On July 1, 2024, a new law, SB 478, took effect in California, reshaping the landscape of pricing transparency for short-term rentals, hotels, and other accommodations. This law mandates that the total price of a booking must be displayed upfront, inclusive of all fees that were previously listed separately. This means that cleaning fees, service fees, and other similar charges must now be bundled into the initial price shown to customers.
What Does SB 478 Mean for Vacation Rental Guests?
The primary goal of SB 478 is to promote transparency in pricing and eliminate the frustration many consumers feel when confronted with hidden fees at the end of the booking process. Here’s what you need to know:
- No Increased Costs: Importantly, while the presentation of fees has changed, the overall cost to the guest remains the same. You will pay exactly what you paid before SB 478, but now you see the total cost upfront. This also makes it easier to compare overall costs between booking sites. In fact, when you book direct from property management websites such as Haller Coastal Homes, guests will notice an overall price savings compared to other booking sites as direct bookings do not require additional service fees.
- Simplified Booking Experience: This law simplifies the booking process, allowing you to see the full price of your stay from the beginning. No more surprises at checkout with unexpected additional fees.
- Trust and Transparency: By enforcing all-in-one pricing, SB 478 fosters greater trust between consumers and accommodation providers. This transparency is designed to make it easier for you to compare prices and make informed decisions.
- California Specific: SB 478 is only applicable to guests who are located in California. If you are not located in California, you may not see any changes to the presentation of your pricing. However, there are other states currently enforcing or planning to enforce a similar law in the future, such as Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. As a vacation rental company based in California, Haller Coastal Homes has updated our website to be compliant with SB 478.
How Does SB 478 Impact the Vacation Rental Industry?
For accommodation providers, this law requires adjustments in how prices are displayed for California guests but does not necessitate a change in the overall pricing structure. Independent vacation rental property management companies (such as Haller Coastal Homes) as well as booking sites (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) must now ensure that all costs are included in the initial price displayed to California customers. This involves updates to websites, booking platforms, and internal pricing systems to comply with the new regulations.
Why SB 478 is a Win for Guests
- Clearer Pricing: You get a clear, upfront understanding of what your stay will cost, including any fees that would have previously been added at the end of the booking process.
- Better Comparisons: With all costs included in the displayed price, it’s easier to compare different accommodations without having to account for hidden fees. It’s easier than ever to see how booking direct saves money!
- Improved Trust: Knowing that the price you see is the price you pay helps build trust in the booking process and the providers themselves.
SB 478 marks a significant step towards greater transparency in the accommodation industry in California. While it changes how prices are presented, it does not increase the costs for consumers. You will still pay the same amount as before, but now you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing all fees are included in the upfront price. To save even more, book directly from property management websites.
Plan your vacation to Santa Barbara today by browsing our available rentals and booking directly with Haller Coastal Homes.
At Haller Coastal Homes, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the vacation experience for our guests. We’re thrilled to introduce our latest initiative: Concierge Partners! This exciting new offering highlights trusted partners and local businesses, ensuring that your stay with us is as enjoyable and convenient as possible.
What are Concierge Partners?
Our list of Concierge Partners is designed to connect our guests with top-tier local services and businesses during their stay in Santa Barbara. These services include luggage storage, pet and child care, baby gear rental, local tours, equipment rentals, special occasion planning, and more. We’ve carefully selected partners who share our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for shopping recommendations, recreational activities, or special services, our partners are here to provide exceptional experiences during your stay.
Our Trusted Partners
We’ve selected a variety of local Santa Barbara businesses to cater to all your vacation needs. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Transportation & Luggage Storage: Need a lift or somewhere to stash your bags before check-in? We’ve partnered with Bounce to safely store your luggage at locations near our rental homes, and our transportation partners provide reliable and comfortable options to get you where you need to go. You can even rent bikes and have them delivered to your rental!
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara coast with our adventure partners. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, surfing, sailing, or a guided tour, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your sense of adventure.
