Hipmunk's Best Hotels near Santa Barbara City College

Peak Travel Times

The SBCC calendar year doesn’t affect lodging costs or hotel accessibility too much. August and May, when the term begins and ends, are peak months for tourists regardless. However, be aware when planning your trip that the University of California at Santa Barbara, located 12 miles up the road, holds its commencement in mid-June, and lodging prices throughout Santa Barbara skyrocket. If you’re thinking about a visit in June, you’ll want to book a place to stay at least six months in advance.

For cheaper accommodations in Santa Barbara, stay away from the city’s main drag, State Street. SBCC is located on prime real estate, a block from the beach at the end of the downtown district. It’s wise to stay a bit farther from the campus and then commute to it if you’re sticking to a tight budget. The farther north you stay in Santa Barbara, or the farther east and west branching off State Street, the lower the price of your accommodations. 

Consider Hotels North of Santa Barbara

There’s no two ways about it: You’ll have to dish out to stay at a hotel in Santa Barbara, even during winter’s low season. If you have a car, you might choose to stay in the neighboring city of Goleta, located 12 miles north. There are several budget hotel options in Goleta, such as the Quality Inn, with rooms starting around $85 in low season. The Ramada Hotel, a bit closer to downtown Santa Barbara, has rooms during low season starting from $108. Several buses run from Goleta and upper Santa Barbara into downtown Santa Barbara. 

Santa Barbara Motel Deals

Motels are not much cheaper than budget hotels, though they may offer more seasonal deals. The Quality Inn Santa Barbara, located near the golf club and Mission Santa Barbara, offers rates as low as $136 in May, which is commencement month for Santa Barbara City College.

Santa Barbara’s Only Hostel

Santa Barbara has one hostel, which may be ideal for those making a solo trip to SBCC. The Wayfarer is located in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, the lower end of downtown known for its bar and wine-tasting scene. It’s also a short walk from the City College campus. On peak summer nights, dorm beds run from $74, and private rooms from $114. In May, just before the crowds roll in, you can score a dorm bed from $59, and a private room from $90. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and laundry are all included.

Airbnb Listings

Renting private rooms through Airbnb is another budget-friendly option in this expensive coastal city. Rooms near the college campus hover around $100. If you’re traveling alone, it’s nearly equivalent to a hostel, but if you can share the room with a travel partner then you can dramatically cut costs.

Since Santa Barbara isn’t a huge city, the Airbnb listings are not infinite. That said, there is certainly a fine selection of both private rooms and full-scale rentals. Often times, Airbnb hosts allow access to the kitchen, which can help you save on dining costs when the city’s lodging options are at the top of your budget.

Enjoy Your Stay

Despite its high price point, Santa Barbara is a majestic city well worth the visit. With a bit of advanced planning and flexibility, you should be able to find lodging that allows you to fully enjoy all the city has to offer.