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
View from room
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Property grounds
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
Front of property

On the beach

This motel is located on the beach. Popular nearby activities worth checking out include snorkelling and surf lessons.

On the beach
Kayaking

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

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

Panoramic Room, Ocean View

Highlights

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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Highlights

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

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About the area

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighbourhood 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. Enjoy an event or a match at Santa Barbara Bowl, and consider making time for Santa Barbara Zoo—a top attraction that's not to be missed. Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Leadbetter Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 5 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 7 min walk
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 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 sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • Express check-in, concierge services and motorised watercraft on-site
  • ATM/banking services, smoke-free property and tour/ticket information
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the beach locale and helpful staff
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks such as free WiFi.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Fridges, microwaves and heating

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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 motorised 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
  • Smoke-free property

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 are 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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-authorise 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 any lifts

Property is also known as

Ala Mar Sea Motel Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea Motel
Ala Mar Sea Santa Barbara
Ala Mar Sea
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?

Checkout 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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Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.0
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

6.2/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Meghan

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

Awesome motel

I love staying here when I come to Santa Barbara!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

2/10 Terrible

Nicole

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
pictures not like on expedia! a motel not a hotel! disgusting, unclean, dirt everywhere, toilet had crap from prior guest, candy on floor, no blankets, window on top of side of bed and shutters never cleaned, cobwebs everywhere, rude check in (done on property across street!), floor unsafe, half used toilet paper roll on toilet (no TP holder), half used dirty dial soap bottle on sink (no vanity), chunks of cement on floor , paint all over things on celing and room, check in gave our room key to someone else who came in our room and then apolgized, check in was rude and dirty too
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

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

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

janelle

cute place!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023