I am going crazy finding a hotel in Santa Barbara in the $200 range that has consistently good reviews on tripadvisor.

I was thrilled to get the Oceana for $219 after I saw their website, but then read the tripadvisor reviews and couldn't believe it. I've never seen a hotel get such a long list of bad reviews! Now I want to cancel that reservation.

Any ideas for something nice--charming, comfortable, clean-- with a pool?

Thanks,
Dina

Love the Montecito Inn but it's a few miles south of Santa Barbara in Montecito.

Harbor View Inn probably isn't in the $200 range unless its a weeknight.

The Franciscan Inn or the West Beach Inn might fit the bill, or the Tropicana Inn. I have been by the Oceana and it looked nice...I will have to check out those reviews to see what's up.

Hi Tracy.

thanks so much for your advice.

I checked out the Franciscan online and it looks nice. I will call.

The West Beach Inn is booked already, and the Montecito Inn looks really nice, but I'm worried too far south. We will be at UCSB during the day. How long would that drive take? (We're talking weekend)

Thanks again,
Dina

UCSB is up by the Santa Barbara airport, so maybe 15 miles to Montecito, straight freeway so about 20 minutes.

Eagle Inn is a favorite but no pool. When are you going? It's too cold to swim right now!

Yes, the Eagle Inn is SO charming.
But I'm going with my 13 yr old daughter, who's playing in a soccer tournament at UCSB. I know she would love to have a pool, as it will be May 20-21.

A 20 min drive doesn't seem so bad, and Montecito is such a cute town.
I will check out the Tropicana, too. I missed that one in your first post!

Thanks SO much for your advice!!!
Dina

A 20 minute drive to the Montecito Inn is not bad at all, considering that most any hotel in SB would be a 15 minute drive from UCSB anyway.

Montecito is a nice stop for window browsing even if you don't stay there, and Montecito Inn would be a great special lunch spot for you and your daughter. Most of their rooms are on the small side so fine for 2 but tight for three.

There's a Ramada Inn off of Turnpike Road which is only 5 minutes to UCSB - it'd be cheaper than staying in town and it's perfectly acceptable. It'd take you ten minutes to drive into downtown SB. Also - UCSB is ON the beach, so it's not like you won't see the water if your mosey around there. Nearby Goleta Beach is pleasant.