10 hotels in Goleta: Best hotel deals for 2023

June 27, 2022 Hana Mouser

Goleta, home to University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the Santa Barbara Airport, hugs the coast 12 miles west of Santa Barbara. First called "The Good Land" by the Spanish, Goleta was once known for its rich agriculture, and smaller scale farms still pepper the landscape. The California Lemon Festival at Girsh Park is a must-see every October. Visitors seeking outdoor adventure can fish off Goleta Pier, surf at Campus Point and hike along bluffs overlooking untrammeled coastline.
Things to do in Goleta

1. Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

5665 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117-3423 1 (855) 605-0317
Excellent
45%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 826 reviews

Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

Welcome to the Hampton Inn Goleta, CA hotel. This hotel is positioned within eight miles of downtown Santa Barbara in the heart of Old Town Goleta. The beautiful Central Coast of California makes Goleta a desired destination for today's travelers. Conveniently located just off of famous Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, this centrally located hotel is near shops, dining, beautiful golf courses, the University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Airport, and fabulous California beaches. Just moments away from the high-tech companies of the Goleta Valley, the Hampton Inn Goleta, CA is the preferred choice of today's traveler. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, excellent service and the use of complimentary modern day features such as 32'' HDTV's and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access ensure a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Nothing special

Reviewed By englishabdullah

Nothing special to say, the rooms were not ready when we arrived (before check in time) or when we came back (well after check in time) which was disappointing. Cleanliness standards seemed low and the floor made our feet very dirty! Time I think to clean the carpets! Breakfast was ok, but why they have three meat selections - all pork - I don’t understand, a little consideration for different dietary needs would be nice. Location was well out of Santa Barbara but the highway was easily accessible. Reception staff were friendly. Given that there are plenty of other places to stay nearby I wouldn’t recommend.

2. Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

6878 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117 1 (855) 618-4697
Excellent
52%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 258 reviews

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

Welcome to Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta. Our contemporary hotel offers an ideal location, close to the University of California Santa Barbara and Downtown Santa Barbara. Enjoy close proximity to many businesses and popular attractions and shop till you drop with fantastic shopping areas close by. Relax and unwind in a stylish guest room or upgrade to a suite for more space and striking views of the Santa Ynez mountains. Each room features modern amenities including a 50-inch HDTV, microwave and mini fridge. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel and we offer flexible meeting space for a range of events. Enjoy delicious American specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner at our onsite restaurant or unwind at the rooftop bar and take in stunning views of the mountains. Our hotel also offers a modern fitness center and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Great stay always

Reviewed By mironfrie

Always the best hotel to stay at when visiting Goleta. Great place to stay when seeing your college student at UCSB Thanks to Garet the manage for always doing his best!… front desk staff are amazing too!

3. Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117 1 (800) 568-8520
Excellent
44%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 868 reviews

Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

At the Best Western Plus South Coast Inn you're sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus South Coast Inn will stand out among other hotels in Goleta,CA. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don't miss a beat while you're away from the office. For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you're on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus South Coast Inn will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts.

Very comfortable

Reviewed By kurtr997

Comfy place like home convenient to freeway and everything . Great breakfast just like pre Covid! A lot of other hotels went cheap and refused to bring back breakfasts (like Pacifica suites and Wyndham Ramada which are now bottom tier) but BW brought it all back, with the minor exception of pancakes.. with a pool and jacuzzi and a sincerely helpful staff, this is the place to go if it is affordable on the days you are traveling.

4. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

401 Storke Rd, Goleta, CA 93117-2973
Excellent
47%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 328 reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

A Courtyard with great service and a great courtyard

Reviewed By rjshibata

I recently spent a night at the Marriott Courtyard in Goleta, CA. I highly recommend staying there because the staff is competent and provides excellent service. The facility is super clean and the “courtyard” within is very inviting. I enjoyed dining outside. I arrived at the hotel after a 5 hour drive and was tired. Eddie, the front desk person, was enthusiastic and accommodating. He was expecting me and made the check in process quick and seamless, which is not always the case at hotels these days. He checked all the boxes for a Marriott elite check in and more. Thanks Eddie! The room was very clean but didn’t have a disinfectant chemical smell. Everything in the room worked as it should which, again, is not always the case at hotels these days. (The AC, lights in the room, or shower hot water, did not work properly at other Marriott properties I stayed at this year.) As a frequent traveler, my experience at a hotel is marred if I need to call the front desk or even change rooms because the room type is wrong or if a room feature doesn’t work. At the Goleta Courtyard, everything was right. Metrah provided excellent service at the Bistro. Rather than simply taking food orders and bringing them out, she truly served me as well as other customers who were there. (Isn’t that what the hospitality industry is supposed to do?) When I asked her to ice the complimentary sparkling wine from the hotel, she responded positively and gave me my own mini ice bucket! A nice touch. For my dinner she proactively asked “Did you want me to toss the salad before serving?”. I’ve stayed at plenty of places where a request is met with a frown and grudging service. The staff at the Goleta Courtyard seem to give you more service rather than wait for you to request something. I’ve stayed at this property pre-pandemic and once during the pandemic. The service and quality of the hotel has been consistently very good to excellent. I want to commend the management and staff on a job well done. I highly recommend staying at this property if you are in the Santa Barbara area.

