On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront, and I had a wonderful time enjoying all it had to offer (which is a lot!).
Located less than a mile from the popular “Funk Zone”, and situated across from East Beach with picturesque ocean views, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a fabulous place to enjoy a few days in sunny Santa Barbara. With genuine hospitality, sensational views, delicious food, and an amazing spa onsite, it’s well worth a visit.
Here is a list of what we loved the most about the property!
FLOAT Luxury Spa
I could write love songs to this spa. Float Luxury Spa offers a full range of services designed to relax and revitalize. They have a maternity massage for expectant mothers, couples massages, reflexology and more. I went twice, first for the fabulous Signature Massage with Amy, which was so good I came back for their deluxe spa package, the Euphoria. 90 minutes of absolute heaven: dry brushing, custom massage, foot treatment, and an amazing coconut scalp treatment that left my hair smelling incredible for days.
Luxury Resort Amenities Without The Crowds
The heated freeform pool was recently renovated with a plethora of loungers, cabanas, and chair sets, great for catching some sun or hanging out. I had to get some work done, so I pulled out my laptop in a cabana and enjoyed the shade sipping complementary water and eating fruit. There’s fresh pickleball courts, a hot tub, a rooftop and beach access (though you do have to cross the street), which makes enjoying the property easy and enjoyable.
The layout of the low rise Spanish Colonial architecture means that it never really feels too crowded, even when it’s busy. Additionally, the rooms are pretty spacious, with a nice little desk area, comfy beds and beautiful smelling Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.
The Travel Addict Tip for those working hard and playing harder:
The cabanas are a perfect spot to lounge with your laptop by the pool, with complimentary water and fruit to keep you sated and hydrated.
The Gorgeous Setting
The hotel is seated right on the beach, so the views of the coastline on one side, and Santa Ynez mountains on the other are breathtaking. I had a view of the beach from my room, and watching the waves gently crashing onto the sand made it hard to leave.
Beyond the ocean and the mountains, the hotel itself is stunning: from the huge circular courtyard at the entrance to the tile floors in the outdoor part of the restaurant, everything has that Spanish Colonial charm. The gardens and palm trees make the grounds feel lush, green, and romantic. The interior itself is also well-designed: feels spacious, open, and elegant.
The Travel Addict Tip for the luxury traveler:
Book a room with an ocean view, it’s absolutely worth any extra cost.
The Service
The service was outstanding. Concierge Drew was truly a gem, he helped me with all my planning for the week. Even if you show up on a whim with no plans, the staff here is so helpful and knowledgeable of the area, as well as great at taking into account your specific preferences.
The Food
The breakfast at Roundhouse is incredible. I woke up in my spacious beach view room, got ready, and enjoyed basically a dream breakfast for me: Bananas Foster French Toast, with bacon and Diet Coke. I have a major sweet tooth, and it was an exceptional way to start the day.
Their other restaurant onsite, The Set, is the perfect combination of delicious and unpretentious food paired with relaxing ocean views. I enjoyed a perfect burger and fries while sipping Chocolate Martinis, watching the ocean. You can choose to sit inside, on the patio, or at a fire pit.
Beyond the two restaurants, they also have a wine-tasting room for sampling local wines and an adorable cafe.
The Travel Addict Tip for traveling with your family:
It is a little bit of a walk into town, so be prepared for that. The hotel offers bike rentals, which makes it pretty easy to get anywhere. If you want to stay and enjoy the resort, there are plenty of beach activities to keep you busy, as well as the pool and pickleball courts.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront to anyone looking for a luxurious beach vacation without the crowds. The spa is unmissable, the scenery is gorgeous, and having the beach visible from your room is lovely.