7 Historic Santa Barbara Hotels That Still Welcome Guests

Santa Barbara’s rich historical past can be experienced not just in its museums, architecture or coastal promenades, but also in hotels that have stood as silent spectators of time passing by and the city’s gradual transformation. 

Many of these hotels have endured fires, earthquakes, evolving architectural trends, yet their charm and appeal remain the same. Some date back several decades, once doubling as retreats for Hollywood celebrities and artists. 

Today, many of these historic buildings continue to welcome guests, offering visitors the chance to experience vintage charm and preserved architecture amid modern comforts. 

Santa Barbara’s 7 Historic Hotels That Have Stood the Test of Time

1. Simpson House Inn

121 E Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Dating back to 1874, this Victorian boutique hotel was originally owned by Robert and Julia Simpson, according to Visit Santa Barbara. One of the hotels to have survived the 1925 earthquake, the hotel was owned by several people, including Katharine McCormick, a women’s rights advocate and arts patron. 

Owned by Glyn and Linda Davies since 1976, the property was restored as a luxury bed-and-breakfast in 1985. The hotel maintains its historic aesthetics while incorporating modern comforts. The hotel was recognized with a Structure of Merit award and historic landmark status in the early 1990s. 

2. El Encanto Hotel

800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

This early 20th-century luxury hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hotel first opened doors in 1918 and has been one of the city’s most prestigious luxury hotels. The hotel has preserved its original architectural features, including the historic, trellised-lined Arbor and Lily Pond, according to Visit Santa Barbara. The hotel now features California-styled bungalows and terraced gardens. 

A favorite among Hollywood celebrities, El Encanto sold for $82.2 million earlier this year, marking luxury conglomerate LVMH’s exit from the U.S. hospitality industry. In September, the hotel made headlines again when it served as accommodation for the wedding guests of singer and actress Selena Gomez and record producer and songwriter Benny Blanco.

3. The Upham Hotel

1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The Upham Hotel is considered as one of Southern California’s oldest operating hotels, dating back to 1871, according to Visit Santa Barbara. Originally known as the Lincoln House, the property was owned by Cyrus Upham who converted it into a hotel and ran it until 1911. 

The hotel changed hands several times and grew to include several guest cottages. Designated a city landmark in 1980, The Upham Hotel preserves its 19th-century character. 

4. Hotel Santa Barbara

533 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The newly renovated Hotel Santa Barbara traces its roots to 1876. After sustaining extensive damages in the devastating 1925 earthquake, the hotel was rebuilt and reopened as the Saint Barbara. The hotel thrived in the following years, attracting Hollywood stars. Local lore suggests that during the Prohibition, the hotel maintained a secret stash of liquor and a hidden gaming room somewhere in the lobby. 

The hotel started losing its sheen after World War II, eventually closing doors. It got a new lease of life in 1975 under its new owners, Rolland and Venetia Jacks. The hotel underwent a major, $4 million upgrade in the mid-1990s. In 2021, the hotel was acquired by the Geronimo Hospitality Group. 

5. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara

17 W Haley, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Located steps away from State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, Hotel Virginia was a pre-1925 building that was rebuilt in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style after the earthquake. Originally a two-story brick hotel built by Charles Maas and dating back to 1916, it was the first commercial property on Haley Street, according to Visit Santa Barbara. 

The hotel was rebuilt as per the City Beautiful design guidelines, next to the Traveler’s Hotel. Both the hotels operated independently, until they merged in 1977 as Virginia Hotel. The hotel now offers 61 rooms across three stories in a single property and was designated a local landmark in March 2000.  

6. Montecito Inn

1295 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, California 93108

Santa Barbara was the home of the film industry, before the stars moved to Hollywood. With the popularity of silent films, film studio The Flying A opened shop in Santa Barbara between 1912 and 1921, making nearly a thousand silent films in that time. Even after most celebrities had migrated to Hollywood, many chose to stay back in Santa Barbara, including silent film megastar Charlie Chaplin. 

Chaplin joined a small group of investors to build Montecito Inn in 1928 as an upscale retreat, according to the hotel’s website. A lot has changed since Chaplin walked through the doors of Montecito Inn, but the hotel has preserved its legacy and lasting appeal. Today, the hotel includes a full-service pool, a spa, and events space. 

7. San Ysidro Ranch

900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch was originally named by monks in the late 1700s to honor Saint Isidore, the patron saint of Madrid, according to Visit Santa Barbara. 

For well over 130 years, the ranch has hosted several noted personalities, including Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, and John Huston, who completed the screenplay of ‘The African Queen’ while staying at the ranch, according to its website. The ranch famously saw Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh getting married on its grounds, and hosted John and Jackie Kennedy during their honeymoon. The ranch even has a cottage named after the Kennedy’s in their honor. 

In a city defined by its iconic Spanish architecture, coastal charm, and Hollywood glamor, these historic hotels reflect Santa Barbara’s growth and evolution over the years. As they continue to welcome and host guests today, these landmarks serve as a reminder of the city’s rich legacy.