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Ala Mar by the Sea

Property class: 3
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

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a flag. - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
A well-lit entrance with a decorative archway, a purple door, and potted plants labeled 'VILLA' and 'ROSA'. - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
A seaside patio with tables and chairs, palm trees, and a view of the beach and ocean. - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
A pool area with a red umbrella, stone statues, and a spa sign. - Ala Mar by the Sea (Santa Barbara)
A dolphin statue in a garden with cacti and red flowers. - 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

A bedroom with a large bed, a headboard, a nightstand, a lamp, a chair, and a window with blinds.

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

A wooden-paneled room with two beds, each with patterned bedding, a desk with a lamp, and an air conditioning unit.

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Oceanfront King

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden headboard, and a mirror above it. There are two bedside tables with lamps, a wooden bench, and framed pictures on the walls.

Oceanfront King

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

View all photos for Queen Twin Spa

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, a wooden headboard, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

Queen Twin Spa

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a painting on the wall, and a small table with a lamp.

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

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

View all photos for Queen

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a patterned bedspread, a bedside lamp, and a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for King Spa

A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with blue bedding, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wall-mounted picture frame.

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for King Twin Spa

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and a mirror.

King Twin Spa

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

About the neighborhood

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara, Ala Mar by the Sea is in the entertainment district and near 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
View more Motels in Santa Barbara
Map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • A beach with palm trees and a clear blue sky.
    West Beach
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
    Santa Barbara Harbor
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.
    Stearns Wharf
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A two-story building with a beige facade, large windows, and a balcony.
    Santa Barbara City College
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, dense greenery, and a clear blue sky.
    Leadbetter Beach
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
    9 min walk
  • SB Biergarten
    4 min walk
  • Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant
    3 min walk
  • Shaker Mill
    10 min walk
  • Mother Stearns Candy Co.
    7 min walk

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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
  • 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
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

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.

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from June 5 2027 to July 5 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Select guestrooms
During renovations, the motel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.

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.
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

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 motel is 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.

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

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

6.0

6.4

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

6.8

Staff & service

5.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 219 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 158 out of 1012 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 251 out of 1012 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was across the street from the beach with a great open balcony
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Rebecca

Disliked: Amenities
Good location. Needs some "TLC" in rooms. Check in staff very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Surprised at older poor reviews; stayed here w elderly parents and enjoyed relaxed quiet peaceful stay, so close to beach and wharf.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Renae

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great pet friendly spot loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Anthony

Disliked: Staff & service
Right by the beach , problem with homeless in the parking lot, sitting on the benches by your room, staff was notified and said that there’s not much they can do?
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Tamer

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked four rooms for two families in a road trip with four stops, this was the third stop and we got disappointed, the rooms are not equally maintained, one is good the other one needs renovation! The bathroom tiles are broken in one of the rooms, the other one needs proper cleaning ( the previous guests’ nails leftover were on the ground!!) The day we were leaving, housekeepers opens the door without knocking!! You need to pay attention to how you are running this business, your location is so good, the place could be a cozy nice place but it needs a different level of attention and investment
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great! The room was very clean and they have a nice pool. The room was very run down and if it wasn’t in this location I would’ve been really upset about paying that much for that room!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely lovely hotel. We reserved a 2 bedroom room and ended up with a mini apartment with 2 cute little bedrooms, a little kitchen a nice living room, and beautiful patio to the pool area. Furnishings are old fashioned and the place could use a slight refresh on somethings (tub was a little old and could use a deeper cleaning) but I loved it. So worth it for the money (everything in the area was expensive that weekend but this was on the lower end and way better than other options at the price) and the location is perfect. May not be for everyone if you prefer more modern amenities but I loved it and will definitely be returning. 4.5 stars for me
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Taylor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Checked in late and staff was very helpful. Certainly paying for location as there was a stain on the comforter, shower floor was covered in stains, AC didn’t seem to work. Location is great, pool was closed, and overall room cleanliness wasn’t up to par for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Santana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach view from the couches on the huge palm tree lined sundeck was amazing! We could feel the ocean spray as baby seals frolicked in the gently breaking waves as they rolled across the shoreline.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kristyne

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Location was amazing. Bathroom was dirty, moldy and unventilated and the room was not ready by the promised time. Front desk lady was rude because I didn’t fill in a form that was texted to me in the middle of my 5 hour drive to Santa Barbara. If a form was required it should have been sent 24 hours earlier, not when people are actively traveling. Maintenance man was very nice and helpful. We didn’t know how to check in, there was no signage saying that the registration desk was at a neighboring hotel and thankfully he walked us over to check in. He salvaged what started out as a crappy experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cristal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
If you book a room at the Ala Mar Motel, the check in is at the Villa Rosa Inn which is like a 1-2 minute walk. Location has a very limited parking spaces but they do have additional parking in front of Villa Rosa Inn. There is no pool at this location but they do have a large balcony with couple of chairs and tables. If you are interested in the pool, the pool is located on Villa Rosa Inn. Ala Mar Motel is located just across the beach and it’s a like 15-20 minutes walk to the downtown Santa Barbara. Other than that this still a really good place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Christopher

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The receptionist Melody was fantastic despite how busy they were. Substantially understaffed, funky older motel that truthfully I went through and cleaned with a washcloth. However proximity to the beach, the great staff and just being in Santa Barbara makes it all worth while 👍
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had to wait a winute for room. But all good therw after
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

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

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kristie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were initially booked at the Ala Mar Motel, when we arrived the check in lobby was locked and there was a sign that instructed you to check in next door at the Villa Rosa Inn. We went over to the Inn at noon and nobody was at the front desk, there was another guest besides us waiting to check in as well. We ended up leaving and coming back closer to 3. The lady that checked us in was very nice and gave us a room at the Villa Rosa Inn with a nice Ocean view. All the staff members we came in contact with were extremely nice and helpful and so sweet. However, the hotel is run down and needs some TLC. The jets in the jacuzzi did not work, the window seals in our room had cracked paint and the window in the bathroom was stuck and would not open, bed was not comfortable at all. We stayed there two nights and did not get good sleep because the first night we were there we had a homeless lady cussing herself out right outside our window, the next morning she was in the lobby helping herself to breakfast, then the last night we were there we were on the patio of the Ala Mar watching the sunset and she came up the stairs to join us, we left and went to our room. Shortly afterwards she was stealing a bicycle from the room across from us, then was trying to get into our hotel from the back by banging on the door. Not relaxing at all. This hotel needs to spring for some security or lock the doors and have the hotel keys open them to keep employees and guests safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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