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Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 star property
Morning coffee fuels waterfront adventures at this downtown retreat where travelers can stroll to local shops or pedal off on rental bikes to explore Santa Barbara

Choose dates to view prices

Located in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara, Drift is a convenient base for exploration. Start your day at the on-site cafe, unwind with drinks at the bar, or rent bikes to explore Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. Helpful staff and express check-in ensure a hassle-free stay.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AED 757
AED 864 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Room (Cozy)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Cozy)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for State Street Premium View Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

State Street Premium View Room

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ground floor (Cozy)

City view

Ground floor (Cozy)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Mountain View

Mountain view

Premium Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Penthouse (Drift)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Bunk Room)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Bunk Room)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Premium Room, Balcony, City View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Balcony, City View

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,871 reviews
The price is AED 820
AED 936 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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About the neighborhood

Downtown Santa Barbara, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara with great shopping, is home to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels. Paseo Nuevo Mall and La Arcada are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and Andree Clark Bird Refuge. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Santa Barbara Bowl or Earl Warren Showgrounds. Visit our Santa Barbara travel guide
Map
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • Sant Barbara. USA
    Paseo Nuevo Mall
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
    Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraCityCollege_6177286_03
    Santa Barbara City College
    13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • The Marina at Santa Barbara #TroveOn #StunningStructures #FindingtheUniverse
    Santa Barbara Harbor
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
    8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station
    8 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
    12 min drive

Restaurants

  • M. Special Brewing Company
    3 min walk
  • Dune Coffee Roasters
    4 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Craft Ramen
    2 min walk
  • Casa Agria Specialty Ales - Santa Barbara Taproom
    3 min walk
  • Shaker Mill
    3 min walk

About this property

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Hotel near Santa Barbara Bowl
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels provides amenities like a coffee shop/cafe and a bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and self parking (surcharge)
  • Express check-out, express check-in, and concierge services
  • A 24-hour front desk, smoke-free premises, and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff and proximity to shopping
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to perks like free WiFi and safes. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • 43-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, Hulu, and streaming services
  • Digital channels, heating, and housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Uncovered self parking on site (USD 18 per day)

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.
  • Elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • 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
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 15 per person
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 18 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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

Is Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 5 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels on 23 March 2026 start from AED 757, excluding 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.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for USD 18 per day.

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

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

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

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels located?

Located in Downtown Santa Barbara, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Antioch University and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Paseo Nuevo Mall and Casa de la Guerra are also within 10 minutes. Santa Barbara Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

8.4

Very Good

9.4

Cleanliness

8.2

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 417 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 417 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 417 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 417 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 417 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Wesley

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

10/10 Excellent

juan

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

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

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

10/10 Excellent

Natalia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable room. Cozy, quiet. And coffee in the morning was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic room, very clean and a comfortable bed. Nice staff and the bar, Dusk, was a lot of fun as well.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

nicholas

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

10/10 Excellent

Alina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very nice and clean! It was close to everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daoud

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Joe from the concierge was awesome! She was helpful and just the best! She made us feel so comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Choice of Hotel

Perfect location right on State Street near restaurants, shops and other places.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel side of things was all pretty good. I saw some other rooms that housekeeping was in and some of these rooms a scary small. I'm glad I opted for a more expensive room so we had the extra room space. The view was great, room styling and decor was awesome. Location is about the best for the area also. I recommend a room overlooking state st or the penthouse is out of this world. My one let down was Dusk & Dawn. They are nice but I was under the impression that they were larger and that Dusk would have a good menu for dinner. It's just drinks and snacks. Not necessarily a bad thing but something to mention. There's a lot of food places in the area and the hotel alone is worth the stay. The staff were all great and very friendly. Facilities were also clean and well kept.
Should've photographed before sleeping in the bed, great room!
Loved the large windows and ambient lighting.
Beautiful building and tons of green on state st.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Mom and Daughter getaway

Great location to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Youjin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Drift Hotel was so amazing! It was the perfect location to walk around State St, and explore around Santa Barbara
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My wife and I got married here in September and couldn’t have been happier with the Drift! Cristina, Michael, Alecia and the whole team were so incredibly accommodating and wonderful to work with. The hotel is super stylish, with a modern, earthy, Mediterranean vibe, the rooms are cozy and the bar downstairs, Dusk, is dynamite. We’re looking forward to coming back again and again and can’t recommend it enough to others!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ahmed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean hotel, excellent staff they go for and beyond helping you in addressing any question or concerns, very thoughtful and considerate. I like to mention Joe, who she addressed every request that I had. Amazing location, plenty of dining options couple of blocks from the beach. I’m glad that I chose this hotel, a different recommended difference and Family
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Whit

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location. No car needed!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall great experience, great location and the hospitality was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geneviève

Liked: Cleanliness
Super friendly, easy check in and out and beautiful deco
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully designed and located in a fun area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very cool hotel right on State St. great location and ambience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claudia E

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and great environment. Totally recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and very clean
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love our stay! Fun, hip, clean, & the location was amazing!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Trendy hotel located right in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Shows great online but looks were deceiving… overall, great location & aesthetic but small rooms felt like a hostel right off the State Street bar. Paying nearly $500 / night for a closet-sized room, which hotel doesn’t have photos online, felt misrepresented. PROS: great location, clean & modern vibe, friendly staff. CONS: absolutely tiniest rooms on first floor, felt like a closet (bathroom / shower / sitting “area” / sink / bed all within 10ft room). First floor room right off public State Street bar, can hear loud party noise throughout the night. limited to no staff, single person (very friendly and accommodating) manning a concierge booth outside the coffee shop attached to first floor.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025