Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: About, Review, Special Offers

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Let’s get one thing straight: Escaping the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive this spring need not involve a plane ticket. In fact, you can hop in your car (or order fancy SUV service) and end up at Hilton’s Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in merely one-and-a-half hours — effectively getting treated to world-class hospitality; the comforts of recently renovated, airy suites; and no shortage of ways to occupy your time, whether you’re embarking on the much-needed getaway with your beau, the whole family or solo.

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort‘s marquee feature is that it sits right on Santa Barbara‘s East Beach, which means two things: If you’re brave enough, you can take a dip in the calm, south-facing waters of the Pacific, and if you’re more land- versus sea-inclined, there’s also the Funk Zone district a 20-minute walk away. For the uninitiated, this vibrant arts hub is a mix of breweries, tasting rooms, galleries, vintage stores and murals. Exploring the neighborhood is an apt way to spend a few hours or even half a day out and about, though we urge you to get right back to your resort for lunchtime.

This Hilton outpost, after all, serves up the kind of coastal Californian cuisine that can win over even the pickiest of gourmands: no matter if you end up eating at The Set (considered one of Santa Barbara’s best fire pit–equipped sunset-watching spots), try out a new-to-you grape variety at the Wine Tasting Room or tuck into hearty breakfast classics at The Roundhouse.

Just as sumptuous as its food offerings are the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort‘s various accommodation options meant to fit every budget. The refreshed pool walkout rooms are ideal for those craving an indoor-outdoor type of vacation, given the fact that guests get direct access to the hotel’s pool from their room, not to mention a private patio with a fire pit (are you starting to sense a theme here?) for getting cozy once the stars — think celestial, not Hollywood — come out. You can also pick from rooms with or without balconies, various bed sizes and arrangements, ocean-facing orientations that lend themselves well to some early morning meditation and other bells and whistles. Those who find their zen while staring at peaks as opposed to bodies of water will be happy to know that the property also boasts clear views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, making it the best of both worlds… and not in a cliche way this time.

After Hilton’s renovation, the Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort also got blessed with a chic, upgraded pool deck, so don’t forget to grab your best bathing suit when preparing for the trip. Lined with state-of-the-art cabanas and day beds, the pool area is the perfect place for quenching your thirst with a mai tai and tropical fruit platter (after which you’d be remiss not to cool off in the crystalline waters, of course).

When we say the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is bound to be fun for the whole family, we mean it. While Mom and Dad savor massages at the Float Luxury Spa — which can be enhanced with add-on services like dry brushing and CBD treatments — the kids can sharpen their skills on the lawn, which is well-stocked with games like giant chess, or else join you at the adjacent Santa Barbara Zoo. The latter destination’s resident flamingo is cheekily named Hilty in honor of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort itself, and she just might become a highlight.

Other activities of note, either curated by the resort or its partners, include beachside yoga, paddleboarding and pickleball (Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort has six courts on which you can play this trendy paddle sport). A $40 resort fee per day gets you perks like two-hour bike rentals, free onsite fitness classes, two-hour beach chair rentals and beyond. If you’re someone who can’t leave home without bringing Fido along for the adventure, the hotel is gloriously pet-friendly, too — even going so far as to pamper pooches with treats at check-in, gourmet menus and more tennis balls than your best friend will know what to do (erm, chew) with.

Still on the fence about solidifying your spring break plans by booking the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort? Perhaps the hospitality company’s myriad of limited-time promotions will help seal the deal. Our favorite: “Stay More, Save More,” which gives you 20% off on reservations of three nights or more. Meanwhile, the “Experience the Stay” package grants a special on-property credit (to be applied towards a beachfront facial, a celebratory dinner and everything in between) plus bonuses like early check-in. Last but not least, if you are, indeed, planning on taking the kiddos to Santa Barbara’s award-winning zoo, you’re going to go bananas over Hilton’s “Wild About Santa Barbara” offer. According to the brand, it promises “four zoo tickets, daily breakfast for two adults with two kids eating free, zoo-themed swag and beachfront accommodations.”

Learn more about all the ways you can save here, and get a Santa Barbara escape on the cal by securing your dream coastal stay at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort — a kind of home (not so far) away from home.