Palihouse Santa Barbara

United States , Santa Barbara Area - CA
Santa Barbara, 915 Garden Street
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Abbie

We loved this hotel for its location, style, comfort, amenities, and the incredibly friendly staff. We will for sure be back. We loved being able to walk to so many restaurants and shops, and the complimentary bikes (with helmets) provided for a fun excursion.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

Peter

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Great location. Terrific staff. We plan to return and have already recommended it to our friends.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2026

Amalia

Palihouse is a nice hotel. We enjoyed our stayed in general but the last two nights had a very loud group above us and we couldn’t sleep. They were up all night, unfortunately… If you are looking to relax and sleep well, make sure you request a room on the second floor preferably with access to the elevator. Management offered to switch us to a bigger room (which was generous) as we went to the front desk to let them know what was happening. We were on our way out to an appointment and said we appreciated their great offer and would transfer rooms as soon as we were back. Once we were back apparently that particular room was no longer available. They did offered a room similar to ours that I unfortunately couldn’t accept because I had a problem with my knee and that room had no access to the elevator. It would have been very difficult for me to go up and down. The other room they offered was much smaller than ours so I didn’t feel it was worthy to pack up all our stuff to downgrade. That night I was determined to go upstairs and ask the group to please respect there were others staying down below. If we visit again, we now know to book upstairs with access to the elevator.
The bar is very cute and the bartenders make excellent drinks. They offer water, cookies and candy. It would be a big plus if they were to offer coffee in the mornings.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2026

Jennifer

Loved every moment of my stay! Staff, property, vibe.... Fantastic all around. Will definitely be back!

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2026

Ashley

It’s a very cute property and our room was large and well decorated. It was a bummer that there was no restaurant or food available on property. Staff were fine but seemed a little amateur. Feels a little more like a B&B than a hotel, not necessarily a bad thing. Just depends on what you’re looking for.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

David

It's a great spot

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Chris

Everything at the Palihouse was top notch. The staff were wonderful and made sure the stay was a memorable one. The bartenders were really incredible and made my 4 year old really feel at home. The pool was heated to a nice temperature so it was easy to enjoy it despite temps in the 60s. The room was huge and very well appointed! Can't wait to go back some day!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Kathaleen and Trevor

Loved our room and property. Bed was comfortable!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2026

Leticia

Palihouse was everything I wanted and more!!🦄

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

Jeffrey

Beautiful hotel, with a subdued vibe, exceptionally friendly staff. Walking distance from anything you might want to do in Santa Barbara.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2025

Henry

Everything was so top-notch. However, little things like telling us we need to request room cleaning service, what the internet network/password is, text that our room is ready for us, etc. would push this to a five star.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Nov 2025

Gurushyam

Wayyy too overpriced. Service wasn’t that attentive that other reviews said it was. Rooms small and dingy. Not much sunlight or windows that open up. In a good location. For the money I paid, I could have booked much better hotels

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2025

Cara

We loved staying here and hope to return!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2025

Suzanne

Amazing hotel within walking distance of all Santa Barbara has to offer. Full of charm!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

James

Stellar!! I will definitely be back. Super clean, very friendly, great location, and a very fun vibe.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2025

Toni

The room was fabulous, very clean -- loved having a fireplace. Cute retro refrigerator! Offered a drink while waiting to check-in (staff finished before us). Great, helpful, courteous staff. Easy parking - perfect location for parking and walking to everything.

