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Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 star property
Hotel with a coffee shop, near Stearns Wharf

Choose dates to view prices

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

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Private kitchen
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated
Coffee shop
Coffee shop

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Stearns Wharf
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪12 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Room, City View (Cozy)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, City View (Cozy)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Tree House, View (State Street View)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Tree House, View (State Street View)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Cozy)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Cozy)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Mountain View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Mountain View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Penthouse (Drift)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Penthouse (Drift)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Penthouse (Drift)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room (Bunk Room)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room (Bunk Room)

  • 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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

Located in Downtown Santa Barbara within a short walk of Stearns Wharf, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Santa Barbara Harbor. This 46-room, 3.5-star hotel has a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe, along with free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 5 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 5 min drive - 2.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Joe's Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Dune Coffee Roasters - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪EOS Lounge - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Sandbar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Hotel with a coffee shop, near Stearns Wharf
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels features free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. Self parking is offered for USD 25 per day. Helpful staff can provide concierge services and luggage storage.
43-inch Smart TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Safes are also included. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Spanish

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  • Air conditioning
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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 25 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

  • 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

  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Connecting rooms available
  • 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
There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email 48 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; your host will greet you
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link

Access methods

Access code, host will greet you

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for to-go breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 15 per person
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 25 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Apr 28, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels on May 7, 2025 start from $309.0, 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.

What's there to do within easy reach of Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

This hotel is situated in Downtown Santa Barbara within a short 14-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and also 17 minutes on foot from Santa Barbara Harbor. You'll also find Santa Barbara Bowl and Santa Barbara Zoo within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for USD 25 per day.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels include a casino?

No, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include premium bedding, Netflix, and bathrobes.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels serves to-go breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its cafe.

Will Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels though service animals are welcome.

Does Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

What is the closest airport to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

The closest major airport to Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is 10.3 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is located 30 mi away (38-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a furnished balcony where guests can enjoy garden or mountain views.

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 200 out of 341 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 341 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 341 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 341 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 341 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Ludovic, Newport Beach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are deceiving in the photos. It’s much smaller than I would have deemed acceptable. Can’t walk around the bed since the queen bed is the full width of the room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

David

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Noise was insanely loud, keeping me up most of the night
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reece

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very boutique chic
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

NANCY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Junus

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

Drift - highly recommend

Super easy check in. Great aesthetic. People seem to complain on reviews about the cozy room size but it's definitely enough space if you're not planning to spend all day on your room. I found Drift on Design Hotel's website. They never disappoint. Location is great but you'll have to be okay with some noise if you're there towards the end of the week/weekends.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Traveled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Darcy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

design & great team let down by operation choices

We had a number of SB options and I chose Drift based on the aesthetic which does not disappoint. Unfortunately the views and size are quite significantly different than the pictures. It is my responsibility to check sq footage. I did not. The views etc are sadly not as represented and linens, towels were in very rough shape, frayed and worn, etc. On the other hand, staff was extraordinary and would have done anything in their power to help. Would definitely encourage the team to return to coffee in the room. Doesn’t make for a relaxing stay when you need to dress to coffee. For the price and excellent staff, some things are not meeting the level they should.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Clara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ken

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

sheri

Business traveler
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Cute Concept - Needs Improvements

Cute concept but rooms too small/dark and dusty/musty. No signage/hard to find at night, no parking:valet-public parking lot $3/hr, no coffee makers or vending machines for after hours
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alma

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was extremely noise, neither my husband and I couldnt sleep, drunk people screemeing on the halway, not safe
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Room too small, not organized efficiently. No place to unpack and put things. One person should not have to crawl over another to get in or out of bed.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Robin

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Uncomfortable but good location

If you are looking for a location on State Street, then it's worth taking a look at this property but rooms are very dark, cold, and small. The bed /pillows uncomfortable, no parking, no place to put your suitcase, no closet. It was clean. But you have to request maid service via text if you need towels or trash removed etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claudia E

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

10/10 Excellent

Kendra

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kazuya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Great place and location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Samantha

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrible communication. Canceled reservations without warning. Do not recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin

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

8/10 Good

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024