Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara puts you just off State Street in a historic
Hotel Highlights
- Excellent location just off State Street
- Complimentary bikes (and plenty of bike lanes to use them)
- Easy walking access to restaurants, shops and downtown
- Historic Santa Barbara architecture and character
- Spacious room and large bathroom
- Hilton Honors food-and-beverage credit for eligible elite members
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Oat [Danish] Bakery next door
- $35 overnight valet parking
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
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A Historic Hotel that Actually Feels Like Santa Barbara
Property: Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | Address: 17 W. Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | Phone: (805) 963-9757 | Hours: Check-in 4 p.m., Check-out 11 a.m.
We took the train from Orange County, so location mattered. Hotel Virginia is an eight-minute walk from the Amtrak station.
Rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake in Spanish Colonial Revival style, the smaller scale, historic details and exposed brick walls give it cozy, urban vibes that connect you directly to Santa Barbara.
- The Magic: Preserved 1916 Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that truly feels tied to Santa Barbara history.
- What We Loved Best: Cruising around on complimentary bikes to get to a conference and a friend’s graduation.
- Must-Try Recommendation: Head next door to Oat Bakery for a Frosapper or charcoal sesame sourdough roll with gruyere and butter.
- Local Touch: General Manager Andrew welcomed us with locally made chocolates and plans to expand local wine selections.
- Colleague Friendly: Spacious rooms with great counter space, mini fridge, Keurig and charging outlets (though a magnifying mirror would be nice).
Who Hotel Virginia Makes Sense For
I would especially consider Hotel Virginia if you:
- Want to stay close to State Street
- Like walking to restaurants and shops
- Want to bike around downtown Santa Barbara
- Use
Hilton Honors points or elite benefits - Prefer smaller historic hotels
- Are visiting for a conference, event or business trip downtown
- Appreciate hotels with local architectural character
It would also work well for a girlfriends’ trip or couples weekend because so much is accessible without driving.
Our Room Worked Well for Two Colleagues
My colleague and I have traveled together before, so we know how to make shared hotel rooms work, but having extra space certainly helps. We had enough room for our luggage and belongings.
The large bathroom was especially appreciated when we both needed to get ready for conference events.
Would I Stay at Hotel Virginia Again?
Yes.
I loved walking out the door and immediately being part of downtown Santa Barbara. I could bike to the beach, walk to dinner and stop next door for something from Oat Bakery.
Our room was spacious enough for two colleagues, the bathroom was large, the staff was friendly and the exposed brick gave the room some character.
I also liked staying in a
The Staff Added a Local Touch
The staff throughout our stay was friendly and helpful.
Andrew, the general manager, had only been at Hotel Virginia for about two months when we visited, but he was already thinking about ways to bring more local Santa Barbara products into the hotel.
He welcomed us with locally made chocolates and told us he planned to expand the selection of local wines and other products available at the bar and market.
I like that direction for this hotel. The building and location already connect guests to Santa Barbara. Adding more local food, wine and products would make that connection even stronger.
Brisa Café is a Coffee Bar Right Now
Brisa Café is currently more of a coffee bar than a restaurant.
There is also a refrigerated market area with basic snacks, drinks and some surprisingly good chia yogurt parfaits. It worked when we needed something quick, although the selection was fairly limited during our stay.
Oat Bakery Is Next Door
Oat Bakery is practically next door, and it is delicious.
The bakery has Danish roots and is known for its breads and savory baked goods. It made an easy breakfast or snack stop without having to go anywhere. I heartily recommend the Frosapper and the charcoal sesame sourdough roll with gruyere and butter.
Between Oat Bakery, State Street restaurants and everything else within walking distance, I didn’t miss having a full-service restaurant inside the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara
Yes. It is just off State Street at West Haley Street, making it easy to walk to downtown restaurants, shops and bars.
For much of downtown, yes. We walked to restaurants and I used the hotel’s complimentary bikes to travel about a mile to my conference and a friend’s graduation.
Brisa Café currently operates more like a coffee bar, with drinks and some grab-and-go food. There are many restaurants within walking distance on and around State Street.
Yes. Complimentary bikes and locks are available to hotel guests, and I found them particularly useful for short trips around downtown Santa Barbara.
They offer very different stays. Hotel Virginia is smaller, historic and downtown, while
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