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Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Property class: 3.5

Photo gallery for Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and large windows.
A modern bar area with a wooden table and chairs, shelves with bottles and glasses, and a large window overlooking the street.
A bedroom with a large bed, a bench, and a view of the city through large windows.
A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.
A modern bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a view of the city through a window.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is NZ$457
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov

Explore the area

View map
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Presidio Santa Barbara
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room (Cozy)

A modern bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a view of the city through a window.

Room (Cozy)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for State Street Premium View Room

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a bench, a chair, and a small table. There are two windows with curtains, and a wooden wall paneling.

State Street Premium View Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ground floor (Cozy)

A modern bathroom with a shower, a towel rack, and a shelf with toiletries.

Ground floor (Cozy)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Mountain View

A bedroom with a large bed, a window seat, and a view of the outdoors.

Premium Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse (Drift)

A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Penthouse (Drift)

A bedroom with a large window, a bed with white linens, a hanging lamp, and a view of the outdoors.

Penthouse (Drift)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Bunk Room)

A bunk bed room with a built-in desk and a window.

Room (Bunk Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, Balcony, City View

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a bedside lamp, a bench, and a bed with white linens.

Premium Room, Balcony, City View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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  • Free Wi-Fi
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8.4 out of 10, Very good, 1,000 reviews
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includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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About the area

Santa Barbara

At Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of popular places like Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Stearns Wharf. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and a coffee shop/cafe. Each morning to-go breakfast is served between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3.5-property class Downtown Santa Barbara hotel include Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Harbor.

What's nearby

  • Presidio Santa Barbara - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 16 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 8 min walk
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Institution Ale Company - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪EOS Lounge - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Broad Street Oyster Company - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

There's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels also features concierge services, express check-in, and express check-out. Parking is available for a fee.

This 3.5-star Santa Barbara hotel is smoke free.

  • 46 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Concierge
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels offers 46 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. 43-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include a shower, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Santa Barbara hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 33 per day)
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily on-the-go breakfast available 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a fee: USD 5 to 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping on request

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests will receive an email within 48 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • 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.

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 15 per person
  • Uncovered self-parking fee: USD 33 per day

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
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
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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property is also known as

Drift Santa Barbara
Drift Santa Barbara a Member of Design Hotels
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Hotel
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

As of 9 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels on 9 Nov 2026 start from NZ$457, 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 Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yep, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels has an uncovered self car park for USD 33 per day. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Are there any beaches close to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yep, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is a short 11-minute walk from West Beach.

What makes Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels serve breakfast?

Yep, to-go breakfast is on offer daily between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

No, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 296 out of 502 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 77 out of 502 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 64 out of 502 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 502 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 502 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, staff and accommodations..close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, very quaint, beautifully decorated, staff is amazing, convenient to shopping restaurants and beach
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little spot for the weekend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! Cute rooms, but on the smaller side. Minimalistic amenities. Staff was helpful. Dawn and Dusk patio area is great. They have bikes you can use for the day which was fun!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location - cute rooms- great attentive service
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location of The Drift is perfect. Everything is very walkable make it super convenient. One item to note, the rooms are VERY SMALL. Well decorated but unless you are getting a larger room they really aren't meant for 2 people. I will say the staff are AMAZING, from great communication prior to going and during the stay, everyone was great!! Definitely would recommend this hotel as it wasn't a bad stay, just was thrown off by the room size for the price.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the vibe in this hotel and bar! It was a great location and we were able to walk everywhere. We even checked out the bikes and took a bike ride. It was a special event we were celebrating and we felt really spoiled here. The staff was very helpful and made sure we have everything we needed. I would stay her again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Amenities
Great location - but very pricey for what it is. Tiny tiny rooms
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our go to hotel, right on the Main street with dining and shopping options all around. Cozy mini rooms. love the concept. Modern minimalist. Bar has the best craft cocktails around with several mixologists. a must visit.. even if you don't stay here.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Front desk service was so accommodating - both day team and night team. Hotel was clean and so cute. The coffee shop and bar attached to the hotel was a perfect addition.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean but smaller thank we’s seen in the photos. What I didn’t like was the sink by the bed and there wasn’t a closet to hang our clothes, just three hangers. But it was okay just not what was expected. The location is beautiful right on State St.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was very clean and location was great. Room was very small.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a comfy room. It was small, but very efficient and had everything I needed for a comfortable 1 night stay for a work trip. It would have been tight for 2 people, but doable to a long weekend where you are planning outdoor activities. Overall great location and value
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great find! Loved it so much - beds and pillows were comfy. Only complaint was the wood beams were very dusty which made me wake up w insane allergies and the window was covered w cobwebs outside- - they could use a window washer and better cleaning w ceilings but the room felt clean and it was super cozy indeed. Felt like an nyc hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, Aesthetically pleasing. Nice staff. Cute hotel. Small rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff was nice and the hotel was comfy
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location and service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely little hotel, friendly staff. Very modern and clean. Positioned directly on the main road near lots of shops and nightlife so you don’t have to travel far for entertainment. I would stay here again for sure and would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel with even better staff! Would stay here every time I’m in Santa Barbara.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was my husband and I’s second time at this hotel and it is always such an amazing stay! Everything about this hotel is so intentional and the design is truly unique. I love how they utilize space and create an amazing calming ambiance. The staff were friendly, the check in and checkout is so quick and easy. Everything is clean and the free drip coffee was just a great addition. This is our go to stay in Santa Barbara and will always be! :)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Foord and staff where top! The room was way to small
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026

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