- Spa and Wellness: Unwind and rejuvenate during your vacation with our spa and wellness partners. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, a yoga session, or a day at the spa. These local experts are dedicated to helping you relax and feel your best.
- Pet Services: Traveling with a furry friend? Our pet-friendly partners offer a range of services including dog daycare, pet-sitting, and grooming to ensure your pets have a vacation as great as yours.
Exclusive Discounts
To make your stay even more enjoyable, several of our Concierge Partners offer exclusive discounts to Haller Coastal Homes guests. For example, save on Santa Barbara wine tours with Rooted Wine Tours or Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours. Current guests can find discounts and promo codes directly within their Happy Stays Guest Portal (linked within the Arrival Instructions email), or you can peruse our Concierge Partners page and contact us directly for listed discounts you are interested in. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing Haller Coastal Homes and supporting local businesses.
How to Access Concierge Partners
Accessing our Concierge Partners is easy. Visit our Concierge Partners page on our website to explore the full list of partners and the services and/or discounts they offer. You’ll find detailed descriptions, contact information, and links to their websites for more information.
Experience the Best of the Coast
With our list of Concierge Partners, we’re bringing the best of the coast directly to you. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, our partners are here to enhance your experience. Discover local gems, enjoy exclusive discounts, and make the most of your stay with Haller Coastal Homes. Plus, we will be adding new businesses and concierge services all the time! So be sure to check back for new recommendations and promotions.
We can’t wait to welcome you and help you create unforgettable memories. Book your stay with us today and experience the difference our Concierge Partners can make!
Planning your trip to Santa Barbara, CA? Known for our stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture, Santa Barbara offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re planning for your vacation to include a relaxing beach day, a wine-tasting tour, or an adventurous outdoor excursion, packing the right items will ensure you make the most of your vacation. Here’s a quick guide on a few specific items we recommend adding to your Santa Barbara packing list – and where to get them in town if you forget!
Swimsuits and Flip Flops
Santa Barbara is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Pack a couple of swimsuits so you can alternate between beach days, and don’t forget your flip flops for easy, comfortable walking on the sand and around town.
Forgot to pack it? Stop by one of Santa Barbara’s many surf shops to pick up a new suit and sandals, such as Channel Islands Surf Shop or Surf N Wear Beach House.
Activewear
Whether you’re hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, biking along the coastline, or enjoying a morning jog on the beach, comfortable and breathable activewear is a must. Pack moisture-wicking tops, shorts or leggings, and supportive athletic shoes to stay active and comfortable.
Forgot to pack it? Downtown Santa Barbara is full of activewear stores for men and women, including lululemon, Vuori, and Dryworld Brands.
Hat and Sunglasses
With plenty of sunshine year-round, a wide-brimmed hat and a good pair of sunglasses are essential. These will protect you from the sun while adding a touch of style to your beachwear and city strolls.
Forgot to pack it? Head over Hats Unlimited or Sunglasses Hut to find the perfect style.
Sunscreen
Santa Barbara’s sunny climate makes sunscreen a non-negotiable item. Bring a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
Forgot to pack it? You can find sunscreen at local convienence stores or surf shops, or you can stop by Sephora or Blue Mercury to browse higher end brands. Both are located downtown, in or near Paseo Nuevo mall.
Beach Bag or Daypack
While most of our rentals are equipped with a travel wagon, cooler, and other beach necessities, a versatile beach bag or a daypack is perfect for carrying your essentials. Use it to pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, and other beach gear, or for storing water, maps, and a light jacket when exploring the city and hiking trails.
Forgot to pack it? REI is our recommendation for versatile daypacks that can be used for hiking and more. For beach bags, check out the Riviera Towel Company, who offers several straw, jute, and canvas options. They also have a beautiful selection of Turkish towels and accessories!
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially when you’re out in the sun. Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and keep yourself refreshed throughout the day, plus many places in Santa Barbara offer water refill stations.
