Ala Mar by the Sea

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

A beach with palm trees, a pier, and a flag.
A seaside patio with tables and chairs, palm trees, and a view of the beach and ocean.
A pool area with a red umbrella, stone statues, and a spa sign.
A well-lit entrance with a decorative archway, a purple door, and potted plants labeled 'VILLA' and 'ROSA'.
A dolphin statue in a garden with cacti and red flowers.

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is $151
$133 nightly
$151 total
Total with taxes and fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14

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

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Oceanfront King

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Queen Twin Spa

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

King Twin Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

With a stay at Ala Mar by the Sea in Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Beach), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. .This motel is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Presidio Santa Barbara and 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Santa Barbara Zoo.

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Leadbetter Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

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
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

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.

An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 18 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Enjoy recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a hot tub. This motel also features complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Take advantage of the motel's room service (during limited hours). A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
Featured amenities include express check-in and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Guidebooks
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • 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"on-site accessible parking spaces 1", on-site accessible parking spaces
  • 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
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

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 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 50.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are available for USD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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

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-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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.2
Rating 10 - Excellent. 227 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 190 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 186 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 155 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 242 out of 1000 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Surprised at older poor reviews; stayed here w elderly parents and enjoyed relaxed quiet peaceful stay, so close to beach and wharf.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was so spacious, amazing ocean view. Will be booking again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is A+, the ladies who work there were very nice and friendly, property has a ton of character and relaxing. Loved the happy hour!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great! The room was very clean and they have a nice pool. The room was very run down and if it wasn’t in this location I would’ve been really upset about paying that much for that room!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a gem in Santa Barbara! Walking distance to all the BEST bars and restaurants. Will be our new base in SB!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Stefania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This establishment's primary advantage is its location, which is exceptional. While the amenities, breakfast, and service are comparable to those found in other hotels, the price point would be difficult to justify were it not for the prime location. However, the location was precisely what we were looking for, and it fully met our expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Phillipe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Staff & service
Hotel is in a great location, beautiful views. Parking is a little difficult. Room could use some updates.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very pleasant. Room was a little small but very clean. No elevator to second floor. The balcony area has a great view looking out to the ocean.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Amber

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
While great proximity to beach and downtown, the room is dated with broken AC. For the price, AC should work, and staff should be helpful instead of disappearing…
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

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

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 review

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 review

8/10 Good

Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The location was excellent! Walking distance to everything. But the room was okay but the walls were stained with what appeared to be soda/wine or some kind of liquid that was still and running down the wall. I should have said something, but I was only there one night and was tired. Parking was available and good, continental breakfast was less than expected, tons of people and long lines and no staff monitoring. Overall stay was okay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sheila

.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

8/10 Good

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I was not aware while booking that this was owned by a neighboring property, so the lobby area for check in and breakfast was in a separate building we had to walk to. Also the room was much smaller and a tight squeeze compared to what is perceived from the pictures. Shower could have used an update. Lastly, the lighting in the main room was very dim. Other than that, on the positive side we really enjoyed the free wine tasting nightly and the distance to the beach and other in-town attractions were an amazing feature. The staff was polite. I would stay here again but not with the entire family due to size.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Cesar

Disliked: Staff & service
Parking is not reliable , had to park on the street . On checking out in the AM there was not staff in the front desk we waiting an extra hour went back , still no staff , had to leave a note on the frenzy desk with my room key to check out .
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

6/10 Okay

Kristyne

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Location was amazing. Bathroom was dirty, moldy and unventilated and the room was not ready by the promised time. Front desk lady was rude because I didn’t fill in a form that was texted to me in the middle of my 5 hour drive to Santa Barbara. If a form was required it should have been sent 24 hours earlier, not when people are actively traveling. Maintenance man was very nice and helpful. We didn’t know how to check in, there was no signage saying that the registration desk was at a neighboring hotel and thankfully he walked us over to check in. He salvaged what started out as a crappy experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

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 review

2/10 Terrible

Henna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES - beware they are scammers will do hundreds in authorized charges and then will not answer the phone or your messages. STAY AWAY
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

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