7 Best Cheap Hotels in Goleta For Budget Travelers
Visiting a UCSB student and don’t want to break the bank? Or looking for somewhere more affordable to stay while visiting the gorgeous city of Santa Barbara? Goleta is an excellent, lesser-known area that happens to have much more affordable hotels than what you will find downtown. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, we’ll review and highlight the best cheap hotels in Goleta for budget travelers.
As a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara myself, and a former front desk employee at Best Western Plus in Goleta, I am very well-versed in all that Goleta has to offer. Whether it was my parents visiting and looking for somewhere affordable to stay, or visiting Santa Barbara as a money-conscious recent grad and not being able to afford the steep price of hotels downtown yet, I got to know many of the hotels in the area.
❗️Short on time to read?❗️
THIS is the BEST cheap place to stay in Goleta – Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
Why Stay in Goleta?
There are several compelling reasons why staying in Goleta is a popular choice for many people. First and foremost, its proximity to UC Santa Barbara makes it an ideal location for students, faculty, and visitors affiliated with the university.
Additionally, Goleta offers a more affordable alternative to downtown Santa Barbara, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on accommodation costs. Goleta also provides a unique blend of being close to Santa Barbara while being surrounded by nature and offering a quieter city experience.
Goleta has a lovely charm to it with its picturesque landscapes, tranquil beaches, and scenic hiking trails, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the larger city while still providing easy access to all the amenities and attractions of Santa Barbara. Plus, if you’re looking to explore and take day trips around the Santa Barbara region, Goleta is an excellent affordable place to stay.
BEST Cheap Hotels in Goleta
#1 – Best Western Plus South Coast Inn ★★
🏆 Rating: 8.6/10 | 💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
So, yes, I might be a little biased because I worked here for a short period of time during college, however… I really do think it is one of the best cheap hotels in Goleta. We had many people tell us they changed their reservation away from another hotel to this one either because of the service, cleanliness, or being overbooked and ended up enjoying their stay at Best Western much better. Plus – the freshly baked cookies at check-in are literally HEAVENLY!
The Best Western in Goleta offers a fantastic accommodation option for those seeking a convenient and comfortable stay. One of its notable features is the outdoor pool, perfect for a day of relaxing and soaking up the southern California sunshine! The day starts with a full breakfast (included with your stay) and there are plenty of nearby restaurants and stores to fuel up later in your day.
Plus, the hotel’s prime location between UC Santa Barbara and downtown Santa Barbara is another key advantage. Guests can easily access both destinations, making it a great choice for visiting families, prospective students, or anyone wanting to explore the vibrant campus life of UCSB, as well as the bustling downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and attractions.
“Staff was super friendly! Our room and the property were very clean and well kept! Definitely recommend staying here.”
Courtney on Expedia
#2 – The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton ★★★★
🏆 Rating: 8/10 | 💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
The Leta may be rated as a 4-hour star hotel, but the price actually tends to be pretty on par with other cheap hotels in Goleta. The rooms often have deals and discounts that bring the price down and as you can tell by the reviews, it’s not exactly the fanciest 4-star hotel to begin with, but very nice if your goal is affordability.
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta offers a delightful boutique experience with its fun and stylish hotel rooms. Situated in an excellent location between downtown Santa Barbara and Goleta, you will be able to easily explore both areas. The hotel boasts The Leta Hotel Restaurant (very tasty food and drinks!), where guests can enjoy delectable meals while taking in lovely pool views.
For those seeking a productive environment, the hotel also provides convenient coworking spaces and meeting rooms. Additionally, The Leta Hotel offers a tempting brunch option, allowing you to indulge in a delightful meal for a small surcharge. Whether you are looking for relaxation, productivity, or culinary delights, The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta is the perfect destination.
“Wonderful stay at The Leta! Delightful and beautiful grounds, and every meal at the hotel restaurant was a joy and delicious. Cozy, aesthetically stylish, and incredibly friendly staff. A truly great easy going weekend stay!”
Lindsay on Expedia
#3 – Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara ★★
🏆 Rating: 8.2/10 | 💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay in Goleta, the Ramada is an excellent option. From the front, it may look a bit old and run down, but don’t let that fool you. Once you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! The rooms are spacious and clean, with modern amenities. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel right at home and taken care of.
The breakfast may not be anything fancy, but it’s well-rounded and pretty good for a continental breakfast. The grounds are lovely and calming, with little lakes and gardens scattered throughout the property. The Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara will give you a surprisingly nice experience without breaking the bank when looking for a cheap place to stay.
“The hotel is exquisite. Lovely property with a little lake and waterfalls thru out the property. Staff and very friendly and willing to help at a moments notice. I highly recommend this Ramada Inn in Santa Barbara. It is close to the freeway and you can get to all of Santa Barbara and Goleta in no time.”
Toni on Expedia
The Absolute CHEAPEST Hotels in Goleta
#4 – Motel 6 Goleta ★★
🏆 Rating: 7.2/10 | 💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
Truthfully, I stayed here once right after college when I was making almost no money, and I would not stay here again… BUT, it is the cheapest hotel option in Goleta and Santa Barbara. It’s not a bad place to stay, the rooms are just extremely tiny and basic.
The motel felt safe enough but the rooms are jam-packed next to each other and you don’t feel like you have a ton of privacy. However, if you plan to not spend any time there and just need a cheap, clean place to sleep at night, the Motel 6 accomplishes that goal.
“Motel 6 in Goleta was excellent. Perfectly cleaned and great customer service.”
