Drift Santa Barbara

We stayed in a City View on second floor for 5 nights and had a great stay all around. The staff was very response and accommodating to our requests. The rooms are modern, very clean, and while relatively small, we found there was a place for just about everything, even for a longer stay. They also have decent sized self-service lockers if you need more storage. The cafe on the first level was pricey, but had excellent coffee. The location simply couldn't have have been better - walking distance to basically everything SB has to offer. There was some live music nextdoor on a few of the nights that we were there that was lightly audible in the room until ~10pm. We enjoyed the lively location, but if you 'd like a very quiet hotel perhaps consider one not in downtown SB on a lively street. We found the price fair for what you get and would recommend the hotel.

Great new concept right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Walk to 1 of 10 great restaurants and bars within 5 minutes. They did a great job on the design and offer a moody, relaxed and comfortable vibe. The staff was very friendly and the coffee shop downstairs is a great way to start the day. Can't wait to come back and stay here again.

I recently stayed at Drift in Santa Barbara, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best hotels I’ve experienced in California! The rooms are stunning, with a modern and elegant design, and they’re among the cleanest and most beautiful I’ve seen anywhere. Every detail is carefully considered, creating a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff deserves a special mention: they were incredibly kind, always helpful, and radiated positivity. Their efficiency and friendly attitude made the stay even more enjoyable. Every request was met with a smile, and they went above and beyond to ensure the experience was perfect. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers top-notch quality and impeccable service, Drift is definitely the right choice in Santa Barbara!

We stayed at Drift this weekend and the location of the hotel is amazing if you’re looking to enjoy the best of the city! You can walk to most restaurants and places, they are located right in the heart of the most lively streets so there is lots of music, bars and good food around. Their bar and coffee shop are really great! Also, the design of the hotel is very stylish! The customer service is also great, they helped us with all of our requests. They also do complimentary yoga on Saturday mornings. The basic rooms are a little small (which is understandable because they’re located right in downtown and the space is limited), but you can upgrade for larger rooms with beautiful views to the city. We saw the review from the previous guests about the street noise / city night life that you can hear in the rooms on the first floor and we asked to change our room to the second floor and it was perfect. There was no noise and we slept really great. Overall, it’s a very stylish hotel.

My husband and I stayed three nights at Drift Santa Barbara and were blown away by the attention to detail in the overall design and service. I kept coming back to the thought “they really care”! I rarely, rarely feel this about large chain hotels and it’s that exact difference that I look for in my accommodations. What everyone says about the small rooms is true, but we found them to be very thoughtfully designed and functional. There were plenty of ledges and spaces to organize your things. All it took was 2 minutes of planning once we entered the room to be completely comfortable in the space! The beds were cozy, the room smelled amazing, robes, coffee and clean linens; all of the things you really need. Location couldn't have been better, with quick access to everything by foot. Parking was across the street and $25/day with in-out privileges. By far, the best part of this hotel is the staff. Even though you don’t have a concierge/front desk, the staff are around and available. They are so kind, friendly and made you feel like they were really proud of their space. We only ate at Dawn for coffee and a croissant (both delicious)! I texted “Eve” everyday to request a coffee refresh and the beds remade. What I loved about this is I could say exactly what time I wanted them to come and they were able to accommodate. We enjoyed some of the “extras” like free bike rentals. We grabbed some and biked up and down the coast. You can also use their surfboards! When I stay at a hotel, I would much rather have the experience of a boutique, with little quirks and things to make the stay stand out as unique. Drift was the perfect stay and I can’t think of a single reason that would keep me from coming back over and over again. Thank you to the whole staff that made our stay lovely.

We LOVED our stay at Drift Santa Barbara when we visited a few weeks ago. So much so, that after being home for two weeks, I felt the need to write this review and affirm all that the hotel had to offer us. The mobile check-in process let us access our room so easily, and let us streamline the start of our trip wonderfully. Jackie made us feel so welcomed and valued from the moment we walked onto the property, shoutout to Jackie! Not mention the beautiful rooms, sleek architecture, and next level hospitality. The location is at the heartbeat of what Santa Barbara has to offer, and walking distance to the beach! We love, love, loved our stay here, and will definitely be returning soon!

Cute boutique hotel. There is no staff on the grounds other than the bartender and barista. They have virtual check in and send you a code to access the doors, different, but my wife and I liked it. Our room was the size of a shoebox! Some might call it intimate. Also, less than a ten minute walk to the beach/pier. There are lots of bars and restaurants right in the area as well. We really enjoyed our stay.

