Hotel Review: Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, California

This blog post is all about my Best Western Plus Santa Barbara review.

Welcome to the start of the West Coast Road Trip blog posts!

I’m going to do my best to write things in order and with as much details as possible, whilst also compiling a comprehensive PDF guide to follow too.

For context, my boyfriend and I just returned from a 3 week West Coast Road Trip covering California, Utah, Arizona and a quick stop in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We covered a lot of miles across America and had the best time, seeing so many different landscapes, national parks, attractions and sport.

Not forgetting the purpose of the whole trip, spending our final night seeing Oasis at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. An epic way to end the trip.

Before I digress too much, we started the road trip in Santa Barbara, California. This blog post will cover my review of the hotel and our night spent at the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara.

RELATED West Coast Road Trip blog posts to read:

I’m sharing loads of content from our West Coast road trip: from itineraries and food guides to hotel reviews and travel tips. Don’t forget to follow along on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for videos and behind-the-scenes updates!

You can see a full Best Western Plus Santa Barbara room tour in my Santa Barbara travel vlog on YouTube to get a real feel for the hotel!

Table of Contents

5 Reasons to Visit Santa Barbara, California

When we started planning our three-week West Coast USA road trip, we knew we wanted to begin in Santa Barbara.

This coastal California city has everything you could ask for in a first stop: golden beaches, Spanish-style architecture, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe that immediately sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Even if you only have 24 hours in Santa Barbara, this city is absolutely worth a stop on any West Coast road trip.

For us, it was the perfect place to ease into California before tackling the long scenic drives north.

Here’s why Santa Barbara deserves a spot on your itinerary:

1. The Stunning Beaches

Santa Barbara is famous for its wide, sandy beaches, which stretch along the coastline with mountain views behind them.

East Beach is a favourite for long walks, volleyball, and watching the sun rise over the Pacific. Butterfly Beach in nearby Montecito is known for spectacular sunsets and tends to attract fewer crowds.

Whether you’re a surfer, sunbather, or just want a quiet stroll, the beaches here are a highlight.

2. Spanish-Style Architecture

Often called the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara blends Spanish colonial history with a modern coastal lifestyle.

The city’s red-tiled rooftops, white stucco buildings, and palm-lined streets make it one of the most picturesque towns in California.

If you love architecture, don’t miss the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which offers panoramic views from the clock tower.

3. Wine Country Access

Santa Barbara sits on the doorstep of the Santa Ynez Valley, one of California’s premier wine regions.

Even if you don’t have time for a full vineyard tour, the city has dozens of wine tasting rooms where you can sample local wines without leaving downtown.

If you do have more time, a side trip into wine country is unforgettable.

4. The Santa Barbara Mission

The Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, is one of the most iconic historic sites in California.

Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it’s still active today and offers tours of the church, gardens, and museum.

It’s a must for anyone interested in California’s colonial past.

5. Relaxed Coastal Vibes

Santa Barbara strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and laid-back charm.

You’ll find boutique shopping, farm-to-table restaurants, and luxury resorts, but also beachside taco shacks and casual cafes.

The combination makes it a place where every traveller feels at home, whether you’re road-tripping on a budget or indulging in a splurge.

Why We Chose to Stay at The Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

When you’re road-tripping, hotel choices often come down to three things: location, comfort, and value.

We wanted somewhere we could easily check in, park our car, and rest after a long day of travel.

The Best Western Plus Santa Barbara checked all the boxes:

It’s close to the main attractions but not right in the middle of the tourist areas.
It has spacious rooms and reliable amenities, so you know you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
It includes parking — a huge bonus in a city where street parking can be tricky.

We also appreciated that Best Western Plus hotels have a reputation for consistency. On a long road trip, you don’t always want to gamble on quirky accommodations.

Instead, we wanted somewhere we knew would deliver a good night’s sleep before setting off for Big Sur and Monterey the next morning.

Another reason we chose Best Western Plus Santa Barbara was its affordability compared to some of the more upscale hotels in the city.

