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Hotel Mar Monte
Rating Details »
1111 East Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-0744
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-0744
- Price Range:
-
$$$
26 reviews for Hotel Mar Monte
Needed a room in SB last minute. I didn't do any research, just Googled hotels, this one came up, and they had a room available so I booked it. I needed a room with 2 beds, and the cheapest option was $199/night. After taxes it came to $222 for one night. Pricey, but I was splitting the cost with others, so I didn't sweat it.
Arrived around 9 pm, check in was fast and friendly. Parking was convenient in the underground garage, and our room was easy to find.
Got to the room and we were pleasantly surprised! Nice large, clean room with two queen beds. The bathroom was also pretty spacious.
In the room there was a big flat screen TV and a sitting area. The best part though, was that we had an ocean view room! We had a balcony with 3 chairs and a little table, and we were right across the street from the beach. Very pretty.
We went to sleep right away and the beds were very comfortable. I am picky and it is hard for me to sleep in beds that aren't mine, but I went right to sleep in the bed here. The pillows were perfectly soft and the down comforter was perfect.
As soon as we got up this morning we got ready and checked out...so we weren't there very long, but it was perfect for what we needed.
If I ever visit SB again I will definitely stay here.
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Apparently, there are some "Deluxe King & Balcony" rooms that have a partial ocean view. When booking this room, I was told that we could have one of them unless an emergency arose. However, they never made a note of that in my record. We had a view of the parking lot. The room smelled strongly of something...cleaning solution?
It was all fine, but not what I would call a "Deluxe King and Balcony". It's more like what I would call a standard Holiday Inn room.
Disappointing.
We decided to st op here last minute and stay for the evening. We had our two dogs with us so we looked up dog friendly hotels on-line and found this hotel. The building that they allow you to have dogs in is just behind the main building of this hotel, but it is still RIGHT across from the beach. We got a King bed room and it was a little on the pricey side but it is Santa Barbara after all. We checked in around 2pm, parking is free and the staff at the front desk is very friendly. Our room was a little on the small side but was very clean and seemed very new. Nice flat screen TV. and a really comfy bed. The walk to State St. only took about 15 minutes and it was all along the nice beach trail. I would stay here again for sure. The bed was probably one of the most comfortable that i have ever slept on.
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Went up to SB for a wedding, booked the Parkside Inn (sister property) for 2 days at 139.00. Researched Tripadvisor and Yelp. Typical mixed reviews, so decided to go for it. Checked in to the Mar Monte to get our room assignment for the Parkside. The front desk gal said said their was one queen available at the Parkside. I was with my wife and two small daughters, so 2 queens was necessary. Checked it out anyway (thinking I could sleep on a rollaway). The room was small, went back down to then check out a room at the Parkside. The Parkside is 2 minute walk from the Mar Monte, but the map given to us was a geographically incorrect one, actually having us think the Parkside was next to the zoo. We figured out where the Parkside was and was impressed by the size. It looked like mostly Euro's staying there, but there is a creepy homeless undertone across the street at the park. By the way-we were NEVER approached by a vagrant and they seemed to mind their business! Nonetheless, we went back to the Mar Monte to take the single room. At that moment the front desk gal said there was a 2 queen opening at the Mar Monte-FOR the 139.00 Parkside rate. The room was HUGE, the 2 queen deluxe with balcony. The hotel by the way is vintage Spanish style adobe that has been preserved nicely. Nice 40 inch flat screen, robes and a cool little balcony overlooking the park. The swimming pool was decent sized and heated-the hot tub the usual 103 degrees. Had breakfast at the restaurant, our waitress a cute student from UCSB was great. Resort prices for sure at the restaurant. Everyone from the front desk to the Bellmen/valet's were very friendly and informative. Walking distance to the beach wedding, great location! The room was quiet at night, even with all the weddings and celebrations going on at the hotel. There was an air vent/compressor outside of our room, but it was harmless White noise we did not notice. A little glitch at check out in regards to the price we were quoted, the problem was quickly solved and away we went. Thanks for the hook-up Hotel Mar Monte, we will be back!
