Orangecat-Ventura is still attractive. I just noticed a lot of homeless, graffiti, trash, businesses closed etc. It just felt depressed to me compared to the past. I still like the area but it was definitely different. That description probably applies to most of CA. :)

We will plan to stop in the Santa Ynez valley on our drive down from Cambria. It looks like we may have found accommodation in Santa Barbara at the Orchid Inn. Not exactly in the centre of town but should be ok.

Coast Village Inn , a couple of miles south of Santa Barbara wharf in the village of Montecito. Recently renovated, they have a room with a queen in the bedroom and a sofa sleeper in the living room. Everything you need within walking distance including a great stretch of beach.

Have you tried Goleta? It's just slightly north of Santa Barbara and is where UC Santa Barbara is located, so lots of hotels for visiting relatives.

Unfortunately I can't remember much of the beach area, except that it was easy of access, but there are any number of very nice restaurants in Goleta.

February is rain and flood season around Santa Barbara so I'm amazed that you can't find a one-nighter available. Coast Village Inn in Montecito is a much better choice than Goleta since you want to be able to walk the neighborhood, dine etc. Due to the weather concerns and the fact that you are driving...don't book anything that is not at least changeable-with-48-hour-notice.

Help! Nobody's reading my posts! We've found a place in Santa Barbara that will have us for one night : The Orchid Inn. We can cancel but hope not to have to because of the rain....we're getting quite enough these days here in Italy!

The Orchid Inn looks lovely and TripAdvisor.com reviews are good. For just one night, it should be fine, unless you want a view.