Hello... Having a hard time finding nice upscale hotels on the beach in SB. Bacara is too expensive. Maybe something one step down from Bacara. Its for honeymoon, so don't want a dump or a family place. Any suggestions?? Thanks!!

You probably know that hotels don't sit right on the beach in Santa Barbara, because there's a street alongside the beach.

We stayed at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort and liked it a lot. It's something between a family place and a really upscale place. Ask for a room with a patio facing the ocean.
>-

Forgot to mention that we rode bikes from the Doubletree to the Ritz. It seemed very nice, if it's in your price range.
>-

The Harbor View Inn is nice, right across from Stearn's Wharf. Nicely appointed rooms, heated pool, jacuzzi, restaurant with good food (Eladio's) and friendly service. We had a King/Balcony/Oceanview room that was very nice, loved the location! ***kim***

One step down : ) from Bacara would be the Biltmore Four Seasons. It's at the other end of the beach, in a quiet area. (but there is still a street in front of the hotel)
You can get an ocean facing room, and the sunsets are amazing. We never hear any noise at night. The Spa and restaurant are top quality. There are large lovely grounds for plenty of tranquility or just strolling.

http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/

We stayed at the Santa Barbara Inn. We sipped our drinks from the lanai and watched the ocean from across the street. It was very nice for the price!

Can you hear the ocean @ night from the rooms at the Fess Parker Doubletree? What about the Harbor View inn?

I think you can hear the ocean from Fess Parker's Doubletree, if you have an oceanfront room. It's across the street from the beach, as all hotels are. Get one with a big patio facing the beach.
>-

Our neighbors stayed at Fess Parker's for their anniversary, and said they heard street noise from their room facing the ocean, not the waves. Said next time they would face the courtyard, as they really liked the hotel. I imagine the same from the Harbor View or any of the others in the busy Cabrillo Ave. area.