Heads up, fur parents and travelers! Santa Barbara’s laid-back coastal charm makes it one of the most dog-loving destinations in California. Our American Paws Club team has done the research so you can focus on what matters most: making memories with your four-legged companion. These five trusted stays go beyond pet-tolerant. They’re pet-welcoming, inside and out.
Quick hotels links:
- El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel Santa Barbara | ★★★★☆ 4.7/5
- Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG | ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
- Blue Sands Inn, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel | ★★★★☆ 4.1/5
- Casa Del Mar Inn | ★★★★☆ 4.3/5
1. El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel Santa Barbara
📍 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA
💵 From $697/night + pet fee | 🐕 Big dogs & 2+ pets allowed
El Encanto offers a storybook escape wrapped in Spanish Colonial beauty and terraced gardens. This luxury retreat also makes space for your dog, welcoming pets with gourmet treats, plush beds, and even herbal pet tea. It’s where you slow down, breathe in the garden air, and know your pup feels just as pampered as you do.
🌟 Paw Approval Score: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5
Verified by American Paws Club
📊 Guest Ratings from Real Travelers
| Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| Hotels.com | 9.4/10 |
| Booking.com | 9.2/10 |
| Google Reviews | 4.6/5 |
| Yelp | 4.0/5 |
| Average | ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 |
📋 Pet Policy Snapshot
💵 Pet Fee: $175 for one pet; $275 for two pets
🐾 Pet Limit: Up to 2 pets per room
🐕 Allowed Sizes: No size or breed restrictions
🚫 Unattended Pets: Not permitted in rooms
🛏️ In-Room Pet Amenities: Includes treats, plush bed, bowls, and even pet tea
🌿 Relief Area: Grassy areas on-site with waste stations
✅ American Paws Club Trust Checklist
🛎️ Verified by our team
✔️ Pet policy reviewed and transparent
✔️ Amenities available for four-legged guests
✔️ Real pet-owner reviews vetted
✔️ On-site relief areas for convenience
✔️ Staff trained and attentive to pets
💬 Verified Pet Owner Insights
Theresa, Booking.com: “My pup was welcomed with a large bed, grooming amenities, and dog muffins at breakfast. The grounds were immaculate, and the service was top tier.”
Seth, Booking.com: “They welcomed me and my dog, Brutus, with open arms. Maria and Wade made our stay incredibly smooth, such helpful, warm service.”
Taylor W., Google: “Our wedding weekend felt magical. The team made our dog feel like a VIP we’ll return every anniversary.”
🔑 Pet Traveler Tip: Request a garden-view suite with a private patio. It gives your dog room to explore and a peaceful space to relax outside, which is especially helpful in the early morning or before bedtime.
2. Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
📍 31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
💵 From $322/night | No pet fee | 🐕 Big dogs & 2+ pets allowed
The Kimpton Canary Hotel offers relaxation with your pup right by your side. This Spanish-style boutique stay offers cozy four-poster beds, a rooftop pool, and a complimentary wine hour. However, what makes it shine for pet parents is how dogs are treated as honored guests.
🌟 Paw Approval Score: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Verified by American Paws Club
📊 Guest Ratings from Real Travelers
| Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| Hotels.com | 8.8/10 |
| Booking.com | 8.5/10 |
| Google Reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Yelp | 3.9/5 |
| Average | ★★★★☆ 4.4/5 |
📋 Pet Policy Snapshot
💵 Pet Fee: No additional charge
🐾 Pet Limit: 2+ pets welcome
🐕 Allowed Sizes: All dogs welcome—no weight restrictions
✅ Unattended Pets: Permitted if well-behaved
🛏️ In-Room Pet Amenities: Dog beds and water bowls upon request
🌿 Relief Area: No grassy area onsite, but nearby options are just blocks away
✅ American Paws Club Trust Checklist
🛎️ Verified by our team
✔️ Zero pet fees
✔️ Clear, no-restriction policy
✔️ Real guest praise for pet friendliness
✔️ Pet beds and bowls are available
✔️ Staff described as kind and attentive to furry guests
💬 Verified Pet Owner Insights
Francesca A., Google: “A 100% pet-friendly hotel in a quiet, convenient location. Service was top notch, and they made it easy to travel with our dog. Beds and dishes were provided. Honestly, the only downside was the cost!”
Nina M., Google: “We LOVE that it’s dog friendly! Beautiful grounds, kind staff, and so many cute pups. It’s heaven for pet lovers.”
Steve S., Google: “The room was perfect for us and our two 50 lb dogs. One dog adored the hotel bed; the other claimed the provided dog bed. Service, as always with Kimpton, was warm and personal.”
