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Montecito Inn
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
1295 Coast Village RdSanta Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-7854
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
61 reviews for Montecito Inn
Review Highlights
"The Charlie Chaplin built Montecito Inn is a treat."
(in 13 reviews)
"The people at the front desk were very friendly, and..."
(in 12 reviews)
"...regard to the proximity to the Biltmore and Butterfly beach."
(in 5 reviews)
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Robert P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
On a whim my family decided to take the train up to Santa Barbara. Got a room here last minute for 1/3 the rack rate. Check their website for last minute deals especially midweek. We paid $129 a night for a king room.
Great European flavor. Feels quaint with lots of great dining nearby. $17 taxi ride to train station and back to State Street. Quiet and out of the rowdy/trashy Santa Barbara Beach/State street scene. You can walk to the Zoo. -
Review from HipGal M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2012
Just spent a night here with my husband over the long weekend as a quick getaway from LA (two nights in Santa Barbara). The place definitely has character and was in a nice section of Montecito with some nice local businesses on the same street to stroll to. Everyone who worked there was very nice.
Pros:
-great price (paid just over $100) for a holiday weekend for a standard queen
-free beach cruisers
-free wi-fi (slow though)
-nice selection of free teas and hot water in the lobby (coffee was just ok though, says my husband the coffee snob)
-cute bathroom with nice spanish tiles
-mini fridge
-nice location (but noisy)
-quick walk to Butterfly Beach and the Biltmore
-charming, especially the elevator which was more fun than functional
-nice staff, provided us with helpful maps and suggestions
-gave us an early check in at 2, which was nice
Cons:
-noisy, even in the ''quiet" room they gave us on the third floor facing the street
-room fan did not work and an open window made the room too noisy to sleep
-tiny tiny tiny room
-tiny tiny tiny bathroom
-tv armoire door would not stay open so I had to drape the curtain over it in order to watch tv and have it not close...ghetto.
-$8 charge for parking, although the valet attendant is very friendly and helpful
-pool/spa is not worth mentiong
-queen bed did not have enough pillows and was a bit rickety...not the worst bed I've encountered though.
Didn't get a chance to try their continental breakfast but we grabbed sandwiches/scones/bagels from Jeannine's up the street which was good.
Would we return? Perhaps, but I wouldn't want to pay more than $100 that's for sure. -
Review from Laura B.
Long Beach, CA
11/15/2011
The location of the Montecito Inn is fabulous. Great restaurants and shops within walking distance and there's wonderful history associated with the hotel as well.
Our room was dated and incredibly small, the bathrooms were tiny and horribly laid out. I couldn't go to the bathroom and not have the door hit my knees. We could hear our neighbors in their rooms and our room was excessively hot. When we contacted the staff to correct the issues (they where incredibly helpful), it's just the way it was because it's an old building. -
Review from Renuka V.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2012
Stayed for one night on New Year's eve with all rooms fully booked. Service was (still) very very good and will definitely recommend the hotel also for walking proximity to Butterfly Beach, just a 10 mins drive to San Ysidro mountain range and walking distance to very good restaurants.Also our basic standard queen room was charming, very quiet and I even enjoyed a nice bath. Of course -the fact that Chaplin built this and it was the cream-of-the-coast at that time plus it was on the only main road which connected LA to SF just adds to the charm of the whole place. Recommended.
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Review from Danny C.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Too bad. Everything is so bad.
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Review from Al S.
Woodland Hills, CA
1/8/2012
This old hotel with its rickety elevator and Charlie Chaplin decor exudes charm. We took advantage of off season rates and stayed in a suite. The suite was apparently created from two small rooms, as it had an entrance and a bathroom at either end. It was a real treat not to have to share a hotel bathroom, but it was a little noisy at night and in the morning.
The staff was very accommodating and friendly. The free continental breakfast was adequate, but not as good as in prior years.
The hotel is located in the heart of Montecito Village, which hosts a plethora of interesting restaurants and beautiful offices. -
Review from Lorraine C.
San Mateo, CA
12/30/2011
I booked according to pictures on web.. never again, thought there was a fireplace in the room, as we got the delux,, No Fireplace, No coffee pot. toilet was so small it was difficult to turn around... (I am not fat).. But really ??? Smallest room I have ever been in.
Next was the street noise, and the very old elevator...OMG!!! It was very bad! -
Review from Kris A.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/1/2012
Chose the Montecito Inn for a stay a quick stay for a holiday road trip....
