ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

United States , Santa Barbara Area - CA
Santa Barbara, Chapala Street, 134
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75 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

13 Mar 2026

Janette

Staff are inviting and friendly. There are NO lockers available. I purchased a $5 lock that they sold to me and couldn’t find one locker available, all of them were used as storage for the staff. In the middle of the night someone reached through my curtain and grabbed my leg. I assume it was to see if I was still in there but it felt aggressive and weird. I won’t stay again because of it, but other than that the place was clean and the area was really nice.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Sean

The staff were SUPER chill! Everyone was friendly (guests and staff alike). There's a common area kitchen where you can store your food in a refrigerator or freezer, and there are utensils, basic spices, a stove, and cooking ware to prepare your own food. During my stay they had eggs, bananas, and pancake mix that they provided for breakfast with some accoutrements for the pancakes (brown sugar, coconut, syrup). There were common guitars and a common piano for people to use too. Lights out at 11am and it wasn't too noisy. Such a cool place!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Cassie

Friendly staff. Clean and Fun property with daily activities..2 blocks from the beach. Make your own pancake breakfast with great coffee. Great prices! We will be back!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Jen

Great location. Close to the beach, public transportation, restaurants, farmers market etc. Lots of activities. Games, corn hole, ping pong, firepit.
Washers and dryers. Lockers. Vending machine. Kitchen. Breakfast provided. Beds are comfortable. Staff is amazing.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Esmeralda

Staff is really nice and helpful overall a comfortable stay

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Mustafa

It is a centrally located welcoming place to stay. Common areas have all the amenities that every hostel should carry. The private room I booked could also have had its private bathroom in it. However, the shared bathroom and the all gender restroom was clean and helpful. Eggs, package and the coffee were pleasant for the breakfast. Thanks to Bobby, Jonathan and the rest of the hostel crew for their accessibility.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2026

Alisa

To start with, the staff are very kind and accommodating - I had a gig that started at the time their check-in is and due to traffic beforehand and finishing up well after their front desk closed, they offered a solution that they will leave my key where I can grab it when I arrive so that I would be able to get in (also, luckily, there was actually someone at the front desk somehow at 4am as the key was unintentionally left inside so I'm grateful to her). I booked a bed in the all female 10 bed dormitory and had zero issues. Clean sheets, super comfortable mattress, a wide shelf to put things on, a lamp, and a fan - all of these little things made me sink in and have an incredible sleep.

When it comes to hostels, there's a level of trust with the people in the room with you regarding your things, respect for each other's space, and a feeling of safety and I felt very comfortable all around.

I also love how close the beach is! It was a short and sweet walk especially with beautiful weather.

Very happy that I booked with this hostel!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

Alfie

Amazing staff, really friendly & welcoming. Well-equipped hostel with a cozy common area and everything you might need but forgot. Daily/nightly events and a great outdoor space. Literally next to the train station so it’s convenient to get to. My daughter & I felt safe the entire time!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2026

Liahnnie

Yes it was

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2026

Naya

Highly recommended

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2026

Dezheng

Neat and clean place for backpackers. I love the kitchen which allows me to cook for the kids and myself. Very nice atmosphere and well maintained. They are not fancy but definitely clean everywhere.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Angelina

I spend 4 days in this Hostel and it was incredible ! The staff are so nice and everything is really clean ! By the way if you meet Maxine you're better watch out because she is iconic !!
There is also activities during the day and in the evening, so as a single traveler it's perfect to meet new people !
Don't hesitate if you come in Santa Barbara, come to the ITH !!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2025

Giovanni

Cozy, courteous, and cute. This hostel was unlike previous I had stayed in that it had unique qualities such as the themed nights. The location is perfect! I was able to walk to dinner (a local Mediterranean spot) and steps from the beach for sunset.

10/10 would recommend & hope to return

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2025

Irene

Everyone is always amazing!

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2025

Mike

Walkable to everything, beach and downtown

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

Jacob

Fun and friendly atmosphere. Matthew was especially kind in showing me around. Definitely would stay here again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Donald

Very nice hostel! Friendly, helpful staff.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2025

Martin

Yes and yes.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Jorge

My husband was in town just to drop of some of my son's belongings and needed a place to rest before driving back home...literally less than an 24 hour trip.

