Hotel Californian

While the location is convenient, this hotel is not 5 star and very overpriced due to the dated/worn out furnishings. We stay in luxury hotels all the time for less that are in far better condition. I'm an interior designer so I was excited to stay in this hotel due to the unique design and was very disappointed that the furniture was so worn out. Most of the furniture was chipped and scratched, the headboard leather had a large patch on it, the brass bathroom accessories were very rusted out and the mirrors were chipping. The air conditioning barely worked which I have no read to be an issue in many of the other reviews on this hotel. The drapery rods were terribly worn out and very noisy to pull as they could barely glide. The location is somewhat noisy due to trains and street noise. We had dinner at The Knock and were not very impressed. It was a Friday night and not busy while most other dining options in the city required reservations which is probably due to the food not being great. The Goat Tree for coffee was nice. The hotel corridors are open air so they are noisier due to that. I think overall the hotel has some interesting qualities but it is time for some updating or a serious price reduction.

We had such a wonderful stay at Hotel Californian. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly warm, attentive, and helpful, and we truly felt accommodated throughout our visit. Stephen at the front desk was especially incredible — he went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and taken care of. The room was gorgeous, and the location was amazing and so convenient for enjoying Santa Barbara. We also treated my mom to a massage at the spa, which she said was absolutely delightful. We were even able to book it the same day, which was such a nice touch and made the experience feel effortless. Overall, a beautiful hotel with wonderful service. We would absolutely stay here again!

The Hotel Californian is a well-located, beautiful property in the heart of coastal Santa Barbara. It has a very cool, laid-back vibe, and very stylish. I loved the Moorish/Spanish influences. The rooms were well-appointed and very comfortable. The food was great, the best fish and chips we have ever had, and we just got back from London, so that's saying something! We would definitely recommend and would love to come back!

This beautiful hotel is ideally located near the Funk Zone, the wharf and the beach. The 4 buildings affiliated with the hotel have been renovated and maintained to a top-notch standard. The design is chic, modern, and the guest rooms are extremely clean, comfortable and quiet. While we did not have an ocean view, we did have a lovely little patio. Best of all here is the service, which is very high level from the front desk to housekeeping to the bars/dining establishments. Not a cheap place to stay, but well worth the splurge if your budget permits!

Room was comfortable, but our premium category room was right under the rooftop, where loud club music played for four hours on a Sunday night. Others may love that, but not at all what I am looking for.