BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Goleta, California
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Spa Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Moxy Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a large, five-star oceanfront resort in Goleta with full-service restaurants, a 42,000 sq ft spa, and multiple pools — good for travelers seeking a polished coastal resort experience. Moxy Santa Barbara is a 3.5-star, waterfront-adjacent lifestyle hotel in downtown Santa Barbara aimed at younger or style-focused travelers who want a social base near the harbor and Funk Zone.

Updated · about 13 miles (≈21 km) apart

Aerial view of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara resort on the coastline with pools and beaches

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Luxury resort · Spa & wellness · Family-friendly

Best for multi-day resort stays, spa treatments, and travelers who want oceanfront pools and larger grounds.

See rooms & suites
Moxy Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

Moxy Santa Barbara

Trendy lifestyle · Waterfront-adjacent · Social scene

Best for travelers who want to be steps from downtown, the Funk Zone, and Santa Barbara’s waterfront on a budget-friendly lifestyle brand.

Quick Verdict: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Moxy Santa Barbara

When The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara wins: choose Bacara if you want resort-scale amenities (three heated saline pools, a large full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars), more space, and an oceanfront resort setting with programing for families and couples.

When Moxy Santa Barbara wins: choose Moxy if your priority is a compact, design-forward hotel in the downtown/harbor area — easy walking access to Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, and nearby beaches — and a more social, budget-conscious stay.

Bottom line: Bacara is a full-service, higher-end resort experience focused on relaxation, wellness, and multiple dining options; Moxy is a smaller, trend-forward downtown option that’s convenient for exploring Santa Barbara on foot.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Moxy Santa Barbara – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Moxy Santa Barbara
CategoryThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbaraMoxy Santa Barbara
Overall vibeFive-star oceanfront resort, hacienda/Spanish Colonial style, resort-scale amenitiesTrendy lifestyle hotel, social and waterfront-adjacent
LocationGoleta on 78 acres with two natural beaches; about a 10-minute drive from SBA airportDowntown Santa Barbara near Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor (about 10-minute walk to Stearns Wharf)
Size358 guest rooms and suites across a large resort village31 guestrooms
Ages / audienceAll ages; family programming (Jean-Michel Cousteau nature program for ages 5+); minimum check-in age 18All ages; not adults-only (minimum check-in age 21 at property policy)
PoolsThree heated saline outdoor pools (Main Pool, Oval Pool, plus adults-only Spa Pool)1 outdoor pool; pool access hours published (9:00 AM–9:00 PM noted in supplier listing)
Restaurants & barsMultiple venues: Marisella, Lulio, 'O' Bar & Terrace, SunBar, Mission Market (breakfast, lunch, dinner, poolside options)Snack bar/deli plus communal kitchen; limited on-site F&B compared with Bacara
Spa / wellnessThe Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara — 42,000 sq ft, adults-only pool, sauna, steam, cold plunge, rooftop terraceNot published
Known forSpa, oceanfront pools and beaches, tennis courts, large event/wedding spacesCentral location near West Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone; social design and bike rentals
Parking & transportValet parking only (no self-park); on-property EV charging reportedLimited uncovered self parking (surcharge) and onsite parking available; walkable downtown location
Accessibility & serviceFull-service resort with concierge, multiple dining reservations, and substantial meeting/wedding facilities24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage; smaller meeting footprint

A Look Inside The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: pools & beachPools & beachThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: diningDiningThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
See all photos →

Location: Bacara vs Moxy

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Location

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara sits on 78 landscaped acres in Goleta with oceanfront grounds and two small natural beaches.

  • Set off Hollister Avenue between Haskell’s Beach and Driftwood Beach
  • About a 10-minute drive from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
  • Longer drive into downtown Santa Barbara (about 13 miles/≈21 km)

Choose Bacara for a true oceanfront resort set apart from downtown; expect to drive or take a shuttle to central Santa Barbara.

Moxy Santa Barbara – Location

Moxy Santa Barbara is centrally located in downtown Santa Barbara, within easy walking distance of Stearns Wharf and the harbor.

  • Address: 12 E Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • About a 10-minute walk to Stearns Wharf and 0.5 km to West Beach
  • Good base for exploring the Funk Zone, museums, restaurants, and harbor on foot

Choose Moxy if you want to be in the heart of downtown and close to waterfront attractions without relying on a car.

Rooms: Space & styles

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Rooms

Bacara offers 358 rooms and suites across multiple room types and larger suite options.

  • Room types include Room, Ocean View; Room, Balcony, Pool View; multiple Club and Suite configurations
  • Larger suites and penthouse-style Club Suite, Ocean View options for families or groups
  • Free WiFi in rooms; in-room dining service available daily until midnight

Pick Bacara for more space and a wider selection of suite and club-level room types.

Moxy Santa Barbara – Rooms

Moxy has a small inventory (31 guestrooms) with a mix of standard and poolside rooms.

