Ala Mar by the Sea

3.0 star property
3-star beachfront motel near Stearns Wharf

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Ala Mar by the Sea

Front of property
Reception
Property grounds
Property grounds
Terrace/patio

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

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Oceanfront King

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

Queen Twin Spa

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

Room, 2 Queen beds & 1 Twin

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

Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

King Spa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

King Twin Spa

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

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About the neighborhood

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).

What's nearby

  • West Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 3 min walk - 0.2 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

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
  • ‪Rudy's Mexican Restaurant - ‬8 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.

Similar properties

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.

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 Jun 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ala Mar by the Sea on Jun 30, 2026 start from $258, 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.

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. 210 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 193 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 157 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 253 out of 1005 reviews

6.2/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

5.6/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

Matthew

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

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

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

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Carolyn

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty rooms. No toilet paper. Inconvenient check in. Extra unexpected Fees for $131.26 after check out not listed on Expedia receipt. No response after 4 emails requesting a receipt explaining the extra fees. There are plenty of other places to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Timothy

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

6/10 Okay

Billy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great. Our room was a little run down. The bathroom door was really hard to shut because it was dragging on the floor. The fridge leaked some water. Advertised patio was just really a shared walkway for our room. Staff reached out on first day to check in which was nice but never responded when listed these issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Shilpi

Moldy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mario

Disliked: Amenities
Is not in the same building, difficult to find
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Rejeena

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The tub was so dirty. You could see the black mold around the jets and tiles. Barely felt okay to shower in the tub let alone bathe in it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I took the train from the San Francisco Bay Area down to Santa Barbara for a getaway trip. Totally Spurt of the moment. I was delighted to stumble upon this hotel. It was so comfortable had such a nice vibe. Warm welcoming service. I'm enjoying the 'French country chic' ( with the Spanish twist:-) decor. I will definitely return here!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sanjeev

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed in room 102. The AC and Microwave were not functional. The room was in a bad shape with the bathroom window broken. The front desk said they would bring in an electrician but never came. Sadly, I cannot recommend the hotel for the price it charges. A very poor state of affairs.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
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
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
You have to check in to the hotel at the neighboring property, which is fine but there should have been instructions in the check in email to let you know. This property is a motel with an amazing location. The room was clean and was fine, nothing great, nothing terrible in our room 117. Worst thing- the shower didn’t work, only the tub and the water was cold. It was like taking a very cold sponge bath. Don’t think I would stay here again even with the great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sara

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very accommodating and helpful, neighborhood was fine and very convenient but the bathroom had mold and very clear water damage throughout. Probably would not stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 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

2/10 Terrible

Tim

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Our room did not match Expedia's property description. No microwave, no fridge, and heater clanked too loud to use. Also, there was no where to park. Shouldn't each room have a dedicated parking space? Horrible room. Friendly staff though.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilee

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

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely Hotel. view of the beach, walking distance of shops etc. Easy parking. Checking in was slow and at neighbouring hotel, which was a little confusing.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025