Harbor House Inn - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Santa Barbara, CA) - Hotel - Tripadvisor
Traveller (391)
Deluxe King Studio with Kitchen - 118B
Room & Suite (209)
Outdoor lounge
Dining (8)
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About

5.0
#1 of 58 hotels in Santa Barbara
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
2023 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best
17 One-of-a-kind studios located one short block from West Beach nestled between Stearn's Wharf & the Santa Barbara Harbor. Room amenities include free wireless internet access and complimentary use of 3-speed cruising bicycles. Beach chairs, towels & umbrellas are also available at no charge. Harbor House Inn is Santa Barbara’s premier family-owned and operated boutique hotel. STAY LOCAL.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Express check-in / check-out
Street parking
Wifi
Complimentary tea
Hiking
Fishing
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Private check-in / check-out
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Complimentary toiletries
Telephone
Bottled water
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Hotel links
Special Rate:Book Direct and SAVE!
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,852 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a prime spot, Harbor House Inn is a gem often praised for its cleanliness and the meticulous upkeep of its rooms. Its location is a hit among guests for easy access to beaches and local spots. The Inn's amenities, including complimentary bikes and quality kitchenettes, are frequently highlighted as exceptional perks. The welcoming staff is lauded for their outstanding hospitality, significantly enriching the guest experience. While the Inn offers considerable value, particularly in upscale Santa Barbara, some guests note potential noise concerns despite the cozy, tastefully decorated rooms.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Remarkable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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1,852Review13Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
goodfoodhot80 wrote a review Feb 2013
goodfoodhot801 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
First off let me start by saying this place is old world guest first for a small motel.
Not only are the rates and ammenities over the top each guest gets there own homemade Banana Bread, what? You are also just steps away from the beach and you feel like your staying at someone's house as apposed to a big hotel. I recommend it hightly.
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Date of stay: February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B wrote a review Feb 2013
Grapeview, Washington1,377 contribution477 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I love to stay here when I come to Santa Barbara. It was built in the late 1940's but has been beautifully renovated. It still has the feel of an old motor court motel, which I love. It is in a very quiet neighborhood and a short walk to the train station or to the main street downtown. They give you a great breakfast basket with fresh baked banana bread, fruit, juices, and other treats for later in the day. The room I was in (#10) is their smallest but was very comfortable. It has a nice sitting area right outside the room which was a great place to read and write while enjoying the afternoon sunshine. I hope to be back!
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Date of stay: February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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KellyNortonTravel wrote a review Dec 2012
Phoenix34 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the Harbour House Inn for one night based upon the reviews we read on this site. We pulled into town late and they had limited availability. The reviews on this site are spot on! The rooms are very nicely decorated, comfortable, roomy (we had a queen suite with an extra room). The value for this off season booking was huge! Parking is a bit tight, and we have a Prius. Fresh baked banana nut bread (the entire loaf) disappeared at breakfast. The bike ride on the loaner bikes to the pier and around town was a nice finishing touch before getting back on the road. We not only recommend it, we will book for future vacations as it is close to everything, and very hospitable. It is clear that the HHI is run by people with a passion for what they do.
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Date of stay: December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B wrote a review Dec 2012
Rapid City, South Dakota69 contributions43 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We met friends for two nights at Harbor House Inn. It was the perfect location, close to the beach and also within walking distance of the old town. The breakfast basket was a nice touch with banana bread, an orange, apples, bananas and biscotti. There were several nice patio areas where we could sit and have a glass of wine in the evening or coffee in the morning. Our room was actually decorated. Most motels have standard interiors but the rooms at the Harbor House Inn felt like a very nice bed and breakfast or even home. The interiors had lots of nice touches that you would not find in other motels. It was as if they had an interior decorator do their rooms.

They even provided bikes to get around town. The bikes were in perfect condition.

The staff was very helpful and pleasant to talk with. You can't go wrong with Harbor House Inn. I cannot say enough good things about our stay at Harbor House Inn.
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Date of stay: November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce_Tsu wrote a review Nov 2012
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey17 contributions18 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I stayed at this charming small bed and breakfast for one night during our trip across the california... We had driven all day were very tired and it was really comfprting to be received by such a nice lady, who gave us maps and tips for dinner.
In the room we found a basket of groceries with juice, fresh baked bread, fruits among other nice thinhs.
The room is very clean and spacious, with an excellent king bed. The shower is very nice as well.
If you grab one of the big rooms you'll find a coffee maker, toaster, microwave, mini fridge (packed with butter and cream cheese).
They do not have a place for breakfast which is totally unnecessary considering the basket theyput in every room.
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Date of stay: November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SandNs_bigadventure wrote a review Nov 2012
London, United Kingdom25 contributions15 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited Santa Barbara in mid September and were recommended this inn by the tourist office. It is just gorgeous! Hugely comfortable beds, amazing breakfast hamper and very close to the beach and harbour. Take advantage of the free bikes and go for a ride along the coastal bike path and up Main Street (which is very cool) to the Courthouse.

