Escape toThe American Riviera

Nestled in the Funk Zone, an up-and-coming neighborhood in Santa Barbara famed for its food and drink, Hotel Californian offers stylish environs framing picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Comprised of three buildings and breezy outdoor courts, Hotel Californian's architecture is a nod to the iconic Spanish Colonial Revival style with a distinctive Moroccan twist, with interiors elevated by the stunning work of celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. From its conception, Hotel Californian has enjoyed praise from publications ranging from Architectural Digest to Forbes Online for its inspired design, exciting location, and thoughtful offerings. Explore Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, CA and, by extension, explore the vibrant culture of The American Riviera.

A mission revival-style hotel on the street corner featuring second-story balconies and a dining patio lined by palm trees. Link to Larger Item Photo, ListItemCarouselImage1

Press

Hotel Californian has been honored to be featured in a number of articles from publications like Elle Décor, Condé Nast Traveler, and Goop Style. Read our recent press and submit media and influencer inquiries on our Press page.

Read All About It
Back of a woman with a flowing white sundress walking into Hotel Californian, our luxury hotel in Santa Barbara, CA Link to Larger Item Photo, ListItemCarouselImage1

Gallery

Characterized by a distinctive architectural style, elevated furnishings, and stunning views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Californian is truly a feast for the eyes. Don’t take our word for it though, visit our Gallery and see for yourself.

Explore Hotel Californian
Side view of Hotel Californian with mission revival-style architecture and multiple palm trees on a sunny day. Link to Larger Item Photo, ListItemCarouselImage1

Contact

Hotel Californian is here to help before, during, and after your trip. Please visit our Location & Contact page to get in touch with our team and find helpful travel tips and links to our recommended plane, train, and automobile partners.

Contact Our Team

CAPTIVATING DESIGN

Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan influences and unexpected custom furnishings from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard create a modern take on seaside Santa Barbara.

Featuring over 1 million tiles—many hand-painted and flattened in Morocco—Hotel Californian’s design is as dazzling as the natural beauty of the American Riviera in an entirely unexpected way.

alcazar suite entry Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - alcazar suite entry
light and shadow on tiles Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - light and shadow on tiles
A stylish courtyard featuring geometric patterned tiles, complemented by cushioned chairs and two umbrellas. Image Slide3, Link to Larger Image - A stylish courtyard featuring geometric patterned tiles, complemented by cushioned chairs and two umbrellas.

HOLLYWOOD NORTH

In 1925, Hotel Californian first opened as a gateway to the beach and downtown Santa Barbara, CA. Only eleven days later, the historic earthquake and fire of 1925 rocked this city, and the hotel, to its core. Following the destruction, Santa Barbara was rebuilt in a way only a Hollywood dreamer could imagine—a thoughtfully designed playground meant to capture the allure of an imagined California. Architects of Santa Barbara’s then-new Spanish Revival style aimed to create a feeling of affluence and exoticism entirely unique to the town.

Hotel Californian finds itself at “La Entrada,” or the entrance, to the burgeoning food & wine-centric Funk Zone, and steps away from the iconic beachfront and pier—the perfect location to explore the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer, all accessible by foot.

Wooden pier extending over calm blue water with mountains in the distance. Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - Wooden pier extending over calm blue water with mountains in the distance.
oman walking past a black-and-white tiger mural on a palm-lined street. Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - oman walking past a black-and-white tiger mural on a palm-lined street.
Close-up of a sign on the sidewalk that says the word art in uppercase letters with a large arrow. Image Slide3, Link to Larger Image - Close-up of a sign on the sidewalk that says the word art in uppercase letters with a large arrow.
Santa Barbara trolley driving along Mason Street beneath tall palm trees. Image Slide4, Link to Larger Image - Santa Barbara trolley driving along Mason Street beneath tall palm trees.
Clear blue sky with palm trees, partial mural on a wall, and lanterns hanging from a pergola. Image Slide5, Link to Larger Image - Clear blue sky with palm trees, partial mural on a wall, and lanterns hanging from a pergola.