you save you could easily rent a car and commute to Santa Barbara. There is a bus service that covers SB and Goleta but I'm not sure about Carpenteria. There is also a Motel 6 near the Sandyland.

Julie, what month are you coming? It makes a huge difference in pricing. If you can give more specifics, we will be able to help. I just noticed a La Quinta in the 1600 block of State street that might be perfect for you!

MLGB, is it really under $200? If so, I'm betting it's booked through September at least!

Tomfuller, when the OP specifically says they want to stay within walking distance of downtown in SB, how on Earth so you presume your proposal of staying in Carp (20 minutes south)and renting a car is helpful? I just don't understand.

DW and I stayed at the Sandland for 4 nights when our son and family were living in student housing at UCSB in Goleta.
We did a lot of walking in SB after parking our car near the zoo. We rarely spend more than $100/night for any hotel room.
We can get up and out by 8AM and return to the hotel about 9PM.

Yes it depends on the date of your visit, weekends in August are probably mostly sold out.
Parkside Inn or Lavender Inn come to mind.

Thru Labor Day, but there are weekends after that! $185.99 for two people. Less if you're AARP That is the first Motel 6 in the US. Should be a historic landmark, if it isn't already!

BTW they have a few others in the area.

MLGB... That price is terrific for that area... Hope the OP comes back to see it!!

Hi,
I'm coming with my mo in October. We would like to be able to walk to State st and be close to the beach. I saw Eagle Inn and Castillo. Of the two, are either of those in better location? I love to walk but my mom can walk but not great distances. Where is the main activity? I would also like breakfast included.

When you say "main activity" what do you mean? If your Mom has difficulty walking any distances, there is no way she will be able to walk all the way from the beach to the "shopping area" of State Street. Just walking from the harbor down the steet to the pier will be a trek for her. There is a trolley that only costs 25 cents and there is a good bus system as well if you don't want to move your car.

Castillo is about a block from the marina. It's a short distance to the area which has seating and a snack stand. You'd need a lift to State Street.

I mean the hotel is a short distance from seating.