Should we choose Mountain View Inn (soon to be Quality Inn) or Franciscan Inn for a two night stay in Santa Barbara this spring?
How about shuttles from the hotel to the airport in SB? Are there any? Or should we take a cab?
Thank you in advance!

I'm not familiar with the Mountain View Inn, but I've heard good things about the Franciscan. Not sure about shuttles... it is several miles (at least 5) from the airport to the beach. Santa barbara has a fairly good bus system because it's a real college town... maybe check santa Barbara.com for more city information. You'll have a wonderful time!

Lynette

I love the Franciscan Inn,it's close to the beach, cute rooms...I'd stay there.

Im not familiar with either...I might suggest staying in Montecito- its so much quieter with a more "resort" like feel wherever you go. Its about a 8 min drive to Santa Barbara. There, I would recommend The Montecito Inn or El Encanto or (if money is no object) The San Isidro Ranch. Have a great time.

I've have family and friends stay at both places.

The Mountain View Inn is perfectly pleasant and several of the rooms have kitchenettes. It's a little out of the downtown area (just about 2 miles) so you'd need to drive or bus to get to the sights. It's a reasonably priced motel. It's a place to sleep, not really a place to hang out.

The Franciscan Inn is nice and very close to the beach. It's also convenient to the downtown electric shuttle.

To my knowledge, both hotels do not offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport. A few of the more expensive hotels have their own limos.

There's a shuttle from the airport but it's probably less expensive to take a cab (for about $30.) It's probably even less expensive just to rent a car from the airport for the two days you're here and you'll be able to get off State Street and explore more of Santa Barbara.

Have a great time!