For 100 years, Hotel Santa Barbara has welcomed guests to the heart of State Street. Celebrate our Centennial and explore the journey.
Celebrating 100 Years of Welcome
Since 1926, Hotel Santa Barbara has stood at the heart of State Street, welcoming travelers, locals, and moments worth remembering. Our centennial is a celebration of nearly a century of hospitality, shaped by the people who have passed through our doors and the city we are proud to call home.
Hospitality has always been more than a stay at Hotel Santa Barbara. It is a feeling. One shaped by nearly a century of arrivals, conversations, celebrations, and quiet moments in between.
When our doors first opened in 1926, travel was slower and stays were longer. Hospitality was personal because it had to be. Nearly 100 years later, the details look different, but the intention remains the same: to make every guest feel welcome, comfortable, and connected to Santa Barbara.
1925 Earthquake and Rebirth A powerful earthquake damaged much of downtown Santa Barbara, reshaping the city and setting the stage for a new architectural era. Hotel Santa Barbara rose from the aftermath with renewed purpose, reflecting the city’s resilience and spirit of renewal.
1996–1997 Renovation & Rebirth as Hotel Santa Barbara The hotel closed for a major renovation as Santa Barbara’s downtown was evolving into a vibrant hub. After nine months and a thoughtful redesign, it reemerged rejuvenated and ready for a new generation of guests.
1926 Opening of Saint Barbara / New Hotel Santa Barbara In the wake of the earthquake, the rebuilt Saint Barbara opened its doors on State Street, welcoming travelers and locals alike. Its elegant presence quickly became part of the fabric of Santa Barbara life.
1975 New Ownership & Revival Longtime Santa Barbara residents Rolland and Venetia Jacks acquired the property and infused new life into the hotel, reconnecting it with the community and restoring its charm.
2025–2026 Centennial Renovation and the Debut of 1926 To mark nearly a century of hospitality, Hotel Santa Barbara completed a major renovation that included refreshed guest rooms, common spaces, and the launch of 1926, a sophisticated lobby bar inspired by the hotel’s history. Its centennial year was celebrated with a community ribbon-cutting and renewed energy for the next chapter.
1926 Bar
Sip Back
in Time
Named for the year it all began, 1926 is our all-day lobby bar and a modern tribute to Hotel Santa Barbara’s past. It is a place designed for gathering, just as hotel lobbies once were. Morning coffee, afternoon conversations, evening cocktails. Each moment reflects the spirit of hospitality that has lived here for nearly a century.
