I found this hotel on the Santa Barbara Hotel Group's website and was attracted by the professional photos posted on the site. I was a little discouraged when we first pulled into the driveway, seeing a low-cost hotel sign - not what I expected. The lobby, however, was really nice and wine and cheese was out when we arrived. The front desk gal was pleasant and pointed us in the direction of downtown. Venturing towards the pool, I was happy to see the tropical garden as advertised. When we got to our room however, I was disappointed. It was muggy and small. Looking back, I should've reserved a 2-bed or double/double. Our queen felt like a double bed. The downstairs suites, however, seemed much roomier when we peered thru the windows. Back to our room - the heating and AC units were the old wall-mounted furnace type and the windows had rusted pins that locked the glass. I was afraid to touch the rusted pins so left the windows closed. We blasted the AC when we left for downtown. When we returned 3 hours later, the room was still muggy because the AC only cooled the front closet area where the wall fixture was. After showering, it got even more humid in our room and we had to open all the windows and sliding glass door to get a decent night's rest. Breakfast on the other hand was pretty good for a continental. For the price, however, I would've liked waffles and/or a person making omelets. Overall, the food and snacks were great, but the room was old and I expected a little more for the price we paid ($170 per night).

The pics are pretty, just like the front of the hotel but then when you look around it its not so pretty. I understand property is expensive in that area but I would like to dare the management to be completely honest and show the ENTIRE property in its photos. When I was waiting to check in the person in front of me was voicing this same complaint. The front desk guy took with stride, you could tell this wasn't the first time he heard this, and was pleasent enough with the guest. I would only recommend this hotel if you can find it a decent rate ( I believe anything over 200 is a pure rip off for this place, 100-150 would better reflect the quality of the hotel). If you find a killer deal online and are not planning on hanging out at the actual hotel too much that would be fair in my opinion. However if you are into hotels where you like to lay about the pool area and such I would choose a better place.

We defaulted into this hotel after another one of their properties was filled up. What a lucky break that end up being. The building is gorgeous, the front desk people were helpful, friendly, and welcoming, and the bed and sheets were wonderful.

While I agree with some of the other comments that the price seems a bit high for what you get, it is a small hotel with a warm, personal feel. You are paying for the quality of the people and the nicities. The front desk people at check in and check out were genuinely concerned that we (my wife and I) take part in all of the amenities (cheese, fruit, cookies, etc...). It's this way at all of their properties.

The room itself had everything you could want (plenty of channels, comfortable bed, plenty of desk space, and an excellent shower.) The location at first glance may not seem great, but you are a four to five block walk from great restaurants and shopping. If you like comfort and are looking for a relaxed stay, this is a great place. If you are expecting snooty luxury, then you would be better suited looking elsewhere.

We stayed here for two nights and had an enjoyable stay. As one other reviewer pointed out the rooms were very *homey*. Not a bad thing. Also I did enjoy the breakfasts there.

The cheese and wine in the afternoon is a nice touch. I'm sorry I missed the milk and cookies later in the evening. We both found the staff at reception to be very helpful and friendly. No complaints there at all.

However, I am quite upset over the name of the hotel. It is in no way "by the harbor" in any way, shape or form. It is a good 15 minute walk to the harbor. This walk is fine during the day but at night it is not a pleasant walk at all. It is near total darkness for some stretches with very few street lights.