Thunderdome, also called Santa Barbara Event Center, is located on the University of California campus in Santa Barbara. It is the home of the UCSB Big West basketball team.
Zoom in (+) to see interstate exits, restaurants, and other attractions near hotels.
"We liked our 2nd floor room with a view of the courtyard. The hotel clerks were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.2019-05-08"
"Close to UCSB. There was lots of construction going on during our stay, and the compressor was loud and right outside our window. Don't stay at this hotel until remodeling work is done.2019-04-30"
"The hotel was new, quiet, and comfortable, and the TV and remote control were simple to use. The staff was helpful, and I took advantage of the workout room, pool, and guest laundry. The food was good, though only breakfast and dinner were served. There was a little market that was open 24 hours a day.2017-11-09"
"The motel was older, but the room was clean and presentable. It had 2 queen beds, a sofa, desk and chair, dresser, microwave and fridge, and coffee maker. A sliding glass door opened to a large balcony with a table and chairs. The employees were super courteous, accommodating, and sweet. The pool area was clean. Great place to stay.2022-06-12"
"The motel was run-down. The electrical outlet didn't work, and the bathroom faucet sprayed water all over the place. I wasn't able to check in early even though the room was ready. Don't stay here.2021-12-13"
"Easy to access from the freeway. Near the airport and UCSB, and just 11 minutes to downtown Santa Barbara. Clean, well-stocked room. The beds were well-made. The motel clerk was friendly and let us check in 30 minutes early on a rainy day. Great continental breakfast with waffles, hot cereal, fruit, and a variety of hot drinks. 2019-01-08"
"The motel was relaxed but clean. The staff was efficient, friendly, and looked after my every need. There were pets everywhere, but no smell or evident waste. Not much selection at the restaurant.2017-05-11"
"I enjoyed my stay, but the motel room wasn't what I expected. The bed was big and comfortable, and the staff was friendly. Nice bar and fireplace. No complimentary breakfast.2016-02-20"
"The motel room was small, but the bathroom was up-to-date. The elevator wasn't conveniently located, and it was a long trot to the breakfast area from the rear rooms. The grounds were nicely kept, and there was a large grassy area.2019-04-19"
"Great motel stay. We were upgraded to a suite. The complimentary breakfast was good. Stay here.2016-05-03"
"Close to everything. The motel was a bit pricey, but the room was updated and nicer than the exterior led me to expect. Wonderful front desk clerk and shuttle driver. Average place, but the complimentary shuttle was a huge benefit.2015-09-07"
Budget, smoke-free, all-suite, extended-stay hotel
4 miles northeast of Santa Barbara Airport
3 floors, 104 suites - elevator
No shuttle to Santa Barbara Airport
No swimming pool
Kitchen in every suite
Free continental breakfast
Free WiFi
Free parking
Park and fly not allowed
Pet friendly hotel
More > - allows up to medium-sized pets only, 2 pets per room - $25 per night fee for each pet - $150 maximum per stay fee for each pet. - Feb 2019 < Less
"The hotel staff made it a comfortable stay. I was glad I purchased the extended WiFi plan.2018-10-21"
"Good all-around hotel, but it was suffering from delayed maintenance. The room was clean, and the staff was pleasant and helpful. Continental breakfast was fresh and tasty. I'd stay here again.2015-04-04"
"I loved this hotel and all the amenities.2016-07-27"
"The room was clean, and the hotel employees were nice. We had a good stay, but it seemed a little expensive considering the age of the property.2016-04-26"
"The hotel was clean and sufficient for my needs. I liked having breakfast available by 6 AM.2015-08-23"
Pet friendly hotel
More > - allows dogs only up to 75 pounds in 1st floor rooms, 2 dogs per room - $75 per stay pet fee if staying 6 nights or less - $150 per stay pet fee if staying 7 nights or more. - Sep 2019 < Less
"The hotel was nice and clean. Be aware that if you bring a pet, you can't leave it in your room if you go out.2019-06-17"
"Central downtown location. The hotel was clean, and the front desk clerks were helpful.2017-05-30"
"Although the hotel was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the staff was friendly, I had 3 frustrations. The hotel was on the north end of State Street, and I had to walk alone 2 blocks in the dark to get to 2 restaurants; I'd thought it was closer to the busy part of State Street. No movie channels available on the TV, and I had to pay for parking.2015-11-01"
"Wonderful location; walkable to almost everything. The motel was clean, and the harbor views were great. Nice, hot breakfast with a good selection. I was happy and will return in the future.2023-07-30"
"Great motel room and view. The motel employees were friendly and helpful. Go for it.2019-09-06"
"A lovely, quaint inn with modern, tasteful upgrades. I stayed in a garden room with a partial ocean view, which was a nice surprise. The service was excellent.2015-09-21"
"Walk downtown or to the pier. A beautiful motel. Nice rooms next to the coast. Pleasant, accommodating staff and lovely pool. No room service.2016-11-21"
"We enjoyed staying at this pet-friendly hotel, and the employees were nice to us and our dogs. The pet fee and parking were expensive, though.2018-02-21"
HotelGuides made it easy to choose a hotel based on how far we wanted to get that day. Also liked being able to see the interstate interchange on the map to determine how far off the highway each hotel was.
We order the hotels on this page by how close they are to this attraction.
Most of our competitors order these same hotels in other ways that make them more money.
How Do We Define Motel?
To us, motels are smaller lodgings that have rooms you can enter directly from the parking area.
At hotels, on the other hand, you can enter your room only through a hall inside the building.
Hotel Booking Tips
Beware of non-refundable reservations that could cost you a lot of money if you change or cancel them. +Non-refundable reservations are a gamble that will usually save you less than $10. If you make a $90 non-refundable reservation instead of a $100 refundable booking, you are betting $90 to win $10. Would you do that in Las Vegas? -
Don't assume you can cancel a non-refundable reservation without penalty if you notify the hotel weeks or even months in advance. +Often you cannot – because some hotels' profit strategy is to get paid more than once for the same room for the same night. -
Always read cancellation policies carefully before you make a reservation. + When is the latest date and time you can cancel without penalty? - More >
When you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Take a copy with you to the hotel.
The earlier in the afternoon you check into a hotel, the more likely you will get a room or suite that matches your preferences.
