My wife and I stayed at the Presidio for 4 nights over Easter and had a great time. The motel is really well located at the northern end of the main State St. drag. We stayed in two different rooms, as we split our stay up with a trip to wine country, and both were clean, had a comfy bed and we had no complaints at all. The couple that run the place have added a personal touch that seperates it from standard motels and were very friendly and helpful and went out of their way to accomodate us.
I had read on this website that the motel was noisy but that wasn't the case. The breakfast was fine with great coffee.
There are also bikes for guests which is a big plus as santa barbara is really bike friendly so it is a great way to explore the town. We had a terrific time in SB and highly recommend the Presidio.

I cannot actually comment on how staying at this hotel is because the 20-something jerks that run the place canceled my reservation and gave our room away. On our way to the motel (with no phone reception in our car) apparently they tried to contact us to see what time we would be arriving. They didn't reach me so they gave the room away. When we got there and spoke with the people, the kid acted like it was my fault. No apologies, nothing. He was an absolute [-]. It felt like a Seinfeld episode. They never said anything in my email correspondence with them that if we didn't arrive by a certain time they just start giving rooms away. I couldn't believe it. I guess I should have seen this coming from a motel with a Myspace. Save your money and go to the El Prado across the way. Friendly staff, nice pool to sit and eat your free continental breakfast by. That's what we did.

We stayed in this motel for one night but we would have stayed one more if there was any room available. The rooms are newly renovated, nicely decorated and very clean. The location is great. Just about 10 min walk to all sorts of restaurants and shops and 20 min to the beach. The staff is friendly and helpfull and the rates are quite good.

My wife and I have just spent 4 weeks driving round California, Nevada and Arizona. Along the way we stopped in quite a few motels and hotels.

The Presido is excellent – it looks like it has been decorated. Our room was upstairs by the sun deck, the room was very clean, nice linen and towels.

There are some nice touches eg the sun deck and free breakfast and we would certainly go back there.

It was excellent value.