24 Best Santa Barbara Hotels with Hot Tubs in Room

Tub Type Descriptions

SOAKING TUB: A soaking tub is a regular bathtub designed for a comfortable, quiet bath. It does not have jets and it fills and drains like a normal tub. Water is hot when you fill it, then cools over time. Expect room for one adult and a simple on and off tub filler. Good pick if you want a calm soak without bubbles or pump noise.

DEEP SOAKING TUB: A deep soaking tub is a taller version of a soaking tub made for submerging more of your body. It has no jets and no pump. The extra depth helps keep you warm a bit longer, though water will still cool gradually. Often found in newer or boutique bathrooms and sometimes described as a Japanese style tub. Great when you want a quiet, immersive bath in a compact footprint.

JETTED BATHTUB: A jetted bathtub is a bathroom tub with built in jets. The jets may push air, water, or a mix to create gentle bubbles or a massaging effect. You fill it each time you use it and drain it after, so it is not heated between uses. Noise comes from the pump while jets are running. Look for wall controls, a dedicated on button, and visible jet nozzles inside the tub.

SPA/HOT TUB: Hotels use spa/hot tub as a broad label for tubs that feel more like a mini spa. It may mean a larger jetted tub inside the bathroom or a small hot tub on a private patio. Some have air bubbles, some have water jets, and some are simple soaking styles with extra space. Temperature control varies by property.

WHIRLPOOL TUB: A whirlpool tub is a type of jetted bathtub that uses water jets for a stronger massage. It fills and drains per use and is not kept hot like a hot tub. Expect more focused streams that target your back or legs. It can be a standard rectangle or a larger corner model for two people. Choose this when you want a more powerful in bathroom massage feel.

JACUZZI TUB: Jacuzzi is a brand name that many hotels use as a shorthand for a jetted tub or hot tub. A room described as having a Jacuzzi may have a bathroom whirlpool tub or an outdoor style hot tub. The exact setup depends on the property and the model they installed. Look for clues like indoor tile surrounds versus an outdoor shell with a cover. Treat Jacuzzi as a label rather than a strict type.