Jump to: Room choices | Hotel description | Map | Amenities | Reviews
If youâ€(TM)ve ever wondered where Hollywood celebrities go to escape the bright lights, Montecito Inn in Santa Barbara, California, holds the answer. This historic property, built by cinema legend Charlie Chaplin in 1928 as a getaway for his closest friends, was a prototype for such retreats. Graceful domes, crafted ceiling coves, arched windows and French doors complement the propertyâ€(TM)s Mediterranean style. Take a dip in the pool, relax in your soothingly decorated bedroom or fireplace-adorned suite, and then meander to The Montecito Café for California Nouveau cuisine.
Montecito Inn
1295 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, California
93108
Nearest Airport: SBA
Great location, and the hotel staff was very friendly and accommodating. However, the facility is aging and shows significant wear, making it feel inadequate for the price point. My upgraded King room was small, lacked a desk, and the AC unit didn’t function well. On the plus side, the bed and linens were excellent—very comfortable. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, and the bar in the building was lively in a good way, with music. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend staying here.
Robert G
This hotel is in a great location, but it needs some attention to make it feel like a cool spot to stay at this price point. The staff was great, but my room was like a motel. Noisy, old, and absolutely no frills.
James A
Great location. Very small rooms, even smaller bathrooms. The shelves in the bathroom were not level and you could not place toiletries safely anywhere without fear they would fall into the toilet. Toilet paper and flusher were located bizarrely low on the wall so you had to reach down and around. Pillows were uncomfortably overstuffed synthetic. Pool is next to the freeway and loud. Almost every lounge chair was unleveled and rocked when you moved. The hotel requires that you ASK for your room to be made up. It is not part of their standard of service. Incredibly poor value for cost.
krobi316 - Los Angeles, California
5 stars because it met my needs. The building itself is charming, loaded with cute 1920s details. Everything is clean and tidy. And the walls between rooms are solid – I didn't hear one peep out of the other guests. I would happily return. That said, given Montecito's posh reputation, you might expect to be pampered here. In reality, the guest experience is about the same as at a Hilton Garden Inn: basic amenities and service, nothing extravagant. Rooms are small. If you wish to upgrade, I say splurge on the "luxury" level with fireplaces. The "mountain view" and "junior studio" rooms don't seem worth the price (I peeked in during housekeeping). Pool and hot tub are warm and inviting. Coffee, tea, and water are available 24/7 in the lobby; no coffeemaker in the room. Yummy free pastries each morning. Staff is cordial if not especially friendly. Valet parking seems unnecessary. The connected bar "Lion's Tale" has excellent craft cocktails and food in a glam setting.
forcor - West Hollywood, California
Great experience start to finish. Location, location, location. Lion’s Tale is a fantastic hotel bar with great ambiance. Near many fabulous restaurants and shops on Coast Village Drive. 5 min away from San Ysidro Ranch. Jeannine’s is a couple blocks away, amazing Huevos Racheros and of course, adjacent to Lucky’s. Can’t be beat!
Melissa S - Bakersfield
Read more reviews or write a review
© 2025 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved