Hotel Californian: Santa Barbara’s American Riviera Getaway

Hotel Californian is a 121-room boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, California, rated 4 stars and priced from $409 per night. The California Spanish Colonial Revival property is located at 36 State Street, at the gateway of the city’s eclectic arts and entertainment district, the Funk Zone.

Traveling abroad has long been a goal for people of all ages, but over the past few years, the Mediterranean vacation has become the cornerstone of aspirational jet-setting among 20- and 30-somethings. And it’s understandable. From a walkable way of life and balmy coastal weather to the charm of each town dotting the Amalfi Coast and the French and Italian Rivieras—Positano, Portofino, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, among them—these destinations deliver storybook getaways travelers will talk about for years. But what if a European vacation isn’t in the cards, or if you simply prefer to stay stateside? In that case, let me turn your attention to Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara.

Just steps from the Pacific and in a neighborhood prized for its walkability and charm, Hotel Californian makes a strong case for an American Riviera getaway. 

The moment you step through Hotel Californian's open-air entryway, you’ll feel transported abroad. The sprawling white stucco California Spanish Colonial Revival property features eye-catching Moorish-themed interiors that blend African and European influences. Brimming with black-and-white details, from the graphic tile floors to the statement-making ceilings in both the main lobby and Djinn (the lobby library bar), Hotel Californian mesmerizes guests at first glance. By the time you meander through the art-lined, open-air halls to the guest rooms and suites across the property, you’ll be so smitten with Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s design that you’ll be making mental notes on how to bring elements into your own home.

Casetta's 25-room hotel debuted in September inside a 1931 church originally designed by architect Scott Quintin, restoring the stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and former chapel. Now, it’s complete with custom furnishings and collected antiques. The restaurant, Sous Sous, is a New American French spot that pairs French technique with Southern California and American South influences. Art runs through the whole property via a partnership with L.A.'s Rhett Baruch Gallery and Uprise Art, and GM Anthony Gutierrez has been known to personally deliver a martini to your door around 5 pm.

Hotel Californian offers four on-site dining options, from casual to upscale. Goat Tree is a great place to start the day or stop in for lunch, with quick take-away options and more leisurely seated reservations available. Popular menu items include the Shakshuka, Mediterranean Salad, and Seafood Pasta. If you’re popping in for breakfast on the go, you can’t pass up the chocolate croissants. I’ve eaten pastries all over America and Europe, and I can attest that these are the best, most satisfyingly flaky, stuffed croissants I’ve ever enjoyed. 

For a more formal meal, make a reservation at The Knock, the property’s recently opened Alfred Hitchcock-themed restaurant. The Honey Trap Sandwich and ’Nduja Shrimp & Grits Smoked Gouda have garnered notable attention in the short time since opening. 

As for drinks, you have a few options. Goat Tree, The Knock, and Djinn serve craft cocktails, wine, and beer. For a unique sipping experience, choose Djinn, where legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa crafted a menu of fairytale-worthy libations. If you'd rather work your way through varietals, The Society: State & Mason offers more than 70 wines from the Foley Family portfolio, plus charcuterie to pair with them. (Fun Fact: The Foley Family owns Hotel Californian.)

At Hotel Californian, the goal is to unwind. From the stunning blue-and-white Majorelle Spa (an impressive 2,500 square feet), complete with a couples suite, steam rooms, and massage and facial services, to the posh rooftop pool and lounge-chair-dotted promenade, Hotel Californian invites guests to sit back and savor the moment in the American Riviera. Other perks, covered by the nightly resort fee, include complimentary bikes, beach umbrellas, and towels, plus a house car that takes guests anywhere within a 2-mile radius.

Santa Barbara is widely known as the American Riviera thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate, mountain-lined coast, and pedestrian-friendly way of life. Located in the highly walkable Funk Zone, Santa Barbara’s arts and entertainment district, Hotel Californian is the prime place to stay, sitting just a few short paces away from all the places and things that make the California city so coveted. Beaches, breweries, boutiques, and eateries surround the hotel, making it a central escape worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Trust me, though, one trip will never be enough. 

Address: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Neighborhood: The Funk Zone
Nearest Airport: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

Star Rating: Star Rating: Four stars (Forbes Travel Guide)
Starting Rate: $409

Room Count: 121
Vibe: A Moorish-designed boutique property with a distinct Mediterranean-meets-Old Hollywood glamour feel
Best For: Girls’ trips, couples’ getaways, pet parents, family vacations—you name it
Amenities: 24/7 concierge, rooftop pool overlooking the Pacific, full-service spa, 24/7 gym, guest bicycles, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, complimentary house car, complimentary weekend wine tastings at Djinn

Nearby: Loveworn & Rodeo Gallery, SB Biergarten, Mountain Air Sports, The Beach House, Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Pearl Social Cocktail Club, Stearns Wharf, Gracie, Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market

Our Favorite Thing: Checking out the complimentary bikes to cycle and sightsee around town—from restaurants, breweries, galleries, and shops to the 4.5-mile oceanfront Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path