Riviera Beach House

121 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Santa Barbara, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Riviera Beach House is a 3-star, chic adobe-style hotel in Santa Barbara’s trendy Funk Zone, positioned two blocks from the beach and about a 4-minute walk from Stearns Wharf. Rooms are contemporary—some featuring exposed brick—and include free Wi‑Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, tea and coffeemakers, and desks; upgraded rooms add patios with town and Santa Ynez Mountains views. On site, the hotel pairs its neighborhood-cool vibe with a fashionable Mexican restaurant featuring a sidewalk patio, plus an art gallery and a hip cocktail bar. Additional conveniences include a fitness studio and a business center, with parking available for a fee. The location places guests steps from MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (about 27 m away) and within easy reach of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center (about 618 m) and the waterfront.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who want to be in the middle of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, with walkable access to bars, restaurants, breweries, and waterfront attractions like Stearns Wharf. It’s also a strong pick for guests who value on-site food and drinks (Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar) and a stylish, modern room setup with Wi‑Fi and work desks.

Travel tips

If you want a car-free stay, this address is especially convenient: MOXI is essentially next door (about 27 m), and Stearns Wharf and the Sea Center are a short walk (about 624–618 m). Parking is offered but comes with a fee, so plan for that cost if you’re driving. For beach time, the property is about two blocks from the shoreline and also close to East Beach (about 1.4 km).

What guests say

Guests frequently praise the friendly, welcoming service and the overall atmosphere, including time spent relaxing in the lobby. The on-site food and beverage offerings stand out, with positive mentions of the Mexican restaurant and mezcal-forward cocktails. The location is a recurring highlight, described as highly walkable and surrounded by restaurants, stores, bars, and breweries in the Funk Zone. A noted downside from guest feedback is inconsistency with housekeeping, including reports of rooms not being cleaned and needing to request towels and trash service.

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