This Inn is really great value for money and cheaper than half the very average looking hotels/motels we drove past. We stayed in the smallest room but it was just perfect (I think there is the option of a kitchenette in the larger rooms, but we didn't need one). Would thoroughly recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry T wrote a review Jun 2012
Santa Maria, California90 contributions47 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Each room is different. We stayed in the one in the back, left corner.I can't remember it's name. Very Nice. I was surprised at the low rate considering it is less than a block form the harbor. Great location. It was very clean, nice treats when we arrived and friendly staff. They have free bikes for riding around the harbor and beach area also.
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Date of stay: November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArsLongaVitaBrevis wrote a review Jun 2012
Del Mar, California12 contributions2 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a great small hotel located very close to the harbor and beach. The bed is very comfortable, and all the appointments are first-rate. Our room had a kitchenette, which had a basket of goodies including homemade banana bread. They welcome dogs. Our only complaint is that it is a bit expensive.
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Date of stay: June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H wrote a review Jun 2012
Melbourne, Australia42 contributions16 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Only stayed one night and wished we'd stayed longer. Excellent location - close to beach and downtown. Quiet neighborhood with a great brew pub a few minutes walk away. Definitely stay here if we come back to Santa Barbara.

Amazing breakfast basket on arrival with great home made banana bread- yum. Oh, and the free bikes were a real treat.

Have marked swimming pool and fitness centre as average as they are not available - but not required by us anyway.
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Date of stay: June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew S wrote a review Jun 2012
Santa Clarita, California1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I planned a last minute getaway for our anniversary. The staff were all very helpful, pleasant and informative. A one night reservation was a piece of cake, and the online special price was wonderful. Upon arrival we were happily informed that our room had been upgraded. It was a nice surprise, as our room was now king sized, and included a fire place.

The room was extremely clean and in great condition. All the sheets, blankets and towels were very fresh and well kept. The bathroom and kitchen were a great size. The fireplace, heater, AC and fan kept us comfortable for our entire, albeit short, stay. The kitchen included dishes, glasses, wine glasses, silverware, pots and pans, teapot, coffee maker, microwave, and a stove/oven (again, this was a king size room). The welcome/breakfast basket was perfect - apples, oranges, bananas, juices, biscotti, water, and delicious, homemade banana nut bread. The room also included tea and coffee.

There is a very peaceful common grass area outside with lounge seats, chairs and a couch. There were lit candles on the tables when we got back late in the evening, and a newspaper on the table first thing in the morning. The palm trees added to the serenity!

It is one block from the beach, which we rode the complimentary beach cruiser bikes to. We could've spent a lot of money at the arts and crafts fair that is held every weekend! We then enjoyed a bike ride along the beach on the bike path. The dvd selection was very nice, and was a snap to pick out a couple for the night. The free wi-fi helped us find a couple of great restaurants (check out Jeannine's in Montecito for a wonderful and affordable breakfast!) It seems like a decent, but manageable, walk to State Street.

A few possible downsides were the small parking lots (but only if you have a large truck or SUV - it seemed like street parking was limited residents), and Amtrak does run near it (nothing disturbing.... we did hear a couple of trains in the evening, but nothing at all in the middle of the night).

This place is peaceful, romantic, and a great bang for your buck without any doubt. We will definitely be back!! Thank you to the Harbor House Inn and all of it's staff for a perfect experience!
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Date of stay: June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Elizabeth S asked a question Jun 2022
Indianapolis, Indiana
Is your hotel dog friendly?
Answer from PaulSHHI
Santa Barbara, California
Although we love animals, not everyone does. We ask that you please leave your pet at home during your visit to the Harbor House Inn. Our No-Pets policy applies to Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals, and Therapy Animals.
Meanderingsoul asked a question Sep 2017
Wisconsin546 contributions15 helpful votes
Is it possible to walk to downtown from the Harbor House Inn? What is the distance?
Answer from michaelrichardfenn
Los Angeles, California6 contributions
We always walk from the Inn to wherever we want to go in town - restaurants and shopping are a 5 to 10 minute walk. You probably won't walk to the Mission from the Harbor House but I would say well over 80% of everything you want to see or do is within walking distance.
CindySierraMadre asked a question Apr 2017
Sierra Madre2 contributions
Is on-site parking available?
Answer from Cody Traxler
Santa Barbara, California36 contributions3 helpful votes
Hi there! Yes, we do have on-site parking for small to midsize vehicles. Large trucks and SUVs are able to park safely on Bath Street just steps from our property. If you have not yet made a reservation, be sure to visit our website to ensure you receive the best available rate! Cheers, Cody T.
Jeri F asked a question Mar 2017
Bear Valley, California47 contributions17 helpful votes
Which rooms (numbers) have private patios?
Answer from TheHarborHouseInn
Santa Barbara
Greetings' Room 3 and 2-A. There are 2 beautiful out door lounge areas on the property for your enjoyment.
Kimbrel M asked a question Jan 2017
Charlotte, North Carolina
Are there connecting rooms?
Answer from TheHarborHouseInn
Santa Barbara
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry into Harbor House Inn. Unfortunately, we do not have connected rooms here. We do have rooms next to each other, but no connecting doors. Thank you for the inquiry once again! Harbor House Inn
jill13176 wrote a tip Mar 2024
Lindsay, California5 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Parking is a little tight especially if you drive a large truck like we do. "
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steven_esher wrote a tip Mar 2024
London, United Kingdom36 contributions11 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We had of the larger studios with guaranteed parking and that was a good option. "
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M. J. wrote a tip Nov 2023
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The Harbor House Inn enables you to walk almost anywhere and I would take advantage of it and leave the car behind. "
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Drew A wrote a tip Nov 2023
Minneapolis, Minnesota3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Parking can fill up but there’s on street parking which is pretty simple."
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ladymamoru wrote a tip Feb 2023
Chicago, Illinois13 contributions13 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"You can actually view all of the rooms on their website!"
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PRICE RANGE
C$335 - C$551 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
harbor house hotel santa barbara
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Barbara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Harbor House Inn - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Santa Barbara, CA) - Hotel - Tripadvisor

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