ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

I would not recommend staying at this hostel. Although it is the only hostel in Santa Barbara, if you are picky at all about comfort, quiet or privacy, spend more money and stay somewhere else. The staff was really nice, they do provide some free breakfast options, and its really close to the beach and State Street. Other than that, the train station is a stone's throw from the rooms where people sleep. The trains were so loud, and tooted their horns every one to two hours right outside the windows throughout the night. The mattresses were basically coil covered with fabric: the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept on. The communal room we slept in was really cramped with bunkbeds and the bedding didn't actually seem clean. I found the bathrooms to be fairly clean, but I definitely didn't feel comfortable walking around without shoes anywhere in this hostel. My friend and I had paid ahead for two nights, and after being there one night, we ate the $40 and stayed elsewhere. There is no way we could have slept there one more night. I wish I could give this hostel a better review as the people were so nice, but I feel that people should know what they're getting into with this place.

I wish it weren't the case but my overall experience has been not just disappointing, but criminal. I have been guest at this hostel three times now. In the past and recently, I have had a really nice and relaxing time here. On my current visit(I leave in the morning), someone actually came into my shared dorm room, took my backpack and boots, and stole them. I tried my best to communicate to many members of staff how serious the situation was for me (not only my medications which I need were in there but my laptop with months of work) but nobody was able or willing to view the security footage. There are many security cameras around, but apparently they are useless. One staff member, Chelsea, helped me search for my property and showed concern for me. Another staff, Taylor, helped me to put up a sign asking the community for help in searching for my belongings. Nobody else cared at all. One staff member even told me that she was ambivalent about my situation. I am now without vital medication, one laptop, all of my clothes and my boots. And a staff that not only won't be bothered to do their due diligence, but just flatly do not seem to care about what happened to me in their business while I was given, like you will be, the illusion of safety and community. I will continue to write reviews daily detailing this issue as for me it is ongoing, though I'm sure ITH and it's employees would rather that I, like them, just drop it.

I love this hostel and stay there regularly. It's especially convenient for the 4th of July Fireworks on the beach or a nice getaway from L.A. The good & bad are: + easy to find & close to beach (just two blocks away); + directly across the tracks from the Amtrak train platform; + free parking; + friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff; + great shower - good pressure & hot water; + great place to relax & unwind. .... but ..... - bring earplugs for sleeping (this hostel IS near the train tracks & loud train horns); - no drinking on the premises, so you'll have to party elsewhere. Okay, I'll admit it's a bit pricey when compared to other hostels. But SB is one of the priciest, poshest places in California and even the hostel's most expensive private room is still MUCH less than you would pay at ANY nearby hotel. (NOTE: I've only stayed in the private rooms, so I can't really review the dorm rooms. Sorry.) Book in advance - the place can get crowded! Enjoy!

Very pleasant experience

Super close to the beach, very clean

It was really nice. Staff really friendly. Everything is clean. And also the fact that they offer community events ever day for the guest is just a biiiiiggg plus

Nice quiet atmosphere, comfortable background music in lobby dining area. Nice people.

Best location ever! We loved EVERYTHING about this place! Hot water, comfy beds, sweet staff, and, did I say, “We loved EVERYTHING about this place!