Hi,
We will be attending a wedding in Santa Barbara in October and will need a hotel for about three nights. Do you have a favorite place? Budget is not a big deal, but I probably couldn't go as high as the Four Seasons. Walking distance to the beach would be nice. Thanks for the suggestions.

We really liked the Harbor View Inn - across the street from the beach and Stearns Wharf, lovely rooms, great staff.

For a budget option, we also liked Brisas Del Mar Inn, connected to Inn At The Harbor. Neither are beachside but close, and provide a decent continental breakfast.

Fess Parker's Doubletree faces the ocean.

If you can afford it, try for the Fess Parker Doubletree.
http://www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com/
There is a Hertz office in the lobby if you need a rental car.

Thank you for the suggestions so far. I will look into them. Any others?

Fess Parker Doubletree is undergoing renovations and is quite noisy, and some pre renovation rooms are quite tired - that's why we didn't stay there on Hilton points. By October the renovations may be finished!

Have you looked at the Kimpton there? It is on my wish list. I will be waiting for your trip report!!!!

http://www.canarysantabarbara.com

Yes, cmcfong I did see that hotel. I love the rooftop pool. I love the architecure too.

So I found out the wedding is actually in Carpenteria, so I am beginning to think that Ojai might be an option.

Stay close to the reception so you can drink more.

Are there other wedding events? If yes, where will those be held?

Hi Michelle, We don't drink alcohol, so having a place within stumbling distance isn't really a concern. In fact THE big concern will be how to avoid being the chauffuer for the drunken guests. Having a two seat car helps.

Jean, I don't know where the other events are going to be held or even if we will be included in them. I am sure there will be some sort of dinner the night before, but since we are not part of the immediate family I am not going to assume we will be involved. I think the wedding will be enough.

The wedding is on a Sunday, so we will plan to drive down Saturday,spend Saturday and Sunday nights in the area and then drive home.

If you're just looking for a place to sleep in Carpenteria, check on the Sandyland. http://sandyland.com/
My DW and I stayed there for 3 nights in 2012.
It is by no means fancy but you can't beat the price.

Proper wedding etiquette says all out of town guests should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. This isn't always the case anymore since the rehearsal dinner can turn out to be almost as large as the reception! Have fun and take your time driving home.

"This isn't always the case anymore since the rehearsal dinner can turn out to be almost as large as the reception!"

I think that is going to be the case here. I think everyone is going to be an out of town guest as this is going to be more like a destination wedding than anything else. I spoke to my cousin today (her son is the one getting married) and I offered to help her find a hotel where we could get a block of 30 or 40 rooms for (hopefully) a discounted rate. That should be interesting.

Ojai would be nice in October, and so would Los Olivos/Santa Ynez which is about an hour from Carpinteria. Not sure how the drive is from Carp to Ojai after dark....I think it is winding backwoods roads or a longer detour via freeway.

www.emeraldiguana.com

Wow clark. Emerald Iguana looks very nice. We love staying in cottages or homes when possible so that spot is off great interest. Thank you.

A spot in Santa Barbara that looks interesting is The Spanish Garden Inn.

www.carpcottages.com
http://www.vrbo.com/440407

The Cabrillo Inn is nice enough. Great location by the ocean. Motel set-up, but at least it's free parking right near your room.

Ooops-- It is the Castillo Inn I am familiar with:
http://www.sbcastilloinn.com/rooms.html

It's relatively humble, but clean and newly renovated and one block from the marina.