Mar Monte Hotel

We visit Santa Barbara once if not twice a year, for a family vacation. This hotel by far has been our favorite. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the hotel itself is so cozy and calming. Parking is expensive but you can almost park anywhere on the street surrounding the hotel - If you don't mind a short walk - and save some money. The main courtyard is perfect for a little late night r&r. I love the location, it's right across from the beach pavilion (which has restrooms and a restaurant) and has our fav park on the beach for kiddos. The food at the hotel is AMAZING. You must try the fried & grilled chicken sandwiches. The room is the only thing I gave 4 stars. They are quiet, they are very clean and the beds are the most comfortable I have slept in. I love the entire set up, the super quiet ac unit, and I can appreciate the dimming lighting options throughout because I had a toddler who needed to go to bed early or take naps - downside was the mildew smell. No other complaints! Check in and check out was quick and easy, and we will 100% be returning.

I worked for this hotel in the mid to late 90s. Hearing the complaints regarding the dinginess of the rooms is no surprise. People need to know this hotel is a historic landmark. It’s is a 100 yrs old, so naturally it’s going to feel a big dated. It’s got a Santa Barbara Spanish vibe and not a modern style hotel. So, if you like hotels with character, this place might be for you. The there are four buildings. Rooms are decent size and the hotel budgets for quality products- beds, amenities, etc. The restaurant was always a feature. The ocean is literally across the street with one of Santa Barbara’s most popular beaches- the world famous East Beach. Some rooms are worse than others- stay away from 109 and 209. The ocean front rooms on the second and third floor of the two adjacent buildings are the best! They are direct ocean view. Non-ocean view rooms typically view the mountains or the hotel parking lot. The price is ridiculous for what you get, but that’s because of location, and demand. All the hotels along the ocean charge crazy prices.

This place is so amazing and super cute. I stayed for one night as I had a wedding in the area. I must give a shout out to one of the staff members at the front desk. Her name was Nelly, I went to her with a panic as I had a tear on my jacket and she literally got a sewing kit on and sewed my Jacket back together. Just shows the vibe of the staff at this place! The rooms are super cute, the property is very elegant and the service is top tier!!! I can’t wait to visit again!

We decided to stay here one night while in Santa Barbara. Great location to the beach. Also really practical for downtown and zoo access. Our room was neat and clean and the perfect size for the two of us. The elevator in our building was a little awkward due to the fact we had to take two to get to the 3rd floor. Valet parking was the only option when we arrived and it’s $36 a night. Our room faced the pool which was pretty loud all day.

Not worth the price. Very disappointed in this place. For the price we paid, I'd expect more. #1 we are here for our 20th anniversary and for a wedding. They put us in the Santa Rosa building which looks and feels like an old Apartment. No view. The only view we had was of the apartment next door. No self parking...Valet only. Every place you would want to go to is a driving distance away. Which means that you have to go through the hassle of getting your car pulled up and tip each time you leave. The room we got smelled musty and old. It was muggy and hot in the room when we arrived which brought out a smell. We complained the next day hoping that we could go to lunch and come back and have everything cleaned. But no luck, the room was never made and it still smelled. I even told them that there was a slight scent of urine near the AC unit. Water pressure in the shower was horrible and the toilet chain broke. Very very annoyed by this place. Ruined our 20th celebration. I expect more from the Hyatt. This place felt more like a Motel 6. Never again. I asked for the manager to call me and never did.