I was very impressed with this hotel. The updates made to the rooms were great. I had stayed here several years ago and chose to try it again while making my way to Los Angeles. The only complaint I had was that I couldn't stay longer. The front desk person was very friendly and serviceable. She granted my request for a room with a pool view on the top floor. I was amazed by the changes made to the rooms. I noticed the kitchens had new counters too. I was very impressed with the TV and the bed. Overall, with the service I received and the great rooms, I don't think that I will stay anywhere else in Santa Maria.

This was destination #4 in our 2007 summer holiday which took in San Francisco (Holiday Inn, Fisherman's Wharf), Yosemite (Yosemite View Lodge), Carmel (Carmel Mission Inn), Santa Maria (Holiday Inn), Beverly Hills (Beverly Hilton), Anaheim (Sheraton Anaheim) and San Diego (Paradise Point). This review is for the Holiday Inn, Santa Maria. We booked our 2 night stay at this hotel as an “independent stay” simply because the Virgin Brochure hotels for this part of California were either full or would only do a minimum of 3 night. We needed 2. So, after lots of surfing, we booked a 2 bedroom suite that cost us all of about ?65 a night. The hotel is easily located off the freeway and just outside of Santa Maria. From check-in to check-out; we loved it. Reception were all ready for us, our room was delightful and the pool a wonderful sun-trap. There’s also a restaurant (serving breakfast and dinner) and a coin operated laundry. Our room had an kitchen-lounge and first bed area all open plan with TV and balcony. There was then a separate bedroom with balcony plus a huge bathroom. It was so spacious and relaxing there and really a shame we were not staying for longer. It was great to top up the tan – it was hot hot hot by the pool but a gentle breeze made things a bit more comfortable. We didn’t eat in the hotel and chose instead to eat, partly due to the choice and prices not being overly family/kiddie oriented. There are a wide range of eateries a 2-3 miles away closer to town and a cinema to catch the latest releases. If I had to moan about anything, it would be the singular lift – it is narrow and soooooo sloooowwww. So, let’s hope you don’t need it when there’s a rush on. In terms of why you would choose Santa Maria, it is a great location to stop between somewhere like Yosemite or San Francisco and L.A. More importantly, Santa Maria about 12 miles from the coast – so you get (or at least, we got) clear blue skies rather than fog. We visited Pismo Beach one morning – oh dear. How tacky, how unclean, how cold and foggy. Rather like a poor version of a British seaside resort. So, if you need a stopover without any risk get yourself booked into the Holiday Inn Santa Maria. What’s more, sign up for the Holiday Inn Priority Club and start earning points towards a free stay. Enjoy!

It's rare to find a hotel that can back up what they promise. Usually one is bombarded by ads with inflated promises that vanish as soon as you walk in the door. I received the service I expected from staying at Holiday Inn on a regular basis. Im a platinum priority member so I received breakfast and a free drink from the bar, wich is more than I can say of the trivial snack other hotels provide to their "VIP" guests. The room was spacious and did indeed have a duvet. I asked about the plasma because my room did not have one, and I was told that the hotel is in the progress of installing them. I was offered to be moved to a room with a plasma. I jumped at the opportunity and was greatly rewarded. The TV was fantastic! Overall the hotel was great.

I have stayed in hundreds of hotels and for the money this one was pretty good. I think it was a bit overpriced for the area though. I don't know why Santa Maria has such high prices in the first place (lived there 18 years). The thing that ticked me off the most was my husband and I were in line to check in and a man in a business suite walked right up to the counter at the same time a clerk appeared. She never should have waited on him first. The room was nicely updated - the bed was comfortable and so were the pillows for a change. The room is a pretty good size too with a kitchen. Not much choice in Santa Maria so I would stay there again. Wish the price would come down a bit though. Cheers!

I had a few doubts making my reservation here because of what I had read, but I made my reservation because the hotel was so convenient for my work site. I expected to see unpainted walls and furniture in the halls, but the place was spick and span. Good job housekeepers! I was very happy when I noticed the great duvet on the bed and the kitchen. I've never had a hotel room with a full kitchen! the place was great and the staff was really friendly. I'm glad I stayed here. I have alot of work to do in the area and I know I'll be staying here. I'm really looking forward to the plasma TV's the front desk told me would be arriving soon.