An Unforgettable Stay from Dawn to Dusk, and Beyond Let me start by saying Drift Santa Barbara is more than a hotel—it’s an experience. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled seamlessly through our phones. This contactless approach made check-in and navigating the hotel incredibly convenient. But what truly stood out was the amazing staff we met during our stay—proof that even in a contactless setting, human connection can make all the difference. First and foremost, Jacque, the General Manager, deserves a standing ovation. Truly one of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met. We stayed here for my birthday, and Jacque went above and beyond to make it unforgettable. From personalized touches in our room to thoughtful recommendations for our stay, it was clear she genuinely cared about making our visit special. Mornings here start at Dawn—the onsite coffee shop that’s a local favorite for a reason. Claire and Desiree greeted us with such infectious positivity, we couldn’t help but feel like regulars. Their drip coffee is outstanding, but the iced vanilla latte paired with a warm, flaky ham & cheese croissant? Absolute perfection. As the day winds down, head to Dusk for an entirely different vibe. Michael and Will are not just bartenders—they’re storytellers and mixology aficionados. We indulged in a tequila and mezcal tasting flight, and their expertise brought each sip to life. And don’t even get me started on the food. The oysters were fresh and briny, the chips and salsa had the perfect spicy kick. Plus, their knowledge of Santa Barbara’s best spots is unmatched. Every moment at Drift Santa Barbara feels intentional, from the design to the service. It’s a place that embraces you like an old friend and surprises you like a new one. I cannot recommend this spot enough, whether it’s for a birthday celebration or simply to soak up the magic of Santa Barbara. You’ll leave wishing you could stay just one more night.

Pros: - seamless no contact check in - VERY friendly staff - PRIME location - communication via text is 10/10 (they respond very quickly) - rooms are so cute and had everything we needed - beds are comfy - the scent for their toiletry items (shampoo, conditioner, lotion etc) smell so good. I debated buying it lol - they have a bar (Dusk) and a coffee shop (Dawn) downstairs, very convenient! - mini fridge, boxed water, coffee/tea supplies in room Cons: - no valet - "city view" meant the buildings roof. Can't see anything - lighting is pretty bad for makeup purposes. Our window was facing against the sun so it was dark in our room - no additional amenities like pool, gym etc All in all, we'd stay here again. We loved it. We celebrated our anniversary and staff left us champagne & chocolate. They were so sweet!! The cons are nothing compared to the pros. Loved Drift. Thank you so so much for having us! We'll be back.

Basics: -They're a new Marriott property. Booking a points reservation with them is impossible (you'll get an error on the last screen). -A points reservation was available, and I transferred points to my account to book it. -I tried making a reservation for 8/24 night, continued to get an error. Bounced back and forth from Drift to Marriott. Finally, the Drift asked me to book a points stay on ANY night and they'd move the night for me. -Marriott, with the help of the "Assist" team, helped me book a reservation for 8/25 night. -I called the Drift and spoke with Misielle (the manager). She was SO NICE, apologized for the back and forth, and moved my stay to 8/24 and upgraded me to a State Street view. (See picture) -I got a text message that night asking me to check in digitally. I did so, and said it was my anniversary, asked for recommendations, etc. Basic stuff. -The next morning (the morning of my trip), I checked my Marriott app and it said the stay was still for Sunday, the 25th. I clicked in, got the red error box, then immediately got an email saying that the reservation was canceled. -I called Drift to confirm the reservation and spoke with Shelly. She said the reservation was canceled, there's nothing she could do, and that I needed to have Marriott re-instate it. I was obviously frustrated but never personally attacking (obviously). -I then called Marriott, had them agree to reinstate the reservation and got the agent on a 3-way call with the Drift hotel. -Shelly picks up, tells me how I was talking over her earlier and frustrated. She said she called Misielle and she said how rude I was to her as well. Then she said I was no longer allowed to stay at the hotel. Their technical difficulties became my problem. Shelly was incredibly unpleasant and, considering how amazingly pleasant Misielle was the day before, I can assume that Shelly 1/ made up the story about calling Misielle 2/ called and lied her pants off about how "rude" I was. I've never been told I'm not allowed to book a stay at hotel, make a reservation at a restaurant, or otherwise barred from anything involving hospitality. EVEN TODAY it's impossible to book a points stay at this property (see picture).

Overpriced, overrated, not so friendly staff, no receptionist, you have to go to the bar to find a person to help. Everything is through text messages. Although they are very responsive. The rooms are extremely small, like if you are closterphobic, don't stay here.

