Like other reviewers, we found the location most convenient and the parking so easy for such a central position. The reception area and lounge was charming and peaceful, the staff friendly and helpful and the room rates excellent value. We were a little surprised by the "Hampton Inn" style of help-yourself breakfast, which we thought beneath the standard of the hotel - but we would stay there again ( and breakfast across the road.)

Just returned from a two-night stay at the Hotel Santa Barbara. We picked this hotel for its central location on State Street, within walking distance either way of shopping, restaurants and bars. Simply outstanding location, also within only about a four-block walk to the beach. Room was perfectly adequate, but certainly not up to 5-star standards. However, very clean, nicely decorated and spacious throughout, including the bathroom. Breakfast (included in the rate) was basic continental, with pastries, croissants, cereal, fresh fruit, juices and coffee. More than adequate and it held us until dinner each day. Valet parking available immediately behind the hotel, at a reasonable $7.00 per day, with exceptionally fast car-retrieval service. All-in-all, we found that the Hotel Santa Barbara more than met our needs. Front desk staff, along with valet parking attendants, were always happy to offer directions, suggest sightseeing opportunities and to provide information on local sites/activities. Very highly recommended. Just don't expect a lavishly luxurous 5-star beachfront resort of the type you'd find in Hawaii or a property of the calibre of Four Seasons. The Hotel Santa Barbara isn't at those levels but it doesn't pretend to be.

We stayed one night in Hotel Santa Barbara in June. The location is perfect: on the State Street and only 10 minutes walk to the famous Santa Barbara beach. The room was very good. The only negative thing that we overlooked the valet parking! Staff very friendly and helpful. The bathroom was a little bit too small in comparison to the hotel amenities. Sure again in Hotel in Santa Barbara.

We picked the hotel due to it's location in downtown. Great location but the hotel left something to be desired. The exterior of the hotel looked great in the pictures and in person it has a nice facade. That's where our high expectations ended. First, we had to wait 5 minutes before a desk person to acknowledge us even though we were the only people there. The rooms are not bad, just bland. For the price we were paying we would expect a little more. It did not bother much to us since we rarely stayed in the room. All in all, I would stay somewhere else next time we pop into town.

We stayed at the Hotel Santa Barbara in April of 2008, and we really enjoyed it. The location is perfect for touring Santa Barbara; the staff was helpful and pleasant; the room was small, but very clean and comfortable; and the in-room coffee maker actually comes with decent coffee! (Not great coffee, but definitely drinkable!) There is also free tea and coffee in the hotel lobby all day long. Previous posts have mentioned the street noise from the bars on the main street--we requested a room away from that side, so there wasn't too much noise, although you do hear the elevator door open and close if you're near the elevator. The hotel is old, so the building was not designed with modern sound-proofing in mind, but I didn't find it to be a problem. The bathroom was functional, but quite small, and the shower/tub was old. The bathroom is why I'm giving this hotel 4 stars instead of 5. I love bathrooms, and while this one worked, it wasn't the wonderfully spacious and luxurious bathroom that I'd prefer, given the option. Still, I will stay here again the next time I'm in Santa Barbara.