Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

4.0 star property
4-star beach motel near Stearns Wharf

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Reception
Exterior
Interior
1 bedroom, in-room safe, individually decorated, blackout drapes
Deluxe Room, Fireplace, Ocean View (Upstairs)

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
421 South Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103
  • Cabrillo Pavillion
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Barbara Zoo
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Stearns Wharf
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchen, Pool View (Ground Floor)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Ocean View (Upstairs)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace, Pool View (Upstairs)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Pool View (Upstairs)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen, Ground Floor (Patio & Fireplace)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Upstairs)

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, Fireplace, Ocean View (Upstairs)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Ground Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Fireplace, Pool View (Upstairs)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(18 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the area

Santa Barbara

Oceanside stay.At this Santa Barbara Beach motel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Chase Palm Park and Cabrillo Pavillion. Santa Barbara Zoo and Andree Clark Bird Refuge are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Cabrillo Pavillion - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 8 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 8 min drive
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara Shellfish Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪East Beach Tacos - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Longboard's Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Santa Barbara FisHouse - ‬19 min walk

About this property

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

4-star beach motel near Stearns Wharf
As a guest of Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel, you'll find an outdoor pool, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance. Public spaces have free WiFi. An area shuttle within 0.01 miles and a beach shuttle are available for a fee. Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel also features a picnic area, concierge services, and a water dispenser. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Santa Barbara motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1953
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel offers 12 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature safes and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Additionally, rooms include fans and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 0.01 mi
  • Beach shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Fan
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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 30 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
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
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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Blue Sands Inn Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Motel
Blue Sands Motel Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Hotel Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Inn
Blue Sands Inn A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
Blue Sands Inn A Kirkwood Collection Property
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel Motel
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel Motel Santa Barbara

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 526 out of 908 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 225 out of 908 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 79 out of 908 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 908 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 41 out of 908 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Maria

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Give each hotel a stay.

Honestly, the Blue Sands Inn hotel is not a bad hotel at all. The parking was the main issue because it was so small. The bigger car you have, the harder it is to park. Besides that, the room was nice but the attention to detail was the issue. Little strands of hair, dust particles, things of that nature. Besides that, the location of the hotel is not bad at all. Close to the beach, stores, and places to eat as well. Do not let my comment stop you from staying here. Give it a shot, you might just like it.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

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

Great stay at the Blue Sands Inn!

The room and entire property were super cute, super nice updated bathroom, snacks and drinks in the lobby, great location and free parking, what's not to love?!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful 5 day stay at the Blue Sands Inn. The owners are lovely people and very involved. They made sure our stay was excellent. They had very nice little touches like warm baked cookies with breakfast. Safe location close to the beach and great restaurants. Looking forward to staying here again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mayra

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay at Blue Sands Inn. The room was a good, comfortable size—clean and nicely kept with everything we needed. The property itself is well maintained and in a fantastic location—just steps from the beach and within walking distance to State Street, which made it easy to explore shops and restaurants. Communication with the hotel staff was smooth and responsive throughout our stay. The woman at the front desk waited 15 mins past her time for us to arrive for check in! Really appreciated that sweet gesture. Room had a small fridge and some drinking water. There aren’t drawers for storage, there’s a rack with hangers. The only minor downside was the wooden bed frame, which made creaking noises, but overall it didn’t take away from our comfort. If you’re looking for a hotel with a big lobby, restaurant, bar etc and 24/7 service this is not it. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a convenient, affordable and well-kept place to stay in Santa Barbara!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nahid

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location with clean rooms for a good price.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed here while in town for a wedding and I loved the property. Budget friendly and very clean. It is in a great location, just across the street from the beach. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Areej

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was dirty, the bed was dorty with some either bugs or big black boogers under the pillow. one light was not working and the other kept flickering. The room was warm and you do not have control over the AC. My face kept itching and eyes watering everytime we entered the room, sat on the bed, or touched anything in the room. The location is nice, though, thats about it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Overall very nice. Quaint, boutique like motel near the beach. Clean and updated with a nice shower. Our room had a gas fireplace and a microwave, but no coffee service and the soaps were empty. I would give it 3 stars and hope that they would offer a little better conveniences in the future. Especially, for the price point... With coffee service and full soap dispensers, 4 stars!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

SCOTT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Baotran

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. 2 mins walk to beach at reasonable price.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zander

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only con was i’ve never been to a place that didn’t want the cash payment, i paid on card which was fine but i was expecting to pay cash. Other than that the pool and area around was perfect, the room was perfect. I would definitely be coming back here again soon.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Debra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to the ocean and wharf
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

JERRY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Close to the ocean
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Dennis

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jorge

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Customer service terrible
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Krista

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
This place was not worth the money, I am truly not pleased with the nighly rate of this hotel considering the quality and location. I wish I had known there are much better places for less money right in funk zone. Bed and pillows were not comfortable, lights flickered entire stay but staff leaves at 8pm So by the time using lights they were gone. We were in Handicap room which has a tiny shower curtian that does not contain water and suctions to your body when showering which is just gross in a motel shower. I was ready to check out. May even reach out to manager about partial refund!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Alice

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

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

Lovely little hotel

Lovely little hotel with a kitchenette in the room and a heated pool. Close to beach and Milpas Street restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The pool was awesome!!! I didn't know it was heated! Definitely need to add that in your description. Room was very nice, had a kitchenette, only bad review was not enough towels in the room. We had to wait till the morning to get more towels from house keeping. Didn't know how to work the ac/heat, and last day there remote & t.v were not working properly. Other than that walking distance to the
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025