Partner

4/10

Poor

20 Oct 2025

kieran

The hotel has a lot of charm with its quaint, whimsical style, which we really appreciated. However, there were a few downsides to our stay that made the experience less enjoyable.
First, the staff could definitely be more welcoming and engaging. While they weren’t rude, they didn’t offer the level of hospitality you'd typically expect in the service industry. There’s certainly room for improvement here.
Unfortunately, we also had an issue with ants in our room. At first, it was just a few here and there which isn’t entirely unexpected in Santa Barbara)but it quickly escalated. When I went to retrieve my sleepwear from my suitcase (which had to be stored in the closet due to the limited storage options in the room), I found ants all over my clothes, suitcase, and toiletry bag, likely attracted to some cough drops I had packed.
I called the front desk that evening to let them know, and while they said housekeeping could spray Raid in the closet, I didn’t receive an apology or much concern about the issue. They did follow through with the spraying and cleaned the area, but the response felt very underwhelming. Even after that, there were still a few ants around the bed and bathroom.
At checkout, I respectfully mentioned the issue again so they could address it before placing new guests in that room, but the receptionist,who was slightly older and, frankly, the coldest of the staff,seemed indifferent.
It’s disappointing because this hotel really does have great potential, but th

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Oct 2025

Michele

Cut hotel, comfortable room. Loved lounging by the fireplace

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Susan

Santa barbara

This is a special place: the rooms are huge with a fireplace, private outdoor space, a shower and deep tub, charming thoughtful decor. Wish I could stay longer!!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Jessica

Nice welcoming space for a solo female traveler.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

25 Sep 2025

Mikol

Friendly staff, however room was overrun with ants and the shower was broken so water leaked throughout the bathroom after every shower

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2025

rocky

The Pally house had beautiful grounds pool very comfortable feel upscale place really enjoyed it

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Nancy

I love this hotel. It feels like home with a wonderful combination of shared indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, coupled with cozy, private rooms and patios.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2025

Lisa

Short stay

The property was so great when it first opened. This time around about 3 yrs later it already appears a little tired. The bed is in desperate need of changing out. Soft and saggy. Lighting in the room is not adequate. We were missing a chair on the balcony, only one robe with an extra hanger. Just not the same

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2025

Mary

The hotel was everything we wanted it to be -- unique in its decor and courtyards, interestingly appointed room, the pool was warm & sparkling, facility was very clean, and our bed was very comfortable.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2025

Joe

Got UTI infection from using tub. E. Coli (Escherichia coli) in bathtub from not being cleaned properly or enough.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2025

Nicole

Gorgeous building, dreamy room, Blissful sleep in an amazing bed

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Janet

Bed was comfortable. Hotel was cute and staff was friendly. I didn’t think there was enough amenities in the room, like enough, bottled waters, cream, Nespresso . It was a nice touch to be able to rent bikes.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Christopher

Very cool hotel in a great location. Highly recommend it.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

The only place we’ll stay!

Palihouse is our go-to for a romantic 4-night getaway. The decor, the service, the ambiance with fountain and courtyard beneath our balcony … perfection.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Great hotel, not great for “workcation”

Hotel should upgrade its Wi-Fi, which was weak and unstable, and did not comply with current network security standards that many companies require employees to use.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2025

Kelly

Absolutely loved everything about this property!! Was expecting coffee and breakfast ( no charge ) like the other Pali property I’ve stayed in but this property doesn’t offer that. No big deal but a free coffee station maybe in bar area would have been nice.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2025

Jessica

This hotel is so beautiful. We cannot wait to come back next year for a longer stay. So unique and so much attention to detail.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2025

Brooke

Worth it!

Wonderful stay at Pali House in Santa Barbra. The grounds were beautiful our room had everything we needed and the staff was the best. We didn’t want to leave.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

zaramar

goood

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2025

HOWARD

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2025

Kimberly

Beautifully appointed rooms, lovely courtyard. Easy walk to the beach and the park, and a wonderful place to return to each evening. Friendly, welcoming, helpful staff. We will definitely be back!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2025

Rick

Great hotel with an even greater staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Emili

This was our second time coming back to this beautiful hotel. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, our room was spacious although because we were on the first floor we could hear through the walls. But overall a pleasant stay, 10/10 will definitely be returning.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2025

Jacquelyn

The most BEAUTIFUL hotel

We stayed here when we were eloping in Santa Barbara! The hotel itself was a dream and added so much joy to our entire experience. The room was lovely and large, and we had a wonderful time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Danielle

Always love staying here, it has such an intimate, cozy feel and reminds me of being in Europe. Great stay!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2025

