Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach, offers simple, colorful rooms with wood floors and granite counters near East Beach, ideal for budget travelers and families. Amenities include a year-round outdoor pool, free morning coffee, free parking, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Guests appreciate the close proximity to the beach and local attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, with clean, stylish rooms that evoke a retro beach vibe and some featuring modern conveniences like mini-fridges.
What's Included:
🏊 Year-round outdoor pool
Important Information:
Wi-Fi available for a feeSome rooms offer mini-fridges for an extra chargeChildren 17 and under stay free with an adultNo restaurant or breakfast service on site
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🌅 Request Ocean View Rooms: Rooms on the second floor offer charming beach and water views with retro decor that guests love.
🧹 Pack Light for Upper Floors: There’s no elevator, so light luggage is advised if assigned to the second floor.
🐕 Pet-Friendly Perks: Pets are welcome here; however, some guests have reported dog noise issues so plan accordingly.
☕ Early Coffee Fix: Complimentary coffee is available each morning in the lobby, a guest favorite start to the day.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Guests consistently praise Motel 6 Santa Barbara for its prime location just steps from the beach, clean and bright rooms with a charming retro vibe, and excellent value. The outdoor pool and free coffee in the lobby are also well liked. Some guests note noise issues due to thin walls and mention that rooms are small and a bit overpriced for a motel, but most find the overall experience satisfactory and appreciate the friendly staff.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
