Castillo Inn at the Beach

The 20 rooms at Castillo Inn tend to fill up fast because of the reasonable rates and proximity to the waterfront. It's a motel-style property, and guests can park right in front of the door to their room. The Mediterranean-style building with a red tiled roof has more character than most budget properties. The grounds are landscaped with tropical flowers such as birds of paradise. The lobby is cozy, but small, with not much room for guests to hang out. There are two multicolored chairs across from a fireplace, which is near the check-in desk. The inn is located within walking distance from the main downtown area in Santa Barbara with ample options to shop and dine. It's also just a block away from the beach and the marina, where guests can rent paddle boards and kayaks.

Located about a block from the marina and beach on the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Castillo Inn is situated on a street that gets a fair amount of traffic. Pershing Park, with its baseball diamonds and tennis courts, is located directly across the street. Waterfront restaurants such as Endless Summer Bar-Café and Waterfront Bar & Grill are also located within walking distance (about a block) from the inn. The popular Stearns Warf, with its candy stores, local shops and cafes, is located less than a mile away. There's a trolley stop that will take guests to State Street, which offers more shopping, sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife.

While the rooms have been updated, some are small and feel overcrowded with a few too many pieces of furniture. Rooms have either two queen-size or one king-size wrought iron bed. The carpet is a dark green and bedding is a country-style stripe and floral pattern. The best rooms have either a private patio with fenced-in seating area or a balcony with views of Pershing Park. Other rooms overlook a crowded parking lot. Bathroom sizes vary based on room choice, but all are updated with faux granite countertops and hardwood cabinetry. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, a spout for purified water by each bathroom faucet, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.

The Castillo Inn is set up like a traditional motel-style property and doesn't have as many features as a full-service hotel. There is no pool, spa, gym, or any on-site activities. While the lobby doesn't have room for guests to linger, it does have a one-person desk with a computer and printer. Perks include free Wi-Fi and a daily free breakfast with limited items, though some are homemade. Parking is free, but the lot can sometimes get crowded. There is no on-site restaurant or room service available, but there are restaurants within walking distance at the marina.