Santa Barbara is known for its luxury resorts, but if you’re only staying for one night and planning to spend most of your time exploring, this hotel offers great value for money.

Location of Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Location is everything when you’re choosing a hotel, and the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara puts you in a sweet spot.

It’s close enough to downtown that you can walk or drive in easily, but tucked away in a quieter area where you can relax without noise or crowds.

Downtown Santa Barbara – Just a 5-minute drive or 20–30 minute walk away. Here you’ll find State Street, lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes.
The Beach – A short drive will take you to Santa Barbara’s famous beaches. East Beach and West Beach are closest, but you can reach Butterfly Beach in Montecito in about 15 minutes.
Historic Attractions – The hotel is near the Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, both worth visiting.
Highway Access – If you’re continuing north or south, Highway 101 is nearby, making it simple to hit the road without navigating city traffic.

One of the biggest perks of the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara location is the on-site parking.

Santa Barbara can be challenging when it comes to finding parking downtown. So having a spot at the hotel meant we could leave the car when we wanted to walk, or grab it easily when heading further afield.

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara Orlagh Claire Review

Amenities at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

While we didn’t spend a huge amount of time at the hotel (Santa Barbara was calling!), we did get to enjoy some of the amenities, and they made our short stay really comfortable.

Spacious Rooms – Our room was classic motel-style but large, clean, and well-equipped. The bed was incredibly comfortable after a day of travel, and there was plenty of room for luggage.
Pool and Hot Tub – Having a pool was a bonus. Even though we didn’t use it, it’s a great feature if you’re staying longer or travelling with kids.
On-Site Cafe – There’s a dining option right at the hotel, which is great if you’re too tired to go out.
Friendly Staff – Check-in was smooth and welcoming. The staff were happy to share local tips, which is always appreciated when you’re visiting a new city.
Free Wi-Fi – Reliable and fast, perfect for planning the next day’s route.

The amenities might not be over-the-top luxury, but they strike the perfect balance for a stopover.

Everything you need is there without unnecessary extras you probably wouldn’t use on a one-night stay.

Final Review of Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Overall, our stay at the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara was exactly what we needed.

Comfortable, convenient, and stress-free, aka the perfect combination for the first night of a long road trip.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

If you’re visiting Santa Barbara as part of a bigger itinerary, or if you just need a solid base to explore the city, this hotel is a fantastic option.

It’s not the fanciest place in town, but that’s part of its appeal. It gives you everything you need at a reasonable price, in a great location, with friendly service.

If you’re starting or ending a West Coast USA road trip, the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara is an excellent choice.

It allows you to enjoy the beauty and charm of Santa Barbara without breaking the bank, and without the stress of downtown parking.

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara Orlagh Claire West Coast Road Trip

FAQs About Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Where is Best Western Plus Santa Barbara located?

It’s just outside downtown Santa Barbara, close to attractions like the Old Mission, State Street, and the beach.

Does Best Western Plus Santa Barbara have parking?

Yes, on-site parking is available, making it ideal for road trippers.

Is there a pool at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara?

Yes, the hotel has both a swimming pool and a hot tub.

Can you walk into downtown from the hotel?

Yes, downtown is about a 20–30 minute walk or a short 5-minute drive.

Is breakfast included?

The hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, though it may depend on your booking option whether it’s included.

Is Best Western Plus Santa Barbara family-friendly?

Yes, with spacious rooms, a pool, and easy access to attractions, it works well for families as well as couples and solo travellers.

The Next Stop on Our West Coast Road Trip

After our night at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, we headed up the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and Monterey.

We were spending the next night at Monterey Pines Inn and exploring the town of Monterey (I’m a big fan of the Big Little Lies TV show, so this was huge for me), as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.

Keep your eyes out for the next blog posts about our West Coast Road Trip, YouTube vlogs to come, and a full PDF guide covering our 3 week trip!

In the meantime, I’ll be posting a lot over on TikTok and Instagram, so make sure to follow along over there.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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Hotel Review: Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, California