Came here for a little weekend getaway. I thought it was a really small but nicely kept hotel. Our room was really small, but homey. Pretty much the bed took up a good chunk of the room.
The location was nice, it's a bit further from state street and all the restaurants. but its right across the street from the beach, and it's nice and secluded. Especially if you just like those strolls along the beach.
The only thing is, I think it's a bit expensive for the teeny tiny room.
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We searched online and found one of the cheapest hotel in Santa Barbara. All the hotels in Santa Barbara are in the pricey range. We reserved a petite room with 1 queen size bed. I was expecting a smaller room after I yelped this place and read all the reviews. It's surprising to see that even the petite room isn't that small for 2 ppl. I guess when compared to other rooms this might be petite. I have stayed in a smaller room in another big city before so I think the room size is just right. The room looks very clean. The bathroom looks like it just had a new renovation. A flat screen TV, microwave, fridge, ironing board, and 2 bathrobes are also in the room. We didn't have any problem with our room. Parking is complimentary. You get in the parking lot by using your hotel room key card. The hotel lobby looks very nice but once you step inside the hallway it looks different. The photos that they frame on the wall look spooky. We had to walk all the way to the end of the hallway, then take another elevator up to our room. Our room is located close to the entrance of the Spa. This part of the hotel looks pretty spooky for me. I would be scared to walk there all by myself. Fortunately, we didn't see anything.....
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I will say... I am surprised to read so many negative or unfilled reviews on the Mar Monte...
I don't know if it was the vibe in the air for us... we stayed here for a wedding of my nearest and dearest friends... Maybe it was the overall excitement of being a part of my friend's happiness...? Or that we go back a loooong ways so there were other friends there that I hadn't seen in years...? But the weather was perfect... (it was May...overcast as we fluttered our eyes awake but sunny by mid-morning...) and the weekend was fantastic... I honestly enjoyed our stay at the Mar Monte... our room was clean... a decent size... and overlooked the jacuzzi and pool (which I took advantage of, as well)... also, the location OF the hotel is unbeatable... the ocean is RIGHT THERE.
I have stayed at "better" hotels... that much is definitely true... and I have stayed at worse... really it could of been a Motel 6 and I would have enjoyed the time... it was for a once in their lifetime event... and well worth it.
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A perfectly serviceable, older hotel directly across E. Cabrillo Street from East Beach. Walking distance to the Zoo. One mile to State Street/Stearns Wharf. I have stayed at the Biltmore, Hotel Oceana and several inn/B&B type places in Santa Barbara before. This was my first time booking a room in town via Expedia and I wasn't given much of a choice when I called. The rate we got was $139/night for two nights and I had no problem paying that, since in SB there seem to be two types of hotels--budget and luxury. I wasn't looking to spend $200/night again (the Hotel Oceana was the worst hotel disappointment of my entire life, but that is another story), and we wanted beach access and convenience to Montecito and downtown SB.
The rooms are a decent size. Ours was very clean. We had a very comfortable king bed with plenty of pillows. Room has wireless internet, plus one of those keyboards you can rent for the day, or play games on. The bathroom has many towels, the products were ample and fine, although not a premium brand, the room had a gratis microwave and fridge, coffeemaker and robes, and overall, I have no complaints, although I personally don't care for the decor.
The hotel public spaces are a bit on the worn side, and need some updating, but the overall vibe is a Spanish Colonial sort of thing. We were on the second floor of the main building where the tower is. Peter used the gym and reported good equipment and no problems. I used the business center which was free, even to print things out.
We didn't eat at the restaurant or use the pool, but I am sure we would have if we had been in town longer. If I was on a budget I would certainly stay here again. Come to think of it, I would probably stay here again anyhow--there is no reason not to except for the hideous stucco in the entry foyer of the rooms.
I selected the Mar Monte hotel form the reviews I found on yelp and trip advisor, which suggested that this hotel was a great mix of location, value and vibe.
