4770 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
Within a 10-minute drive of airport and downtown Santa Barbara
Centered around a beautiful koi pond with ducks and turtles
Nice pool with relaxing outdoor space
Some rooms have private patios and/or balconies with pond view
Good quality free continental breakfast
Modern lobby with fireplace, flat-screen TV, and two computer stations
Electric car charging stations
100-percent smoke free (con for some)
Discount cards to local restaurants
Free Wi-Fi and free shuttle to and from airport
Pets allowed
Can only walk to an IHOP or In-N-Out burger
Some traffic noise depending on room location
Some balconies overlook parking lot
Rooms have updated bedding and carpet but furniture is dated
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.
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Scene
Budget-friendly garden oasis off the freeway
Outside, the two-story white brick and painted wood building looks dated, but inside, the lobby has a sleek urban feel with light wood floors, crisp white walls and cranberry accents. The seating area has chairs upholstered in bold graphics, a flat-screen TV hanging over a gas fireplace, and computer stations with rolling white leather seats.The lushly landscaped lagoon and competitive rates are the draw for the Ramada. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the grounds, making it a haven for non-smokers. Pets are welcome here, which is not the case at the Best Western Goleta or the Hampton Inn. It's a good base camp for families, UC Santa Barbara visitors, and business travelers who want a nice, affordable place to come back to after a day's activities.
Location
Within a 10-minute drive of the airport, downtown Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Barbara
The hotel is right off of U.S. Highway 101, and only an IHOP and In-N-Out Burger are within walking distance. Stearns Wharf, a prime tourist attraction, is just 10 minutes away by car. The wharf has a long pier jutting out to ocean and restaurants, water taxis, shops and a marine center. Kids can explore a 1,500-gallon tide pool tank there at the Ty Warner Sea Center. A five- to 10-minute car ride will get you to Goleta Beach, UC Santa Barbara, downtown Santa Barbara, and several golf courses. The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is four miles away and there is free shuttle service.
Rooms
Standard chain decor with thoughtful extras
The rooms are a step above what one may expect from a budget-friendly chain, with fresh bedding and a cranberry and moss color scheme. Standard issue pecan wood furniture is a bit worn but amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs and safes. Families can spread out in a two-room suite. Utilitarian beige tiled bathrooms have a tub/shower combination and built-in hair dryers. Bedside mints, a playful floating koi fish for the tub, and a helpful mending kit are thoughtful extras. Be sure to ask for a room with a balcony or patio facing the lagoon instead of the parking lot.
Features
Lots of freebies and lush surroundings
Business and leisure travelers return for the friendly welcome with a warm chocolate chip cookie, the peaceful grounds, and well-priced rooms. Support services for business travelers include a copy center, meeting rooms, and computer stations. The lush grounds with a koi pond are a clear highlight. The Ramada also has a serviceable, outdoor kidney-shaped pool and hot tub. Laundry facilities and dry cleaning are on the premises. A free continental breakfast (be sure to ask for the waffles) is served in a dining room overlooking the pond. Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle are also free, which adds value.
