I am looking for recommendations on places to stay in Santa Barbara. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Could you give us a little more information about your lodging preferences? Budget, length of stay, time of year, number of people? Are you looking for elegance (Four Seasons Biltmore), a charming, romantic B&B experience, a place within walking distance of the beach, or just a place to sleep?

There are also two free hotel reservation services which will quote you rates and availability:
Accommodations Reservations Service (805) 684-7679
and
Santa Barbara Hot Spots (800)793-7666

I'm sure plenty of us Santa Barbarians would be happy to make some suggestions given a little more info. Please give us a general idea of what you're looking for so we can help.

I am looking to spend around $150. A nice romantic B&B or hotel within walking distance of the beach or restaurants would be great. Thanks.

Stayed at a lovely Spanish-style place in Santa Barbara a few years ago. Maybe one of the locals can reply if it's still there.

It was called Villa Rosa and the motto was something like "18 rooms, 84 steps to the beach." The rooms were nice -- an adobe-style fireplace, no TV and lovely artwork. There was cheese and wine/soda in the early evening.

It cost about $15 more than your basic boring chain motel.

The UPHAM is an old atmospheric hotel. I think it is about 150-200 a day. Lots of white picket fences, a front porch, dining room, separate cabins.

Villa Rosa is at 15 Chapala Street, and is indeed just a few steps from Cabrillo Blvd. which runs along the beach. Phone: (805) 966-0851.

I've had family stay a few times at The Eagle Inn, 232 Natoma. Old Spanish building, funky sort of lobby, but very beautiful rooms with full kitchens. (Not that you want to be cooking while on vacation, but it's nice to have nonetheless.) It's not a B&B, but has a nice, non-hotel feel to it. They're also just a block from the beach. Phone:
(805)965-3586

The Old Yacht Club Inn, 431 Corona Del Mar, Phone: (805) 962-1277 was Santa Barbara's first B&B and it is close to the beach. They also serve outstanding breakfasts and dinners.

The Simpson House (805)963-7067, Cheshire Cat (805) 569-1610 and
Glenborough Inn (805) 966-0589 all seem to get great reviews.

The Upham Hotel (805) 962-0058 is a beautiful old Victorian with lots of
history and charm. They have a wonderful restaurant there too - Louie's.

The Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers Guild (805)963-8191 might be a good place to start. I'm sure they'll be happy to send you brochures, information, etc.

Have a great time!

Last fall I had a business trip to Santa Barbara. I usually stayed near the beach, but this time I tried a different approach. I stayed at a B&B and thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Cheshire Cat Inn, located at 36 West Valerio. Phone # 805-569-1610. This Victorian style Inn had off-street parking, was about 1 block from State Street, and about 4 blocks to various restaurants, shops, etc. The Inn's theme is from Alice in Wonderland. I stayed in the Mock Turtle room which was VERY BRIGHT,Cheerful, and faced the front. Breakfast was delicious, as well as, the afternoon happy hours! All of which are served outside in the patio garden. Room rates ranged from $119 -$195. Definitely eat at the WINE CAST, but make a reservation! Good luck.