Alexandra

From the moment we arrived, Palihouse Santa Barbara felt like a dreamy Mediterranean escape tucked right into downtown. The hotel is beautifully designed—charming, chic, and full of thoughtful details like Smeg fridges, Diptyque toiletries, and plush robes. Our room was cozy, quiet, and perfectly appointed, with a lovely balcony that made morning coffee feel extra special.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2025

Terry

Bedding was excellent
chic design
fun little details: "visage" face cloths, cookies and gummies, sparling rose on arrival
super easy parking.
cool quiet courtyard
but needed a small desk and chair in room

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Verified traveler

Old Santa Barbara with contemporary amenities

Brief but very nice
Lovely tasteful property
Nice old Santa Barbara feel with modern amenities
Nice largish room
Good linens and bed
Needed more towels
Bar cute
Young people working there accommodating and pleasant
Parking fine
Neighborhood okay not great

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2025

Erica

Great service, beautiful design, comfortable beds, fantastic location. Will be back!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2025

Verified traveler

Perfect Weekend Getaway

Had not seen this property since Palihouse took it over three years ago and it did not disappoint. Stunning grounds, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully decorated rooms that balanced the integrity of the old Spanish property with fresh pops of color and texture. Staff was beyond kind and gracious. We'll be back in July!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Jeremy

Excellent location, service, and property. My GF and I loved everything about this place. When we return to Santa Barbara, this will be our go to spot to stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2025

Ryan

Beautiful hotel and a great location. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Friendly staff and very comfortable room

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2025

Katherine

Hidden gem and great value for money vs other hotels at this price point in the area

8/10

Excellent

24 Apr 2025

Verified traveler

We had a great stay with one notable exception: the background music in the garden and public rooms is curated to a narrow demographic and they even get over saturated. Please expand your sensibilities and class up the song list. Thumping “humping” bass is probably great for nighttime club environments but is decidedly “low rent” for the environment you claim to promote. Importantly, your staff agrees but is afraid to tell you. We heard several staff and guests comment negatively on the playlist. Pay attention.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2025

Blanche

This place was amazing!! I cannot wait to stay at Pali Santa Barbara. VIP or upgrade wasnt needed, the hotel was awesome in itself.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Jordyn

Great stay. Clean and well decorated. The hotel is conveniently located a couple blocks from state street. We loved our stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Zachary Page

Quiet and peaceful property, comfy cozy just like being home. Incredibly friendly staff and dog friendly, just all around great vibe. Will definitely be back.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2025

Shabnam

Such a cute boutique hotel. It was a pleasure to stay there, wonderful location and friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2025

Jill

This hotel is in a good location and is absolutely adorable!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Shannon

We enjoyed our stay. Staying at Palihouse makes you feel like you’re actually living within the Presidio neighborhood in Santa Barbara. The rooms are a nice size, the bed was comfortable and it was just what we needed for a weekend away. The location is really great. It’s close to shopping and restaurants on State Street, wine tasting rooms, and lots of great coffee shops. We loved walking around the neighborhood and would definitely stay here again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2025

Robin

I was very impressed with the Palihouse Santa Barbara. The room was spacious and charming, including an in room gas fireplace. The staff is very friendly ( shout out to Noel) and helpful. I would highly recommend this hotel.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2025

SIRINE

Calm Quite

Good for a little get away

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2025

James

Glass Sparkling

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2025

Beata

Vary nice hotel staff 👌

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2025

Leslie

This is a small, very cute hotel in a great part of town. Staff was all friendly and helpful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2025

Vant

Great staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2025

Sarah Margaret

We loved this hotel - the rooms were very spacious, the patios very comfortable and looking over the fountain and common area, and having water, lemonade and cookies out all day is a really nice touch. The pool was small but lovely, the only downside was no hot tub. The location is the best part - three blocks off of State St and close to some awesome restaurants, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle that it stays nice and quiet. Will definitely stay away.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2025

Annamay

Just perfect!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2025

Cindy

Palihouse Santa Barbara is an interesting and unique lodging experience. Very convenient to State Street within easy walking distance to restaurants and shopping. The property is compact, but beautiful and well maintained. The rooms are large and immaculately clean. The decor is quirky, which I think people would either love or find a bit underwhelming. We loved the full sized stocked fridge, fireplace, and large glass doors opening to the balcony. We wished there was more comfortable seating on the balcony itself. Some rooms had comfy lounge chairs, but ours had only 2 small camp benches that were not meant to sit on for any length of time. It would also be helpful to add some type of dresser as there is no place to put clothes other than a tiny dresser in the closet. The lack of outlets/usb ports required some creative rotating of devices, but we made it work. The bed might be polarizing as we found it too soft, but many other reviewers enjoyed it. Overall, we had a very nice stay, but for the price we expected a bit more in terms of amenities and decor.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2025

Christian

Super cozy and comfortable.

Great Hotel for an affordable rate. Super friendly staff. Decent breakfast and in general an exercise vibe.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Love the location which is why I stay here. And the older charm of the facility is a plus. Lacking on some details ( no slippers this time ) and definitely needing some maintenance / upkeep in rooms. While pricier than many options some upgrades would make it more worthwhile.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2025

MARJORIE

We absolutely loved our stay at the Pali House in SB. The location is terrific. Just the right location of being able to walk to State St & all the surrounding stores & restaurants as well as not feeling too hectic and crowded in the center. We used their bikes which the hotel provides for free and I would highly recommend taking advantage of that amenity. The property is peaceful and charming. We stayed in room 10, which was spacious and overlooking the pool, on the 2nd fl. There was a tub and a shower so it was great during the cooler temperatures to have a soak. We used the fire place too, which put off a nice amount of warmth. Another plus was our balcony, which we were able to enjoy with the sun on the patio. The greeting area has warm baked cookies for their guests to enjoy among other treats. We loved it so much that we are definitely inspired to return again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2024

christopher

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Was a lovely property and very enjoyable experience.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2024

Alec

Really nice boutique hotel. It has a parking garage as well. Friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2024

Mikhal

Lovely secluded property but a short walk from everything

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2024

Todd

Great property in the heart of the City. Rooms are huge and super comfortable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2024

Scott

Pampered at the Palihouse

Amazing hotel with great vibe, ambiance, service, amenities, food, and location. Enjoyed every aspect of our stay. Will definitely return the next time we are in Santa Barbara. One of our family hotels.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2024

David

Wonderful experience at Palihouse

What a great experience and stay here at Palihouse. Beautiful and quaint property. Parking in the garage on arrival was easy and accessible. We were welcomed by Nate, who was so warm and helpful. Would stay again!

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

04 Nov 2024

Arabella

This hotel is beautiful and a joy to see. My partner and I stayed in room 16, we wanted a quiet night away from the kids. The water boiler for the hotel was located in a cupboard adjacent to our room and made a loud humming, buzzing sound for the entire time of our stay. Sometimes it made a loud squeel noise. We woke up many times throughout the night due to this. We wouldn't have minded, if staff had done something about it. We called them in the afternoon to let them know and mentionned it again in the morning and at check-out. Despite our clear despondence, Nate, the staff on the front desk made no attempt to acknoweldge the discomfort nor do anything about it. There are many amazing hotels in Santa Barbara, if you're paying $1200 per night I'd go for a different one to this. It left a bad taste in our mouths which is a shame as it is a lovely place.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2024

Stephanie

Beautiful hotel with exceptional staff!

This hotel was so incredibly beautiful. Walking distance to everything, the staff are fantastic, they hosted a free happy hour for guests, and the room was gorgeously decorated with a very comfy bed. I highly recommend staying here!