THE SCOOP:
This hotel is an affordable and attractive (per their website) in the heart of upscale Montecito. We chose the Inn due to its proximity to Santa Barbara as well as its immediate access to the Montecito downtown area. The hotel staff is fantastic - everyone is incredibly helpful and friendly. We also took advantage of cruiser bikes they have on site and enjoyed our stroll through shops and on Coast Village Road.
THE POOP:
Despite gorgeous photos on their website (props to Marketing), we were sorely disappointed when we showed up at the hotel. It looks a lot older than any of the photos and is incredibly small. Our room was tiny, with very old carpet. The bathroom was barely usable. The hotel is literally right on the 101 and subsequently you have a fair amount of traffic noise from the freeway, but also from the streets. This is partially due to location but also due to the incredibly thin walls. We could heard the entire conversation of our neighbors next door, the dialogue with the bell staff bringing other guests' luggage to their rooms, corridor doors slamming, toilets flushing and lots of footsteps and shoes dropping from the guests above us. I called to ask the Front Desk if there were any other rooms available and they informed me they were completely booked (which judging by the parking lot later on that evening, did not appear to be the case, but i'll give them the benefit of the doubt). I inquired if they received noise complaints frequently, which they responded "no" to (which i also find had to believe). The complimentary breakfast was a bunch of pre-wrapped pastries (though they did have yogurt).
THE RECOMMENDATION:
Staying here was reminiscent of my college dorm life. The constant noise levels pretty much ruined it. We will not be returning. -
Review from Tricia E.
7/20/2011
We stayed at the Montecito Inn last weekend, I thought it was a very enjoyable little hotel. Super charming. We enjoyed our stay, I would definitely go back.
The Montecito Inn was built by Charlie Chaplin in the 1920s. The smallish size of the rooms and bathrooms definitely reflect the era this place was built, but it's definitely a very nice place to stay.
My husband is a big Charlie Chaplin fan, so he really enjoyed the history of this place and all the Charlie Chaplin memorabilia which decorated the hotel. The staff was super friendly and accomodating.
We stayed on the third floor. I really liked our small but comfy room; decorated adorably and with a gorgeous view of Coast Village Drive in Montecito.
I enjoy the Biltmore, but I have to say I don't think it's worth the money they charge to stay there. If I had to choose between the two, I would say it's worth it to save your pennies and opt to stay at the Montecito Inn instead. You're just a short distance from Butterfly Beach anyway, and it really is an adorable little hotel.Listed in: Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn..., Santa Barbara!
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Review from Jim S.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2011
It's quaint, well staffed, and attractively priced given the location. Really, it's got a lot going for it.
That said, it's still small and fairly high priced on an absolute scale. Think of a Manhattan hotel. Now relocate it to Monecito. That's what to expect. Similar quality plumbing, too. -
Review from Dina D.
Collegeville, PA
9/6/2011
I stayed at the Montecito Inn last week and really enjoyed my stay. The staff was overly accommodating and very personable. I liked that it was a small hotel. The staff new my face and they were all smiles all the time! I thought it was reasonably priced and the rooms were clean. The restaurant in the hotel is also excellent.
Great location, great restaurants and close to the beach. -
Review from Mary P.
La Quinta, CA
7/10/2011
My friend Adriane and I stayed here for a few days. It was absolutely wonderful! The service was so outstanding! Omar at the front desk, the bellman and valet were superb, housekeeping was fantastic! Yes Charlie Chaplin filmed and stayed here back in the day! Yes it was built back in the 1920's and rooms are a bit small, but so quaint! We enjoyed going back in time! Great food, great service, we highly recommend! Come for the nostalgia! We'll be back!
Mary P. -
Review from Lisa B.
12/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Not bad, not bad at all. Giving the Inn four stars because just 1/4 mile from here sits the Biltmore on Butterfly Beach. Location, location, location...for $169 vs. $500/nt. Suffice it to say, location is about as far as you can go in comparing the two. For the money, it's one of the nicest places you can stay in the S.B. city area.
The staff are really friendly...they're almost always college kids. The rooms are small, but cozy. I love that they use real keys. It has that oldy worldy feel to it.
I was a little disappointed by the fact that the cafe doesn't open til 11AM and the continental breakfast they had looked a little sad. Bright side of that is we ended up eating at Esau's in Santa Barbara which is an all time fave.
Montecito has a deep love for itself. Not surprising as the average cost of a house there is well over $2MM. Lots of celebs...Oprah lives there. There are some great shops and restaurants that you can walk to from the hotel.
With the cash you save, you can check out the fantastic Sunday brunch at The Biltmore. Or you can try some of the following tried and true spots:
For the ladies: Angel -- great clothes
Regular grub: Peabody's Bar & Grill (the food's eh, but it's close)
Italian: Pan e Vino or Piatti
Steak Lucky's (right next door)
Coffee Pierre LaFond
Hit up the Bright Angel Bar and/or the Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. Psst...don't tell anyone, but this gem of a place is where John and Jackie Kennedy stayed during their honeymoon. This place is so uber, it needs no marketing budget. Bring your Platinum Card. -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Updated - 6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great service all around from the front desk, to the bellmen, to the housekeepers... my sister checked us in and was greeted by "B" who had assisted her during a previous stay and she was lovely and very welcoming. Apparently my sister's boyfriend had severe sunburn and she was very helpful, well she was all smiles and took care of us very well.
The rooms aren't big unless you get the suite but for us it doesn't really matter because we enjoyed the decor especially the amazing tile work in the bathrooms... our room had 2 ( I think I stayed in the same room last time too). The pool was closed for maintenance but we didn't mind... we still enjoyed some libations outside under the warm sun and got a mild tan. We usually don't have time to lounge around but my "baby" sister just graduated from UCBS so we chillaxed and caught up for old times sake. As I was getting excited for lunch (yes I get excited to eat) my sisters said we needed a little exercise (I grumbled) so we borrowed a few beach cruisers (free) from Montecito Inn and went on a little bike ride (ended up taking 3.5 hours plus a 30 minute tutorial in the parking lot for my Mom who has never riden a bike without handlebar brakes... not lovely). We biked up to mid-State Street and then walked about 6 blocks up... we all wore short dressed and I had heels on so it wasn't a pretty sight for passerbyers but we didn't care. Haha.
Anyways, I highly recommend Montecito Inn. It's in walking distance to several pretty good restaurants and they serve killer food at the Montecito Cafe.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2007
Too bad I was too exhausted to run around in the hotel and check out the pool and bar. Good thing I… Read more »
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Review from Darcie R.
Cambria, CA
My fiance and I needed to get out of town and what better time than to do it on Valentines Day weekend! We did a search for a few places not knowing what we'd find, and he got a great deal with Montecito Inn online. As soon as we passed the place the first time, I did a double take when I realized this was the place we were staying at. We live in a small town in California, and I'm not used to places with valet parking! Needless to say, I felt a bit underdressed and overwhelmed at first glance.
As soon as we walked into the lobby, I was super impressed. The people at the front desk were very friendly, and helpful, and told us everything we needed to know. Checking in to our room didn't take as long as I expected.
The room had a TV with HBO channels, a fridge with canned sodas, and some beers provided, and they even had a bottle of carbonated wine thrown in there! Of course if you consume anything, it costs extra so we got our own food. The bathroom was a bit small, but I loved the way it was built and designed. If you ever have been to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, you feel like you're staying in one of their guest bedrooms. \
We only used the valet parking feature once, and have never had that before. It was very nice not having to walk to and from the car, and the people that took our car, and brought it back were very friendly and prompt.
The only thing I want to complain about is the noise level was loud. You would think the walls would be sound proof, but in the morning, we found out that definitely wasn't the case. I got to hear someone's complete conversation on the phone at 7 in the morning. -
Review from ashley m.
Downey, CA
7/29/2011
Do Not give them your Credit Card....they will ding and ding incorrectly. I checked in PRE-PAID, having booked on http://Hotels.com, and they still needed a card for "incidentals", which turned out to be the full amount of the room BEFORE my discount from http://Hotels.com. Had to call them about that after my return.
They charge for parking, I paid cash because it was only 1 night (enough there for sure) and YES....they dinged my card for that as well. another call about that.
They advertise free Continental Breakfast, but NOT TRUE....only with certain "promotions" and it won't be yours I assure you......then management blames the poor maids for not removing the "free breakfast" literature. What a total misrepresentation of facts.
Don't expect hi quality staff.....they must be 4 Seasons cast offs....since they can't seem to master the credit card machine, and blame maids for their neglect. -
Review from Carrie S.
Santa Monica, CA
11/14/2011
Stayed here for a girls' weekend. Small, quaint and charming. The walls are thin, however - especially in the bathroom. All in all the staff seemed fine. Parking is valet only, but a very little wait to get your car. It's in a cute little neighborhood with all sorts of restaurants (both expensive and reasonably priced) within walking distance. Very close to the freeway. I'd stay here again.
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Review from Nicole V.
Oxnard, CA
7/17/2011
The Montecito Inn is a sneaky little hotel... located so close to Santa Barbara without paying the rediculously high "beach" fees. It is within walking distance of the absolutely fabulous Sakana Restaurant!! Loved our stay... friendly staff, clean, organized hotel. Rooms a little small, but overall a great time had here!!
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Review from tom n.
Placentia, CA
5/18/2010
Very cozy and cute. Charlie Chapman first built the place in the 30's so it has a pretty rich history. The staff were very helpful and friendly. You instantly get the rich history when you check in especially with a really old elevator in the lobby.
The rooms were extremely tiny, but that is not unusual from hotels build during those eras. But the bathroom were even smaller, the size of most hotel closets. Even though the rooms were refurbished, they should have added more installation. You can hear everything from your neighbor to anyone tippy-toeing in the hall way. -
Review from Jacob H.
2/22/2010
Coming to stay at the Montecito Inn you would expect something of elegance and quality since it's situated in Montecito with the rate per night on a Sat at $199. I think if it was about $119 or so it would've been more reasonable.
The outside of the hotel was nice. It wasn't as nice as some of the other SB properties I've seen but it'll do. Once in the lobby, it felt a bit cramped. The front desk people were very nice, and we got our keys pretty quickly. The elevator took forever because it was one of those older elevators and an inspection that was in May of 08. The room itself was a bit small. Not what I would have expected from a room in SB considering I've stayed at other properties nearby. The rooms feels like they are 100% non-soundproof. I can hear conversations from neighbors or people walking in the halls. It was kind of creepy.
The shower must have been built for people that are 5'3 because for a 6'2 person even adjusting the shower head doesn't reach my head. But I do what I got to do. The most irritating thing was that upon checkout, the front desk said I had a bottle of champagne charged to my room that I did not drink. Good thing they removed it or else I wouldn't have been happy with this experience at all.
The breakfast was ok. I don't know if I missed the good stuff but when I went they were packing away a lot of items. They have 24 hours of coffee, tea, and some fruits which was nice of them to do.
Check in is at 3:00pm and checkout is at 12:00pm.
The valet person didn't tell me where he left my keys either so I had to call the hotel since my car is keyless. Such a hassle.
I'm not sure if I would stay here again, but if I do, the rates better be below $100. -
Review from Andrea R.
6/15/2009
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.Listed in: Hotels Around the World, My trip to Santa Barbara
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Review from Dirk R.
Santa Barbara, CA
11/15/2008
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. -
Review from Christina L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2010
Picture this: 4 girls running around the SUITE shouting at the tops of our lungs: "OMGAWWWDOMAFWEOIA;OWEFOIAWJE!!!!!"
Yeah, that's Montecito Inn.
Went up to Santa Barbara for our friend's birthday for some beer touring and got two rooms at the Montecito Inn (I think she got some deals with Groupon). We got in around 10:30 am and they end upgrading us to the suites which were amazing!! Essentially two rooms - bedroom with living area and pull-out bed. GIGANTIC bathroom. SO. IN. LOOVE!
An overall great time in our beautiful room. Complimentary breakfast delivered to the room. Bubble bath. What more could a girl ask for?
Another weekend stay at Montecito Inn? Yes please! -
Review from Geoff D.
6/26/2006 1 photo
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.Listed in: Romantic Weekend Getaways…
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Review from Albert Y.
Santa Clara, CA
10/7/2008
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. -
Review from Rosann C.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
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! ;-( -
Review from Nique F.
5/18/2010
Historic charm with all your favorite modern amenities. Plus, the Coast Village location is perfect for a low-key weekend of strolling the boutique-lined streets and eating at cute little bistros.
The rooms have a Victorian feel, slightly ornate decor but nothing too gaudy. The bathrooms have nice new showers and tile...you can tell they added all the right updates without losing the Charlie Chaplin-era feel.
Lovely little breakfast room downstairs, with full windows facing the street so you can start your day watching the beautiful people of Montecito walk their expensive dogs. The pool/hot tub area out back has a spanish garden vibe, and is a great spot to end your night with a glass of wine and hot date, if you're so lucky.
If Santa Barbara is your destination, the Montecito Inn is the perfect little getaway...just minutes from downtown, State St, Cabrillo Beach (though, there are lesser-known beaches just a walk away from Montecito). Plus, valet parking is only $5...a real deal compared to those ridiculous LA prices. The staff is really nice and accommodating too, but will totally leave you alone if you're wanting to be anonymous. Can't wait to return! -
Review from El S.
New York, NY
2/17/2010
One of my favorite hotels. Cool bar, nice staff and free Charlie Chaplin movies on DVD. Sure the rooms are small but the price is usually right and there's somehting cool about staying somewhere Charie Chaplin owned. A great place to get drunk at a hotel bar, watch "Limelight" in your room, throw a good Rodgering on your lady friend, and pass out like a fat, bloated slob.
