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Ala Mar by the Sea

3.0 star property
Santa Barbara's coastal retreat offers wave-riding adventures or peaceful sunbathing, with staff ready to enhance beach experiences at this waterfront haven

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Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Reception - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
Terrace/patio - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
Property grounds - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
Exterior - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
Property grounds - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
Ala Mar by the Sea, along Santa Barbara's coast, offers a peaceful getaway with continental breakfast and a scenic terrace. Enjoy in-room WiFi, on-site motorized watercraft, or relax at nearby Leadbetter Beach. Guests love the beachfront location and helpful staff.

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | View from room

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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Room, 2 Queen Beds | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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Oceanfront King | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Oceanfront King

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Queen Twin Spa

Queen Twin Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Queen Twin Spa

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed

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Queen | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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King Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for King Twin Spa

King Twin Spa | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds

King Twin Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara, Ala Mar by the Sea is in the entertainment district and on the beach. Presidio Santa Barbara and Mission Santa Barbara are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Bike Path. Check out an event or a game at Santa Barbara Bowl, and consider making time for Santa Barbara Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Santa Barbara travel guide
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Map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • The Marina at Santa Barbara #TroveOn #StunningStructures #FindingtheUniverse
    Santa Barbara Harbor
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stearns Wharf at sunset in Santa Barbara, California. #SantaBarbara #California #sunset #lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #AMER
    Stearns Wharf
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraCityCollege_6177286_03
    Santa Barbara City College
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • a gorgeous summer landscape at the beach with vast blue ocean water and silky brown sand surrounded by lush green trees, plants and homes with blue sky and clouds at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara
    Leadbetter Beach
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • SB Biergarten
    4 min walk
  • Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant
    3 min walk
  • Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen
    4 min walk
  • Chad’s
    3 min walk
  • Rudy's Mexican Restaurant
    8 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

Motel near Stearns Wharf
Located close to Presidio Santa Barbara and Leadbetter Beach, Ala Mar by the Sea provides free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-in, ATM/banking services, and concierge services
  • Meeting rooms, local meal delivery service, and motorized watercraft on site
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as perks like free WiFi and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
  • Recycling and LED light bulbs
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and irons/ironing boards
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Cribs/infant beds, heating, and daily housekeeping

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  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent
  • LED lighting
  • Mobile key entry
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 28.50 for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests are asked to check in between 3 PM and 11 PM on Saturdays and by 10 PM Sunday through Friday. To arrange check-in outside of these hours, guests should contact hotel/vacation rental management in advance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 50.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are available for USD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 50 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 50.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 28.50

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Ala Mar
Ala Mar Sea
Ala Mar Sea Hotel
Ala Mar Sea Hotel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel
Ala Mar by the Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar by the Sea Motel Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Ala Mar by the Sea pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ala Mar by the Sea located?

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, this beachfront motel is in the entertainment district and within a 15-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km). Santa Barbara Station is 7 minutes by foot.

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Reviews

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

6.0

6.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

6.8

Staff & service

5.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 200 out of 989 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 187 out of 989 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 191 out of 989 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 163 out of 989 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 248 out of 989 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Very nostalgic and exceptionally clean. Super friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Louise

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was not cleaned very well, the shower especially Very outdated appliances in breakfast area. Great location and looks nice outside but needs cleaning.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
You have to check in to the hotel at the neighboring property, which is fine but there should have been instructions in the check in email to let you know. This property is a motel with an amazing location. The room was clean and was fine, nothing great, nothing terrible in our room 117. Worst thing- the shower didn’t work, only the tub and the water was cold. It was like taking a very cold sponge bath. Don’t think I would stay here again even with the great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Noriko

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It took long time to check in but otherwise everything was great! Great location, large clean room. easy access to nice restaurants and shopping.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tim

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Our room did not match Expedia's property description. No microwave, no fridge, and heater clanked too loud to use. Also, there was no where to park. Shouldn't each room have a dedicated parking space? Horrible room. Friendly staff though.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I took the train from the San Francisco Bay Area down to Santa Barbara for a getaway trip. Totally Spurt of the moment. I was delighted to stumble upon this hotel. It was so comfortable had such a nice vibe. Warm welcoming service. I'm enjoying the 'French country chic' ( with the Spanish twist:-) decor. I will definitely return here!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Sara

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very accommodating and helpful, neighborhood was fine and very convenient but the bathroom had mold and very clear water damage throughout. Probably would not stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful setting with gorgeous view, luxury touches, in pristine condition.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely Hotel. view of the beach, walking distance of shops etc. Easy parking. Checking in was slow and at neighbouring hotel, which was a little confusing.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Marleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was nice and clean access to the beach is great.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aldo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I recommend this place, great location basically for everything on this town!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
The location in relation to the train station and the beach is spectacular. The neighborhood is late-night-walking to the hotel, very friendly. There were multiple families walking with us down the street to other hotels/hostels after our midnight arrival on Amtrak
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

joyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel is right across the street from the ocean which is a very nice view.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sean

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

More than we expected!

Our room was perfect. From the cobblestone flooring to the decor and furniture, it really makes you comfortable All the amenities for a night in Santa Barbara.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was wonderful. Beautiful property.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Staff is real down to earth and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful view of the ocean and the pier. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a really cute, well-maintained property. Conveniently located, right next to the beach. I'd definitely stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Augusto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!!! location is perfect food is at walking distance and the staff is very friendly I highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lobby and pool area were relaxing and unique. The room was clean and quiet. The staff was friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Staff & service
The property is super close to the beach. The staff was super nice and helpful. The rooms are a bit old school but comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very nice and accommodating. Great location with many things to look at. The room we had was spacious and all were very unique. The entire place was very unique and beautiful to see. The complimentary breakfast and snacks/wine were delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good price and location. Everything else was mediocre
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Perla

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not the best room, but it is an ideal price, ideal location, and fantastic staff. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the woman who checked us in, but she was so warm and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023