Forgot to pack it? You can find reusable water bottles at convienece and grocery stores, but we also recommend REI for the largest selection.
Reading Book
Relaxing on the beach or lounging by the pool is the perfect time to catch up on your reading. Pack a book or two from your reading list to enjoy during your downtime. A good read complements the serene environment perfectly.
Forgot to pack it? The Book Den (one of California’s oldest bookstores) is located downtown, while Chaucer’s Books on upper State Street carries over 150,000 titles.
Yoga Mat
Santa Barbara’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful yoga session. Bring a lightweight, travel-friendly yoga mat so you can practice yoga on the beach, in parks, or even at your Santa Barbara vacation rental, embracing the tranquility of your surroundings.
Forgot to pack it? You can visit Yoga Soup’s studio shop to pick up a mat or even sign up for a class while you’re in town!
By adding these essentials to your Santa Barbara packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all the city has to offer – from its scenic beaches and outdoor activities to its laid-back, luxurious vibe. And don’t forget to review the amenities already available at your vacation rental! At Haller Coastal Homes, we do our best to outfit each property with items you will need and enjoy during your stay.
Our picturesque coastal city of Santa Barbara thrives on tourism dollars. However, the City of Santa Barbara is now working on a new ordinance that could drastically change the landscape of short term vacation rentals (STVRs) as we know them, inside the coastal zone. This proposed ordinance seeks to restrict vacation rentals in all areas of the coastal zone except West Beach and East Beach, potentially eliminating the ability for homeowners to rent their homes located inside the coastal zone. These short term vacation rentals provide much needed lower cost, visitor serving accommodations which are in line with the Coastal Act.
At $900/night for a standard hotel room in summer with $50/day in additional parking fees and only sleeping 2, this would not be a lower cost accommodation for travelers. When visitors instead choose a short term vacation rental with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, at an average of $400/night, the property can accommodate 2 families and/or more than one couple. These vacation rentals also do not typically come with fees to park, etc. The ability to cook meals at home also allows those on limited budgets and restricted diets to enjoy the coast at a fraction of what it costs to stay in a coastal hotel in Santa Barbara. Important to also note, most of these properties are either second homes that owners share when they are not in town or primary residences owners rent while traveling. Therefore, these properties would sit vacant part of the year. As well, they are most definitely, not affordable housing.
What happened?
The City of Santa Barbara lost a court case back in 2019 and lost on appeal to the second district court which affirmed the decision. This lawsuit addressed the city’s ban on short term vacation rentals in the coastal zone of Santa Barbara. The California Coastal Commission stressed in this decision that both the city needed a Coastal Development Permit to change the “density and use” of the land and that the CCC did not agree with this arbitrary “interpretation” of STVRs being hotels. Since 2019, the City of Santa Barbara cannot enforce within the coastal zone on short term vacation rentals if the rental is collecting and remitting the TOT/TBID taxes and has no credible nuisance reports filed. In 2020, the California Coastal Commission also reiterated in a letter to the City Council that STVRs cannot be banned in the coastal zone, are a residential use and in fact, the hotel definition they are relying on to ban them, is not a CCC approved ordinance. So, in an effort to comply with the CCC and at the same time finally address regulations for STVRs in the coastal zone, the city is now working to develop an ordinance that will possibly pass the CCC requirements as outlined in the Coastal Act. Banning them is not an option but heavily restricting them seems to be the intention.
The City’s Proposal
The City of Santa Barbara is currently developing this ordinance that aims to curtail vacation rentals in most of the coastal zone within the city. While certain beachfront areas like West Beach and East Beach might be spared, other beloved coastal neighborhoods could see a significant reduction in rental opportunities or a complete ban altogether. This ordinance is only in the preliminary phases, but without proactive involvement from stakeholders like you, it could soon become a reality.
Why Should You Care?
If you own a property in the coastal zone, periodically rent your home as a short-term vacation rental or maybe just enjoy visiting Santa Barbara’s stunning coastal areas, this ordinance directly impacts you. Whether you see STVRs as a way to supplement income, support local tourism, or simply appreciate the flexibility they offer for travel, the potential loss of this option could affect everyone involved.
Why Your Involvement Matters
Your voice can make a difference. After attending this first meeting, there were only 3 of us there that spoke up regarding these proposed regulations and ideas. In 2016, we had a similar City Council meeting and it was standing room only with people forced outside the chambers. It was a packed house full of hosts in support of STVRs and against a ban back then. With the feel of a sort of Groundhog Day this meeting reminded me of 2016 but no one was there? By joining our new SBSTRA (Santa Barbara Short Term Rental Alliance) stakeholder outreach group and/or following and participating in public forums, you have the chance to shape the future of short term vacation rentals in Santa Barbara and the development of this new ordinance. Expressing your support for reasonable and responsible regulation that balances community needs with the benefits of short term vacation rentals is crucial.
Take Action Today!
Join our Facebook Group, read our blogs, go to our dedicated SBSTRA website that is being updated with crucial information. Bottom line, this may be your last chance to help preserve and shape this new ordinance the City of Santa Barbara is developing for the coastal zone of Santa Barbara.
Our Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara’s coastal zone is a jewel that attracts visitors locally, from around the nation and world-wide. Short term vacation rentals in Santa Barbara play a vital role in accommodating these visitors, granting them affordable access to the coast and supporting local businesses. As discussions continue regarding the future of STVRs in Santa Barbara, your engagement is more important than ever! Together, we can work towards solutions that uphold the unique character of Santa Barbara while ensuring that short-term vacation rentals remain a viable option for homeowners and visitors to Santa Barbara alike. Let your voice be heard and help create a future where Santa Barbara’s coastal beauty remains accessible to all. Let us know if you wish to be a part of our working outreach group that could help shape this new ordinance!
The SBSTRA Team
Here is where the city seeks to limit access and only allow STVRs: East Beach and West Beach. The issue is that most if not the majority of these homes already have zoning that is allowed even for “hotel” use. So essentially it does not change much from the existing coastal ordinance in place but the good news is they are working to make the process not a “hotel conversion”.
Recent Articles, Court Findings and Rulings:
Time for a Change for Santa Barbara’s Short-Term Rental Policy?
About Those Short Term Rentals
California Coastal Act Trumps Local City Regulations Banning Short-Term Housing Rentals
Current Position of CCC on Affordable Housing in the Coastal Zone
Planning a vacation is an exciting experience, but unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Purchasing trip insurance for your stay with Haller Coastal Homes provides a safety net that ensures peace of mind and financial protection. Here are some compelling reasons why trip insurance is a smart investment when booking your vacation rental in Santa Barbara:
Financial Protection Against Cancellations
Life is unpredictable. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a family emergency, or an unexpected work obligation, cancellations can happen. Without trip insurance, travelers run the risk of possibly losing part or all of their vacation investment. Trip insurance can reimburse these costs depending on your coverage, safeguarding your investment.
Coverage for Travel Interruptions
Trip insurance isn’t just for cancellations; it can also cover interruptions. If your trip is cut short due to an emergency, insurance can cover additional transportation costs and reimburse unused rental nights. This ensures you aren’t financially burdened by unforeseen events that cut your vacation short.
Protection Against Weather-Related Issues
Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful weather, but like any destination, it can experience unexpected weather events. Trip insurance can provide coverage if severe weather conditions force you to cancel or cut short your vacation. This is especially valuable for peace of mind during fire season or other adverse weather conditions.
Easy and Affordable
Purchasing trip insurance through Haller Coastal Homes is straightforward and affordable. Through our partnership with Rental Guardian, guests can purchase 2 different policies at time of booking on our website. The process is quick, and the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Remember, trip insurance must be purchased within 48 hours of booking to be effective.
Conclusion
Investing in trip insurance for your Santa Barbara vacation with Haller Coastal Homes ensures that unexpected events won’t derail your plans or finances. From cancellation coverage to protection against emergencies, trip insurance provides comprehensive benefits that safeguard your vacation investment. Purchase the perfect trip insurance for you from Rental Guardian within 48 hours of booking and enjoy your getaway with confidence, knowing you’re covered.
For more information on the trip insurance options available, visit Haller Coastal Homes Trip Insurance.
Disclaimer: Haller Coastal Homes is not a trip insurance company. Guests must check with the trip insurance carrier for all policy inclusions/exclusions prior to booking. Haller Coastal Homes does not guarantee all reasons for cancelling will be covered through the selected policies. Guests that purchase trip insurance will deal directly with Rental Guardian and their carrier in the event of any unforeseen cancellation and any refunds due through the insurance carrier.
Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for family fun this summer, offering a variety of family-friendly events and activities for all ages. In 2024, a few of our favorite annual events are back with exciting new offerings that are worth marking on the calendar:
50th Anniversary of the Summer Solstice Celebration
From June 21st – 23rd, Santa Barbara will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic Summer Solstice Celebration. The festivities kick off with a grand parade at noon on Saturday, featuring whimsical floats, colorful costumes, and lively performances as it makes its way down Santa Barbara Street to Alameda Park. The event culminates in a three-day festival at Alameda Park with live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and more. There will also be a dedicated area for kids (newly named Solstice FUNtopia), featuring the Kids Zone, CommUnity Stage and Imaginarium. It’s the perfect kickoff and celebration of summer, and we’re expecting spectacular weather! If you’re looking for a place to stay, our Villa Castillo units are located in Downtown Santa Barbara and within walking distance from the parade route and Alameda Park.
4th of July Fireworks
On July 4th, Santa Barbara’s waterfront will light up with a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean and palm trees. During the day, families can celebrate at the waterfront with a number of fun activities, food vendors, and live music at the West Beach bandstand (sponsored by the PARC Foundation). The highlight of the evening is, of course, the 20-minute fireworks show at 9pm, launched from West Beach. Local radio station KjEE (92.9 FM) will simulcast the fireworks soundtrack. In our opinion, there’s no better place for families can enjoy the beach, have a picnic, and take in the festive atmosphere surrounding our nation’s independence. Plus, with several rentals in West Beach, your family can be walking distance to all the excitement – or even watch the fireworks from your vacation home!
Free Movies at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
Every Friday evening from July 5th to August 23rd, the Santa Barbara Courthouse’s beautiful Sunken Gardens transforms into a free, open-air cinema. The Free Summer Cinema series presents movies under the stars, including Jaws, 50 First Dates, and Mamma Mia! to name a few. Bring your blankets, low-back chairs, and a picnic basket full of snacks to enjoy classic films in a unique and historic setting. This event is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing evening with loved ones.
More Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond these marquee events, Santa Barbara offers an array of other family-friendly activities, including visits to the Santa Barbara Zoo, exploring the MOXI Museum, and enjoying the beaches and parks that make this coastal city a delightful summer destination. Plan your visit and make unforgettable memories with your family this summer! When you stay in one of our Santa Barbara vacation rentals, you and the family will be central to all the fun our city has to offer.
Santa Barbara’s dining scene continues to flourish with a variety of new, recently opened restaurants, each bringing unique flavors and experiences to this coastal city. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore, here’s a look at some of the most exciting new additions to Santa Barbara’s culinary landscape.
BBQ lovers, rejoice! Best BBQ, hailing from Santa Paula, has opened its doors on State Street. Known for its mouth-watering barbecue, this spot promises to satisfy your cravings with expertly smoked meats and classic sides. We’ve heard their famous chili beans and house made bbq sauce are big hits! Located at 716 State Street, Best BBQ is walking distance from our Villa Castillo rentals — perfect for eating in or taking it to-go.
