Sometimes, you just need to hit pause and dive into relaxation mode head-on. Whether that means sampling new wines and chowing down on local bites, or swinging by the golf course before exploring museums, your day should end with the perfect place to crash. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top seven hotels in Santa Maria Valley that keep things comfy without breaking the bank—all under $100 a night!
Check out the list below for amenities, perks and nearby activities that’ll make your stay even better.
Budget Motel Close to the Airport, a Museum, Shopping, & Wineries
Just three miles from Santa Maria Airport, the Buckboard Motel is your perfect stop for a hassle-free stay! With its convenient location near one of the area’s main transportation hubs, getting in and out is a breeze. Enjoy 24-hour front desk service, free parking, and non-smoking rooms.
Plus, it’s just 10 miles from the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail and the 16 winery tasting rooms that call the trail home.
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV in every room
Close to:
- Santa Maria Airport | 3 miles
- Museum of Flight | 3 miles
- Costa de Oro Winery | 2 miles
- Minami Community Park | 1 mile
Comfy & Clean Hotel with Free WiFi & Plenty of In-Room Amenities
Colonial Motel strives to provide the best experience for its guests while helping them save money. The front desk stays open 24 hours, should a guest need assistance. Along with free parking, this motel offers spacious rooms with pillow-top mattresses and modern furniture for all to enjoy. Business travelers especially appreciate the workspace available at Colonial Motel.
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Mini-fridge and microwave
- Phones, desks, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels
- Complimentary toiletries and hairdryer
- Free airport shuttle
Close to:
- Rancho Maria Public Golf Course | 7 miles
- Santa Maria Airport | 3 miles
- Museum of Flight | 3 miles
- Waller Park | 2 miles
- Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum | 1.5 miles
Affordable Hotel with Outdoor Pool & Complimentary Continental Breakfast
If you drive into town off Highway 101, stay at the Days Inn in Santa Maria. It’s located in the northeast corner of the city, making it a short drive in any direction to the rolling hills, the coastline, or your next activity! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur looking to swirl your way through Santa Barbara Wine Country or a family looking to be close to the action (or splash around in a year-round pool), the Days Inn is a budget-friendly option.
Amenities:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- Business center
- AC in every room
- Microwave, a mini-fridge, iron, and coffee maker
- Flat-screen TV with cable
- 100% smoke-free hotel
Close to:
- Santa Maria Country Club | 4 miles
- Boomers Santa Maria Family Entertainment Center | 3 miles
- Costa de Oro Winery | 2 miles
- Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum | 1 mile
- Natural History Museum | 1 mile
Dog-Friendly Motel Just a Short Drive to the Beach & Restaurants
At Motel 6 North in Santa Maria, you can bring your friends, bring your kids — heck, you can even bring your dog! It’s located off Highway 101 with easy access to many activities in the area. Take a load off in one of their modern rooms after a long day of exploring the Central Coast.
Amenities:
- Outdoor pool
- Free morning coffee
- Free expanded cable
- Kids stay for free
- Coin laundry
Close to:
- Mussel Rock Dunes | 14 miles
- Blacklake Golf Resort, Bar, & Grille | 10 miles
- Boomers Santa Maria Family Entertainment Center | 3 miles
- Santa Maria Speedway | 2 miles
- Rancho Nipomo BBQ | 2 miles
- Preisker Park | Less than 1 mile
Bargain Motel with Outdoor Pool, On-Site Courts, & Free WiFi
Looking for a clean, quiet, modern motel with lots of amenities and maximum comfort? Check out Motel 6 South!
Along with great customer service at a 24-hour front desk, you’ll have access to a mini-fridge, microwave, and flat-screen cable TV with HBO film channels in your air-conditioned room. Not only will you have a comfortable place to relax indoors, but you can also swim beneath the palm trees in the motel’s pool.
Traveling with a furry friend? This motel is also pet-friendly!
Amenities:
- Pet friendly
- Kids stay for free
- Outdoor pool
- On-site tennis and basketball courts
- Free WiFi
- Vending machines
- Free morning coffee and tea
Close to the following:
- Los Flores Ranch Park | 11 miles
- Santa Maria Airport | 7 miles
- Santa Maria Fairpark | 2 miles
- PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre | 1 mile
Convenient Hotel Near Art & Culture Hotspots
Solaire Inn & Suites in Santa Maria, CA offers cozy and convenient lodging near local attractions and popular chain restaurants in this charming Central Coast town. With 23 air-conditioned rooms, guests enjoy comforts like pillowtop beds, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs.
Amenities:
- Wireless, high-speed internet
- Coffee maker, fridge, microwave, hairdryer
- Non-smoking rooms
Close to:
- Santa Maria Museum of Flight | 2.6 miles
- PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre | 2.5 miles
- Natural History Museum | 2 miles
- Santa Maria Discovery Museum | 2 miles
Cozy, Affordable Inn Close to Golf Courses & Wineries
Great for both leisure and business travelers, the Town & Country Inn is designed with all the features to create a comfy, budget-friendly stay on the Central Coast. The 24-hour front desk, free parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi add extra convenience for all guests. Come and discover outdoor adventures, museums, golf courses, and a variety of wineries all within 30 miles!
Amenities:
- Complimentary toiletries and hairdryer
- Flat-screen TV with cable channels
- Microwave, refrigerator, iron and ironing board
- Air conditioning
- Desk
Close to the following:
- Vandenberg Air Force Base | 15.5 miles
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve | 15 miles
- Santa Maria Airport | 2.5 miles
- Santa Maria Country Club | 1.6 miles
- Waller Park | 1.5 miles
Check Out More Lodging Options
While we’ve covered some great spots under $100, there are plenty of comfortable places to stay in Santa Maria Valley! If you’ve got loyalty points you want to use or are just craving a little more flair, check out all of our lodging options. Either way, you’re just a click away from finding the perfect place.
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Heads up: The lodging options described above were selected based on having been under $100/night as of October 2024. If they change, well… don’t shoot the messenger!