5. The Leta Hotel

5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117-2319
Excellent
34%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
13%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 684 reviews

The Leta Hotel

If your idea of the ultimate Southern California retreat is longboards, poolside cocktails and coastal cuisine, you've found your place in the sun at one of the best Santa Barbara hotels around. Here at The Leta, we have a Golden State of Mind attitude, surf-inspired décor, and eclectic accommodations, plus a passion for music shared through our VNYL record shop and live music scene. All of our eccentric, laid back touches will no doubt have you enjoying the good life, one day at a time.

Horrible Motel

Reviewed By Vacation61078328230

Horrible Memorial Day weekend at the Leta — a motel, not a hotel. The rooms are overpriced for this somewhat renovated old motel. The rooms are small, shabby and there is almost no privacy. You can hear everything around you. Our shower drain kept clogging and had to be snaked. There was no room service. And on our final night, the motel held a sorority formal without notifying guests. Loud DJ music and college kids partying, went on through the night. I’ve never had such an awful hotel experience. No manager was on duty and in fact, it didn’t appear there was anyone over the age of about 21 working on the property at all.

6. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117-2474
Excellent
54%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
8%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3155 reviews

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Set against a backdrop of golden beaches and lush mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The iconic Central California resort spans 78 acres and features 358 guest rooms and suites, two natural beaches, lush gardens, and a collection of amenities including: a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; three salt-water infinity pools; six culinary venues including the signature Angel Oak, housing the resort’s 12,000-bottle wine collection; robust activities program for guests of all ages; and 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The property is distinctly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering easy access to the region’s best vineyards, and is just minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara.

Skip the "Bistro", go to O Bar instead

Reviewed By asag556

We had a generally lovely time at Bacara this weekend. The property is stunning and the service is extremely friendly though perhaps a little green and lacking in some of the little flourishes that can help define the experience of staying at an exceptional 5-star resort (e.g., no welcome drinks or beverages offered on arrival, etc). All of that is well and good. But I must also report that the food at the hotel's #1 casual restaurant (which is called "Bistro") leaves a lot to be desired. The service there is less than stellar, too. And unfortunately the food and drinks served at the pool also seem to be prepared by the staff at Bistro, and are similarly lacklaster. The good news: all of this is a stark contrast from the excellent food and service at O Bar, the hotel's other casual restaurant, which, though much farther from the pool, is really great. Bistro feels like a 3-star experience. O Bar feels world class. Chef Brian went out of his way to make us feel welcome there. I'd skip Bistro and the pool service entirely and get your lunches and dinners at O Bar.

7. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

6350 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117
Excellent
76%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

Disappointing - Noisy!

