Ala Mar Motel, Santa Barbara CA

Booked a room for 5 nights. When we arrived at 10pm, there was no one at the front desk, and the door was locked. Called the number, the lady showed up 15 min later. Gave us a key, but when we got into our room it was not cleaned after previous guests. After about 20 minutes she finally found us another room, but only for one night. Next day the same situation was repeated- no one at front desk, and our original room was still not cleaned. After 45 minutes they got us yet another room, which really needed some remodeling (see picture taken inside the tiny bathroom). For $200/night I expected a better room and much better service.

Really great location. Rooms aren't that bad. I don't know why they don't fix them up. Wouldn't take much. There's no front desk person so you walk to the hotel down the block, same place for complimentary breakfast, ran out of most food and coffee at 9AM. On a Sunday at 9AM. No biggy tho. Had a decent stay.
The Ala Mar has a great balcony with a wonderful view. We went up to watch the sunset & there were 2 guys, non guests being loud and belligerent so we left. No biggy tho. Might go back. Might not.

Love this place! Directly across the street from the beach. Super quick walk to State St, Pier, restaurants and duh, beach. Friendly staff. Nice roof top lounge spot. Off street safe free parking. My new spot to visit my UCSB kid

Love, love, love this place. Nothing fancy, but beautiful and homey. Walking distance to everything and across from the beach. Thank you for the wonderful stay.

Very nice cozy room with a spectacular view of the ocean, pier, and boats/ships! Very affordable rates for my budget.

My husband and I really enjoyed our two nights at Ala Mar! It was such a cute place, and had an amazing view. We loved the tile and Spanish influence. It was close to Stearn’s Wharf and walking distance to multiple stores, restaurants, and the beach. The room was basic, but we weren’t lacking anything. The breakfast provided in the property next door was nice and was a lovely place to start the morning. We got the penthouse and really enjoyed our private patio as well! The staff was friendly and overall we have no complaints whatsoever. We will stay here again should we find ourselves in the area.

The place had a lovely historic feel, the room was immaculately decorated, and I had a great view of the ocean. The staff were incredibly kind and went out of their way to be helpful (especially the kind lady who checked me on and had snake print heels), and it was a wonderfully affordable price for being right next to the ocean.

A beautiful place to stay. I have been coming to this wonderful place with my wife for 20 years. Never gets old. We love the place.

Ala Mar by the Sea gives you THE BEST "on the beach" experience altogether. From the inside it was like being in one of those cozy cabins up on Pine Mountain off of the Interstate 5 in California. BUT! When you look out the wide view windows or sit out on the balcony, you see the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara CA pier off of State street and Cabrillo Blvd. The Women's Task Force day & night care organization gives this place the much earned Royal Crown

I’ve stayed here numerous times. Never had a bad experience. Very friendly at the front desk and the rooms are fair priced and nice. Can’t beat the location. Beach right across the street. Great restaurants nearby and only a block from state street. I will be sure to come back

It wasn't super clear that we had to head 50m inland to another building to check in. That was an initiative test tbh. Plus there seemed to be one person doing everything when I got there, poor lass, so the service was slow and slightly hectic. Hire more staff and if you can't afford it, put your prices up and then hire more staff

If I could give a zero I would. The room they tried to give us was infested with termites. They would NOT give a refund. Offered another room that had hair on the sheets. The owner showed up and was extremely RUDE. He said that wasn't human hair, probably cat hair. Tried to convince me the other bed was clean. Accused us of just changing our minds to get our money back.

Location, location, location.to be honest I picked this Motel for location and price. But it was a weird experience. You have to check in in Villa Rosa, in the same block, so I hear they manage the 4 properties around, (VR have the pool and breakfast), I didn't mind but, NO A/C, and I knew it, I love to scroll the reviews, I rather know in advance, than to be surprised. If you are willing to pay a few hundred more just to sleep, well, book somewhere else.
The wharf, park, the trolley, the beach and some restaurants are a few minutes walk, free simple continental breakfast and free parking lot.

I have to say that the woman checking us in was so very helpful and under pressure was a most unique and extraordinary great experience because most times people get very anxious under those circumstances but she remained very professional so I want to say that stoid out for me because that was not a easy time. Seems like she is a great person to be in that position so thankful for all if the staff and breakfast was beautiful as well so thankful that could can't stop that now

This place is awesome just next to the beautiful beach and price wise very cheaper. Plus point all nice restaurants are surrounding area. Very close to downtown Santa Barbara I like the place.

Main reason for me writing this review is annoyance for additional $25 "Property Fee" after I already booked and paid online. Basically a bait and switch. Location is right on beach which is great.but check in was annoying at building next door and the process took too long with an already long line. The room had no A/C or ceiling fan and the floor was sandy, i.e. Not cleaned well. This is a motel with thin walls/ ceilings so could hear every step in unit above me. Not a hotel with additional amenities available. Extra fees seem questionable at best if not illegal.

There was a woman at the front desk that was exceptionally helpful and made us feel very welcome. I recommend it 100 %