Hotels were either sold out, super far or ridiculously priced at over $400/night. I saw the hostel & he said he loved the idea...meeting new people, having a place to sleep, being downtown and you can't beat the rate. I did get him the private bedroom because he snores. Eeek, don't tell him I shared that on the internet!

He checked in rather late at 9pm and was welcomed in by Hailey. She shared the rules, gave him a quick tour of the hostel and he left his backpack in his room and went out to find some dinner.

He shared that it was such a relaxed environment: people working on their laptops, chatting by the fire pit, cooking up a meal, and sharing a beer.

When he came back most people had gone to bed. He used the restroom which he said were spotless, went to bed and slept all night. He commented that the hostel was super clean, trendy, and really had a great atmosphere.

Everything is so close by and while the crowd was younger than him, he said it's definitely a place he'd come back to and said he thinks I'd love it too!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2025

Mei Qi

Location close to the Amtrak station, sufficient restrooms for use, free breakfast as described, however there was no air conditioning in the room, just a portable fan available.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Karim

Amazing spot and awesome staff

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Justin

Clean room and great breakfast

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2025

Sherry Belen

I was never informed that we had to take out our sheets before checking out. The guy at the front desk named Drew (the ginger guy) did not even bother to explain properly or even stand up to show us where to put them. I had to ask again where to go. He was on his phone, never even bothered checking if we did it correctly or guiding us, and did not even bother checking our names upon check-out.

The place really has potential, but you need to properly explain your rules, because paying $150 for a private room where we still have to take out the sheets ourselves sounds very unreasonable. I know it's not a hotel, but I've never been to a hostel where you have to take out the sheets. It would have been okay if it was explained before checking in, but it wasn't. Furthermore, the front desk staff lacked the decency to properly explain things to guests. Another guest approached us, saying she had never seen any private room guests taking out sheets before. She spoke with Drew, and he just shrugged it off like he didn't even care. We then had to ask again if we were, in fact, required to do it.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2025

Jacqueline

Such a cute and inviting space!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

William

Everything was great except that it was really hot at night

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Liezl

Steps from the Amtrak, beach, restaurants. Easy parking. Free breakfast. Clean comfortable beds and rooms and bathrooms. Kitchen access. Lots of common areas inside and outside. Weekly activities. Affordable prices!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2025

Stella

I had such a great stay at this hostel! The staff were super friendly and welcoming, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere made it easy to meet other travelers. The location was also perfect—close to everything I needed. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting.
Only tip: bring a small fan for your bed. There’s outlets for each bed which is perfect for a small portable fan.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2025

Summer

The facilities were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. The dorms were cozyand the beds were surprisingly comfy. There’s a common area where you can hang out, cook, or just chill, which was very nice. In the future will pick bed by the window. Many different age groups from everywhere. Parking was convenient. Thanks for your kindness and hospitality Drew!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2025

VITORIA

It was great! Great location, so close to the beach and to Downtown, you can walk to both, staff so kind, space super clean - will definitely come back!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2025

Traci

Great place!

My stay was amazing! I cannot say enough wonderful things. I've never stayed in a hostel, I was traveling alone as an older woman. I never once felt worried or scared. The staff are amazing. At first it's hard to tell staff from guests because the staff interact with the guests. Every night there is a free activity (I e., bbq night, movie night, karaoke etc.). 6 minute walk to the beach. Just across the tracks from the Santa Barbara train station. Free breakfast. Food is provided and you cook it exactly how you like it. The place is surprisingly clean. I will definitely return to this wonderful spot!

