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Expect to pay top dollar for rooms along the shore, especially in summer. Moderately priced hotels and motels do exist—most just a short drive inland from their higher-price counterparts. Make your reservations as early as possible, and take advantage of midweek specials to get the best rates. It's common for lodgings to require two-day minimum stays on holidays and some weekends, especially in summer, and to double rates during festivals and other events.
While not a fancy place, this hidden oasis has many perks that merit a stay, including a convenient location between the airport/UCSB and downtown; lush gardens around a lagoon with ducks, turtles, and koi; a solar-heated outdoor pool and hot tub; a fitness center; free parking and Wi-Fi; and relatively affordable rates for the region. This is a particularly good choice for families and is close to many restaurants and services.
