Hotel Californian

Excellent location. Great staff and very friendly service. Check in was very straightforward and check out was very easy. Valet parking was simple and easy to get car for in and out service.

Great Hotel - great staff - restaurant/bar service could use improvement. Our room was excellent. Billing was a bit confusing - not sure all the AMEX benefits came through, but not a big deal. Overall, we'll be back.

Wonderful hotel with an amazing view from the roof top pool and spa. The staff were extremely courteous and kind. Loved the balcony porches on each suite. I was there for business and it made the stay feel like a vacation and less like work.

I'm a Virtuoso Travel Advisor that booked this one night stay for my family after a flight cancellation. It is listed as "luxury" and a part of my agency's preferred property program. It is a lovely, niche property with well appointed and comfortable, quiet rooms. Location is premium with access to experiences both in town and along the beachfront. Be aware that the hotel is spread amongst multiple buildings for stay, spa, pool and restaurant. Hence, the problem. Service was S L O W. We waited more than 45 minutes for round 1 of drinks at the rooftop pool after ordering on the hotel food and beverage app. Once delivered, we placed our round 2 order that didn't arrive until I called the front desk staff to ask for service. This continued until a life saver staff member, Tonya, who wasn't even on service, stepped in to assist and save the stay. Granted, it was a busy pool, play day. Not life altering. But nonetheless if you're going to offer the service - at a premium price for the stay and the food and beverage - provide it. Additionally, be prepared for room service to take longer and not be considered a "hot meal" as it also comes from across the street restaurant. The hotel is a nice option for those without full service luxury expectations.

My husband and I spent four nights at Hotel Californian as a base for our trip to the Santa Barbara area. It is situated right near the pier and the waterfront spread out over several buildings. Although the hotel's materials refer to the area as the "funk zone", things were pretty quiet at night. The room was spacious and clean with a nice balcony. We didn't end up eating a full meal there so we cannot comment on the food, but I enjoyed a swim in the pool with a view of the harbor and the mountains. It is an easy walk to the main downtown area which features many shops and restaurants, and there are also some good ones around the hotel itself. All in all a very pleasant visit and we would stay here again if we were back in the area.