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Inn At East Beach
Rating Details »
1029 Orilla Del Mar
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 965-0546
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 965-0546
- Price Range:
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$$
13 reviews for Inn At East Beach
I booked this place solely on Yelpers reviews!! SO THANKS to everyone!!!
I was very happy with this place :) True to everyone's reviews.... Frank and his wife are definitely AMAZING :) Such nice people which really does make the stay even better
We had the Superior King room (the most inexpensive) however it was a great size with a 32 inch flat screen TV, a desk/chair, and modern looking decor. There is no central A/C but you really don't need it -- and there was both a ceiling and free-standing fan if necessary.
The Inn is located just across the street from the beach. It's located on East Beach which is the quieter area of Santa Barbara. If you need to get down to the pier, then try the 25 cents shuttle.
The free breakfast is fabulous! Frank provides coffee, baked items, etc all from local businesses around Santa Barbara. It's delicious :)
We loved this place!! ENJOY
You know when people are so incredibly nice it makes you want to post in this thread http://www.yelp.com/to... just to let the world know how much you love it?
Well, Frank at the Inn at East Beach definitely falls into that category of friendliness. He's a relaxed easy goin' kind a fellow who is full of useful information and not overly friendly or fakey. When he says his morning is better now that you've arrived for free breakfast in the lobby, I do believe he really means it!
This little Inn is within walking distance to the zoo, and a short hop by car over to state street. There's free parking, it's simple, clean, modern and comfortable. Not exactly the quietest place I've stayed, but the television and free WiFi was great. It's a pretty good value, especially when you take advantage of the AAA discount.
I had a great time here and when I go back to Santa Barbara again I will jump at the chance to stay here. I just wish I didn't have to hear my upstairs neighbors and all of their good times...
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (5)
Thanks Frank for a warm welcome and surprise room upgrade! Only another hotel separated the Inn from the beach. The rooms were newly upgraded with new furniture, a cool blue river stone bed board and newly upgraded bathroom (one big sink with two faucets) - it was tres cool.
Since the rooms did not have any air conditioning (not really needed this close to the beach) we appreciated the in-room standing fan as well as the whisper quiet ceiling fan.
I think what separates this inn from other hotels that offer the same boring continental breakfast, is someone like Frank who truly welcomes a beautiful morning with you. Like other reviewers before me, the super continental breakfast offers fresh, local pastries, fresh coffee with every flavor creamer, juices, boiled eggs and a variety of cereal. The last morning we were there, I was looking for a blueberry bagel I enjoyed the day before and didn't find one. On cue, Frank pops his head in the back and comes out with a tray of bagels and offers me the blueberry. That kind of service makes this place memorable.
We got in-room massages again from our favorite pair of masseurs - Ruth and Mary Jean (see my review for Massage Therapy Associates) and both massage tables they bought fit in the Superior King Room very nicely. We turned on the fireplace to give us some relaxing ambiance.
Let me address some of the negative reviews here and from Travel Advisor websites.
- The train - heard it once (it tooted for 2 seconds), didn't bother me and never really heard it again.
- Also, I had a question and walked in the middle of a heated discussion between a customer and Frank. The customer complained about the bill stating his wife (nowhere to be seen) said that they should have 25% off. Frank said he told his wife that you had to book this online to get the discount - which they never did. (it clearly said that on the website when I was looking for a place) The disgruntled guest rudely called Frank cheap, I thought it was the other way around.
Note that when you check in, like any hotel, you sign a form that says: you will not smoke on the premises, you will return the brass key given to you, etc. etc... so if you leave without returning the key, you signed a waiver that says you will pay the $25. In defense of the Inn, I think if one expects a hotel to be responsible, the hotel owners have every right to expect the same of their guests. (Take it from me, a person who stays 200+ nights/year at various hotels. I've been doing this since 1998.)
All in all, for the price (got 10% off with my AAA card), newly updated rooms and location, it's probably the best deal in town.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
Our family had a great visit. Frank is wonderful and knows how to add little touches that make a big difference:
1. A delicious free continental breakfast
2. Beach toys/tents/boogie boards
3. Great advice on the area
4. A heated pool - not fancy but perfect after a day at the beach
We had the wheelchair accessible king suite (112) and the location was perfect. The only downside was the bathroom smelled a bit. Frank explained it was the only suite with that issue.
The price for Saturday night was steep at $275 plus tax but for weekdays the internet special was $130 plus tax - a steal!
We would definitely return.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Ok, so it wasn't as much an "Inn" as it was a motel. But it's been renovated, and whatever possible hangups you have have staying at a motel disappear right away the minute you meet Frank at the front desk. Frank was so pleasant, my mom and son fell in love with him right away. Frank brings that 'bed and breakfast' feel to the place that travellers love to love.
So... about the property. We had the one of the junior suites for $175, which they knock off an additional 10% if you have AAA or AARP membership proof. There's a typical oval motel pool, and people were splashing around (so I know the water was acceptable). The room came with a gas fireplace, a flatscreen TV, a small kitchen, table, decent sized bathroom and shower (no bathtub though). The room was pretty huge, so no stuffy feel to it.
They have a continental breakfast table in the front desk area where you can grab morning munchies before walking about 50 yards across the road to the beach that goes on for MILES. There are a bunch of volleyball nets there if you're up for that side-out feel, and a playground for kids to keep the munchkins busy.
The bed was surprisingly comfy (had the king size that 3 of us bunked on cuz the hotel was sold out), and most importantly, CLEAN!!!!!
Definately a place I'd come back to.
WIN!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
The room itself is not comparable to a hotel and there's no AC, but there's no reason to be in the room since the beach is right across the street. Frank is super friendly and breakfast was actully pretty good. All in all, I will probably be staying at this place everytime I go since the price is excellent and the staff is wonderful.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
For a budget inn/motel this would've been a solid 4 star rating, IF it wasn't for one thing - the train noises. I had no problems with it and it didn't interfere with my sleep in the least, but my BF could not sleep for the life of him (weird cuz he's usually a heavy sleeper). IF you are a light sleeper or have kids I probably wouldn't recommend this place for you because of this very reason.
Overall though, I thought this place was great! For the $128/night we paid this was a major steal, especially in the heart of Santa Barbara. Every other inn and hotel we looked into was averaging $200+/night.
Pros:
- The entire facility is non-smoking. All rooms are non-smoking
- Our deluxe bedroom (Room #126) came with a fireplace, refrigerator, and microwave.
- 75 different TV channels, including HBO for free.
- 5 minute walk to the beach!
- Our shower had AWESOME water pressure!! So strong... felt so good!
- Complimentary high speed internet here!
- Complimentary and DELICIOUS continental breakfast - I helped myself to a Chocolate Croissant, but they also had a wide array of other pastries, boiled eggs, toast, and fresh roasted Santa Barbara coffee.
Cons:
- Train noise (but it wasn't that bad for me)
- 15 minute walk to State Street. It's exactly a mile away. We had no problems walking, but I can see how some people might not like that.
It's too bad the ever so infamous Frank wasn't here when we came. All the reviews on TripAdvisor talk so highly of him. However, we were treated just as warmly by his substitute, Stan. The staff here truly are a courteous and wonderful bunch!
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (7)
I have been wanting to write a review since my boyfriend and I got back from SB and the lovely little East Beach Inn last week. I took my boyfriend to SB for his birthday (to watch The Killers concert at the Santa Barbara Super Bowl) and based on the reviews decided to stay here. First of all because the concert was on a Sunday we got a great deal ($120 plus tax which for SB is pretty darn good). Upon arriving to the Inn I felt very comfortable as we were greeted warmly by Frank (as everyone has stated). I immediately knew this was an awesome place when Frank informed me that they were going to upgrade us to an Oceanview room because of my bf's bday! (Now don't go expecting this when you go I think it was a special treat...maybe no one had booked it and he felt sorry for us he he). I thought that was so awesome! I loved our room! It was very chic and modern (newly renovated) and we had a cute little balcony with an oceanview (as someone else mentioned one block from the beach...few hotels in between East Beach and the beach but no biggie!). I honestly did not even notice that there was no AC since you open the window and alas Ocean breeze! (Mind you I am always hot and this was never an issue thanks to the cieling fan).
The beach was sooo close! Not even five min walk I would say. Literally you can go through the Monte Mar hotel and there is the beach! Also, no one has mentioned that the Santa Barbara Zoo is right behind the hotel...like a 3 minute walk. Frank was so nice and let us leave our car there after we had checked out so we would not have to pay the 4 bucks for parking at the zoo!
The rooms were super clean, love that there is NO SMOKING cause you don't get that "after smoke" smell of most hotels and the bed was sooo comfy (ah yes the shower head was very comfy too). I don't think I would change anything about this hotel except maybe adding a jacuzzi. Loved the breakfast (as everyone has said)...definitely one of the best continental breakfasts I have had (and I have stayed at many hotels) with many yummy pastries, croissants, bagels, different coffees and teas etc. The only thing the bfast is missing are some waffles (that little make your own waffle machine). If you add one of those it is perfection!
