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The Presidio rates, Santa Barbara

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Get current prices at The Presidio. Set the traveler’s dates and guests; the results include current room prices and the customer’s Open hotel details link. Selecting a room or rate is optional.

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Dates and guestsCurrent priceCustomer link
Nov 19 to Nov 22, 2026 · 3 nights · 2 adultsGet current price for this stayOpen hotel details
Jan 9 to Jan 11, 2027 · 2 nights · 2 adultsGet current price for this stayOpen hotel details

#8 of 8 hotels in Downtown & State Street by Axel's take. Downtown & State Street is #2 of 6 places to stay in Santa Barbara. The best hotels in Downtown & State Street, ranked · Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Axel's take: 7.5/10

A practical downtown base, with useful freebies and uneven room condition. A small, no-frills motel on State Street, scored for what it is.

The Presidio is a small, no-frills motel on State Street, best treated as a base for exploring Santa Barbara rather than somewhere to spend the day. We'd consider it for the walkable access to downtown restaurants and theaters, free parking and complimentary loaner bikes. Tripadvisor and Expedia guests repeatedly praise clean rooms, helpful staff and the location; those practical strengths make it a good option for a short stay.

Room condition is the catch. Some guests describe refreshed, comfortable spaces, while recent Expedia reviews mention dated interiors, loud air-conditioning and bathroom maintenance issues. Don't assume every room matches the smartest photos. There's no elevator, and the waterfront isn't on the doorstep. We'd skip it if you need consistently modern rooms, dependable quiet or a beach-centered stay.

  • Best for: Short downtown sightseeing stays; Travelers bringing a car; Value-minded couples

  • Watch out for: Uneven room condition; Loud air-conditioning in some rooms; No elevator

  • Location: On State Street, within walking distance of downtown theaters and restaurants, but not beachfront.

  • Rooms: Simple rooms; guests report a mix of refreshed interiors and older fittings needing attention.

  • Cleanliness: Generally a strength, with repeated praise on Tripadvisor and Expedia.

  • Service: Helpful staff and easy check-in earn regular praise; recent guests also describe prompt maintenance help.

  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, self-parking, loaner bikes and a shared sun terrace are the main extras.

  • Fees and surprises: Booking.com lists a refundable damage deposit; arrange late arrivals ahead, as check-in ends at 10 p.m.

Axel's opinion of The Presidio, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Tripadvisor · Expedia · Booking.com · Hotels.com. Reviewed Oct 20, 2026.

About The Presidio

  • 2-star hotel
  • 1620 State Street, Santa Barbara
  • Amenities: Air conditioning, Smoke-free property, Heating, Terrace, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private), No elevators, Reception desk, Allergy-free rooms, Non-smoking rooms, Fridge, Family room, Cable TV
  • City page: Hotels in Santa Barbara

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#8 of 8 hotels in Downtown & State Street by Axel's takeDowntown & State Street is #2 of 6 places to stay in Santa Barbara

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The Presidio

2-star hotel · 1620 State Street, Santa Barbara

Air conditioning · Smoke-free property · Heating · Terrace · All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) · No elevators · Reception desk · Allergy-free rooms · Non-smoking rooms · Fridge · Family room · Cable TV

Hotels in Santa Barbara

Axel's take

A small, no-frills motel on State Street

7.5/10

A practical downtown base, with useful freebies and uneven room condition.

The Presidio is a small, no-frills motel on State Street, best treated as a base for exploring Santa Barbara rather than somewhere to spend the day. We'd consider it for the walkable access to downtown restaurants and theaters, free parking and complimentary loaner bikes. Tripadvisor and Expedia guests repeatedly praise clean rooms, helpful staff and the location; those practical strengths make it a good option for a short stay.

Room condition is the catch. Some guests describe refreshed, comfortable spaces, while recent Expedia reviews mention dated interiors, loud air-conditioning and bathroom maintenance issues. Don't assume every room matches the smartest photos. There's no elevator, and the waterfront isn't on the doorstep. We'd skip it if you need consistently modern rooms, dependable quiet or a beach-centered stay.

Best for

  • Short downtown sightseeing stays
  • Travelers bringing a car
  • Value-minded couples

Watch out for

  • Uneven room condition
  • Loud air-conditioning in some rooms
  • No elevator
Location
On State Street, within walking distance of downtown theaters and restaurants, but not beachfront.
Rooms
Simple rooms; guests report a mix of refreshed interiors and older fittings needing attention.
Cleanliness
Generally a strength, with repeated praise on Tripadvisor and Expedia.
Service
Helpful staff and easy check-in earn regular praise; recent guests also describe prompt maintenance help.
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, self-parking, loaner bikes and a shared sun terrace are the main extras.
Fees and surprises
Booking.com lists a refundable damage deposit; arrange late arrivals ahead, as check-in ends at 10 p.m.

Axel's opinion, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews, scored for what the hotel is. Sources: Hotel website · Tripadvisor · Expedia · Booking.com · Hotels.com. Reviewed Oct 20, 2026.

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