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Ala Mar by the Sea

Property class: 3

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

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

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is AU$356
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept

Explore the area

View 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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

View all photos for Oceanfront King

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden headboard, and a mirror above it. There are two bedside tables with lamps, a wooden bench, and framed pictures on the walls.

Oceanfront King

  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Santa Barbara

At Ala Mar by the Sea you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Stearns Wharf and Leadbetter Beach. Highlights at this motel include free continental breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .Enjoy the Hot tub and pool loungers. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, concierge services and a terrace. Each morning free breakfast is served. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. .With a stay at this 3-property class Santa Barbara Beach motel, you'll be 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Presidio Santa Barbara and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo.
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, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Santa Barbara Shellfish Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Shaker Mill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Mother Stearns Candy Co. - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Ala Mar by the Sea

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
  • Conference 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 features free toiletries and blackout curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Pillowtop beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Fridges and microwaves are provided.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. An iron/ironing board, hairdryers and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
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  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,455 reviews
The price is AU$268
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 motorised watercraft

Family friendly

  • Cot (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 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
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Cot (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 5 June 2027 to 5 July 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Selected guestrooms
During renovations, the motel will make every effort to minimise 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for USD 50 per night.

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-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
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 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB International and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Ala Mar by the Sea offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 14 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on 7 Sept 2026 start from AU$356, including 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.

Is parking available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yep, Ala Mar by the Sea has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Ala Mar by the Sea?

Yep, Ala Mar by the Sea is a short 14-minute walk from Leadbetter Beach. Fun beach activities include surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also find motor boats and boat tours.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea have a pool?

Ala Mar by the Sea has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.

What makes Ala Mar by the Sea a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub and a champagne service, as well as pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Ala Mar by the Sea.

Is Ala Mar by the Sea family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as an outdoor pool, as well as cots/infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Ala Mar by the Sea is a hit with families.

Does Ala Mar by the Sea serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary continental brekkie is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Ala Mar by the Sea?

No, Ala Mar by the Sea does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Ala Mar by the Sea?

Furry friends are welcome at Ala Mar by the Sea, with food and water bowls on offer.

Ala Mar by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 218 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 157 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 249 out of 1008 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maxwell

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

6/10 Okay

Sheila

.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 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

Matthew

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

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

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

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 review

6/10 Okay

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The property was unique with two different hotels being under same ownership. The Ala Mar was obviously an aging beach hotel but maintained with some cute characteristics. Loved the upper patio looking out to the beach. Unfortunately we got a back corner room with one window with no view. Broken window shades. A coffee maker with no coffee. Chipped walls / paint. But cute older characteristics. Older furniture. Arched doorway. Tiled floor. Pool and jacuzzi were in working order. Coffee and light breakfast in the morning was adequate. A lot of unique pieces, art, and figurines / statues around the property which gave it a unique feel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

8/10 Good

Timothy

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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