It was an interesting experience for sure. No onsite human support as everything is done through the app or text. Room was cute, modern, and overall not too bad, as everything functioned properly. We were right at the center so it was slightly noisy but they provided ear plugs. Coffee shop and bar downstairs.

Pros and cons, like many reviews. I love their technology and seamless check-in process. They have an automated AI type text system that gives you recommendations and information, and makes requests of the staff for you (request yoga mats, yoga blocks, lighted makeup mirror, etc.). So no hassle with getting what you need. The room is small, yes, but it truly utilizes its entire space. The decor and quality is upscale. Enough space for me to workout on the provided yoga mat. Shower was also great. Location is ideal- no need to drive, you're already in the spot. The Dawn and Dusk restaurants are excellent, and literally right there! See other reviews. The cons are the lighting (even with the lighted makeup mirror, it was so hard to get my makeup right), the noise (loud bass from the clubs you feel in your body that goes until 2 am, and keeps you awake), and the pillows (too squishy and sink down just as soon as you get comfortable). Spent most of the night tossing and turning. Glad we only stayed one night. There's also no amenities such as a gym, pool, or hot tub.

If I could give this less than 0 stars I would. The checking is a complete nightmare you have to re-enter all of your credit card info again after doing it on the marriott app. My god the rooms are small. The bathroom is like in the same room as the shower and your sink hangs over the bed. I've stayed in hostels I enjoyed more and for a fraction of the cost. The pictures are DECEIVING. I would have dropped dead if I had stayed here with a significant other. You legit would be going to the bathroom in the same room as your partner.

Ummm. Where do I start. I was charged $305.00 for a room that had approximately 60 sf of floor space. Not kidding. The bed is jammed into the end of the jail cell so the only way one person could get out is by crawling over the other. The shower is literally in the middle of the room so the other person can watch you. The sink is located so that you can brush your teeth while sitting in bed. I've stayed in better jail cells.

Totally feel scammed. Booked through expedia and selected $247 for a Deluxe Queen with a mountain view. I DID NOT get the room that was advertised and selected. Got there and it was a tiny room. No mountain view. Tiny. No Space. The room we got was for 1 person, not 2. The shower was all glass, with no privacy to use the restroom. I paid $247 for one night for my bfs birthday present, a trip to Santa Barbara, and the room was so embarrassing to me. On the first floor, a lot of noise, window on the ceiling practically. Felt suffocated in there. They gave us wine to make up for it. Only good thing is the location.

Very average hotel, but the location makes up for it. I'm a bit picky when it comes to hotels, especially when I'm traveling alone (which was the case here). To start off, the check in was very confusing. The hotel, coffee shop, and bar are all connected, so you need to check in at the coffee shop. I don't realize that at first, so I spent a few minutes wandering around outside before one of the workers stopped me and asked if I was checking in. The room was ready about an hour early, which was convenient. The rooms also have codes to get in, so you don't have to worry about carrying around a key card. The room was extremely small, which I did not expect. There really wasn't much room to walk around, and I almost felt a bit claustrophobic. The walls are also paper thin, so you can hear every little thing outside your room. It is right in the middle of the downtown area though, which is a huge bonus. It was my first time visiting Santa Barbara, so it was a great location because I was near all the places I wanted to go to. It's also about a 15ish min walk to the beach. Like I said, this is a very average hotel, but I probably wouldn't stay here again.

I loved the location for this spot, right off of State Street and it has a bar and coffee shop right outside the entrance. Although I didn't get to try either they both looked like cool spots to stop. There is a door that blocks off the bar and I was worried it would be noisy since we were on the same floor and only a few steps from the bar but it wasn't too bad. Plus the hotel supplies ear plugs which came in good use for me. The beds were super comfy for being bunk beds. The ceiling space is plentiful so the top bunk had a lot of space above, didn't have to worry about hitting your head in the ceiling. The shower is not so private, the curtain only closes off one side so if you are sharing this room with someone that you don't want to see you naked, then make sure they stay on the bed lol. M only gripe was table space and trash. There was hardly any table space to put stuff down. There was also only one trash can that was inside the bathroom. It would've been nice to have one under the sink as well. I did appreciate the water and tea assortment provided as well as the plentiful towel and bath robe supply.

