wordsmith1

What is the nicest hotel on ocean? Maybe 2 choices??

tomfuller

Hilton Oceanfront Resort if you can afford it. $305/night and up. Way up.

marvelousmouse

I don’t know, I think I’d pick Ritz-Carlton, or Miramar. If I won the lottery, and lost all of my common sense, that is. Like Tom indicated, even “budget” hotels in SB are obscenely expensive. Pick the best you can afford?

CaliNurse

Please define expectation of "on the ocean." No hotels in SB, iirc, are right ON the beach. Across the street (Cabrillo Blvd) and can see the beach and ocean, but it's not as if you can leave your hotel room or lobby, and walk directly onto the beach.
Also to consider as you choose, how far do you want to be from downtown/State Street? Do you want to be in easy walking distance of that, as well as the beach?

HappyTrvlr

Be aware of railroad tracks that go along the coast very near Ritz-Carlton.

sharona

We stayed at Bacara quite a few years ago. I see it is now Ritz-Carlton Bacara. It's a beautiful resort and when we were there the food was excellent and the spa was also very good. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again if we were in the area.

mlgb

If you want something with direct sandy beach access, I don't think Santa Barbara is your man.

Maybe Pismo Beach area.

lynni

Miramar and Bacara are your best bets, now that the Four Seasons is closed. As others have noted, you will need to walk to the beach. The Double Tree Hilton may satisfy your beach access needs at a more reasonable ( but still $$$) price point.

What is your budget and what do you wish to do while you're in the area?

tomfuller

There is a place in Carpenteria called the Sugar Shack (apartment/condo). It is less than $100/night and is about 200 yards from the Carpenteria State Beach. When our son was at UCSB in Goleta, we stayed at the Sandyland Inn in Carpenteria (also cheap).

jamie99

Harbor View Inn is right by the Wharf and has a pool, close to lots of restaurants.

wordsmith1



wordsmith1

We have a nice budget but realizing we need to be near shops and restaurants due toweling issues

strayadventures

We stayed at the Hilton and loved it, short walk to Sterns Wharf, can even walk up State street from there. The picture is below, hopefully it doesn't post as big as it shows on preview. Check out our Santa Barbara YouTube video, it is only a couple minutes -

tomarkot

Thanks for posting the video. Hoping for a return visit!!!

wordsmith1

we decided on the Kimpton Hotel. We have stayed in these before and like them, location seems good. Thanks for all of your help, everyone