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Blue Sands Inn

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Traveller (165)
Room & Suite (55)
Videos (1)
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About

#7 of 23 motels in Santa Barbara
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Located just steps from Santa Barbara’s famous East Beach and within walking distance to great restaurants, the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Wharf, and the famed Funk Zone, the Blue Sands Inn is centrally located in one of Santa Barbara’s most sought after neighborhoods. Because the Blue Sands Inn is small, we have dedicated every aspect of the hotel to the support and implementation of local artists and artisans. From the hand milled, locally felled countertops, to the custom made furniture, and unique rotating art featuring new artists each month, we are dedicated to integrating Santa Barbara’s unique, creative community into the experience of everyone who stays with us. Fulfilling our commitment to the environmental practices, we pride ourselves on having the most green and eco-friendly property possible. And of course you can bring your pets! We hope you will come stay with us and have a truly local experience!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Beach
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Fence around pool
Bowling offsite
Fishing
Tennis court offsite
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
2.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles442 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Blue Sands Inn offers a prime location often lauded by guests for its closeness to the beach. The inn provides clean, modern accommodations with kitchens, and some rooms feature cozy fireplaces. While the atmosphere is generally considered charming, opinions on value and amenities are mixed; some visitors feel the price is steep considering the offerings and have been disappointed by the pool. Service experiences also vary, with reports of both friendly staff and occasional unresponsiveness. Despite this, the cleanliness and updated state of the rooms remain a consistent highlight.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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442Reviews6Q+A83Room tips
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Jeff wrote a review Mar 15
Vaughn, Washington2 contributions
Very clean and cute rooms. The location is awesome being only a block from the beach. Each room has its own bistro table and chairs outside on the deck. The pool is heated year round and is toasty. The staff was very helpful and there’s decent coffee in the office. This is our second stay here and we’d definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Great boutique hotel with excellent rates during shoulder season. I guess full season can be...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ryanstewart9 wrote a review Aug 2022
Camberley, United Kingdom9 contributions
Hotel's Favourite
A quiet location opposite the beach with limited rooms makes this location feel exclusive and private. We were kept well up to date with texts from the property, which we appreciated. A walk of 20 mins takes you to the wharf and other restaurants. Wouldn’t hesitate to book again.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Parking is limited, although we didn’t struggle for a space. Free street parking is also available.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Stay BSI, Owner at Blue Sands Inn
Responded Aug 26, 2022
Thank you so much for taking some time to leave us this wonderful review, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our location and proximity to attractions, as well as the beach. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us and we would love to welcome you back in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Melisa Q wrote a review Mar 8
Chino, California2 contributions
We love the location. Its easy to go around town and very near the freeway exit. Room is pretty roomy and didn’t have a hard time with parking. The pool temperature was not really that warm to swim in at this time of the year. I wish that they have coffee and/or water bottles in the rooms.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Daniel M wrote a review Mar 1
Los Angeles, California2 contributions
Quant, clean, nicely finished and convenient to the beach and Funkzone, this is an affordable property that is near everything in Santa Barbara. Friendly and easy checkin, quiet sleeping, easy parking and good free coffee and muffin made the stay enjoyable. Recommended!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mark4feed wrote a review Feb 2024
Visalia, California11 contributions3 helpful votes
Rooms were clean comfortable and well appointed. Jon checked us in late and delivered champagne to our room. The only downside was that although the coffee is good the continental breakfast that we were counting on was not offered! We will return to and recommend this well located hotel!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Kaylee b wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Blue Sands Inn is the perfect place to stay for a quick trip to Santa Barbara. Check in was easy with Jon, he offered great customer service. The room is small but still comfortable for two people! Location is great! You’re close enough to everything but out of the way where it’s still quiet. We can’t wait to stay on our next visit!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Compass12205569763 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Spotless and clean room, fireplace was a nice touch. Heated pool was great for the kids. Wonderful location near the beach, and Short walk to funk zone, Would recommend staying here, and we will be back again the next time. Santa Barbara is a great town, and kid friendly.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Passenger25534945512 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Friendly Staff with good location for East Beach. Fairly clean. Renovated with cheap furniture and decor. Small motel like property, very uncomfortable bed, thin walls, and room card key “demagnetized” daily with no staff on premises at night to issue new cards.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Arlene J wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Friendly staff, easy check in, quiet space, room smelled and looked clean the only problem I had was a clump of hair on the top blanket and a few sticky dark stains on the white linen other than that great location and great accommodating staff.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Elizabeth H wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
My aunt and stayed at the hotel for one night. It’s a charming little hide away across from the beach. It had a small, clean kitchen that was a surprise. The whole room was very clean. I especially liked the modern bathroom. Johnathon was our receptionist. He was very pleasant and gave great directions to a gas station and Rite Aid. Best of all, he pretended he liked my stories…just kidding. If I’m ever in town again and need a place to stay, I’m staying there again. Liz Heinchon
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
C$275 - C$569 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
blue sands hotel santa barbara, blue sands santa barbara
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Barbara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Blue Sands Inn - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Santa Barbara, CA) - Motel - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Sands Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Blue Sands Inn?
Nearby attractions include Santa Barbara Zoo (0.5 km), Santa Barbara Rustys lighthouse (0.3 km), and The Cabrillo Ball Park (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Blue Sands Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Blue Sands Inn?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
Is parking available at Blue Sands Inn?
Yes, free parking, secured parking, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Blue Sands Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include East Beach Tacos, Convivo Restaurant and Bar, and Habit.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Blue Sands Inn?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Blue Sands Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Blue Sands Inn?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Blue Sands Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Santa Barbara County Courthouse (2.7 km), Old Mission Santa Barbara (4.4 km), and Casa del Herrero (3.9 km).