  • Room names include Room, 1 King Bed; 1 Queen Bed, Poolside Access, Private Patio; and accessible options
  • Some rooms include pull-down beds and poolside private patios for compact outdoor access
  • Communal kitchen and shared refrigerator/microwave, snack bar/deli on site

Moxy’s rooms are compact and design-forward; good for short stays or visitors prioritizing location over in-room space.

Dining & drinks: variety vs simplicity

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Dining & drinks

Bacara has multiple full-service restaurants and bars across the resort with varied menus and ocean views.

  • Marisella (coastal Italian), Lulio (Mediterranean), 'O' Bar & Terrace (oceanfront bar), SunBar poolside, Mission Market cafe
  • In-room dining available daily; several venues offer breakfast, lunch and dinner services
  • Reservations accepted for full-service restaurants; dress codes range from casual to smart casual

Bacara is the heavier dining option with formal and casual venues on property.

Moxy Santa Barbara – Dining & drinks

Moxy provides limited on-site F&B (snack bar/deli) and relies on downtown restaurants for most meals.

  • Snack bar/deli on property for grab-and-go items
  • Communal kitchen space for guest use
  • Short walk to a wide variety of independent restaurants and bars in the Funk Zone and on State Street

Expect to eat off-property frequently — Moxy’s location makes downtown dining easy.

Pools & beach access

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Pools & beach access

Bacara emphasizes resort pools and private beach access as key amenities.

  • Three heated saline outdoor pools: Main Pool, Oval Pool (both open to all guests), plus an adults-only Spa Pool
  • Pools are zero-edge/infinity-style with ocean views; pool service and cabanas available
  • Two small natural beaches are part of the resort grounds

Bacara delivers a full resort pool and beach experience for families and adults alike.

Moxy Santa Barbara – Pools & beach access

Moxy offers a small outdoor pool and very easy pedestrian access to nearby public beaches.

  • Number of outdoor pools: 1 (supplier listing)
  • Pool hours and access posted by the property (supplier listing notes pool hours)
  • Short walk to West Beach and Santa Barbara Harbor

Moxy works for guests who value downtown beach access and a small hotel pool rather than resort-scale aquatic facilities.

Wellness & nightlife

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Wellness & nightlife

Bacara’s extensive spa and activity program is a major draw for wellness-focused stays.

  • The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara — 42,000 sq ft with sauna, steam, cold plunge, rooftop terrace and adults-only pool
  • Fitness center with equipment, classes, and four Har-Tru tennis courts; free bicycles and yoga classes
  • On-property events, bars, and sunset spots for evening drinks in a relaxed resort setting

Choose Bacara for a dedicated wellness program and quiet evening options rather than a downtown nightlife scene.

Moxy Santa Barbara – Wellness & nightlife

Moxy’s downtown setting makes it an easy launch point for Santa Barbara nightlife and wine-tasting venues.

  • No large on-site spa published; use downtown wellness providers or hotel fitness access noted as nearby/discounted
  • Bicycle rentals and communal areas encourage socializing among guests
  • Short walk to bars, tasting rooms, and the Funk Zone’s evening scene

Moxy is better for guests who plan to spend evenings downtown and who prioritize proximity to bars and tasting rooms.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for spa & wellness
Resort lobby seating area with wooden beamed ceiling at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara’s 42,000 sq ft facility, adults-only pool, sauna/steam and rooftop treatment options.

Best for downtown access
Moxy Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

Moxy Santa Barbara

Moxy is within easy walking distance of Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, West Beach and the Funk Zone.

Best for families or multi-day resort stays
Lobby entrance with high ceilings, reception desk and floral table at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Bacara’s multiple pools, kids’ nature program (ages 5+), and wide range of room types and activities suit family stays.

Best for social, design-forward stays on a budget
Moxy Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

Moxy Santa Barbara

Moxy’s trendy, compact rooms, communal spaces, and central location make it a good choice for younger or style-focused travelers.

Frequently asked questions

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara vs Moxy Santa Barbara: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is closer to Stearns Wharf and downtown attractions?

Moxy Santa Barbara — it’s about a 10-minute walk to Stearns Wharf and within easy walking distance of downtown and the Funk Zone.

Which property has a full-service spa?

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has a 42,000 sq ft full-service spa with an adults-only pool, sauna, steam room and rooftop treatment areas; a full spa at Moxy is not published.

Are either of these hotels adults-only?

No. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara welcomes families and offers children’s programming; Moxy Santa Barbara is also not adults-only (the property requires a minimum check-in age of 21).

Which is better if I want beach time without driving?

Bacara provides on-property beach access and two natural beaches as part of its grounds; Moxy is a short walk to public beaches like West Beach.

More The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara Comparison Guides

Explore how The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Ocean terrace with round dining table, fireplace and palm tree at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Book your stay

Spa & Pool Access Included

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer