Santa Barbara Hotels
Inn at East Beach
- Critic's rating
- LAT
Average User Ratings
- Overall (1)
1029 Orilla del Mar
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tel. (800) 575-5667, (805) 965-0546
The Inn at East Beach is neatly laid out on multiple levels around a small swimming pool. It's one block back from beautiful East Beach and a trolley stop and across a public ball field from the Santa Barbara Zoo. Thirty-four rooms and suites are strikingly large with high ceilings, louvered windows and a collection of cheerful, original Haitian art; some have partial ocean views and electric fireplaces. During the Reagan years, when the president was often in residence at his Santa Barbara ranch, the inn was home to Secret Service and White House staff.
Pros: The price is right, given the inn's tidiness and close-to-the-beach location. Furnishing is motel basic, but the care that goes into maintenance shines through. Complimentary continental breakfasts are lavish, and it would be hard to find friendlier or more thoughtful Santa Barbara hosts than managers Frank and Linda Santana.
Cons: The inn is upgrading to capitalize on the Midcentury modern architecture, resulting in higher prices. Too bad. Right now, it's perfect; you leave feeling as if you got at least as much as you paid for.
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