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Ala Mar by the Sea

3.0 star property
3-star beachfront motel near Stearns Wharf

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Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Front of property
A pool area with a red umbrella, stone statues, and a spa sign.
Exterior
A well-lit entrance with a decorative archway, a purple door, and potted plants labeled 'VILLA' and 'ROSA'.
Property grounds

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
102 West Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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

Oceanfront King

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

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About the area

Santa Barbara

On the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of this Santa Barbara Beach motel, you'll find Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. Presidio Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Zoo are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Motels in Santa BarbaraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Leadbetter Beach - 13 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mother Stearns Candy Co. - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Rodeo Room - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

3-star beachfront motel near Stearns Wharf
Ala Mar by the Sea offers its guests an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free breakfast is served daily. A terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at Ala Mar by the Sea. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Santa Barbara motel is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Ala Mar by the Sea offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Irons/ironing boards, hair dryers, and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

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

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: USD 50 per pet, per day
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. 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 Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB International, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

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

How close is Ala Mar by the Sea to the airport?

Ala Mar by the Sea is 10.6 mi (12-min drive) away from the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ala Mar by the Sea?

As of Jul 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on Jul 29, 2026 start from CA $226, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Ala Mar by the Sea.

How close is Ala Mar by the Sea to the beach?

This motel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Ala Mar by the Sea offer free breakfast?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Ala Mar by the Sea?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

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.

Is there free parking at Ala Mar by the Sea?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a pool?

Ala Mar by the Sea features an outdoor pool.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Ala Mar by the Sea to downtown Santa Barbara?

Ala Mar by the Sea is 1.1 mi away from Santa Barbara.

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 216 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 193 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 159 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 250 out of 1010 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Anita

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
It was ok for one night. Rooms were clean, yes the place is alittle outdated, but right across from the ocean and walking distance to Stearns Wharf.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

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

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

6/10 Okay

Tysha

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking lot is very small so most of the time you need to find parking on the street. Pool and breakfast is located at the neighboring hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Love it, hidden gem.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Amenities
awesome …get room 15!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Chris

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Absolute SCAM! I booked this hotel for my wife's birthday weekend through Expedia. It's across the street from the beach in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. Sounds ideal right? BEWARE. Upon check in, a gentleman in front of us in line was asking why the hotel had charged his credit card $200 above the price he booked through a third-party service. The front desk staff
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Dylan

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We did not get the room we had booked. Had to switch rooms due to a foul smell/possible gas leak. The next room's AC was broken, the faucet wouldn't stop running, and there was mold in the bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is shabby and poorly maintained, pretending to be “eclectic”. When I protested the poor quality in my room and requested to check out one day early from my reservation, the front desk person told me I could do so, and so I made a reservation at another hotel for the following night. Then the next morning when I went to check out, that very same person claimed otherwise and charged me. I’m still fighting it.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Vanessa

We checked in at 3PM. We were given our keys but when we entered, the room was unclean. The towels were dirty & on the floor, the bed was slept in. There were half eaten yogurt and coffee cups laying about. We waited in the lobby over an hour past check in waiting for someone to be available to clean the room. We eventually had to leave so we wouldn't miss our dinner reservations. It was cleaned by the time we returned. People are overall nice just clearly understaffed. No other concerns beyond that. If you are just looking for somewhere to crash for the night that isnt priced at $800/night then I recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mikhail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cozy vintage hotel next to the ocean, nice walk bun. Definitely five stars!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

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

2/10 Terrible

Yesenia

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I went with my family of 5 and the room was very small. The main desk and pool is located in a whole other building. Attending is very poor and unhelpful. Breakfast is horrible, no good options. Photos that are uploaded are false, nothing like the experience. Very difficult to find parking. Room was missing many things. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a marvelous stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

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

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
Verified

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