Really cool new hotel in the walk only section of State Street. Parking is not onsite, but a short step away from the back entrance of the hotel. This was my first experience with a completely contactless check in. I received a link to register, which included needing to scan up front and back picture of my drivers license and register a credit card for the room charge. Thereafter I received a keycode and a room number. And voila, I was able to go straight to my room. I love the concept. It's modern, but comfortable. It's ecofriendly but luxurious. The room had really fancy beautiful pour over funnel and a container for coffee (locally sourced) and box water instead of plastic water bottles. I SO appreciated the full-size pump containers for lotion, wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The only thing missing in the room was someplace to sit that was not the bed. But, since you don't really spend a lot of time in your room when you're in SB, it wasn't really a deal breaker. I learned from the manager that the hotel is built on the foundation of the original 120-year-old Hotel Barbara and still features a lot of its original raw materials. The headboards in all 44 rooms are made from the original Douglas Fir framing studs that were uncovered during construction. How cool is that, to know that you are sleeping in a room steeped in history of the city. You could tell that there was a true sense of pride of ownership from all the employees who worked there. Really great vibe. Can't wait for a reason to go back.

We planned to come here for Valentine's weekend but my husband was too busy watching the Super bowl .We came the weekend after. I was kind of pissed but honestly I really am happy we did come the week after because we avoided the massive Super Bowl crowd. The Drift is a brand new boutique hotel. We were honored to be one of the first guests. The only downside is that there's no parking on the street because it is blocked off in that area of State Street (not the Drift's fault). You need to park about a half a block away approximately since they don't have a parking lot. Two recommendations that I have is that maybe you can be dropped off on the corner of State and Haley which is actually a one-way street and then walk .This will shorten your distance and may work if you have children. If you have a stroller that will even be super helpful. Your spouse/driver can go park. Also, a backpack and a luggage with wheels can make it easier . We actually parked our car at their designated spot the Haley motel and we did the short walk which to us was literally across the street. The Drift does offer a discount and I believe we paid $20 a day. Even better they allow you to go in and out and that's fantastic. This location is near all the restaurants and stores. There is an outdoor mall in walking distance approximately 4 minutes away. It has a Bath and Body works ,Victoria's Secret, and many more stores. They also have a 99 cent store on the next block. So getting back to the drift hotel when we arrived we entered through the bar area. The bar is called Dusk and they also have a coffee shop called Dawn. The hotel does not have a lobby and checking in and out is contactless. They will email you a code to get into your room. When we arrived we were actually greeted by the general manager Nick Gillio. He was extremely pleasant, professional, and helpful. He gave us his cell phone number and told us to reach out to him if we had any questions/ concerns. I could tell right away that he was extremely passionate about the Drift. He even offered to help us take up our luggages but we declined and were fine. They do have elevators and stairs. We chose the elevator of course. The property itself is beautiful. The hotel itself has been renovated and brand spanking new. It's classy and upscale with an awesome vibe. Nick Gillio, recommend the mountain view room and it was beautiful. I don't remember asking for a refrigerator in our room and I do recall staying at a hotel that didn't have one. However, I was so happy that our room had one. It was perfect because I usually travel with snacks and drinks. Our room did not have a closet but it had adorable his and her's robes which is a huge plus. It also had hooks on the wall and hangers to hang up your garments. The bed was nice and comfy with great pillows that contour to your head and body . Therefore, promoting relaxing sleep. Lol! Nice pillows are life. There is a coffee pot, blow dryer, water, safe ,and a steamer for your clothing. They also have bikes that you can borrow for amazing sightseeing. All in all a wonderful experience and a special thanks to Nick Gillio for making it happen. From the moment that we arrived till our departure he was there to make sure everything went smooth. See you in the near future Drift and Nick Gillio!

This is the smallest room I've ever seen. Staff is absolutely amazing. I will say the room is very clean and it has a wonderful bar down stairs. Met several charming individuals at the bar. I only wish that it had some computer plugs so you could sit at the bar and relax and do some work. Please add chairs to the room so people can work at night if they need to.

Not a chance I would stay here again. We paid quite a bit more for the 'Deluxe Queen with a City View' and knew that the room would be small but we went for it knowing the location was great. The location was the ONLY good thing about it. We were shocked when we walked into this jail cell like room. I called right away thinking they accidentally put us in the wrong room since there was barely any light and the bed didn't look queen size. The manager was nice and very responsive but confirmed we were in the room we booked and then showed us an option for a smaller room with more light but it was even tinier ‍ Their website is completely false advertising the actual rooms. If you choose to stay here there are a few things to know: - Bring really solid ear plugs, it's incredibly loud at night given the bars/club next door. They supply some but they weren't comfortable to sleep in. - Ladies - it's impossible to wash your face in the sink. The spout comes so far out you can't get anywhere near it and water goes everywhere ‍ - It's also impossible to do makeup in these rooms with the lighting so bring a compact mirror to do it near the window. - There is absolutely no privacy and it's a very intimate space. - Theres a lack of hanging space for clothes/towels. There are a few pegs on the wall but no closet so just fyi.

Thoroughly had a phenomenal cup of coffee. I'm SURE the hotel is equally outstanding, but if you're looking for a delicious roast looking further. I enjoyed a cup of coffee with steamed oatmeal! Boom. Creamy, delicious and altogether guilt free ;-) The owner Alex clearly cares about his guests. You could tell because of his interactions with everyone. He called people by name and he was sincere. Looking forward to coming back to enjoy another cup of Java! Perhaps next time I'll venture into something a little naughty ‍

Location is fantastic! Bar is super cool. Coffee shop is very convenient and good. Bartenders were awesome. The rooms are very nicely decorated but honestly the smallest rooms ever. So small it is a bit challenging to have two in the room with luggage. And make darn sure it is a significant other that you are good with sharing everything! The shower is part of the bedroom along with the bathroom. No privacy. You feel a bit like you are in a walk in closet and not a hotel room. The no staff on site is a bit frustrating. All communication via text.

do not stay here! i just checked into my room and it's literally one of those weird "tiny room" spaces where the bed is up against the wall. the shower meets the toilet, the freaking towels are in the toilet room. despite the photos, i was duped!!! and the worst part?!! theres loud banging construction that the property knows about that wasn't disclosed on their website!!!! don't do it!!!!

Pro: seamless check in process Clear instructions. Very responsive host. Coffee from dawn is great. Location is great Cons: 1) room was tiny. I guess the pictures on the website were really well done. Definitely got me fooled. But please be warned that the other reviews by other people are accurate on the size. 2) noise. They did say noise can be expected and they offer ear plugs. The problem is. The noise is caused by loud vibrations from a more constant bass type of sound (DJ in their bar downstairs celebrating their anniversary). So even with ear plugs, you can feel and hear the noise through the walls. I was expecting loud conversation type of noise, or busy street type of noise. The noise lasted way past midnight so dont bother thinking you can just wait it out. I believe it died down around 1am. Anyway, we didnt stay the 2nd night and chose to give up and loose whatever money we paid. Going to be driving alot the next day and i need sleep so decided to cut my losses and go home. Not sure if the other hotels i see in the vicinity are just as loud but i will try them next time.

I should say that I newer made as as far as saying here. I would never be robbed like this. I am Marriott titanium member always staying in the Ventura Santa Barbara area. I've been visiting for 40 years am aware of the hotel stock from the. El Encanto to the motel six. So I was quite excited to see a new hotel offering under the Marriott banner. Until I looked at the rates and what this sad little hotel has to offer Tiny tiny rooms of 129 ft.²that is a little over 11 x 11. I can see the small shower opens right into the room. It's scary to think where the toilet and sink might be located There's no pool, no fitness center, no outdoor areas that I can see on the website, no coffee in the rooms, no on site parking, no business center, no complimentary bikes, no room service, no turndown service,no valet parking and it's on a busy and noisy street ; for this they're asking $866 a night I don't know what sort of a fool would pay this. It's so outrageous. It's almost unbelievable. But there it is. So if you want to stay in a tiny box with no view and not even minimal amenitys for $866 a night all I can say is you're ruining it for the rest of us by letting this hotel get away with this. Do you realize this is very close to the nightly price for a room at the Ritz Carlton Bacara a fine property The bathroom there is bigger than your entire room at the drift You're paying Ritz Carlton prices for a prison cell. This is nothing more than a Hostel in a 100 year old building. Shame, shame, shame on the Grift Hotel.

The trip started with some hiccups but management was accommodating & able to get us into the room we booked. Parking: because the hotel is on State street, it is pedestrian only, therefore we had to park in a lot down the street around the corner. FYIs for your stay: There's no ability to valet. There's no ability to drop your bags off at the front and then go park. There's no bellman assistance. We learned that there is a city lot that has back building access, so I would recommend spending a little more for convenience. Arrival: There's no lobby. We were provided the room code via email. We arrived and walked through the busy downstairs bar and up to our rooms. The code is used on the front & back doors for building security. Room: We booked a premium room. Be sure to check prior to arrival on a king or queen bed reserved. The room was spacious and really pretty. There are some minor kinks the hotel is figuring out since they are so new.

Amazing! My husband and I celebrated our little honeymoon here and everything was perfection. Very modern and different from your average hotel but very convenient. All the drift team members were so attentive and so sweet. Our room was so perfect, very intimate and very very clean. We had such an amazing stay here. 10/10 recommend! Oh and best cocktails and coffee.

Drift hotel located right on State Street is a phenomenal place to stay for a short trip. Yes, the rooms are small and minimalist but it is super comfortable especially for a one night stay. I loved the minimalist vibes and the quiet stay. The coffee shop and bar downstairs are both great and you can not hear any noise from them from the downstairs rooms. The bed was extremely comfy and the amenities were plentiful. While it may be too minimalistic for a long stay, it is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. It's truly in the heart of everything and a comfy space when you want some down time.

I read the Yelp reviews before I went, and they're pretty accurate. I'd give this hotel 3 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. I doubt I'd stay there again, mostly because I'd like to try other hotels when I make it back to Santa Barbara. Plusses: -- Location, location, location. It couldn't be more convenient to everything on State St. There seem to be only two hotels on the pedestrian part of the street, and this is one. The other is Hotel Santa Barbara, which seems nice, but a bit dated judging by the lobby. -- Location, location, location. We ate four out of five meals at restaurants in the same block as the hotel. There are lots of choices. -- Location, location, location. The pedestrian-only street gives the hotel a nice feel. Others on Yelp complain about street noise, but we didn't have any problem on the third floor. -- Design. The hotel has a fresh, new design. For the most part, the finishes are high quality. Negatives: -- Room size. The regular rooms are okay for single people, but too small for couples. One person has to climb over the other to get out of bed. HINT: Ask for a room on the third floor because the elevated ceiling makes the room seem bigger. -- Room lighting. There is only one small window to the outside that doesn't bring in enough light. Even with all the lights on in the room, it's too dark. -- Toilet situation. The toilet has a sliding door that leaves cracks allowing odors to escape. You can also see into the toilet room at various angles with the door closed, so no absolute privacy. -- Shower situation. It's one of those hotels with a glass shower in the middle of the room. There's a curtain, but it doesn't go all the way around. It may or may not be your thing. Neutral: -- Check-in and check-out are completely automated. It worked well.

Small rooms, could hear every sneeze of the rooms we were between. Staff was great and check in online was nice but this hotel is not at all a value at a $300 a night hotel for a standard room. Wouldn't recommend for a family or for spending time in the room.

Possibly the coolest hotel I ever stayed at. Location is amazing, right on state street. Steps away from amazing food and entertainment. I love the design. You wouldn't expect this from looking at the exterior. I wish I could always have a modern minimalist space to live in. The room was small-ish and so was the window, but I really appreciate what they did with this space. Sufficient exterior lighting from the small window but I didn't spend all my time in the room anyway. The shower was great, the bed was very comfortable. I got a special "black friday" deal. The downstairs bar happy hour was great. very very good oysters were served and the drinks were top notch. I especially love the design of the bar area, the whole hotel is remarkable

PROS: - Right in the middle of State Street in Santa Barbara. - Brand new hotel (3 weeks old)? - Comfortable bed - Nice toiletries CONS: - Room felt like a prison cell/sterile hostel - Windows were frosted and couldn't even see out - No main lobby, everything is done through your phone - Whole feel of hotel was very cold and sterile-- very dark - Rooms had very little light, which made it impossible to do make up - Not great for people traveling with a partner-- absolutely zero privacy (Bathroom next to bed with all glass). Sink also in the middle of the bedroom. - Extremely loud and echoey in the hallway, with people yelling until 2am and doors slamming (1st floor). - Nothing about the environment was welcoming or warm, and I couldn't wait to leave. - Room did not look like the pictures online, unless the hotel is only showing pictures of their nicest room. - Very expensive for the experience. ($300/night) I hate to leave a bad review, as this is a new place, but hoping they will see this as some constructive criticism.

Spent a night for a little getaway and wish I could give more than 5 stars! Beautiful boutique concept that offers a contactless experience - everything is done via your phone! No front desk, no keys - come and go as you please! Vibes in the room were unique and elevated - great for weekend getaways or a romantic weekend. Located right in the heart of State St with lots of dinning/drinking options available in walking distance. Dusk & Dawn are below the hotel, providing amazing lattes in the AM (get the mixed vanilla!) Plenty of light, beds were 10/10 (seriously, we asked what brand it was so we can purchase for our home), and the curated scent for the hotel is amazing.

We had a wonderful stay at the Drift SB hotel! It's very clean, updated, and tastefully decorated. This is our second time staying here. Our first time, we stayed in the city view cozy hotel room. This time around, we stayed in the premium room. Both rooms offer stunning views of Santa Barbara's scenery. The hotel staff members are very friendly and readily available. The location is incredible. It's located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara and is walking distance to the best Santa Barbara has to offer. Overall, we had a 10/10 experience both times staying at Drift SB and would highly recommend this beautiful and modern hotel to anyone visiting Santa Barbara!

If i could give ZEERO stars, I would! The rooms sizes are atrocious. No room to do anything but lay in the bed. The 'garden' level rooms literally feel like a prison cell with the window high up at the top; no view, no light. Spend your $$$$ elsewhere.

A lovely downtown location with excellent drinks and very nice bartender. Even though very busy, they were on top of the work load and we didn't have to wait for our order.

Bad experience. Loud rock band playing next door, and no heat in rooms. We went to Santa Barbara for a lovely wine tasting weekend and ended up leaving early and not even staying the night. I would not recommend staying here if you are looking for a quiet nights rest.

Room is size of a closet. No staff on site. Communication is over text with a bot. Rude cleaning crew. Overpriced.

The positives: location is nice if you want to be on the State Street Promenade. The hotel isn't in the middle of it but it's close enough. The staff are also very friendly, although you'll barely see them unless you have a problem. The negatives: - Rooms are absurdly tiny, dark(grey walls, amber lights), and very poorly designed. - No place to hang clothes besides a couple wall hooks. - The edge of the bed frame is somehow sharper than my kitchen knives. My partner and I are still nursing the wounds on our legs. It makes it very awkward getting in and out of bed. Be sure to bring a first aid kit or shin guards. The frame also leaves a pillow swallowing gap between the bed and the headboard. - Worn out, soft, lumpy bed. I thought this place was new. Did they get a deal on mattresses? Feather pillows also crunch down to nothing, leaving barely any support. - After consulting with Caltech engineers, I managed to engage the A/C unit only to find out it couldn't keep the room within a few degrees of the set temperature. This wouldn't have been too bad except the window barely opened. - Shades don't do a good job blocking the light from the hallway. - No space for luggage. - Rain shower head is oddly close to the wall/controls. - Toilet is toddler-sized. - Using the back entrance to the hotel, you have to enter the bar area to get to the elevator. If they had put the door to the 1st floor rooms on the other side of the elevator, you'd have some privacy. For some reason, you have to use your key code to enter the 1st floor rooms from the bar but you can take the elevator up without any verification which makes no sense.

Music is blasting on State Street & difficult to sleep. NO restaurant or pool & way too expensive for what it is!

This hotel would be perfect if it were in a different place, in a different room. The decor is beautiful. The bed is comfortable. But unless you like being serenaded to sleep by the DJ playing music at the bar downstairs, this is not the place for you. The music was SO loud, thankfully it was good music. And it played until past midnight. Also the room is tiny. The biggest problem with the space for me was the "bathroom" sink being at the end of the bed. That just feels depressing. I did complain about the noise and they gave us 30% off the room rate. But all in all, not worth it.

Now that I've been here since it's officially open, I can say that it's a lovely spot to stay at. The downstairs common area has a open bar and a nice coffee shop and has a front door right off of state street, with a back door leading to the parking lot. I love the cozy and laidback homey vibe; it felt both minimal and fancy. The room I stayed in had all the things I needed. The shower was lovely and so was the floor length mirror. I had a great time and would definitely recommend Drift for single travelers or two lovebirds!

It is 8PM, we are having trouble checking in/finding parking. I have called the number listed, and they say they are closed. I find that really terrible. People from out of town tend to use hotels, there should be assistance if needed. This place is expensive, and ought to offer hotel assistance. Might be pretty, but that doesn't make up for the cost savings at the guest's expense.

The pros of Drift Hotel: The location can't be beat The bar, Dusk, and coffee shop, Dawn, in the lobby are fantastic They offer free bike rentals, and Santa Barbara is very bikable. The Cons: The rooms are ABSURDLY small. The queen bed went from wall to the other so that if you were tall, your feet would be against the wall, the bed was pressed into the corner so if two people are in the bed, one person has to crawl over the other to get out. The shower and sink are in the middle of the room and the toilet is in a closet. It felt like the size of a dorm room, if that. As my wife put it, 5-Star hotel cell, 2-Star hotel room. No front desk or concierge. It's priced like a luxury hotel with spacious rooms, room service, hotel staff etc. If the price was half as much, or the rooms were twice as big, we'd be back to Drift. But in the meantime, we'll just be visiting the bar for the drinks

This is your "city view" "premium balcony". Wouldn't have upgraded to this suite if I had known city view consisted of a roof view and the balcony was this tiny

Bar directly downstairs and bar across the street ( Both bars are the only ones making noise on the entire street for blocks ) ....and it is so loud it is impossible to fall asleep . ( both open till 1:30 am ) STAY AWAY , look elsewhere if you wanna get a good nights sleep

Before you book, know this isn't an all-inclusive hotel. The design and aesthetic is nice and the downstairs bar/cafe is super good and lively. You're essentially booking a room here to avoid crowds, avoid kids, and to party in a modern and chic hotel space. The only thing I miss is the late-night hotel food service. Drift is no-concierge do whatever your food needs are you get it downstairs at the bar or elsewhere. But that didn't stop me from booking this spot because the hotel is quiet and hip and nice. Also, know that there's no covered parking. You're parking in an adjacent lot not owned by the hotel. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat, the vibe and atmosphere is adult-focused and the rooms are sharp.

Great location, but not a place to stay if you don't like tiny rooms, no counter space and loud music til 1 am.

GM Nick goes above and beyond for his guests. If ever an issue arises, be sure to reach out and the Drift will not let you walk with anything less than feeling satisfied

The Drift Hotel is a new Boutique Hotel in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. We enjoyed Margaritas and appetizers at the bar. The Margarita was a tasty hand crafted drink and the tostada appetizer was delicious. The delightful Hotel Manager Nick, gave us a tour of 3 rooms. They were all beautifully decorated and well appointed. I would definitely go back to enjoy drinks at the bar and will recommend my out of town friends to stay there.

Love this place. Location is amazing! Love that they have done away with the front desk and key cards! It's 2023! Everything is done via text or email. No lines, no fuss! Just a perfect location to have easy access to downtown with a hip room that is very thoughtfully laid out and a comfy bed. We will definitely be back! At $300/night, it's a steal. We have been coming to Santa Barbara for WOPN event for the past 3 years. Stayed at Bacara, Kimpton and now Drift. It is fun to be located where all the action is and Uber to Bacara for the events. Love Dawn, their coffee bar that makes their own tonic. You must try the expresso tonic. Also, their bar called Dusk specializes in mezcal but has a broad range of cocktails. They are crushing it on all fronts - innovative boutique hotel, barista and mixologist. In my book, this place deserves 5 stars! We will be back next year for sure.

Very hip and cool hotel, best location on State Street and easily walkable to beach, restaurants, shopping, etc. Great happy hour at Dusk, and Dawn has really good coffee drinks. While there is no front desk, everyone is super helpful and reachable by phone or just asking someone at Dusk/Dawn. Rooms are definitely small as you will see in the reviews (no closets), but very nicely appointed and the beds are super comfortable. We stayed in a premium room with balcony which I understand is one of the larger rooms. Parking on Haley street is easy, $25 a day prepaid via app. All in all, location, condition of hotel and service great. We look forward to returning.

Cool place! Rooms are smaller in person than in pictures, but all amenities needed are provided. As soon as you walk out the hotel door you've access to stores, bars, and restaurants!

This is a nice place. Very happy helpfull staff. Location is superb. It's all new so everything is very fresh. The room is cozy but has everything you need....the bed was very comfortable.. The air conditioning was very easy to adjust and responded very quickly. I did have an issue with streaming on the TV BUT it ended up being my issue .. once I figured it out ..it was great safely streaming my Netflix account from my phone to the TV. I needed help figuring out the coffee maker but Ian (the bartender from Dusk-the lobby bar) came up to show me ..again user error (me). I also had a user error with the parking lot...when I called the number at the lot..the person was great and it was quickly resolved. The hotel location is awesome.. Right in the middle of State street ... the heart of Santa Barbara. Everything you want is walking distance.

I just stayed at this hotel for 3 days for a girls trip with my best friend. The only reason I even decided I wanted to stay here was because of all of the amazing staff I met in the bar "Dusk". They made the experience so awesome every time we came in. Nick (The GM) kindly introduced himself and asked how we were enjoying our food and drinks. So nice of him to take the time to chat with us and introduce himself. Our bartender Lauren was so sweet, professional, and we adored her! Every other bartender was amazing too but I am forgetting names. We were just so impressed with the staff. This hotels best parts are: the staff, the amazingly done craft cocktails, the ambiance, the location, and the cleanliness. The rooms are on the smaller side (normal for being in a small downtown like Santa Barbara) but they have everything you need. If you want to be able to walk everywhere and take advantage of the perfect location- you will be happy choosing this place! We never had to Uber anywhere. The coffee shop in the hotel is amazing and then my favorite drink at the bar is the Trato Hecho- 12/10 cocktail. Very impressive. We will definitely be back!