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Ala Mar by the Sea

2.0 star property
On beach with outdoor pool, near Stearns Wharf

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Front of property
Property grounds
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View | View from room
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

  • Breakfast included
  • Hot Tub
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 10 - Sep 11
Check availability for tonight Sep 10 - Sep 11

Tomorrow

Sep 11 - Sep 12
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 11 - Sep 12
Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Individually decorated, individually furnished, laptop workspace

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Panoramic Room, Ocean View

Panoramic Room, Ocean View | View from room

Panoramic Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Individually decorated, individually furnished, laptop workspace

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, laptop workspace

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Leadbetter Beach - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 5 min drive - 2.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Longboard's Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara FisHouse - ‬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 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, concierge services, and motorized watercraft on site
  • ATM/banking services, smoke-free premises, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks like free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and heating

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

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace

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
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 60.0 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 60.0 per day
  • 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.
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 at Ala Mar by the Sea?

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

6.0

Eco-friendliness

5.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 189 out of 953 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 183 out of 953 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 186 out of 953 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 157 out of 953 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 238 out of 953 reviews

Reviews

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

6/10 Okay

anatoliy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
In hotel description states continental breakfast included but only cofe and sweets
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice location.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The office is being run by staff at another hotel. It is impossible to query charges to bill after departure. There are no closets in the rooms. Not even a hook. No sound-proofing. Nice old tile throughout. Upper deck overlooking the ocean for all guests. Breakfast good but also at the other hotel up the street.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very cool place. Melody was a delight.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Leon

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Needs to be rebuild
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Sandra

Not like picture I got room with at but was dirty I had to clean my self there’s was a sitt
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

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

6/10 Okay

Matt

Liked: Staff & service
Older hotel and it shows. Beat up like an old house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 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

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

James

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

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very convenient walking to beach, pier, and lots of dining/ drinking options
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

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

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the location and the people
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Awful terrible place

Way overstated the accommodations at this hotel. What is not disclosed is it has not been updated since maybe the 80s- furniture was broken, mattresses old, linens etc threadbare. The only new thing in the room was the tv. Pool? In the next door hotel. Check in? No check in on site, next door? Weird. Breakfast? Defrosted soggy bagels and pastries. Not one redeeming quality except for the location, which is why they are still in business. Oh and construction in the room next door sounded like the drill was going to come through the wall. Just awful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful rustic Mexican/Spanish decor, across the street from the beach, close to wharf and downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Kevin

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

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

janelle

cute place!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Well, at least you can see the beach

I don't like to be negative -- this place could be really nice, but it needs some work. The main problem was that the toilet was not properly attached to the floor, and it leaked. Beyond that, I would have liked to have a coffee maker, a closet with hangers, and a comfortable chair or two; and my gal would have liked to have a hair dryer. But the bed was comfortable, and we slept well. Otherwise, I would have given it a rating of 1 star.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
When I booked, price said included all taxes and fees. But checking in they charged me an extra $30 fee Breakfast was a joke.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

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