The Best Hotels in Santa Maria, California

Both a registered historic landmark (dating from 1917) and a celebrity retreat, Santa Maria Inn has attracted the rich and famous for decades. Choose from 146 boutique guest rooms and 18 luxury suites. There’s a more modern and snazzy new tower with rooms, but if you like the old-fashioned, opt for the historic inn rooms with European charm; some have fireplaces, and the suites have whirlpool tubs. Make sure you dine in the romantic Century Room, which serves California cuisine and arguably the best Sunday brunch in wine country.

The Radisson Santa Maria is ultra-convenient for short-trip travelers, just minutes from the Santa Maria Airport. Check into a queen or king room – many of which are pet-friendly – before diving into the heated outdoor pool or slipping into the hot tub. Santa Maria Country Club is just across Waller Park if you’ve got time to squeeze in a quick round of golf. There are also bistro and grill restaurants on site, so you don’t need to leave the property to dine.

This 12-room boutique gem is located in charming and historic Old Town Orcutt, just 15 minutes’ drive from Santa Maria. Rooms have a country-meets-industrial decor, with the top choice being the deluxe king, with its walk-in shower and treetop views. The Vintage Room is a communal drinking and light deli hangout, where you can sample all of Santa Maria’s top wines. Ask the knowledgeable concierge to help you to book the ultimate regional wine tour.

This two-story hotel sits just north of downtown Santa Maria. Highlights include an outdoor pool and sunbathing deck, plus a fitness center. Francisco’s Country Kitchen restaurant lets you fill up on self-serve Farmer Brothers Coffee and bottled water all day, and there’s a free shuttle to anywhere within a 10mi (16km) radius. Traveling with kids? The king suites have pull-out sofas for the little ones. The hotel also has mobility-accessible rooms with roll-in showers or wheelchair-accessible bathtubs.

Conveniently positioned right off Highway 101, the Fairfield Inn is a handy pitstop for exploring the region – especially if you plan on visiting Hearst Castle before the crowds. Inside, you’ll find a pool, whirlpool spa, and fitness center to complement the regular rooms and fancier suites, which feature sofa sleepers in the separate living room. If that’s not enough to entice you, the inclusive breakfast buffet seals the deal.

You’ve got 110 guest rooms to choose from at this pared-back hotel, close to Highway 101. Each room comes with a microwave and fridge, while the suites include a wet bar and work area. Take advantage of the complimentary daily hot breakfast and large heated outdoor pool. Wine lovers can visit Presqu’ile, Rancho Sisquoc, and Foxen, all within a 30-minute drive.

Perhaps the top family choice in town, this Holiday Inn lets kids aged 18 and under stay with their parents for free. There are also complimentary meals for under 11s at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. This means big savings to spend on nearby attractions. Rooms here are some of the most spacious in Santa Maria, with all categories boasting separate living rooms, work desks, and microwaves/toasters, while the suites offer full kitchens. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool tub, along with a gym.

This Candlewood Suites outpost offers more than the surrounding competition. All suites here come equipped with full kitchens featuring full-size refrigerators, stovetops, dishwashers, and microwaves. Beds are topped with plush mattresses, plus there’s a range of complimentary movie channels and a DVD player in each room. Oh, and these suites are pet-friendly. Grab a steak from the store to make the most of the barbecue grill and covered patio.