Reviewed By jeffp524

Based on positive Trip Advisor reviews, decided to book a six (6) night “work from anywhere” stay in SB/Goleta at this Residence Inn. Being Platinum Elite, it was nice that my Bonvoy “Suite Nights” were approved for a 2 Bedroom. First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank Susan for a welcoming and efficient check-in experience (including securing us a 3rd floor guest room). Upon entering room 335 and unpacking for the week (Sunday 3/6 thru Saturday 3/12), we started noticing the entire suite was extremely beat up including closet doors were broken and missing doors. The unit was also quite grungy! (See attached photos) Ok so thank G-d I brought some cleaning supplies so took 15 minutes and wiped down the room. Started watching some TV and discovered the reception and/or resolution on all three big screen TVs was seriously poor. Later that early evening, was “trying”to relax in the king bedroom but nearly impossible as the nextdoor guest (room 337) TV was blasting loud along with his nonstop cellphone conversations - ALL coming right through the super thin walls. Later, later upon trying to sleep, noticed a LOUD “turbine fan blowing” and ‘humming” noise coming in from the outside. Considering this property was built in 2017, we determined that super close proximity to the airport and factories, this was not stopping. So phoned the front desk (Eva) and she stated that unfortunately all two bedroom suites (floors 1, 2 and 3) are in the same location of the property and 1st floor “courtyard” units are not available. I informed her that unfortunately this situation is not going to work for me as my sleep and some “peace n quiet” is most important for working here all week long. After first stating to me “I’m sorry you will be charged for today since it’s after 4:00” and to call the Asst. Mgr. “Drew” in the morning, after some further discussions (not friendly to say the least), she stated “I spoke with a Mgr. And you can checkout without being charged if you are OUT by 9:00”. I explained to her we just unpacked for an entire week including work engineering computer/monitor systems) and you’re telling me “I need to be out in 35 minutes” as it’s now 8:25 PM. I was quite furious of her attitude and exhaustively rushed to pack up and load the car for a 2 hour trip home at 9:00 PM. Long day and certainly not what the “Plan Was”. In summary: 1) This young lady needs some training on how to treat Marriott’s Elite Level guests dedicated to the brand. 2) If you are looking to pay in excess of $500/night for a 2 bedroom suite or similar, highly recommend the Waterman or Ritz which I’m fairly certain were both built with significantly better quality construction. Good luck if you decide on this property. We will NOT be returning to Residence Inn, Santa Barbara/Goleta.

8. Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta

5897 Calle Real US 101 South at Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117-2346
Excellent
13%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
16%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 141 reviews

Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta

Welcome to Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta, your Goleta “home away from home.” Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Rancho La Patera & Stow House (1.4 mi), located nearby, makes Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta Hotel a great place to stay for those interested in visiting this popular Goleta landmark. Goleta Motel 6 is a budget friendly motel offering a flat screen TV and air conditioning in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as wifi is offered to guests. The motel features a 24 hour front desk and a sun terrace. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. While in Goleta, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Motel Six Goleta, including Noodle City (0.4 mi), Nikka Fish Market and Grill (0.2 mi), and Outpost (0.4 mi). If you are looking for something to do in the area, Fairview Gardens (0.5 mi) is a popular attraction that is within walking distance of Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta. Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta puts the best of Goleta at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

You get what you pay for

Reviewed By Teresa M

Asked for a ground floor room, was told I would have to wait 4 hours for one. Found 3 dead spiders in the room, had to get batteries for the remote, room key had to be put in 3 times every time I used it to get into the room.

9. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta

6021 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117-3217
Excellent
18%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
13%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 430 reviews

Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Goleta, Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Barbara/Goleta makes it easy to enjoy the best of Goleta. Super 8 Hotel is a family-friendly motel offering a flat screen TV and air conditioning in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The motel features a 24 hour front desk. Plus, guests can enjoy a pool and free breakfast, which have made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Goleta. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. For those interested in checking out Rancho La Patera & Stow House (1.4 mi) while visiting Goleta, Super 8 Goleta is a short distance away. While in Goleta, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Super 8 Goleta, including Noodle City (0.2 mi), Nikka Fish Market and Grill (0.6 mi), and Outpost (0.7 mi). If you are looking for something to do in the area, Fairview Gardens (0.9 mi) is a popular attraction that is within walking distance of Super 8 Hotel. Super 8 Hotel is sure to make your visit to Goleta one worth remembering.

Don’t ever stay here!

Reviewed By wthoma269126

This place is so disgusting, it should be condemned. It should literally be torn down. The carpets were sticky and gooey, there was blood on the sheets, there was no running water and they didn’t serve breakfast.

10. Extended Stay America - Santa Barbara - Calle Real

4870 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93111-1903
Excellent
25%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
16%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 157 reviews

Extended Stay America - Santa Barbara - Calle Real

Free grab-and-go breakfast: Jumpstart your day with a free grab-and-go breakfast that includes a variety of breakfast bars and muffins, hot cereal, coffee, and tea. Cash is accepted as a form of payment for those guests paying by a weekly or monthly rate. A valid credit card must be kept on file for incidentals. Cash is not accepted as a method of payment for guests paying the daily rate.

Absolutely Horrible, Cindy is extremely rude

Reviewed By nottoosalty

Rooms are dated and worn down. Beds are firm and very uncomfortable. Walls are very thin, can hear neighbors talking and farting. Fire alarms went off randomly. The manager named Cindy is the rudest employee at any hotel I’ve experienced in my four decades of travel in two star to five star venues. She must hat her job or hate people or both. Stayed here to organize business and important meetings while our new house was being completed. Big Mistake.

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