Janet on Expedia
#5 – Extended Stay America – Santa Barbara – Calle Real ★★
🏆 Rating: 7.2/10 | 💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
While it is a step above Motel 6 in price, amenities, and quality, I would still recommend checking out the other cheap hotels in Goleta on this list before the Extended Stay. If the others are booked up, it’s a decent choice for your basic budget hotel option – plus, at least there’s a free breakfast and pets are allowed.
While the rooms are pretty outdated and mediocre, the benefit of this stay is the tiny kitchen (essentially a stove, refrigerator, and microwave) to save some extra money by cooking meals in your room.
“It was a decent hotel. The hotel is old and outdated but clean and the service was great.”
Lisa on Expedia
The Best Mid-Range Hotel Options in Goleta
#6 – Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta ★★★
🏆 Rating: 9.2/10 | 💲💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
If you’re looking for a step above the cheapest hotels/motels in Goleta, a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott is a fantastic choice. You’ll appreciate its great location near Santa Barbara Airport and the close proximity to UCSB.
This hotel is an excellent choice, particularly if you want additional amenities. The Residence Inn offers a range of facilities such as a business center, gym, and kitchen in each unit, making it ideal for those seeking convenience and comfort. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel’s amenities cater to various needs.
Families, in particular, will find this place accommodating, with spacious units and amenities that make traveling with children a breeze. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta ensures a pleasant and enjoyable stay for guests who value a convenient location and a range of amenities to enhance their experience.
“I stayed with my family. Parking was easy. My kids loved the pool and outside activities. Breakfast was nice as well. It is a great place to stay.”
Jessica on Expedia
#7 – Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta ★★★
🏆 Rating: 8.6/10 | 💲💲💲
🏨 Check Availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Featured Amenities:
As another mid-range hotel option in Goleta, the Hilton Garden Inn is a fantastic option. While the rooms are pretty standard for Hilton, it does have a wonderful standout feature: the rooftop bar and restaurant. Notably, this establishment offers not only delectable cuisine (and excellent cocktails!) but also picturesque views overlooking Goleta.
Additionally, this hotel enjoys a strategic location in close proximity to UCSB and an array of amenities, including restaurants, convenient grocery stores, diverse shopping options, and even a nearby movie theater. It’s especially comfortable if you’re embarking on a business trip or attending a conference, with work desks in each room and plenty of meeting spaces. With its prime location and exceptional facilities, it ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay, catering to both leisure and professional needs.
“Amazing staff! Amazing property! Very clean comfortable and accommodating!”
James on Expedia
Best Things to Do in Goleta
- Visit the Goleta Butterfly Grove – a gorgeous area with trails through the lush trees (including Eucalyptus) and nature that run out to the cliffs. Monarch butterflies migrate to Goleta from October through February. The area is free to visit.
- Wander through UC Santa Barbara’s Campus – even if you are not visiting a student, the campus has some beautiful areas such as the Lagoon and Campus Point beach that are worth strolling through.
- Have a beach day (or try surfing) at Sands Beach – located at the end of the path that starts on Camino Majorca and Del Playa Dr.
- Catch a movie at the Camino Real Cinemas
- Go bowling at Bowlero Santa Barbara
- Explore the Santa Ynez Mountains – Check out Lizard’s Mouth or Knapp Castle!
- Have a beer at one of the many breweries – M. Special, Captain Fatty, Draughtsmen Aleworks, etc.
- Grab a bite to eat around town – Some of my favorites include Los Agaves, Dank Bowls (in Isla Vista), Blenders (for smoothies), The Natural Cafe, Ca’Dario, Nikki Ramen, and Cajun Cafe (for brunch)
Cheap Hotels in Goleta FAQs
The Hilton Garden Inn is the closest mid-range hotel to UCSB. Otherwise, Motel 6 is the closest cheap hotel in Goleta. You can also stay on campus at The Club & Guest House at UC Santa Barbara.
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn, Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, Motel 6 Goleta, Extended Stay America Goleta, Hilton Garden Inn Goleta, and Residence Inn by Marriott Goleta, all have 24/7 front desk support.
The only hotel in Goleta that is on the beach is The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, a luxury 5-star hotel.
The Leta, Motel 6, Extended Stay America (extra fee), and Residence Inn by Marriott (extra fee) are all pet-friendly hotels in Goleta.
The Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara and Extended Stay America Goleta are closest to downtown Santa Barbara. 
Goleta is about 10-15 miles and a 15 to 20-minute drive from Santa Barbara, depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re trying to get to.
There are a couple of hotels in Goleta on Hollister Ave., a few of them include Hilton Garden Inn Goleta, Residence Inn by Marriott Goleta, Super 8 by Wyndham, and Pacifica Suites.
Yes, it’s possible to find some good homestay accommodations in Goleta. Keep in mind these do tend to be limited in Santa Barbara, check Vrbo to find some entire home, private stays in Goleta.
Conclusion: Cheap Places to Stay in Goleta For Budget Travelers
Goleta offers a range of cheap and budget-friendly places to stay, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers. From the surprisingly pleasant and recently renovated Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, to the comfortable and (somewhat) affordable Hilton Garden Inn, there are options to suit various preferences and needs.
For those seeking a longer stay or desiring additional amenities, Residence Inn by Marriott Goleta provides an excellent choice with its spacious units and convenient facilities. These affordable accommodations allow budget travelers to explore the beautiful surroundings of Goleta and Santa Barbara without breaking the bank. With careful planning and a little research, it’s possible to find a comfortable and cheap place to stay in Goleta that meets both your budget and travel needs.
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☀️ California FAQs ☀️
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
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• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
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I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
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