So in a nutshell:
Pros:
Frank is definitely a pro...what a sweetheart!
1) Good price on weekdays ($120 plus tax)
2) Cute decor plus flat screen tv, fridge, modern/chic ambiance inside the room
3) Great location (near beach and Santa Barbara zoo-perk Frank lets you leave your car there and avoid the four bucks u have to pay for parking at the zoo). Also less than a mile to Santa Barbara bowl if you are there for a concert (like we were)
4) COMPLETELY NON SMOKING (for those like me who hate the smell, or even aftersmell of smoke)
5) Delicious continental breakfast (yummy pastries and good coffees//teas/juice)
6) very comfy bed and shower
Cons:
Can't really think of any....I guess the outside could be a little nicer as it looks old from the outside but inside makes up for it.
The pool is a little dirty looking (I think it is just scraped but clean) and needs a jacuzzi
Wish it was the price that it is on weekdays during the weekend...a girl can dream
Wish they had a little waffle maker during breakfast and maybe some non-fat or soy milk for those of us that can't drink regular milk
These cons are not really cons just ideas but I had a great experience and would definitely go back!
I will add some pictures later :)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
We arrived late afternoon and the asian lady at the front desk was really nice. Requesting that our room was not directly below the couple's room where the Ode de Copulation could be heard, the lady joked along with us. We told her if they are next door, we want to make sure the headboards aren't by our headboards and she giggles and says "Oh, it okay. eat es nat tu all." Oh, it's lifted our spirits right away.
It's so close to 101 and the beach. You can do a nice run in the morning, free wireless internet and complimentary continental breakfast. They had all sorts of pastries, scones, toast, bagels, juices, Santa Barbara coffee and even yogurt and an assortment of teas.
The room is average but totally worth it!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
This hotel was horrible because the room was messy before we got in the room, there was a bug on the bed AND the tv came out in black and white for like an hour. It said it had a mountain and ocean view, but all I saw was a brick wall.
pathetic.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
If you are looking for a great deal on a decent and clean place to stay then I highly recommend the East Beach Inn. Although located next door to a Motel 6 this place is top notch for a budget hotel. The place seemed newly renovated and is run by a lovely husband and wife team that are super welcoming and attentive. Frank was a sweetheart and even though I pulled up to check-in after 11pm he greeted us with open arms.
The hotel room was nicer than a lot of hotels I have stayed at. I've stayed in hotels that are not as lovely in Vail and paid triple the amount at the base of the mountain. This hotel is located across the street from East Beach, you could walk to the Pier if you wanted too.
Here's the kicker... I remembered that Frank said to have my sister stop by and she could serve me in bed... Well I took him up on the offer and sent my sister to fetch some "continental" while I soaked myself in a hot bath. I joked with her and said, "I'd like a chocolate muffin, blueberry muffin, a croissant, pumpkin bread, tea, coffee and some oj". I was totally kidding my sister thought I was serious. So she returned with a white tray covered in goods from Santa Barbara Bakery!
She brought me a chocolate/cream cheese muffin, ham/cheese croissant, pumpkin bread and 2 other muffins! Oj and coffee too. Unbelievable, then I felt bad but didn't when we finished it all.
Thanks Frank for your big smile, superior service and a way better than average place to stay.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
Checked out this morning, and even after a 5 hour drive home, I'm still excited to write about this hotel. Perfect location, walking distance to State Street and downtown, but not too close. One block to the beach, quiet.
Rooms are extremely clean and well kept. Didn't have time to use it, but nice pool.
The two most fantastic things about this hotel, (and I can't decide which is better):
1. Frank! From the warm welcome upon arrival, to the fond farewell, Frank is soooo sweet! I really felt like he was happy to have us there. He was so helpful with directions and recommendations for food and transportation, directions, etc. Frank even walked me out to the car and opened the door for me this morning!
2. The continental breakfast!! Yummy! Everything you need, and nothing you don't. Fresh pastries and bagels from a local baker (way to support the local small businesses!), Kona coffee, oj, tea, what else do you need?
I left the hotel feeling rested and appreciated. Whenever I return to Santa Barbara, I will definitely stay here again.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
Had a great stay here last weekend. I did not believe the "Frank" hype before I got there, but man, that guy is nice. Great location only a block away from the beach. Frank even offered us beach towels and a barrel full of sand toys to take with us.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
