We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel

134 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hotel amenities
Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

102 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    7
    10
    11
    15
    59
Date Rating
Moscow, Russia
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

we stayed in a private room in SB tourist hostel, the one (I guess they only have one) with a private bathroom for a night. all good and clean and quiet, it was a bit inconvenient that there were no bedlights, only one light on the ceilng. the second night we had to remove ourselves to a room without a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Djibouti, Djibouti
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

When we showed up we were told that we were in luck, they were down to their last private room and they had just told someone on the phone they still had it, but they weren't there yet so we could have it. Sucked for them I guess? Private room was about $100, didn't have an ensuite bathroom, and to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers are raving about these Santa Barbara hotels

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d147443?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Fess Parker\
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81899?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Hyatt Santa Barbara
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119697?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2013 via mobile

This place sucks ... It's stinks ... The staff people are a bunch of snobs and for no reason... Place needs to be condemned!!! This hostel is only suitable for the roches that will crawl in bed with you while your sleeping... The people that were sleeping outside of this place in there sleeping bags had the right idea. Why... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2013 via mobile

So bad. Apart from a great location this place is really just dirty and awful. Lucky my friend an I were laid back and only staying for 2 nights. What a shame we paid upfront for both nights otherwise we would have moved locations in a heartbeat. Hell. Unless your a poor student just don't put yourself through this.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Adelle D for Santa Barbara
Montreal, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 October 2012

We were soooo disapointed by this hostel. We arrived at 1h pm and the reception is close from 12h30 to 1h30. So we waited for an hour as the lady was late. No excuse, no smile... She showed us our room which was not accessible from inside. The door was in glass cover with a small curtain, there was no... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
ABC
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
14 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 September 2012

The hostel is located on a corner right next to the train station, so that makes it REALLY loud every time a train passes by (they have this terrible honk). Apart from that, we found the hostel o.k., it's nothing special but the breakfast was nice. Wifi didn't work very well. The rooms were packed with beds. Bathrooms were decent.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Bristol, United Kingdom
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 September 2012

Let me preface this review by stating that I am a young budget traveller. I have stayed in youth hostels all around the world, so I know what to expect from them and am used to 'roughing it' a little. But this place truly sucked. We stayed there for one night in their private double bedroom. We happened to be... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Knutsford, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 August 2012

We've been travelling for 8 months and stayed in hostels all over the world. This is by far the most expensive hostel ($50 for a bed in a 12 bed dorm!) and the WORST hostel we've stayed in. The rooms are tiny and crammed. There is no space for luggage in the rooms so people have to leave all their... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Barcelona, Spain
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 August 2012

I stayed in this hostel for 2 nights. 2 weeks later i still feel dirty! There are 12 beds in a dorm that is just big enough for 4 beds. There are enough staff members hanging around but no one really bothers to clean the place. The air is that thick in the room that its hard to open the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
New Zealand
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 June 2012

I stayed here one night in mid-June and it was the biggest waste of $40 in years. There were what looked like blood stains on the mattress of the bunk above mine. Additionally, it looked like the last time the room had been cleaned was weeks ago. The staff was grumpy and unhelpful as well. This place has nothing of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Spanish Garden Inn
Great value on a similar hotel
Santa Barbara, CA
4.5 of 5 stars 537 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Travellers also viewed these Santa Barbara hotels
Spanish Garden Inn 4.5 of 5 stars 537 reviews Brisas Del Mar, Inn At The Beach 4.5 of 5 stars 265 reviews Agave Inn 4.0 of 5 stars 207 reviews Blue Sands Motel 4.5 of 5 stars 139 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d225519?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81869?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d951001?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119707?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 61 hotels in Santa Barbara, ranked by popularity

Been to Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel

Also Known As:
Santa Barbara Tourist Hotel
Santa Barbara Tourist Hotel Santa Barbara
Address: 134 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Region: United States > California > Santa Barbara
Amenities:
Free Parking
Hotel Style:
Ranked #11 of 12 Speciality lodging in Santa Barbara
Price range (per night): S$41 - 79
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
A beautiful new hostel located two blocks from the beach and one block to State Street, famous for it's nightlife, restaurants, Spanish architecture and shopping. We are directly opposite the train station and walking distance from the bus station, with plenty of bike parking. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with HostelWorld so you can book your Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices