Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Absolutely surprised by how pleasant this stay was. The rooms were SO CUTE! They had this vintage beach vibe that was adorable. We got a room with a retro fridge, coffee pot, and microwave that all matched. Everything was very clean and the people were all very nice. You get a free bottle of wine upon check in. The pool was clean and cute too! Had it been a warmer and longer stay, it would have been a lovely place for a dip! The location to the beach is just a short walk across the street, and the room we had had a beach view. It’s a very short drive to the zoo and other locations, restaurants etc. Obviously it’s a motel, so expect noise outside when people are walking by, but again it’s a motel so that’s expected. They do have quiet hours and the lobby attendant was very responsive when someone wasn’t following the quiet hours and handled it very quickly and effectively. For the price and the name I was not expecting much and this place went above and beyond the expectations of a Motel 6 for sure! Would stay here again!

We were very impressed by how well-run this property is — clean, comfortable, and with an incredibly polite, attentive staff who clearly care about the guest experience. Our room on the second floor had a lovely ocean view and a fun retro décor that added so much character. It was also super functional, clean, with everything you could possibly need while away from home. The bed? Amazing. One of the most comfortable we’ve slept in. The little touches made a big difference — fresh, white towels, nice-smelling Dove toiletries, and even complimentary coffee in the lobby. There's also an ice machine and a cozy pool to relax by after a day out. Free parking. Location-wise, it’s perfect: just a short walk to the beach and a great base for exploring the charming Santa Barbara. If the name “Motel 6” gives you pause — don’t let it. This place breaks all the Motel 6 stereotypes. It’ was fantastic stay! 👌

Great location! Was a fun discovery to find out it was the first motel 6 as well. The room was quite tight for three people with two double beds in and the walls seemed very thin due to the amount of conversation you could hear. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Walking distance to the beach and waterfront park. The rooms were very clean and cute. I was surprised to find out this is the original Motel 6! How awesome! It looked to have been recently renovated. Small pool to hang out was also nice.

So close to the beach!! Quick drive to lots of restaurants and wharf. Great location! Clean room. Small beds, not queen like they market on their website. If you're tall like me, 6'3", then fyi. Loud AC unit. Small room but expected for the area.

Way overpriced for what you get. Rooms are tiny—more like walk-in closets—for $400+ per night. Cleaning staff was excellent, but front desk staff was rude, unhelpful, and seemed uninterested in hospitality. I had to ask multiple times just to have my room cleaned, then was told about a “before 10am” rule that was only posted on a small sign at check-in (never explained). When I pressed, I was told “no need for attitude.” The pool looks great in photos, but in reality it’s a joke—more like a big hot tub, and not even heated. Great location, but overall: overpriced, mediocre rooms, and poor service. Not worth it.

🌟 Welcome Experience From the moment I checked in at Motel 6, I knew this stay would be different in the best way! The newly remodeled look immediately stood out, setting a high standard for what a budget-friendly stay can be. 🙌 Outstanding Service A huge shoutout to Pam at the Front Desk, who was an absolute gem! 💎 Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made me feel right at home. She’s a model employee and a true asset to the Motel 6 team—what a fantastic representative of the brand! 🛏️ Room & Cleanliness The room was spotlessly clean and beyond what I expected from a typical Motel 6. Everything felt fresh and thoughtfully maintained, which made for an extra comfortable stay. Cleanliness was clearly a top priority, and it showed! 🎨 Retro Vibes & Decor The retro decor in the remodeled space was such a fun surprise! 🎉 From the color palette to the furniture style, it had a cool, vintage charm while still feeling modern and fresh. Definitely not your average motel room—it was stylish and cozy! 💬 Final Thoughts & Recommendation If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and stylish place to stay with exceptional service, Motel 6 is the spot. Thanks to Pam’s warm welcome and the impressive remodel, I’m officially rethinking what a Motel 6 experience can be. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We had a truly awful stay at this hotel last week. Although they charge 4-star prices during peak dates, the hotel is still an old motel, despite the pretense of hipness. On our first night the guests in the room next door left their yapping dog alone until 2am--it barked continuously for four hours. When they returned at 2am they cranked up the party music and talked over it--the noise level was unreal. We complained to the manager(s), but very little was done. They did move our room the next day, which helped. We were offered no refund for the ruined night, nor apologies for us having to move (while the party/dog guests were not inconvenienced in any way).