We stayed in a deluxe king room with a mountain view (a.k.a Motel 6) which was pretty descent. The room was pretty small and there was nothing really special about it. Parking was cramped and there was no mini bar. However, the bed and pillows were extremely comfortable, the TV was fantastic, and the robes were comfy.
A special note: the black out drapes, which allowed u to sleep in super late, very nice.
The location was indeed good, directly across from the beach walking distance to the Zoo and minutes to State Street. We enjoyed the hot tub and the pool, although getting there is a bit awkward.
Reasonable experience, however next time we visit Santa Barbara we will probably try somewhere else.
The Hotel Mar Monte is located across the beach on Carbrillo (Hwy 1) a few blocks south of Stearns Wharf and State Street. Its exterior sports a Spanish flavor but the inside doesn't necessarily have the same feel.
What's good?
1. Location
What's okay?
1. Adequate staff- They do their job-- no more, no less.
2. Price- $160 for a King Deluxe (balcony and partial ocean view)
3. The room- spacious but lacked style and a fresh smell
What's not?
1. The local train- It's out of sight but can be heard at night.
2. The amenities- This hotel doesn't offer anything beyond a room and the hotel Bistro didn't seem worth a try.
Will I return?
No
Hotel Mar Monte is a piss poor venue for any sort of banquet or event function. Their staff is next to useless and will actually refuse to serve you alcohol even when you aren't drunk. The food sucks (although that is to be expected), with dry, borderline inedible chicken and prime rib that seems to be lacking in the keyword "prime." Their service, if you could call it that, is inexcusably poor and when they are busy not helping, they are busy trying to stop those who paid to have a good time from actually having that good time (even when said good time is not bothering anyone, because there is no one in the adjacent banquet rooms).
Perhaps the one thing they have going for them is their location, which is right across the street from the beach. Maybe that's why they can get away with running around like asshats.
This one of my favorite hotels in Santa Barbara. Rooms are great. Prices are good. Great service. It's right across the street from the beach and just a few miles from the freeway. They have a restaurant in the hotel that has a pretty good brunch. They even have comfy bathrobes in the room for guests.
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We stayed at this hotel this past weekend for a wedding. I have to stay, I had my doubts, but it was pleasant surprise.
The room was clean, the staff friendly, and we had a nice ocean view. Its conveniently located to State St., and the freeway. The room was clean, and the bathroom was nice.
Overall, it was great stay. I would definitely recommend this hotel.
Disclaimer: my company paid for my stay...
I stayed here for a conference in Santa Barbara and the place was quite comfortable. The room wasn't cramped, had a big bed, big TV, a microwave and a fridge in the room. I stayed on the second floor with a room facing the beach, which was very nice.
If I were to come back to Santa Barbara, I would certainly stay here again. Even on my own dime.
Good location, right across from the ocean, but while clean, the hotel is quite run down. It just feels a bit dated w/the decor, etc. Our view was gorgeous with ocean views all around, but the hotel sits right along a busy street, and there is quite a bit of street noise w/trucks going by, etc., even w/the beautiful ocean views. The hotel looks pretty on the outside, but the rooms were just average, nothing great.
Also, the food at the hotel's restaurant/room service is average hotel food, nothing great but edible.
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I go on a lot of business trips with my husband and as such, I stay in A LOT of hotels! So when I say I know by what I speak, please believe me.
I'm really surprised at the few negative reviews that are in here about the Mar Monte. I personally feel they are WAY off! No, this is no Four Seasons or other high end Schrager type hotel but it really is very nice.
When we arrived a VERY kind & helpful valet/bellboy (his name is Avery) :) was waiting to assist us with our bags. We saw & dealt with him many times over the week we were staying & he never lost his charm or smile :)
Our room was quite nice with a plush white down comforter on the bed, a table & 2 chairs in the corner, lots of room to move around & also two incredibly soft robes hanging in the closet! The a/c & heat unit located under the window worked well & didn't seem dirty or un-maintained (believe me that this is a COMMON problem in many hotel rooms!)
