Before you even begin calling around for reservations, keep in mind that Santa Barbara's accommodations are expensive -- especially in summer. Then decide whether you'd like to stay beach side (even more expensive) or downtown. Santa Barbara is small, but not small enough to happily stroll between the two areas.
The free one-stop reservations service Hot Spots (tel. 800/793-7666 or 805/564-1637; www.hotspotsusa.com) keeps an updated list of availability for about 90% of the area's hotels, motels, inns, and B&Bs. The service will have the latest information on who might be looking to fill last-minute vacancies at reduced rates. Reservationists are available Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. There's no charge for using the service.
Inexpensive -- All the best buys fill up fast in the summer months, so be sure to reserve your room -- even if you're just planning to stay at the reliable Motel 6, 443 Corona del Mar Dr. (tel. 800/466-8356 or 805/564-1392; www.motel6.com), near the beach.
