El Encanto is a gorgeous historic landmark in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean beyond. It underwent a long, expensive renovation that preserved its character while adding modern perks to luxury bungalows, like automatic espresso machines and bathrooms with heated floors. The spa is beautifully done, and even the fitness center has aesthetic appeal with cardio machines set under an arbor on a brick patio. Active guests can hop on free rental bikes to get around. For everything else, expect to pay during a stay here -- a breakfast burrito costs as much as buffets at less storied hotels.
El Encanto is a gorgeous historic landmark in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean beyond. It underwent a long, expensive renovation that preserved its character while adding modern perks to luxury bungalows, like automatic espresso machines and bathrooms with heated floors. The spa is beautifully done, and even the fitness center has aesthetic appeal with cardio machines set under an arbor on a brick patio. Active guests can hop on free rental bikes to get around. For everything else, expect to pay during a stay here -- a breakfast burrito costs as much as buffets at less storied hotels.
The 171-room Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara is an upper-middle-range hotel that sits across from the ocean in a collection of historic, Spanish colonial-style buildings with white stucco walls and red tile roofs. It’s located around two miles from the main tourist attractions in Santa Barbara. Rooms are basic and a bit tired with loud air conditioning units; some rooms have terraces with gorgeous ocean views.The hotel charges for parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
The 171-room Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara is an upper-middle-range hotel that sits across from the ocean in a collection of historic, Spanish colonial-style buildings with white stucco walls and red tile roofs. It’s located around two miles from the main tourist attractions in Santa Barbara. Rooms are basic and a bit tired with loud air conditioning units; some rooms have terraces with gorgeous ocean views.The hotel charges for parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
The exterior of the two-story, 33-room Inn at East Beach appears outdated and somewhat unappealing, but the inside is modern, clean, and well-maintained. Some of the beach-y, attractive rooms at this budget-friendly property -- billed as a "boutique motel" -- have full-size kitchens. Just note that those advertised as having "partial ocean views" overlook a street and other buildings -- very little of the ocean can actually be seen, but the beach is a short, easy walk away. The Inn at East Beach has a pool, unlike the Castillo Inn, but the Castillo Inn is closer to Stearns Wharf and State Street.
The exterior of the two-story, 33-room Inn at East Beach appears outdated and somewhat unappealing, but the inside is modern, clean, and well-maintained. Some of the beach-y, attractive rooms at this budget-friendly property -- billed as a "boutique motel" -- have full-size kitchens. Just note that those advertised as having "partial ocean views" overlook a street and other buildings -- very little of the ocean can actually be seen, but the beach is a short, easy walk away. The Inn at East Beach has a pool, unlike the Castillo Inn, but the Castillo Inn is closer to Stearns Wharf and State Street.
This 126-room budget-friendly chain hotel draws business travelers and families with its relaxing outside space and its location within a 10-minute drive of both the airport and downtown Santa Barbara. The swimming pool and adjacent koi pond, a relaxing spot to view ducks and turtles, are highlights. All room levels have the same decor: updated bedding with white duvets, fresh carpeting, and dated pecan furniture. The free continental breakfast, free airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi add value, but those looking to be within walking distance of the beach should compare rates with the Castillo Inn.
This 126-room budget-friendly chain hotel draws business travelers and families with its relaxing outside space and its location within a 10-minute drive of both the airport and downtown Santa Barbara. The swimming pool and adjacent koi pond, a relaxing spot to view ducks and turtles, are highlights. All room levels have the same decor: updated bedding with white duvets, fresh carpeting, and dated pecan furniture. The free continental breakfast, free airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi add value, but those looking to be within walking distance of the beach should compare rates with the Castillo Inn.
The 23-room Spanish Garden Inn is a charming upscale boutique property housed in a lovely Spanish-style building with atmospheric Mediterranean interiors to match. Lovely rooms and suites feature exposed wood beams against white walls and ceilings, as well as gas fireplaces and private balconies or patios. The pretty grounds offer patios with seating and potted plants as well as a small outdoor pool. A free continental breakfast is served daily and other conveniences include free Wi-Fi throughout, free underground parking, in-room spa services (for a fee), and a small fitness room. The central location means that restaurants, shops, and several attractions are within walking distance; State Street, Santa Barbara’s main drag, is just three blocks away. Travelers seeking something near the beach might want to consider the Hyatt Santa Barbara.
The 23-room Spanish Garden Inn is a charming upscale boutique property housed in a lovely Spanish-style building with atmospheric Mediterranean interiors to match. Lovely rooms and suites feature exposed wood beams against white walls and ceilings, as well as gas fireplaces and private balconies or patios. The pretty grounds offer patios with seating and potted plants as well as a small outdoor pool. A free continental breakfast is served daily and other conveniences include free Wi-Fi throughout, free underground parking, in-room spa services (for a fee), and a small fitness room. The central location means that restaurants, shops, and several attractions are within walking distance; State Street, Santa Barbara’s main drag, is just three blocks away. Travelers seeking something near the beach might want to consider the Hyatt Santa Barbara.
The Upham Hotel & Country House is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. It's actually two sister properties: the boutique Upham comprised of small bungalows and elegant cottages surrounded by green space, and the Country House, a restored Victorian building that operates like a traditional bed and breakfast. Both share amenities and offer wine and refreshments throughout the day, though Country House serves a more full-fledged breakfast. Rooms are all individually decorated, varying widely depending on the building, but even the tiny standard bungalows have private patios.
The Upham Hotel & Country House is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. It's actually two sister properties: the boutique Upham comprised of small bungalows and elegant cottages surrounded by green space, and the Country House, a restored Victorian building that operates like a traditional bed and breakfast. Both share amenities and offer wine and refreshments throughout the day, though Country House serves a more full-fledged breakfast. Rooms are all individually decorated, varying widely depending on the building, but even the tiny standard bungalows have private patios.
The two-pearl Sunset Motel offers comfortable accommodations within a short drive of downtown Santa Barbara. The older, motel-style property has 17 well-equipped guest rooms with pleasant decor. All units contain large flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have attractive tiling that resembles stone, spacious, black granite vanities, and shower/tub combos, and suites add whirlpool tubs. Amenities are limited and there's no elevator, but freebies include Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and on-parking, although the lot can fill to capacity when the motel is fully booked. Travelers looking for a stay with a pool that's closer to downtown can check out Orange Tree Inn, with rates that are only slightly higher.
The two-pearl Sunset Motel offers comfortable accommodations within a short drive of downtown Santa Barbara. The older, motel-style property has 17 well-equipped guest rooms with pleasant decor. All units contain large flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have attractive tiling that resembles stone, spacious, black granite vanities, and shower/tub combos, and suites add whirlpool tubs. Amenities are limited and there's no elevator, but freebies include Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and on-parking, although the lot can fill to capacity when the motel is fully booked. Travelers looking for a stay with a pool that's closer to downtown can check out Orange Tree Inn, with rates that are only slightly higher.