For sushi aficionados, Silvers Omakase offers an exquisite dining experience by Chef Lennon Silvers Lee and his team. This high-end omakase restaurant presents meticulously crafted sushi made with the freshest ingredients, including Tanada Isehikari rice from Doyuuno farm, will be served outside of Japan for the first time ever. Each meal is a culinary journey, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in top-tier sushi in a refined setting. Silvers Omakase is located at 224 Helena Avenue in the Funk Zone. Stay at any one of our West Beach vacations homes to be within walking or a short driving distance.
Bruxie brings their famous fried chicken waffles to downtown Santa Barbara. The entire menu consists of unconventional waffle sandwiches, delicious chicken tenders, and artisan custard shakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their innovative menu and casual atmosphere make it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal when you’re shopping on State Street. Bruxie is located at 12 W. De la Guerra Street.
Recently opened on State Street, Cookie Plug is a fun stop for families or anyone with a sweet tooth! Their menu boasts several unique cookie flavors as well as “cookies stacks” that are “part cookie, part cake, and part brownie.” They even sell ice cream cookies and custom cookie cakes in case you’re celebrating a special occasion during your Santa Barbara vacation. Cookie Plug is located in downtown Santa Barbara, at 918 State Street.
Whether you’re looking for classic BBQ, exquisite sushi, or innovative comfort food, there’s something new and exciting to try during your next trip to Santa Barbara. Make sure to visit these spots during your stay at one of our luxury rentals, where you can relax and savor every moment (and bite!).
Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your dad just how much he means to you. And what better place to celebrate than the picturesque city of Santa Barbara? With a stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant food scene, Santa Barbara offers a variety of activities that will make this Father’s Day unforgettable. Here’s our guide to planning the perfect Father’s Day in Santa Barbara.
First, we recommend beginning the day with a delicious breakfast or brunch. If you’re staying close to the beach in one of our vacation rentals on the Mesa or near West Beach, there are plenty of classic cafes that dad will love. Some of our favorites include Shoreline Beach Cafe, Chad’s (formerly Sambo’s), Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, or Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery. After good cup of coffee and dad’s favorite breakfast dish, you’ll be ready for some fun.
Next you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure with a day of sun, sand, and surf by visiting one of our local beaches. Rent paddle boards, book a sailing cruise, play some beach volleyball, or simply enjoy the water and sunshine. However don’t worry if dad is interested in other activities. Santa Barbara is full of options, such as golfing at one of our many courses, hitting some baseballs at the batting cages, hiking some of our most popular trails, or taking in the art at one of the renowned museums in the area.
After all that fun, it will be about time to cool off and relax with a cold pint of beer or refreshing glass of wine. Luckily, Santa Barbara is known for our seemingly endless supply of brewery and tasting rooms right in the heart of the city. A few of our favorites include Santa Barbara Winery, Deep Sea Winery (on the pier), Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Third Window Brewing, and Topa Topa Brewery. However, you can’t go wrong if you’re in the Funk Zone, where most of these spots are located — not to mention walking distance from many of our West Beach vacation rentals. Treat dad to a tasting (or two) and buy him a bottle of his favorite!
When dad is hungry, there are also plenty of options for a Father’s Day dinner. You can stay in the Funk Zone where there are delicious options such as Mony’s Tacos or Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro, or you can treat dad to some fresh Santa Barbara seafood at favorites like Brophy’s Bros or Kanaloa Seafood. Prefer to barbecue at home? Almost every one of our rentals is equipped with a propane BBQ. Pick up some fresh fish and oysters at the Santa Barbara Fish Market or high-quality meat at Shalhoob’s Butcher Shop and enjoy the rest of day relaxing in your Santa Barbara home away from home.
Spending Father’s Day in Santa Barbara is a trip you’ll never forget. If you’re staying with Haller Coastal Homes and want more ideas for your dad, don’t hesitate to reach out for recommendations! There’s something for every dad in Santa Barbara. Happy Father’s Day!