- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Montecito Inn
Rating Details »
1295 Coast Village Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-7854
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-7854
- Price Range:
-
$$
19 reviews for Montecito Inn
I like it. It is small, no AC, but a great ceiling fan.
Free valet. We parked, dropped off the shiz, walked next door to Luckys, they told us 1 hour wait, put our names down and walked down to Peabodys (bar). Didn't realize it was a bar, just followed the music. Had my 5 dollar SerraNevade and she got a House red wine. Watchd some Chargers SF 1994 replay except pre-season instead of Super Bowl. All this while listening to Psuedo Janice Joplin beltin her heart out outside. It was packed, and even the fuzz stopped in to tell them to keep it down. I assume they don't always have live music. Walked back to Luckys at 9 and got seated. We shared the porterhouse, med rare, and ask for it Peter Luger, or Luger style and watch the waitress face light up. I loved the hashbrowns, they were just what the Dr. ordered, a little salty, but that is how i likeem. Passed on desert and booze, so got out for right under 100.
Great for a little weekend hide away, lots of Charlie Chaplin garb. Not a place for clubs or bar, really quiet relaxing, waste a day type trip. Free continental breakfast, didn't stay long enough to fully appreciate it.
Love Love Love Montecito Inn. What a perfect place to spend a weekend away. It's quaint and cute with so much personality. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. I loved the free teas on the main floor and the binder of nearby restaurants. They know how to make one's stay easy and comfortable. Not to mention the history! Charlie Chaplin's place and retreat of the celebrities. It just felt really cool staying there for a weekend getaway.
Just one more thing to note: The location is perfect, right along the main street in town. We just stepped out and had a ton of things to do and look at. I want to go back!!!
I should probably mention before writing this review that I'm a huge hotel Snob. And yes, that's Snob with a capital S. That's what happens when you travel pretty much every week. You want the places you stay to be almost (if not more) comfortable as your very own home.
The Montecito Inn is a fine hotel.
It's clean
It's charming
It's got history behind it- Charlie Chaplin built it
It has a small, yet adequate workout room
It's in a great location- centrally located to many good restaurants/bars/beaches in Santa Barbara
I may even give this hotel 4 stars if it was in the $200/night range. $200/night is pretty much what this boutique hotel is worth. However, my hubby and I paid $315/night while in town for a wedding this past weekend. And for $315/night I'd expect
* a nicer comforter
* Larger room besides the little box we slept in
* A larger bathroom with some more shelf space. My beloved chi iron fell off the very small shelf and broke. Sad.
* And housekeeping service that knocks a bit later than 8am on a Saturday morning.
While I was performing bridesmaids duties on Saturday afternoon my husband found his way to the Four Seasons, which is apparently very close to the Montecito Inn. He said for the price of the Montecito Inn we'd have been much better staying at The Four Seasons. And that's exactly what we probably will do if we ever find ourselves back in Santa Barbara.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (6)
I think Breezy M's review is very accurate so I suggest you read that one before you book anything. I would like to mention how much I enjoyed the complimentary scaldings each morning in the shower (once my face got scalded) only after being woken up way too early by the sound of guest conversations, TVs, and workers pounding away with tools. After a long weekend, I left the hotel more tired than when I arrived.
It has lots of charm and history, nice staff, free valet, it's very clean, and it's located on great little street. But the price does not match up with the paper-thin walls and overall experience.
P.S. I looked at one of the big suites, which was spacious, rather luxurious, and nicely done but I still heard the constant howl of the 101 while I was in there.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Must've been a nice place to stay 100 years ago...
I really, really wanted to like this place; I love older hotels and having the Charlie Chaplin history behind it, I thought would make it special place to stay for Father's Day. Sooo, I splurged for the $269/night (for a modest queen room) figuring this place would be a better deal than staying at any outrageously-priced places in Santa Barbara...just a few blocks away from Butterfly beach in Montecito made it a convenient location.
But I'm sorry to say that it's unfortunate proximity to the 101 (it's literally right outside) is never going to make the Montecito Inn a place worth more than 2-3 stars. It's clean, the staff was very nice, parking is free and the rooms are just fine but the consistent hum of the 101 will never ever make it a 5-star hotel. Unless the rooms are adjusted to the $150-range, I doubt I'd ever come back here.
