My girlfriend and I will be in Santa Barbara for a few days over Memorial Day weekend (late May). We would appreciate any hotel suggestions you can provide. We would prefer to be near the beach, but are renting a car, so anywhere in SB would be fine- would like to stay in the $100 a night range (approx). Also, what will the beach be like that time of year? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

The beach will be pretty but the water will be cold. Santa Barbara is a town of B&Bs and small inns. Do you have to have a hotel? Suggest you call the Santa Barbara Inn and ask for current rates. Also try the West Beach Inn and Villa Rosa and the Radisson. Don't know that you'll find anything for +/-$100 per day near the beach. Try checking with"Accomodations in Santa Barbara" at (805) 963-9518. Also keep in mind that you can stay up in Solvang or down in Ventura if you have a car. Do plan to eat at La Super-Rica if you like Mexican!

umm hi im doing a report on santa barbara and i need some information.thanx

I have stayed at the Old Yacht Club Inn and was really pleased. It is a small B&B in a residential area just off Cabrillo near the beach. They serve an excellent breakfast and great hors d' oeurves and California wine in the afternoon, not to mention complimentary sherry in your room.

Thanks for the help- A B&B would be okay, and it wouldn't have to be on the beach (just within a short drive). Any more suggestions?

The Cheshire Cat (might be over your budget) is very nice with mountain bikes to borrow. The Simpson House Inn is another nice one. We've stayed at Bath Street Inn and didn't particularly love it. Liked Villa Rosa better because husband is not into "cute and Victorian B&Bs" Villa Rosa is more Spanish looking and has a bit more of a hotel feeling.

Robert, should add to the above post that Villa Rosa is 1/2 block to the beach and has a pretty little patio and pool. (805) 966-0851

Have also stayed at the Villa Rosa and loved it. Affordable, pretty and with only 18 rooms, fairly quiet.

You might scroll down this thread to see the responses to "Santa Barbara Lodging." There are more comments and a bit more detailed information about some of the above posts. (All very good suggestions!)

Your biggest issue is going to be availability. If you haven't booked something yet, I'd suggest you get dialing ASAP!

You might consider Kam's suggestions of Solvang (50 minutes) or Ventura (40 minutes) if everything is booked. Carpinteria is just 10 minutes south and might have something available, too. Good luck.

Have a great time! And be sure to check out the Il Madonnari Festival at the Old Mission on Sunday and Monday.