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Charles

Legendary staff. Good vibe, and in the heart of SB

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2025

MEAGHAN

What a great spot! From the first intro to the property and staff to the end of my stay it was perfect. Great space, very clean, great location!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2025

Laurie

Nice friendly hostel

Loved the friendliness of the staff. Bed was comfy and private enough. Breakfast was nice -real eggs and pancakes. and they had a bbq dinner in the evening. Centrally located to downtown sb. I was nervous because i had never stayed at a hostel before but it was better then expected. My only complaint is that the ice machine wasnt working

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Alicia

Everything exceeded expectations!!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Angela

this was my first time staying at a hostel, and I was nervous that I would be one of the older clientele and somehow feel out of place. It was not like that at all. It was a varied group of people and everyone was very nice. Pancakes and coffee were a bonus

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

Brian

Safe, great spot to meet new people, friendly staff, clean and quiet.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

16 Jul 2025

Mary

While I waited for someone to show up, I noticed the property was very unkept. Old cars are on the property, cars that don’t an to even run. While waiting, I saw a couple of women with children arrive. I did not know there would be children there. I ended up leaving at about 5 to 4. I had gotten out of my car and rang the bell and walked around trying to find someone before I left.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Miguel

I stayed at two other hostels, and this one was the best of all. The attendants were friendly, especially Rosie, and the guests were friendly. This place is set up to have conversations with others, which makes it nice, due to the large dining/hangout area. The place also has a relaxing patio with a modified short bus where you can also hang out inside and read a book or talk to others. The place also has planned activities every day, free of charge, which far surpassed my expectations. The beach is 4 minutes walking distance and so is a skate park. Great place! Will visit again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2025

Zachary

Great stay! Clean like a European hostel

4/10

Poor

03 Jul 2025

Elizabeth

The main door to my dorm needed a key for entry. Yet the window did not have a screen, was big enough for a person to climb in, was next to a public sidewalk and parking lot. I got up to close the window once it became dark outside. Someone reopened the widow. The curtains that covered the bunks may have housed more than one person. I did not feel safe. As I prepared to leave a day early on a non-refundable ticket, I mentioned to the receptionist I was leaving. She stated that I give her the key, no problem. Yet she did not mention for me to check the food I had brought in. Leaving in a hurry since I was stressed about people having access to my sleeping area during the night, I let about $50 worth of food. A liked the manager, yet I did not feel respected by some of the other employees. There was marijuana smoking in the building during the day that I complained about. The black handle was very sticky that I used to climbed into my upper bunk.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2025

Daniel

Nathaniel was welcoming and friendly. :)
Property location for Amtrak travelers can't be any better.
Very relaxed, but organized atmosphere.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2025

Luciano

Awesome place to stay. Good breakfast, friendly staff, good vibes.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2025

Rob

Very nice staff!

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

19 May 2025

Skylar

Had to listen to drunk 38 year olds talk about how all American women are awful and the only good ones are in SE Asia or E Europe - and when I walked away back to my bunk, was confronted by one of them and I said I didn’t like how he was speaking about women it made him sound gross so he hit me in the face while I was literally sitting on my own bunk bed. Staff allowed him to stay. I left for my own safety. No manager contacted me at all. They don’t seem concerned at all,

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2025

Laurie

Great spot. Check in went smoothly, took a little tour, which was helpful. There were people relaxing outside the hostel and in the main lobby area as well. It was really noisy for a few minutes, but the manager quickly quieted things down.
I would definitely stay here again.

2/10

Poor

23 Apr 2025

Kara

I did not sleep at all because the guy above me snored all nite. I will never stay at a hostel again

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2025

Patrícia

Tudo limpinho, perfeita localização, funcionários extremamente amáveis, foi sensacional. Eu nunca dou feedback, mas este fiz questão, pela simpatia, organização, limpeza, enfim, tudo perfeito para um hostel.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

Jack

Very convenient to the train station. Simple and clean. Soap at the sink and shower. Town is walkable and relaxing 😎. Enjoy

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2025

Israel

I liked the communal aspect of this hostel. Many amenities, and staff were friendly.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Saksham

It was a lovely stay

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

11 Feb 2025

Other guest woke me and was rude.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2025

Alvina

The available parking for a small fee was very convenient. Overall nice and clean and eveyone was was respectful during the quiet hours. Had a great stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2025

Gabriella

Such a fun stay at ITH Santa Barbara!

