ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

City view from property
Train station shuttle
Living area
Exterior
Living area

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View in a map
134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
  • Place, Moreton Bay Fig Tree
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

Economy Shared Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Classic Shared Dormitory

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Basic Double Room

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Basic Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

10 Bed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Similar properties

About this property

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

This hostel features self parking, laundry facilities, and a garden. Free on-the-go breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, barbecue grills, a picnic area, and a vending machine are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel offers 9 shared accommodations with air conditioning and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads. Housekeeping is provided on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Santa Barbara Harbor. Enjoy features like free breakfast and free WiFi in public areas, plus laundry facilities.
  • Free on-the-go breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi (speed: 25+ Mbps)
  • Self parking available for a fee
  • Amenities include locker space, laundry facilities, and a vending machine
  • 8 minutes by foot from Santa Barbara Harbor and a 5-minute drive from Santa Barbara Zoo
Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. Barbecue grills, a vending machine, and a garden are also featured at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel. Parking is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Santa Barbara hostel.

Guests are served free on-the-go breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site (USD 20 per night)
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Laptop workspace
  • Shared accommodation

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking

The front desk is open daily from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Front desk staffed during limited hours

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Self parking fee: USD 20 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
The front desk at this property is open daily from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

I.T.H. Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel Santa Barbara

ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 154 out of 206 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 206 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 206 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 206 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 206 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Esmeralda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff is really nice and helpful overall a comfortable stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mustafa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a centrally located welcoming place to stay. Common areas have all the amenities that every hostel should carry. The private room I booked could also have had its private bathroom in it. However, the shared bathroom and the all gender restroom was clean and helpful. Eggs, package and the coffee were pleasant for the breakfast. Thanks to Bobby, Jonathan and the rest of the hostel crew for their accessibility.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alisa

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
To start with, the staff are very kind and accommodating - I had a gig that started at the time their check-in is and due to traffic beforehand and finishing up well after their front desk closed, they offered a solution that they will leave my key where I can grab it when I arrive so that I would be able to get in (also, luckily, there was actually someone at the front desk somehow at 4am as the key was unintentionally left inside so I'm grateful to her). I booked a bed in the all female 10 bed dormitory and had zero issues. Clean sheets, super comfortable mattress, a wide shelf to put things on, a lamp, and a fan - all of these little things made me sink in and have an incredible sleep. When it comes to hostels, there's a level of trust with the people in the room with you regarding your things, respect for each other's space, and a feeling of safety and I felt very comfortable all around. I also love how close the beach is! It was a short and sweet walk especially with beautiful weather. Very happy that I booked with this hostel!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alfie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Amazing staff, really friendly & welcoming. Well-equipped hostel with a cozy common area and everything you might need but forgot. Daily/nightly events and a great outdoor space. Literally next to the train station so it’s convenient to get to. My daughter & I felt safe the entire time!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Liahnnie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes it was
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Briana

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Naya, Los Angeles

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dezheng

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Neat and clean place for backpackers. I love the kitchen which allows me to cook for the kids and myself. Very nice atmosphere and well maintained. They are not fancy but definitely clean everywhere.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Carrie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Blaine

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angelina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I spend 4 days in this Hostel and it was incredible ! The staff are so nice and everything is really clean ! By the way if you meet Maxine you're better watch out because she is iconic !! There is also activities during the day and in the evening, so as a single traveler it's perfect to meet new people ! Don't hesitate if you come in Santa Barbara, come to the ITH !!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Giovanni

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, courteous, and cute. This hostel was unlike previous I had stayed in that it had unique qualities such as the themed nights. The location is perfect! I was able to walk to dinner (a local Mediterranean spot) and steps from the beach for sunset. 10/10 would recommend & hope to return
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chang

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Hubert

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone is always amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Walkable to everything, beach and downtown
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fatima

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun and friendly atmosphere. Matthew was especially kind in showing me around. Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025