As a side note, (and I did NOT factor this into my rating,) but the day we spent there, the coffee machine wasn't working so there was no coffee all morning to go with our modest Continental breakfast AND since they pulled the pool-cleaning guy inside to work on fixing the coffee maker, the pool was closed all morning as well...we ended up spending $8 for coffee at the Starbucks down the street and no swimming for us during our brief stay! ;-(
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
The Charlie Chaplin built Montecito Inn is a treat. Nice little well-appointed clean rooms with pleasing design and everything functional. Good bathroom, nice showers. Nice little complimentary breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. What's more, as I discovered later they have all of the Chaplin movies on hand for you to watch on the in-room DVD! HBO and such provided on the box in the room as well as a great little digital radio which I thought was a nice touch.
The building is very solidly built and just over 100 years old.
We had great fun soaking in the outdoor hot-tub Jacuzzi and swim in the pool.
My only complaint is that the front desk guys are not very helpful, they appear to be quite miserable and nasty. Hence the shave-off of stars.
When we arrived, well ahead of time at 2:30 pm I asked for a quiet room, knowing that the building is literally next to the 101 FWY and a major intersection as well. These weren't around in the 20's when the Inn was built... So, it's a shame but there's the 21st century for you... Anyway... The hotel was clearly half -empty on a Sunday, with 4 cars in the parking lot so there was plenty of options to choose from as far as rooms. Sure enough the front-desk guy say "I have the QUIETEST room in the hotel" and proceeded to put us into a room right above the intersection. So, the night and morning was noisy. Why did he do that and why does he take me for an idiot? It remains a mystery...
Hotel pic gallery can be seen at: http://www.montecitoin...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
pretty building and of course like the history. ...buuuuuut
lets do it this way
pros:
-cafe makes for a good before bed dessert.
- jacuzzi is hot and outside
- free tea/coffee always available from the coffee bean co
- charlie chaplin dvds available to watch in your room (city lights is getting a little messed up though)
-friendliest accommodating front desk staff we could ever ask for
- complimentary cruiser bikes (awesome!)
-cool old elevator with the gate (pointed out to me -like ones in "titanic")
cons
- noisy if you are in room 318 for example: fans humming through the room, the highway, the fridge. (better around the corner in 300 where we had to move to survive the stay)
- if you are really fat there is no way you can fit into the most the rooms there.
- the shower fluctuates between blazing your ass hot, or can't get it up anymore cold. great for sunburns....ack!
- tiny bathrooms
- bed is not that comfortable
- thin walls, next door tv blasted at 3 in the morning didn't help
- complimentary breakfast. meh
I hear the luxury suites are amazing and sound proof with walk in marble tubs. if you can throw down the cash, maybe that would be better. We are not that lucky.
we spent over 800 for four nights. fun times but probably wouldn't stay again.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
This review is just for the restaurant and bar.
The Montecito Inn's restaurant is surprising. I am usually not a big fan of hotel restaurants. Normally they are too pretentious, or they just plain suck -- and sadly all too often, both.
The restaurant at the Montecito Inn however smartly reverses that trend by doing two things most eateries fail to do. It is both understated and excellent all at the same time. No gimmicks, no extreme ambience, and no ego chef trolling the dining room in designer togs.
If you are taking your parents out to dinner, then you could not do any better than the Montecito Inn. The food is classic, and very very good indeed. It's nearly hard to imagine that a straightforward steak, fish, or chicken entree could warrant praise, but at the Montecito Inn, they certainly do.
Anyone with half a brain and a few years on the line can wow unsuspecting diners with a well constructed plate of fusion architecture. Impressing fickle foodies with classic standby's however, that requires an altogether higher level of skill in the kitchen.
The chefs who can serve perfect -- and I do mean perfect -- classic simple entrees, again and again are truly deserving of respect. I have eaten here many times, and have yet to be served anything that wasn't prepared exactly as it should have been. Meats, vegetables, salads, apps, and desserts, all stellar.
The service is likewise understated, professional, and pleasant. All in all, the Montecito Inn is perhaps the best calm casual dining place around, and to top things off, the prices are very reasonable too.
If you're looking for classic comfort food, with a dash of old Hollywood elegance, then the Montecito Inn is the place to go. Take your mom there, and she'll agree too.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (3)
I have to be honest - I used to do work in brand strategy... luxury brand strategy and well, we worked on hotels quite a bit so i have high standards for hotels. well, this is the thing... unbelievable hotel for the price and location. i would definitely return. only three complaints - one of which is that someone was doing major renovation work in the room right next door at 9AM in the morning which really sucked. It was constant banging. There was no fan in the bathroom so it got incredibly hot/steamy.. Upon check out no one bothered to ask about how the stay was - seemed like a rush to get us out. On the other hand however, the bartender in the bar happily opened the bottle of wine I picked up during the day from a local winery and even gave me glasses to take up to the room. Overall it's a find at current prices.
We just returned from a 4-day visit to Santa Barbara. One of the highlights of the trip was the Montecito Inn. Our room was cozy but elegantly appointed with an efficient (and cute) bathroom. My wife is temporarily encumbered with crutches and a wheelchair. The room was quite large enough to accommodate all.
The hotel staff could not have been more amenable or friendly. They are professional but approachable and can provide truly great suggestions for your day-trips, meals and other expeditions. The valet, in particular, is a great resource for directions and short-cuts in and around town (and even into the Santa Ynez Valley!)
My 5-star rating is also due to the fabulous restaurant. You can't miss it while you're visiting. Even if you're not staying at the Inn, treat yourself to a wonderful meal here!
The lounge/bar was quite nice, too. Drinks were generous and tasty. They have just about anything you might like and serve food if you're looking for a nosh.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
The Montecito Inn is a landmark in the community. We all need a place when we're old and almost feable that we can show up at, be greeted (by first name), and asked if "you'd like your usual?". When you sit down your meal is there with a nice cognac and you discuss politics and unruly children. This is that place.
If you are looking for consistent classical dishes this is the place. The crowd tends to be a bit on the older side but the atmosphere remains casual and friendly. Watiers/Waitresses are extremely informed of all the wines and dishes. I would agree with other reviewers that it is quaint, cozy, and charming place. I've had just about everything on the menu but I really like the steak sandwhich and its less than $15. They also have daily specials which always piques my interest. Everytime the bill comes I always feel as if I robbed them.
All in all... It's great classy comfort food at a extremely reasonable price. You would really be missing out if you continued on the 101 fwy without stopping by this place.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I spent a long weekend at the Montecito Inn for a close friend's wedding and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I spent the first three nights in a tiny but charming standard room and was then lucky enough to inherit a gorgeous suite from my friend the groom after his wedding (at which point he rudely claimed to have better roommate options :-)).
The hotel itself was class all around with vintage character, great service and mostly-modern amenities. It's also centrally located here in Montecito, which means you can stroll outside for your pick of outdoor dining, boutique shopping or an easy run down and along the beaches.
While I can't quite go to 5 stars because of the Montecito's high end rates and proximity to the truly world class Four Seasons, I am giving it a strong 4+ and will welcome the chance to return.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (2)
As a frequent traveler and hotel snob, I am very particular about my hotels. I tend to stay at W hotels and mostly boutique style places like the Nine Zero in Boston. There are 3 criteria where I judge:
1. How cool is the hotel bar?
2. Views?
3. Is the staff professional and neat?
For a hotel that has a lot of history in Hollywood, the Montecito Inn has one of the coolest bars of any hotel in Santa Barbara. The bartender Will pours a great drink and it's a great place to start and end your night before you retire to your quaint room.
If you are lucky enough to pick, I suggest a Mountain View room. You'll wake up thinking you are in some small Spanish town.
The staff is one of the best. They don't act as if they are REQUIRED to treat you like a rock-star, they simply are genuine. From the time you pull up, the valet/bellman are there for you. Robert, our valet/Bellman was the best. He was our all around "go to" guy. The front desk staff, like Omar, Kelsi and Rachael are friendly and make the check-in process easy. By the end of the first day, they are your friends and greet you by name.
