The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel is a collection of single- and two-story buildings and cottages set on an acre of garden grounds, with the original building dating back to 1871. They're all connected by pathways surrounding cozy porches and redwood verandas. A central lawn dressed with white Adirondack chairs forms the core of the property. The Upham's main building has a cozy lobby with a fireplace and a little sun room. The old Country House B&B is just down the street and shares the same facilities.

The Upham Hotel & Country House is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood. Both properties are within walking distance of Santa Barbara's affluent downtown shopping and historic district. Since the area is home to five colleges and universities, there's also a vibrant nightlife scene on State Street two blocks northeast. Santa Barbara Mission and the historical park are a few minutes away by car, while getting to beaches like Hendry's or Leadbetter takes less than a 10-minute drive. Those who love organic produce can access Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, five to 10 minutes northwest by car. Expect a 20-minute drive west to Santa Barbara Airport.

Individually decorated and varying from country quaint to country modern in their decor, the 50 rooms and suites at the The Upham Hotel are spread out among several bungalows and cottages, some of which have fireplaces and private patios. White shuttered windows and natural wood furniture give spaces a classic look, though some of the bland gray carpets show wear. Standard bungalows are cramped, but most have private patios to make up for it. The smallest rooms have small tables with wicker chairs, while there are writing desks and larger sitting areas in the bigger cottages. White-tiled bathrooms have basic shower/tub combos, with suites adding rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. Mini-fridges and coffeemakers are generally absent save in suites, which also have wet bars. The B&B part of the property down the street has an additional eight rooms, all with different but elegant furnishings that include four-poster beds, French doors, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Other than its lovely garden atmosphere and historic pedigree, the homey food service shared at The Upham Hotel & Country House is a main attraction. The hotel includes a simple continental breakfast, while a more involved morning repast is served hot at the Country House. Both properties have free wine and cheese in the afternoons and milk and cookies in the evenings. There's also the independently run Louie's, which serves New American cuisine and California-influenced comfort food like grilled meat loaf with garlic mashed potatoes in a Cabernet sauce. Events can be held in the gardens, and the hotel has three different meeting rooms. The Country House can also be privately booked for events holding up to 60 people.