My family and I are staying at the Fess Parker Double Tree SB in June. Has anyone stayed there? Some of the reviews I saw were mixed.

Fess Parker is nice, a huge, impersonal property. The Harbor View Inn is much more intimate and accross the street from the pier. First class all the way.

I totally agree with the previous message from Knute. The property does seem very impersonal, like it could be located anywhere. The rooms are okay but plain. It would not be my first choice of lodging, but is certainly an acceptable place to stay. On the positive side, the location is good, there's a big swimming pool, and nearby you can rent these fun bicycle contraptions large enough for a family to pedal together. I have no memories of the hotel food either good or bad, so it must have been okay but not great.

If you are not familiar with Santa Barbara, you are in for a treat. It is a wonderful small city (large town?) with lots of fun things to do for all ages and much natural beauty as well. You will love it!

Thanks for the comments.
I know the Harbour view looks great but the price difference was too much.
I am really looking forward to the trip.

I think you will have a good time. It is directly across the street from the beach so it is great for kids. There is a coffee shop down the street called "Sambo's" which is great for breakfast.

Enjoy!

Hi Anne,
The hotel is OK. Some of the rooms are a bit small. The ones with terraces over looking the beach are good. It is in a great location.Tons of yummy restaurants nearby. Brophy Brothers at the harbor for great fresh seafood.
Don't miss Super-Rica on Milpas for excellent authentic Mexican food.(it looks like a dive, but be brave and go in). Have fun. Add another message if you need more help..I live nearby.

Thanks Melinda, I am really looking forward to the trip. I was in Santa Barbara last September for a couple of days with my husband and we really loved it. This time we will be there for a week on a trip with my brother's Family and his kids. The kids are 14, 10 and 3 so any ideas on things to do that they would like would be great. Day trips, restaurants etc. Thanks,

My favorite family activity in Santa Barbara is taking a hike/walk in the Botanic Garden. It's very woodsy and rustic.

Santa Barbara's small zoo is cute and your younger kids will enjoy it. The small natural history museum is also fun, and has a planetarium with child-oriented shows.

Hi Anne,
Yes..do go to the Botanical Garen..it is lovely.Although it may be a bit of a hike for your 3 yr old. Other ideas:
~Santa Barbara Mission
~El Presidio Historic Park(original Spanish fort founded in 1782)
~SB Court House & Gardens
~Alice Keck Park (lovely park downtown, Koi ponds,etc...and across the street is a great park for the little kids)
~beach activities..kayak, sailing, boat rentals, boat tours...
Day Trip: 40 minutes to Solvang, a Danish community complete with windmills..also an Old Mission there, Santa Inez.
Lots of wineries in that area.
Also Nojoui State park..hiking
Cachuma Lake..boat rentals, fishing.
Glider rides at the Santa Ynez airport.
Hans Christian Anderson Museum in Solvang.
Lots of fun stuff.

ttt

thanks for all the ideas, I am looking forward to the trip and I think we have enough ideas to keep the kids busy. I am looking forward to the great restaurants in SB.