Kimpton Canary Hotel

The Canary has been a notable upscale property in Santa Barbara for a number of years, and its purchase by the boutique Kimpton Hotel brand in early 2012 has only increased its appeal. The beautiful Spanish-style property mixes Mediterranean style and Old World elements with a contemporary, California aesthetic, and is full of stylish and atmospheric details like hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron accents, and warm, earthy colors accented by pops of vibrant hues. The cheerful lobby is awash in sunny yellow hues with pale canary-colored walls and tiled floors, as well as rich patterns courtesy of rugs and decorative tiles, with lots of cozy seating nooks furnished with leather couches. Bold bursts of color like hot pink accent pillows and a turquoise coffee table add a lively touch. A large staircase adorned in wrought-iron balustrades presides at the center of the space, descending down to more seating. The hotel’s restaurant is similarly styled, with lots of wood and leather furnishings paired with framed photographs on the walls and a patterned, earth-toned rug.

The hotel has a true boutique feel not only for its size but for its many thoughtful freebies, all hallmarks of the Kimpton brand: free wine hours, free stays for pets, and free morning coffee and tea. 

The Canary is centrally located just off of State Street, known for popular shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and is a short drive to both the wharf and harbor, where guests will find whale watching, sailing, and the beach. An electric shuttle regularly runs between downtown and the waterfront. Santa Barbara is an affluent community in Santa Barbara County, home to five colleges and universities, as well as a large yachting population. Swaddled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this charming town is known for its Spanish-style architecture, surfing, and the nightlife dotting State Street.

• Five-minute walk to Santa Barbara Museum of Art
• Five- to 10-minute walk to shopping and dining along State Street
• 20-minute walk or three-minute drive to Stearns Wharf and the beach
• 13-minute drive to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Stylish, spacious rooms and suites have a homey, contemporary Californian meets Mediterranean style with soft colors, colorful accent pillows and throws, dark wood furniture, hardwood floors, patterned rugs, and lots of natural light. Large four-poster beds are topped in luxurious Italian linens and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, well stocked minibars, iPod docks, and yoga mats -- plus some have lovely private balconies or terraces. Some suites have wet bars and dining areas, and all have sitting areas or separate living rooms. For groups or families, three-bedroom Nesting Suites with rooms connected by private hallways are available. Smaller families may appreciate the King Suites with sleeper sofas or the Premier Double Double Rooms. Even standard Deluxe King Rooms start at a generous 300 square feet. Large bathrooms typically feature patterned wallpaper and colorful decorative tiling details around the soaking tubs and walk-in showers, as well as small TVs, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and animal print robes. Wi-Fi is available and is free for Kimpton Karma members (there's no cost to join the loyalty program). 

The hotel’s Finch & Fork restaurant serves tasty, local fare with an emphasis on farmer’s market produce and fresh seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list from the region. There’s also a rooftop pool and hot tub surrounded by a sundeck with padded loungers and cabanas that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Sunscreen and aloe dispensers are a nice and attentive touch, plus there’s a fire pit and a pool bar serving cocktails and light bites. There is no fitness center on-site, but guests have access to a 24-hour one nearby and the hotel provides in-room yoga mats as well as classes once a week on the pool deck. In-room spa services are also available. The hotel hosts an evening wine hour and there’s free coffee and tea in the lobby in the mornings. Other freebies include bikes available for borrow and use of the business center, but Wi-Fi is free only for Kimpton Karma members. A variety of event space is available, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 160 guests, as well as the scenic rooftop pool area, plus the hotel provides catering. Additional services include room service and valet parking, and the hotel is pet-friendly, with no size restrictions or fees for furry friends.