The hotel bar/restaurant is downstairs on the first level in the "old" side of the hotel and is very nice. One of the best breakfasts I ever had!! (the Santa Barbara scramble is what it was) The bar is fully stocked & they make a mean, fresh delicious margarita. Only negative is their drinks ARE pricey... my friend had a small glass of just Baileys that cost her $8!! There are 3 plasma tv's hanging inside the bar though which was nice for watching some football.
The pool is simple and has a great view of the sand & ocean right across the street. Towels are readily available & in the late afternoon the bartenders come around & take drink/food orders. It's very relaxing to sit down there & watch the sunset :) There's also a spa right behind the pool area, however I did not use it so I can't comment.
Overall the hotel IS very clean and maintained. The staff is friendly & accomodating. The only real negative was the pricey drinks as I said before... and the uncomfortable plastic non padded lounge chairs out by the pool. Other than that, a great place to stay!
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Went May 2008. I thought I got a great value staying here, the price was right because it was pre-peak. The hotel is across the street from the beach, we walked down to the beach all the time. We also walked down to Stearns Wharf. The landscaping is beautiful in addition to the updated room, window opened which was a plus for fresh air. I liked the breezy corridor throughout this Mediterranean stay. The train is close, but it was not an issue. It is a great location too. I would go back.
3 stars, mainly for the location, as you're across the street from the beach and many of the rooms have hotel views.
Unfortunately, the hotel really isn't all that special on the inside. The beds are comfy, but the rooms are pretty dated. Also, I'm pretty sure they've done some additions onto the main hotel, as there are elevators on opposite sides of the hotel that go to different floors. Odd...
The staff was very friendly and accomodating. We were originally put in a room that had a leaky shower. No big deal. They gladly moved us to an upgraded room with a balcony for the same price.
However, that price is pretty high. It's not really a value hotel.
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Only stayed one night so can't really give a great review except that the exterior of the hotel looks really good and when you get inside, you think to yourself, "When are they going to remodel and get new carpets for the hallways?" Things are a bit dated interiorly. We got a side room with a great view of the ocean from the balcony. The room was a good size. Try to get a room on the 2nd floor for a better view. It's good walking distance to a lot of the shops and restaurants in the area. The lobby is a tiny area, not large enough for a crowd to hang-out.
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4/27/2007 - 4/28/2007
A group of my friends and I decided to stay here because of the decent rates and closeness to the beach for our reunion banquet. I hadn't realized that the weekend we chose was UCSBs alumni weekend and what is now ASVT. On Friday the place was swarming with recent college grads and needless to say, had the hotel staff on it's toes.
By Saturday morning, all of the other jack-asses were kicked out of the Hotel and were left with the geezers and families.
Thank you for not kicking us out with the rest of the hoodlums.
After a constructive discussion with the Hotel Manager, we toned down for our final night was were able to rest comfortably between a down comforter and sateen sheet.
It's no Biltmore...but a great deal for the location.
Way too expensive for what you are getting- it's old, the rooms are okay but certainly not luxury and some of the hotel is just downright janky. You are way better off staying on State Street in some of the cute hotels there if you want to spend this kind of money, or staying at a less expensive hotel if you want just the view. Overall, totally unimpressed and have stayed at MUCH nicer places for less.
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I am young, but for petes sake, I'm paying $$$ a night!!! I had made advance reservations, with specific requests about room size and location. I called once on my way, to once again confirm those preferences. Everyone was "yes yes of course, of course" super nice and seemingly on top of things. I get there, with the then bf, and we are greeted by raised eyebrows and chilly attitudes, like once they saw how young I was they decided I wasnt worth the time.
They ask to see our IDs, take them to a back office, keep them for like, 10 minutes and once they finally come back, the ID's along with our room keys were tossed across the counter at us.
The room was not far from an elevator, like I had asked, and confirmed. It was next to one. But it gets better, I go to use the restroom, and there are towels on the floor... Dirty towels... and condoms in the trash. We take a closer look and realize that the room isn't just ugly, boring and dingy, but it also has not been cleaned, at all!!!! The comforter was pulled up, pillows tossed on, trash on the table... you can imagine. I dont know if they thought we wouldnt notice or if it just had been overlooked, but this was late in the day, not like we got there early or anything.