That's what I call a weekend getaway. -
Review from Amy C.
Foster City, CA
6/3/2010
I was delightfully surprised by this charming little Inn. The decor was elegant, the space was clean and it's located just a few miles from downtown Santa Barabara.
Despite the tiny room and tiny bathroom, we had a very comfortable stay during our Memorial Day weekend. I was especially amazed by their attention to detail. The front desk manager greeted me by my last name as I returned from the days adventure. Does he really remember everyone's name? It's impressive!
There is a free self service station for freshly brewed coffee and tea 24 hours a day and they also offer you fresh apples and refreshing orange infused water.
And the best amentity of all is their free bike rental. We took the bikes out Saturday morning and rode the 4 miles to the warf. The view was amazing, the ride through Montecito and it's enormous mansions was a delight. -
Review from Rhett S.
4/8/2008
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. -
Review from Angie N.
Culver City, CA
4/10/2011
Just a gorgeous little gem of a fusion of an inn and a hotel in a very convenient spot in Montecito. Sparkling marble, elegant decor, beautifully designed foyer...you don't need to look elsewhere for a better place to hide out for a few days. The bedroom was beautiful...we were given a surprise upgrade which was very nice. The gentleman on the front desk was wonderful and kind - in fact all of the staff were lovely and very friendly and always respectful. My only quibble, hence the 4 stars, was the lacklustre breakfast. While the piping hot coffee hit the spot, the rest was pretty uninviting. Fresh, good looking pastries and fresh rolls (and a variety or two) would take this up a notch for me.
This point aside, I would highly recommend a stay here for anybody looking for a quiet, understated kind of luxury.
(PS there are free bikes too for guests) -
Review from ricky m.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2007 1 photo
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. -
Review from patti f.
1/3/2010 2 photos
I stayed here for 2 nights in late December, and I was lucky to find a Travelzoo deal for $99/night. Although they offered upgrades if available, there were none when we checked in. This was a great deal nevertheless, since hotels in SB are quite pricey. An added bonus was that we got to stay in Montecito, which is the nicer area of SB (where celebrities like Oprah live).
The location was very good, on the main street of downtown Montecito, within walking distance of upscale boutiques, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. It's also 1 minute from the 101, so you have easy freeway access to all of the SB destinations. Although others complained about the noise, I didn't hear any noise once inside the hotel. However, it may have been because our room was facing the downtown street instead of the freeway.
The room itself was small and cozy. As others have mentioned, the decor is a little dated, but I think it adds personality to the hotel. They offer complimentary wifi, a small Continental breakfast (croissants, cereal, coffee, and juice), and a DVD player as well. Parking (valet and self-parking) is free.
Overall, a quaint hotel that I recommend if you don't want to spend too much money while visiting SB! -
Review from Miklos P.
Marina del Rey, CA
5/19/2009
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... -
Review from J C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2009
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. -
Review from Jaime L.
2/10/2010
My family stayed here for my graduation. It is cute and in a fabulous area of Montecito; it's close to plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course the beach.
Great customer service! My parents decided to shorten their stay and Montecito Inn didn't charge them for the days they canceled.
The Inn itself is very quaint and cute. If you're looking for a grand and luxurious place to stay, this isn't it. But, this place is definitely very charming and clean. -
Review from Michael M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/26/2010
We stayed 2 nights this past weekend and had a great time. The staff were friendly and helpful and the room was clean and comfortable. We used the pool and jacuzzi and were pleased with our stay.
I've read some mixed reviews but did not experience anything to complain about. -
Review from Brian B.
Seattle, WA
4/3/2011
Loved it. Super clean. Comfortable. Great pool and spa.
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Review from Sarah R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2009
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!!! -
Review from Dena N.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/1/2010
My boyfriend and I drove to Santa Barbara on a whim and without having a place to stay. We saw this as we were driving around on the scenic route so decided to call and ask for the price. Out of all the hotels, motels and inn around SB and Montecito, this was the cheapest place.
The service here was great. When we came in, the front desk guy remembered that I had called earlier. He recommended the steak house next door for us and gave us some movie information since we wanted to catch a movie. He also offered to look up the movie times for us too.
The valet is free so you only need to tip. They also have complimentary coffee/tea service, which I love since I drink coffee every morning. They also had a free continental breakfast in the morning, but unfortunately I did not get to try that out. There is also FREE INTERNET, which I'm sure everyone would love to have by the end of the day.
Overall, this is a very cute, clean and inexpensive inn to stay at. The service was great and I would love to come again.