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Oct 2024

William

Pretty photos but shabby room

The staff were friendly and the pool area is very nice, but our room wasn't.
The room was warm and stuffy much of the time because the AC is weak and shuts itself off after a couple hours.
In a room with weak AC there should be bedding options other than a thick down comforter or a heavy blanket with a brown smear on it that looked like poo. Having nothing but a thick comforter in a warm room isn't cozy -- it's uncomfortable.
The upholstery on both of the chairs had numerous stain blotches.
The wooden toilet seat (looked like what you'd bring home from Walmart at midnight because it was the only one they had left) was missing the pads beneath the seat so it banged down directly (and loudly) on the porcelain bowl.
The bathtub and shower are both visible from the rest of the room. Maybe that's supposed to be funky or sexy but it's really just awkward and uncomfortable.
Even the minibar was weird -- stocked with bottles of soda but no bottle opener. I walked 5 blocks to Ralph's to buy a liter of Coke and we drank that instead of the bottle of Coke that was right there in our room.
Maybe our room was supposed to be "shabby chic" but it was just plain shabby.
If we had stayed at some 2-star harborside motel we would have taken these things in stride and just said "Oh well."
But when you're staying at the "World Famous Palihouse" and paying $900 a night, "Oh well" becomes "What the hell?"

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

James

This is a great find in a very convenient location. The room was great, and we would go back. One little thing: the AC thermostat could not be set lower than 70 degrees. The room was a bit warm for us for sleeping and we would have liked to be able to lower it a degree or two.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2024

Colin

Great stay at a lovely boutique hotel with a chill vibe close to State Street.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2024

Nancy

Loved our stay at the Palinhouse! Fantastic staff, location and accommodations.

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2024

Barbara

Very comfortable and homey

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2024

Charity

Beautiful property and rooms! 5/5

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2024

Robert

The staff was great -- Noel and her team were awesome!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Sep 2024

TIMOTHY

Disappointed

One of the reasons we chose the hotel was for the well reviewed bar which was closed all Labor Day weekend, so we didn’t spend as much time relaxing at the hotel as planned. The entire time we were there, they were preparing for a visit from a regional manager or something so it was being overly cleaned all day, in every spot, all around you. Hanging out in their courtyard? A team of 4 people were wiping down the trees, planters, everything you can name. In the lobby? Contact cleaning, vacuuming, wiping down around you. It wasn’t relaxing when it was right next you the whole time. Want to use the pool? Sorry it closed for an hour while they paint the deck on a Sunday of a Holiday weekend. It definitely felt like our enjoyment and comfort was not the priority. We also sweated through the night. Even though the thermostat let you make the room 70 degrees, it was actually 73-74 through the night.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2024

Gregory

Great costumer service. It felt quaint and personal. The room was so beautiful and the bed was the comfiest thing I’ve ever laid on.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2024

Brian

Highly recommended. Incredible staff, beautiful boutique hotel, convenient location.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2024

Kathy

For the nightly rate being charges the general condition and furnishings in the room were below par. Basics like coffee service in the morning etc we well below what i would expect from a hotel charging the types of process we paid.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2024

zarpana

Love the Palihouse!

Amazing stay - gorgeous hotel room, so well designed. We loved our Economy Suite! We loved the pool, we loved the happy hour. Great team helping us with any ask. Definitely staying again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2024

Alison

Loved our 3night stay - highly recommend!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2024

Alexandria

Loved this hotel , parking was secure and very friendly staff . Hotel is so chic .

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2024

Jamie

Very unique hotel with a very pleasant experience, definitely would book again, staff were also great and helpful, stellar hospitality.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2024

Panisa

Loved every detail of Palihouse! The prettiest hotel I have ever stayed at and especially the staff Sevy and Tommy are so amazing. We will definitely come back here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2024

Kathryn

Clean unique beautiful property

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2024

Michael

Wonderful Euro Character and Cali-cool.

Warm staff and a very cool vibe. Well located and an overall great stay!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2024

Lorene

Lovely spot

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2024

Hilary

Great property staff needs hospitality training

The Palihouse is one of my go to boutique properties abased on the consistency of the service, the whimsy of the properties, and the social vibe. However the Santa Barbara property staff was far too casual and no professional.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2024

Verified traveler

Thumbs up!

Very nice place; friendly staff. 4 blocks from State Street - so close to stores and restaurants.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2024

Susan