🔑 Pet Traveler Tip: Don’t skip the evening wine hour. Dogs are welcome in the lobby lounge, and it’s a great way to socialize with other pet parents while your pup soaks up attention.
3. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
📍 202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
💵 From $164/night + pet fee | 🐕 Big dogs & 2+ pets allowed
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara brings California charm to the forefront, complete with ocean breezes, heated pools, and casual, dog-loving energy. This is one of the few boutique stays where sandy paws are genuinely welcome.
🌟 Paw Approval Score: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Verified by American Paws Club
📊 Guest Ratings from Real Travelers
| Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| Hotels.com | 8.2/10 |
| Booking.com | 8.1/10 |
| Google Reviews | 3.9/5 |
| Yelp | 2.9/5 |
| Average | ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5 |
📋 Pet Policy Snapshot
💵 Pet Fee: $35 per night + $50 security deposit (nightly)
🐾 Pet Limit: 2 pets allowed
🐕 Allowed Sizes: All sizes welcome
🚫 Unattended Pets: Not permitted in rooms
🦴 In-Room Pet Perks: Treats available at the front desk
🌿 Relief Area: Grassy zones on-site + Ambassador Park across the street
✅ American Paws Club Trust Checklist
🛎️ Verified by our team
✔️ Prime location for walks and ocean air
✔️ Grassy pet areas and nearby parks
✔️ Staff praised for friendly, pet-positive attitude
✔️ Treats available at check-in
✔️ Real guest reviews confirm dog-friendly ease
💬 Verified Pet Owner Insights
Kimberly, Hotels.com: “Friendly staff, amazing location. Dog friendly. Good amenities. Would definitely stay again!”
Christine, Hotels.com: “Great location, bath products, fast check-in/out, and dog friendly. Would love to return.”
Paula, Hotels.com: “Lovely hotel. Beautiful landscaping and easy patio access with dogs. Everyone was welcoming.”
🔑 Pet Traveler Tip: Start your morning with a walk across the street to Ambassador Park. It’s a favorite local green spot for pups and the perfect warm-up before a long beachside stroll.
4. Blue Sands Inn, a Kirkwood Collection Hotel
📍 421 South Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA
💵 From $121/night + pet fee | 🐕 Big dogs & 2+ pets allowed
Blue Sands Inn is the kind of relaxed stay that feels more like crashing at a friend’s beach bungalow than checking into a hotel. Rooms are cozy and casual, with bonus perks like fireplaces, private patios, or full kitchens in select units. What stands out, though, is the warm welcome from the team, pet parents often mention the staff by name, and the ease of having green space, sand, and sun just steps away.
🌟 Paw Approval Score: ★★★★☆ 4.1/5
Verified by American Paws Club
📊 Guest Ratings from Real Travelers
| Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| Hotels.com | 8.6/10 |
| Booking.com | 7.7/10 |
| Google Reviews | 3.9/5 |
| Yelp | 3.1/5 |
| Average | ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5 |
📋 Pet Policy Snapshot
💵 Pet Fee: $30 per pet, per night
🐾 Pet Limit: 2 dogs allowed
🐕 Allowed Sizes: All dog sizes welcome
🚫 Unattended Pets: Not allowed in rooms
🦴 In-Room Pet Perks: Patio rooms available; no formal amenities provided
🌿 Relief Area: Park located directly next to the property
✅ American Paws Club Trust Checklist
🛎️ Verified by our team
✔️ Walkable beach access
✔️ Nearby park for relief breaks
✔️ Staff known for being friendly and pet-aware
✔️ Budget-friendly with big dog approval
✔️ Repeat guest mentions of the pet experience
💬 Verified Pet Owner Insights
Jan P., Google: “We had our 2 little dogs with us and found Blue Sands last-minute. John made us feel so welcome! We chose a kitchen room perfect for our pups and such a cozy overnight.”
Israel P., Google: “Friendly dog motel! Our pup loved the patio, and the beach is a 2-minute walk. Parking was tricky on holiday weekend, but overall a great value.”
🔑 Pet Traveler Tip: Book a first-floor room with a patio if your dog enjoys outdoor space—you’ll get easy access to both the beach and the nearby park, plus a bit more breathing room between walks.
5. Casa Del Mar Inn
📍 18 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA
💵 From $174/night + pet fee | 🐕 Big dogs & 2+ pets allowed
Casa Del Mar Inn offers a more personal, small-inn experience, without skipping on the perks. It’s excellent for its fireplaces, kitchenettes, evening wine and cheese, and a courtyard that’s as welcoming to pups as it is to people. Indeed, this is the kind of place that turns a weekend getaway into a tradition.
