901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Charming boutique hotel fresh from a complete renovation
Picturesque location across the street from East Beach
Stylish guest rooms with separate whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers
Free continental breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola
Upscale Italian restaurant with oceanfront seating; room service available
Heated outdoor pool and whirlpool overlooking the ocean
Fitness center with several pieces of cardio and strength-training equipment
Business center with a guest computer and free printing
Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services
Event space that can host groups of up to 80 people
On-site parking is provided by the valet staff (fee)
Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property
Not located in the heart of downtown
No in-room coffeemakers; only Suites have mini-fridges
The pool is on the small side
The four-pearl Santa Barbara Inn is an impressive boutique hotel that reopened in mid-2016 after a complete overhaul. It’s located across the street from East Beach and within a short drive of downtown Santa Barbara. Highlights include an upscale Italian restaurant with ocean views, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, concierge, and free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Its 69 guest rooms are spacious and stylish, with separate whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers in marble bathrooms that have heated floors. Rates are on the high side, but not outrageous for the area. Those looking for a stylish stay that's in the heart of downtown can consider Canary, a Kimpton Hotel.
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Scene
Charming and elegant stay boutique stay for couples and some families
White-washed stucco walls topped by a terra-cotta-tiled roof give Santa Barbara Inn a striking, Spanish Colonial look, enhanced by beautiful surrounding landscaping. The aesthetic continues inside, where graceful arched windows span two stories. Tropical plants thrive in large and ornate planters, and comfy sofas are set front of a stately fireplace. The relaxed vibe appeals to couples and some families with older children, and the lovey terrace with ocean views is a popular spot for dining and drinking craft cocktails from the bar.
Location
Across the street from East Beach, but not within a reasonable walk of downtown
The Santa Barbara Inn has an enviable location directly across Cabrillo Boulevard from beautiful East Beach. The property is situated about a 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara and the restaurants on State Street, and historic Stearns Wharf is only 7 minutes by car. The Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center and a few restaurants are less than five minutes away on foot, and the Santa Barbara Zoo is a 10-minute walk. There's also an Amtrak Station on State Street, and the Oxnard Airport is a 40-minute drive. It’s approximately two hours by car to Los Angeles International Airport.
Rooms
Elegant and spacious, with separate whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers
The charming, traditionally-styled guest rooms have upscale furnishings and designer touches. Soft tones of green and honey-brown are used as accents, and rooms have a tropical flair, with rattan furniture that includes headboards and in some cases, four-poster beds. There are also a few with Asian touches, such as wall hangings and black lacquer dressers with brass hardware. Standard rooms (Kings and Double Queens) are a spacious 400 square feet, and Suites range from 760 to 1,120 square feet, and include glass-topped dining tables and sofas in separate seating areas. Even Standard rooms have balconies with gas grills and seating. Some have partial or full ocean views, and other look out to distant mountain ranges. Standard amenities include robes, slippers, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Suites also have mini-fridges, but Standard rooms do not. Bathrooms are quite roomy and upscale, with separate whirlpool tubs and glass-enclosed, walk-in showers. All have heated floors, vanities with magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Despite fronting a busy road, the rooms are relatively quiet.
Features
Heated pool/whirlpool, free breakfast, upscale restaurant, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi
This boutique hotel is a good choice for foodies, with the upscale Convivo Restaurant serving Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner, with outside dining on an oceanfront terrace. Wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, grilled meats, and fresh seafood are featured along with an extensive wine list and specialty tequilas at the bar. A free continental breakfast also is served that includes staples such as fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, and various baked goods. For wellness, there's a small heated outdoor pool that's open year-round along with the adjacent whirlpool, and a fitness center with several pieces of modern cardio and strength-training machines. Weddings and corporate events are popular at the Inn, which can host functions for up to 80 people. Other amenities include a business center with free printing services, valet dry cleaning and laundry, and concierge and room service. On-site parking is provided by the valet staff, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.