The management staff are professional and warm, and don't be surprised if you see some of the staff at the bar after work and hanging out with you as your new friends. You feel part of the family of this majestic hotel.
Rent cruisers to ride to the beach, or simply sit out by the pool and take a dip in it's warm water.
We keep coming back here every trip, and highly recommend it for someone who is seeking a true Spanish style experience of Santa Barbara with a bit of Hollywood history in thrown in the mix.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
We stayed 4 nights at this hotel during the holidays. It's a quaint, cozy, and charming inn rich with hollywood history. The staff was friendly, especially Max and the valet guys were very helpful (tips on restaurants, directions, etc). It's situated at the end Coast Village Road among shops and restaurants. There is free daily continental breakfast and its cafe and room service offer the same menu selections. I ordered the lump crab salad via room service which was incredibly delicious. There's a bar, a pool, and an exercise room which are conveniences. Don't forget to bring your North Face jacket, your 911 Carrera, and your big fat wallet when you're in Montecito.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
Too bad I was too exhausted to run around in the hotel and check out the pool and bar. Good thing I didn't I probaby would have been escorted out. This historic hotel is a great place to stay if you are visiting Santa Barbara as it is only a few exits away off the highway and Coast Village Road has some great eateries and cute boutiques.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (1)
It was charming, quaint, had character. The employees were excellent, and it was an inn started by Charlie Chaplin, so it really had the Chaplin classic movie feel. You could also borrow bikes for free and it was away from Downtown SB in its own village near Butterfly Beach. Will go back again.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
Revised after check out: Very dissapointing service in the morning, it was obvious that the girls at front desk could not care less about their jobs, giggling at their computer screen, ignoring the guests (I was standing in front of them at desk and they were ignoring me, then I left my key on the counter and they took it without eye contact, looked at my account, then said I was "all set thank you") probably checking their facebook sites. I had asked earlier about breakfast, they said it was over at 10 am- I said wasn't that sort of early for a Sunday? She said sorry. No recommendations, room service, nothing. Also the noise levels became really unbearable come morning- you can hear everything through the walls, plus they put me in a room near the generators so had to hear that hum all night too... I hate being disappointed by hotels :(
This is from last night:
I'm writing this from my room, because of... FREE WI-FI! That is such a plus these days. Really charming hotel with an interesting past (built by Charlie Chaplin), nice service, and on a quaint street. My room was cheap for Santa Barbara on a Saturday eve, about $139 plus tax. Small room and bath, and it was on the kinda bad side of the hotel I guess (freeway noise, but it really didn't bug me if I closed the window). The room is quite clean and cozy, with nice touches like a fresh rose, a stereo, dvd player, and an old school wall heater that works like magic (wish I had one in my house). Also, the free wifi again! This is my first and only night, but for the price, this is a winner if you want something a bit more historical, definitely not for W hotel types. Also good to get away from the downtown SB scene for a change.
Negative? Thin walls and super sound conducting air vents in bathroom. I am suddenly hearing all sorts of voices and toilet flushes. Also somekind of generator sound? Another downside would be the freeway location (though it does make it convenient to get to :).
Overall, good stuff! Especially for Chaplin lovers... I would recommend requesting a quiet room (no freeway and no generator, unfortunately thin walls are probably all over the hotel) If you get a low price, it's worth it...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Pretty, pretty, pretty! I loved it! I loved every moment spent at this enchanting place. Service was outstanding. The elevator was eccentric in a good way. The bike ride to the beach was fun. The pool and jacuzzi were nice and warm. The sauna relaxing. The room with the mountain view (?) was beautiful. I especially liked the plush, high bed that could leave me sleeping for days and days.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I was booked a room at Montecito Inn for business. And I must say, the hotel was superb in service and quality. Although the rooms were small, everything else made up for it. I had wonderful maid/turn down service. And the continental breakfast was great! You could sit in their fancy restaurant and have breakfast by a relaxing water fountain. The bar had great service. And the pool was very warm, a little warmer than normal! The location is great, b/c you are away from the business of downtown, and if you wanted to eat at a nice restaurant, there were a some great ones a few steps outside the hotel. Great hotel and highly recommended.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