🌟 Paw Approval Score: ★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Verified by American Paws Club
📊 Guest Ratings from Real Travelers
| Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| Hotels.com | 8.0/10 |
| Booking.com | 8.3/10 |
| Google Reviews | 4.3/5 |
| Yelp | 3.8/5 |
| Average | ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5 |
📋 Pet Policy Snapshot
💵 Pet Fee: $20 per pet, per night
🐾 Pet Limit: 2 pets allowed
🐕 Allowed Sizes: All dog sizes welcome
🚫 Unattended Pets: Not allowed in rooms
🦴 In-Room Pet Perks: No formal amenities, but dogs are welcome to walk and lounge around the property
🌿 Relief Area: Courtyard and walkable neighborhood nearby
✅ American Paws Club Trust Checklist
🛎️ Verified by our team
✔️ Low pet fee
✔️ Social setting—many guests bring dogs
✔️ Central walkable location
✔️ Comfortable for long weekends with pets
✔️ Clean rooms with plenty of space to unwind
💬 Verified Pet Owner Insights
Sarah, Booking.com: “Clean and cute rooms, great courtyard, wine and cheese hour, and super pet friendly. Everything is walkable—perfect place to escape with your doggy!”
Susan M., Google: “Most guests had dogs, which was great for us. Beds were comfy, shower strong, and the kitchen made snacking between outings easy. We’ll be back.”
Francesca G., Google: “Jon was super helpful planning our next stay. Spotlessly clean, great location, and very pet-welcoming!”
🔑 Pet Traveler Tip: Bring a few extras for your pup—Casa Del Mar’s cozy layout is perfect for unwinding with your pet in the courtyard or prepping easy meals in the kitchenette between beach strolls.
What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Not all hotels that allow pets are truly pet-welcoming, and when you’re traveling with your four-legged companion, that distinction makes all the difference. Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Clear Pet Policy (No Guesswork!)
Look for hotels that list their pet rules upfront: fees, pet limits, and whether large dogs or multiple pets are welcome. All five of our picks do exactly that.
✔️ No Size or Breed Restrictions
The best Santa Barbara hotels that are dog-friendly enough to earn our trust are those that say, “All paws welcome.”
✔️ Outdoor Relief Areas Nearby
Access to grass, parks, or walkable sidewalks can make or break a stay. Most Santa Barbara pet-friendly hotels featured here have green space on-site or within a block.
✔️ Pet Amenities That Matter
Look for dog beds, bowls, treats, or concierge services that truly cater to pets, not just a generic “pets allowed” tag.
✔️ Real Reviews from Fellow Pet Owners
Want to know if a hotel is dog-loving? Check for reviews that mention dogs by name, discuss staff interactions, or describe how relaxed their pet felt onsite. That’s where the best Santa Barbara dog-friendly hotels shine.
✔️ Walkability to Pet-Friendly Spots
The top hotels in Santa Barbara that allow dogs are ideally located near dog beaches, outdoor cafes, and scenic strolls. Your pup deserves to explore the city, too!
Ready to Book Your Santa Barbara Stay? 🧳
Each pet-friendly Santa Barbara hotel has been handpicked for a true dog-welcoming charm.✨ Book through the links above to support American Paws Club at no extra cost.
💌 Love this guide? Explore our other pet travel picks across the U.S! Happy travels, tails wagging guaranteed. 🐾
FAQs
Are there hotels in Santa Barbara that allow dogs of all sizes?
Yes! Several hotels in Santa Barbara that allow dogs have no size or breed restrictions. For example, El Encanto and Kimpton Canary Hotel welcome big dogs and multiple pets without extra hassle.
Do all Santa Barbara pet-friendly hotels charge a fee?
Not always. While most Santa Barbara pet-friendly hotels charge a nightly pet fee, some offer no pet fee at all, making them a great value for longer stays.
Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?
It depends on the property. Some dog-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara allow well-behaved pets to stay alone in the room (like Hyatt Palm Springs), while others require you to take your pet with you when you leave.
What makes a hotel truly dog-friendly?
The best dog-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara go beyond “pets allowed.” Look for amenities like treats, beds, nearby parks, and genuine reviews from other pet parents.
Do any Santa Barbara hotels welcome both dogs and cats?
Yes! While most featured properties focus on pups, several also welcome cats. Check each listing’s pet policy before you book.
The post 5 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Santa Barbara appeared first on American Paws Club.
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