My family and I just got home from our week in California. I had to write this review first because I think there needs to be a little more honesty about this property.

We stayed at this hotel for two nights, two adults with two teenage sons. Frank is, as everyone will attest to, the nicest innkeeper ever but this hotel is in desperate need of renovation.

The $150 a night is a steal in Santa Barbara but we would've coughed up more if we had known how run down the rooms were. The "suite" is two double beds with a gas fireplace. There was not an air conditioning unit in our room so keep that in mind if you book in the summer.

The bathroom is large but the bathroom sink is also your kitchen sink which is not pleasant. We had a mini-fridge and a microwave sitting next to the bathroom/kitchen sink. The room we were booked in faced the pool from our frontdoor and a park from the back windows with several homeless men sleeping on the grounds at all times.

The location is wonderful with close vicinity to the ocean and several restaurants. It's a hike to the main drag of State Street by foot so be prepared to drive a little.

The beds were something from the 1960's including the linens. The breakfast, which was included, consisted of stale pasteries and coffee. We actually opted to purchase breakfast after the first morning.

I would not recommend this place unless you are extremely strapped for cash and you absolutely want to stay directly in Santa Barbara.

We had an overnight stay here en route from Cambria to Las Vegas. Arrived late afternoon/ early evening. Frank was very jovial and welcoming. We had a real laugh with him. He gave us lots of leaflets and magazines about the area upon our arrival.

Car park at rear, with open ground next to it, wondered about safety, but no issues. We booked a suite, which was the first room in from the car park, on the ground floor. It overlooked the pool. Boys and hubby used pool, while I caught up with washing for next leg of journey. Pool not the height of luxury, but absoulutely adequate.

The suite was quite basic, but spotlessly clean, with kitchen facilities and a small dining table, comfortable beds and delightful toiletries. As far as we were concerned, it was just what we wanted.
Late when we were going out to eat. Again, Frank was really helpful with directions to town [a short drive] and a suggestion for somewhere to eat, which was fine.

Breakfast was plentiful, but probably not the most nutritious. However, the advantage of the individually wrapped pastries etc. was that we were able to take some with us. My son still talks abut his delicious pizza bagel!

Can't comment on beach, surrounding area or location, as we really weren't there long enough. However, we did feel that Frank made our one-night stay a memorable one.

After reading reviews of this hotel from Trip Advisor, we booked a two night stay at the Inn at East Beach. Location is fine...but the hotel is dated and our room was tacky. The room had worn furniture and lamps and could have used a good carpet clean. Bed was comfortable and clean. We paid $150 per night but next time I'll spring for more to enjoy a 'bit' of comfort.

I was surprised when reading reviews that the Inn at East Beach ranked so highly for Santa Barbara Hotels at such a reasonable price. True, as the reviews state, Frank is a wonderful daytime "frontman" for this modest property. Beyond that , however, this place can best be descibed by "1960s California motor lodge funky". After check-in, one must navigate the unusual arrangement of staircases, separate buildings, and room numbers to locate the correct location. Then, after opening the light-weight door, the guest is greeted by a wave of stale, musty air. The rooms are rather dark and drab but very clean. One exception, I found a partially used bottle of body lotion in the bath basket which had not been replaced and remained in that condition during my stay - not a good omen. The outdoor surroundings were plain (read: concrete courtyard and small pool with plastic deck furntiture). The continental breakfast was pleasant with excellent coffee, fresh orange juice, and locally produced baked goods. All in all, a decent place to stay if one is budget conscious while visiting Santa Barbara.