Ala Mar by the Sea

Property class: 3

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a flag.
A seaside patio with tables and chairs, palm trees, and a view of the beach and ocean.
A dolphin statue in a garden with cacti and red flowers.
A well-lit entrance with a decorative archway, a purple door, and potted plants labeled 'VILLA' and 'ROSA'.
A pool area with a red umbrella, stone statues, and a spa sign.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is NZ$312
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct

Explore the area

View map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Oceanfront King

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Queen Twin Spa

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Single Bed

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

King Twin Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Santa Barbara

At Ala Mar by the Sea you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. Highlights at this motel include free continental breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .Enjoy the Hot tub and pool loungers. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, concierge services and a terrace. Each morning free breakfast is served. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. .With a stay at this 3-property class Santa Barbara Beach motel, you'll be 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Presidio Santa Barbara and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo.

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Leadbetter Beach - 13 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 7 min walk
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mother Stearns Candy Co. - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea offers its guests an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free breakfast is served daily. A terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at Ala Mar by the Sea. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Santa Barbara motel is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Ala Mar by the Sea offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features free toiletries and blackout curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Fridges and microwaves are provided.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. An iron/ironing board, hairdryers and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorised watercraft

Family friendly

  • Cot (surcharge)
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Cot (surcharge)
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent
  • Mobile key entry
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 28.50 for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests are asked to check in between 3 PM and 11 PM on Saturdays and by 10 PM Sunday through Friday. To arrange check-in outside of these hours, guests should contact hotel/vacation rental management in advance.

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from 5 June 2027 to 5 July 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Selected guestrooms
During renovations, the motel will make every effort to minimise noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 50.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for USD 50 per night.

Payment types

  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 50 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 50.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 28.50

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB International and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Property is also known as

Ala Mar
Ala Mar Sea
Ala Mar Sea Hotel
Ala Mar Sea Hotel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Ala Mar by the Sea?

As of 4 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on 5 Oct 2026 start from NZ$312, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yep, Ala Mar by the Sea has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yep, Ala Mar by the Sea is a short 1-minute walk from West Beach. Fun beach activities include surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also find motor boats and boat tours.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a pool?

Ala Mar by the Sea has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.

What makes Ala Mar by the Sea a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub and a champagne service, as well as pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Ala Mar by the Sea.

Is Ala Mar by the Sea family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as an outdoor pool, as well as cots/infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Ala Mar by the Sea is a hit with families.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary continental brekkie is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

No, Ala Mar by the Sea does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Furry friends are welcome at Ala Mar by the Sea, with food and water bowls on offer.

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 231 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 193 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 181 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 156 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 246 out of 1007 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Surprised at older poor reviews; stayed here w elderly parents and enjoyed relaxed quiet peaceful stay, so close to beach and wharf.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great pet friendly spot loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so spacious, amazing ocean view. Will be booking again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is A+, the ladies who work there were very nice and friendly, property has a ton of character and relaxing. Loved the happy hour!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great! The room was very clean and they have a nice pool. The room was very run down and if it wasn’t in this location I would’ve been really upset about paying that much for that room!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a gem in Santa Barbara! Walking distance to all the BEST bars and restaurants. Will be our new base in SB!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
😎
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Checked in late and staff was very helpful. Certainly paying for location as there was a stain on the comforter, shower floor was covered in stains, AC didn’t seem to work. Location is great, pool was closed, and overall room cleanliness wasn’t up to par for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This establishment's primary advantage is its location, which is exceptional. While the amenities, breakfast, and service are comparable to those found in other hotels, the price point would be difficult to justify were it not for the prime location. However, the location was precisely what we were looking for, and it fully met our expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service
Hotel is in a great location, beautiful views. Parking is a little difficult. Room could use some updates.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very pleasant. Room was a little small but very clean. No elevator to second floor. The balcony area has a great view looking out to the ocean.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Watch out they don’t tell you it’s a motel until you get there and see the sign for your self. Not clean at all and they had try to double charge us. I wanted to throw up as it was so gross & creepy!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
While great proximity to beach and downtown, the room is dated with broken AC. For the price, AC should work, and staff should be helpful instead of disappearing…
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Love it, hidden gem.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach view from the couches on the huge palm tree lined sundeck was amazing! We could feel the ocean spray as baby seals frolicked in the gently breaking waves as they rolled across the shoreline.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room had dirty walls. There was only one small bottle of body wash for three people, so it was used up by the first person. The exterior of the refrigerator was damaged, and one of the room keys did not work. Breakfast consisted only of bagels.u
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking lot is very small so most of the time you need to find parking on the street. Pool and breakfast is located at the neighboring hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Very nostalgic and exceptionally clean. Super friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The location was excellent! Walking distance to everything. But the room was okay but the walls were stained with what appeared to be soda/wine or some kind of liquid that was still and running down the wall. I should have said something, but I was only there one night and was tired. Parking was available and good, continental breakfast was less than expected, tons of people and long lines and no staff monitoring. Overall stay was okay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
awesome …get room 15!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our bathroom was gross. The toilet paper holder was missing and so was the toilet paper. Bathtub jets were moldy. Outside of bathtub broken too. Breakfast was not monitored…burning waffles because waffle iron was so old. The property is old and many things broken. I couldn’t believe how bad it was considering how much we paid to stay there. Even though the location was convenient, I’d never go back. Person working the desk was nice, but it’s not like he could fix these problems.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I was not aware while booking that this was owned by a neighboring property, so the lobby area for check in and breakfast was in a separate building we had to walk to. Also the room was much smaller and a tight squeeze compared to what is perceived from the pictures. Shower could have used an update. Lastly, the lighting in the main room was very dim. Other than that, on the positive side we really enjoyed the free wine tasting nightly and the distance to the beach and other in-town attractions were an amazing feature. The staff was polite. I would stay here again but not with the entire family due to size.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Staff & service
Parking is not reliable , had to park on the street . On checking out in the AM there was not staff in the front desk we waiting an extra hour went back , still no staff , had to leave a note on the frenzy desk with my room key to check out .
Stayed 1 night in May 2026