Everyone at the hostel, employees and other hostel goers alike, were so friendly and welcoming! We really enjoyed participating in the group activities the hostel offered. Great accommodations too - comfy bed, clean bathrooms, fun lobby to hang out. And i would be remiss not to mention the awesome make-your-own pancake breakfast. We would 100% stay at ITH again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2025

Baptiste

I spend a great night there !

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2025

Gwynne

Sparse but Great

Great location, friendly staff, right price. Even had pancakes you could make for breakfast and full kitchen for cooking dinner. Can walk from there to Piers with fabulous restaurants.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2025

ken

Awesome.

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2025

Charmika

Good day room circulation addition recommend

Place was clean and nice. I would strongly recommend individual fans that clip onto the bed rails for each of the beds for health purposes for guests. Rooms can get quite stuffy with multiple people in them and there's no real circulation unless window is open but it was closed unless we opened it. individual fans for each bed would be fair and affordable resolution to make it more comfortable for those wanting to have them. I would definitely return would just bring my own fan. otherwise it was a great stay. It's nice that they have nightly activities the staff was fun. It's a cool concept and great location right by the train and the beach and so many activities and a Dollar tree walking distance made it more affordable. Thank you each for hospitality!

Business

6/10

Pleasant

31 Dec 2024

wanda

Towels to dry your hands in the bathroom would be nice and the staff was drying laundry right outside my room door at 5am it made it hard to sleep.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2024

Mary

My only complaint is that I didn’t stay longer!
Fantastic, helpful, friendly staff. The property is well cared for both inside and out, and kept very clean. I’m a 70 year old woman traveling by myself, arrived by train, and this hostel is just across the tracks. I was given a beautiful little private room - which was perfect for 1 but would also be suitable for 2 if you don’t mind sharing a full size bed! The shared bathroom was great, spacious and clean. I felt very safe both day and night. Great (complimentary) coffee in the morning along with DIY eggs and pancakes. There’s a full kitchen with everything you need to make /reheat your own food, and a huge refrigerator where you can store your food. I’ll be back!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2024

David

6/10

Pleasant

13 Nov 2024

Dimitrios

Great location next to the train station. I got the feeling from the stuff that they don't like what they are doing as they were a bit off. The breakfast was very low quality compare to other hostels I've been.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2024

Hovhannes

It's not hotel and it's not hostel. It's something new and cool !!! So we have to name this conception )))

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Jared

Really cute place, very friendly.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2024

Hovhannes

As always perfect!!

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2024

John

Fantastic trip

The place is great and location is excellent its in the middle of everything.. the staff that works there is pretty nice and very friendly..

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2024

Edward

This place was the most comfortable I could be. The staff was super cool. The guests are all pretty like minded. Its a great stay close to the beach and downtown. Highly recommend.

Eddie

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2024

neal

I could not locate this place for a few minutes as I arrived on my first night but discovered it was down the winding road on Yanonnall St from US-101 South.
This was the only affordable place; yet, the location and the staff were excellent. The parking was good. It is walkable to Stearn's Wharf/Pier and extremely close to State St (the main drag). Approximately, a ten-minute walk to the nearest convenience stores.
I visited the Pres. Reagan Ranch Museum- a short walk. I drove to Carpinteria (under 10 miles) for a surf lesson- no problem.
In the late afternoon/evenings, I would briefly sit on the lounge chair outside for a little rest. I also used my PC inside near the front desk. On my first night, I purchased a locker from the front desk to store my backpack that stored my PC.
One negative- the Men's Room running water pressure was slow & one of the faucets did not work.
I recommend this place for a serene weekend!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2024

Harold

Close to Amtrak station and the harbor, just walking distance.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2024

Julianna

Very pleasant experience

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2024

Verified traveler

one of the best hostels

It was really nice. Staff really friendly. Everything is clean. And also the fact that they offer community events ever day for the guest is just a biiiiiggg plus

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2024

Carrie

Super close to the beach, very clean

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2024

John

Nice quiet atmosphere, comfortable background music in lobby dining area. Nice people.

Leisure Self