Getting another room (equally as ugly) is a 40 minute ordeal. No one offers any kind of explanation. We couldn't even get a manager to speak to us, because according to the staff, no one was in until Monday. I never recieved a call from anyone there.
The rest of the stay was equally as crappy, and the staff was unhelpful and really rude on a few occasions, like my money wasn't good enough. Room service mysteriously not answering at like, 6:30 in the evening. Really REALLY bad service at the restaurant, I mean, so bad that after an hour of being totally unattended we left and no one noticed. We called the front desk to inform them of what we'd eaten (not trying to skip the bill) and when they checked the restaurant the waitress said that she'd assumed we wouldn't need anything else, that we were just "cheap kids".
It should have been a lovely weekend, but was a huge hassle instead.
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1st and formeost: A big hairball in the sink. GROSS! And whenever you would hear a certain room run their water for long amoutns of time (and believe me you could hear it) the sink drain would start backflowing. The staff didn't seem to care and told us to hang up a engineering request on our door. 2nd, we had gross old room service dishes next to our door when we checked in. When we checked out, guess what was still sitting by the door. The location is great, but for the money you spend, the staff should be quite a bit more accomodating.
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This is a great location for a hotel, but although the views of the ocean are amazing, the management is a bit unclear (will go into greater depth) and the hotel is a little dated -- has slightly a motel feel in the back parking lot.
We stayed at this hotel the night of our wedding and were pleased with the beautiful ocean-front view we had from our room. Our room was HUGE and as many have posted that the hotel is dated, i would agree, but i must say that it was clean. To me, that's the most important thing. The management were unclear as to whether my husband could stay at the hotel the night before our wedding. They said he could and not to worry about it, but what happened is we got charged for an additional night. Makes sense, right?! Well, we actually asked the front desk if we would be charged and they said it was park of the wedding package, so unfortunately THEY were wrong. We were skeptical about it from the beginning...I mean, unless they had no one who would take the room....well, he did because they insisted it was fine and considering the amount of money we spent to have our wedding there, it seemed semi-believable. well, my husband stayed the night and the next day, NO maid-service entered the room and fixed the room for US...for our FIRST night as husband and wife! Nothing....no replenishing of towels, no making the bed, no nothing!!! To me, that was a disappointment. I was hoping to come into a fully stocked room. I knew he was the one staying in the room, so I didn't think it was dirty, but it would have been nice to have had maid service and a room all sprused up.
We enjoyed our breakfast the morning after our wedding and were happy with the comfort of the room. It was just unnerving when we received a bill for $300 'n something bucks for the night before our wedding, when front desk was so confident it was all clear! Hmmm.
Originally we were booked for the cheap hotel around the corner- it looked pretty nasty actually (I guess they are owned by the same place), but my fiance and I were upgraded for free (meaning no additional cost then what we had orginally paid) to this place because he is disable and we needed wheelchair access. It was great! We got a room with an ocean view, all the amenities he and I needed. This place may not seem like a big deal to most, but it's the nicest hotel I've been in. My one complaint is that they don't have an elevator that can get you to their restaurant and we had a hell of a time trying to find a wheelchair accessible way to it. No one working there could give us an accurate way to it that didn't involve stairs- if you work there you should be able to tell is confidently! After a huge struggle to get to it lol dinner was nothing special, but dessert was the best I've ever had. I liked it so much I ordered it via room service the next day (I think it was apple pie a la mode).
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This is a much worse hotel than I was led to believe. The towels were old, dingy and scratchy. The bed, which did have a super cheap down comforter (they advertise it), was otherwise bouncy, springy, squeaky, and hard. I know it doesn't seem possible to be all of these things, but it was, and it was impossible to sleep on. To me these are the most important things in a hotel, so the good location and passable decor were greatly outweighed.
