Hotels
We are researching and visiting nearby hotels and motels, and will post a list of the ones that we think are good choices in different categories. Please remember to book your hotel ASAP, all hotels in Santa Barbara will be fully booked up several months before the date of the wedding!
Janet and Phil’s Wedding Hotel Recommendations
There are hundreds of hotels in the Santa Barbara area. Because it is a resort area, the prices are considerably higher than what you might be used to. After many days of research and visiting and viewing each hotel we are recommending the hotels listed below. We only considered hotels under $200 per night. Note that all hotels have a 2-night minimum stay requirement in the August high season. Unfortunately, no affordable hotels in the Santa Barbara area will give group rate/block rate discounts during the summer months. If you decide to stay in Ventura, plan one hour travel time to the church.
Ramada Limited Santa Barbara (Goleta)
Rates: $169 – $189 (plus 12% tax)
Recommended because: Most comfort, service, space, and newness
This hotel has a nice garden setting with pool and spa, free continental breakfast, and a lagoon with fish and ducks. It is 5½ miles from the Church. Rooms are very large, clean, and have been recently remodeled, so they’re nice and new. No elevator, so request downstairs if you need it. Garden view is nice but a slightly higher rate. There is an IHOP across the street, but no restaurant in the Motel. Several relatives are staying here.
(805) 964-3511 / (866) 398-4668
Hacienda Motel Santa Barbara
Rates: $149 to $199, but increasing (plus 12% tax)
Recommended because: Most space, newness & closest to the church at a good price
This was the best less-expensive place to stay in Santa Barbara proper. It is less than 3 miles from the Church and has been recently remodeled. It is a Travelodge-type facility and is VERY basic, though the beds feel nice and cushy and they are all brand new. There is no elevator, so if stairs are a problem, ask for a downstairs room. There are only about 14 rooms on the first floor. Some have kitchens, some have 2 beds, some one King or Queen. Prices as of Feb 15 range from $149 to $199 per night (they have recently increased, and will continue to increase as we get closer to the summer. But if booked now, you should be able to lock in the current rate). Many places to eat close by the motel.
(805) 687-6461
Motel 6 Santa Barbara (Goleta)
Rates: $114-$120 (plus 12% tax)
Recommended because: Best price and newness
There are a few Motel6’s in the area, all with similar prices. This is the nicest one. It’s been recently remodeled and has flat screen TV’s and wood floors in each room. It is about 7½ miles from the Church. Rooms are very small, but new and clean. There’s a Motel6 on State St. in Santa Barbara, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there. (Also, don’t even consider the Super 8 unless you’re a heavy smoker and don’t mind dirt and mold).
(805) 964-3596 / (800) 466-8356
Extended StayAmerica Santa Barbara – Calle Real
Rates: $155 – $175 (plus 12% tax)
Recommended because: Best price and cleanliness allowing pets
You can bring your dog or cat. Each room has a full mini-kitchen. The hotel is in Goleta, a block from Ramada Santa Barbara (above), 5½ miles from the church. The non-pet, non-smoking rooms are clean and nice. Have not seen the rooms on the upper floors where pets are allowed.
(805) 692-1882 / (800) 804-3724
Franciscan Inn
Rates: $170-$215 (plus 12% tax)
Recommended because: Least expensive, cleanest that’s walking distance to beach (2 blocks).
Rooms are fairly clean and kept up. Nothing else desirable under $200 per night is near the beach. 2½ miles from the church.
(805) 963-8845
Beach Rentals
If you’re interested in renting a beach house during your stay, check out: http://www.vrbo.com Most listings say they require a week stay but if you call the owner you can sometimes work out different days and shorter stays. The Ventura area has the most affordable beach houses, but plan on an hour drive to the church.
Bed and Breakfast Inns
There are a number of Bed and Breakfast Inns in Santa Barbara. These are three fairly affordable ones. They are clean, cute, and small at these prices. There are larger rooms at higher prices. Bed and Breakfasts pride themselves on good service, breakfast, and comfort.
White Jasmine Inn B&B
www.WhiteJasmineInnSantaBarbara.com
(805) 966-0589
Rates: $185-$246
Upham Hotel and Country House B&B
800-727-0876
Rates: $198-$300
Tiffany Country House Inn B&B
805- 963-2283 / 800-999-5672
Rates: $230-$300
Back-up Options: (in case you procrastinated.. ; )
These next two motels have very small rooms and are a bit more expensive than our recommended motels above, however, they are well run and not outrageously priced.
– Presidio Motel – thepresidiomotel.com – 805-963-1355 ($189 - $199)
– Travelers Motel – travelersmotelsb.com – 805-687-6009 ($159 - $179)