Preferred Hotels & Resorts: The World's Best Independent Hotels | Preferred Meetings
Santa Barbara, United States

Hotel Californian

36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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TOTAL EVENT SPACE:18,430ft²
LARGEST MEETING ROOM:2,900ft²
EVENT ROOMS:8
GUESTROOMS:121
AIRPORT:1 mile
2024 Forbes Travel Guide Award
Santa Barbara Beach Escape Where the Ocean Meets the City

A Seaside Stage for Unforgettable Moments

Hotel Californian is the crown jewel of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone—where the energy of California’s most exciting neighborhood meets the elegance of a world-class seaside retreat. Just steps from the Pacific Ocean and framed by the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains, this architectural masterpiece blends Spanish Colonial Revival charm with a Moroccan-inspired twist, brought to life by the bold vision of celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

From its inception, Hotel Californian has captivated the design world, earning accolades from Architectural Digest, Forbes, and beyond for its striking aesthetic, curated experiences, and enviable location in the heart of The American Riviera.

Comprising three distinct buildings and breezy outdoor courtyards, the hotel offers a luxurious canvas for unforgettable events. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a product launch, or a glamorous celebration, Hotel Californian’s event spaces are designed to impress:

  • The Alhambra Ballroom offers 2,850 square feet of refined elegance, ideal for receptions, galas, and conferences.
  • The adjacent 4,500-square-foot Plaza provides a stunning open-air venue for cocktail hours, alfresco dinners, and stylish soirées.
  • The 3,670-square-foot Rooftop Deck, with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains, sets the stage for sunset receptions and exclusive gatherings.
  • Five flexible meeting rooms, each with private patios, offer intimate settings for board meetings, breakout sessions, and private dining.

Every event is elevated by the hotel’s culinary excellence, with menus inspired by the region’s rich bounty and crafted to reflect the bold flavors of California cuisine. Whether it’s a curated wine pairing dinner, a rooftop tasting experience, or a bespoke banquet, the dining at Hotel Californian is as unforgettable as the setting.

With its seamless blend of coastal glamour, architectural artistry, and impeccable service, Hotel Californian invites guests to experience Santa Barbara at its most stylish—where every meeting becomes a moment, and every event becomes a memory.

IDEAL GROUP SIZE:
80
MAX GROUP SIZE:
121
AT A GLANCE
Opened
2017
Remodeled
2017
Rate
399.00 - 699.00 per night
Valet Parking
$55.00
Self-Parking Available
$55.00
Other
No Smoking Rooms Pets Allowed
TAXES & FEES
Resort Fee
45.00
Room Tax
12.195%
Sales Tax
9.25%
WHAT'S INCLUDED

Hotel Amenities

Business
  • Concierge Services
  • In-House Audio Visual Services
  • House Car Services
  • WiFi
Recreation
  • Spa
  • Fitness Center
  • Rooftop Pool Deck
  • Bicycles
  • Wine Tasting Rooms
  • Dining Venues
Nearby
  • Funk Zone
  • Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
  • Santa Barbara Zoo
  • Shoreline Park
  • Wine Tasting Rooms
  • Santa Barbara Beaches
  • Stearns Wharf
  • State Street Shopping
  • Contemporary Arts Forum
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Cabrillo Bike Path
  • Botanical Garden

Meeting Space

Capacity Chart
Total Sq Ft
Room Size Ft
Ceiling Ht Ft
Classroom
Theatre
Banquet 10
Reception
Conference
U Shape
Pickford Boardroom
330
22' x 15'
10
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10
N/A
Flynn
480
24' x 20'
9
24
40
40
52
13
15
Chaplin
570
31' x 20'
9
30
50
50
66
16
19
Fairbanks
750
33' x 23'
10
40
60
60
70
22
25
Court of Fatima
2,050
45' x 45'
N/A
N/A
N/A
60
75
N/A
N/A
Court of Califia
3,780
69' x 64'
N/A
N/A
N/A
200
300
N/A
N/A
Alhambra Ballroom
2,900
75' x 39'
15
120
250
200
250
55
45
Serena Rooftop Deck
2,920
82' x 40'
N/A
80
N/A
200
250
N/A
N/A
Mirador Rooftop Deck
3,200
82' x 43'
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
180
N/A
N/A
Shamsah
720
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
40
20
N/A
DINING, FOOD & BEVERAGE

On-Site Dining

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

What's Nearby?

36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is 11 mi / 17 km away
SBA Amtrak is 1 mi / 1 km away