Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [323]
Hacienda Motel (Map; 805-687-6461; www.haciendamotel.com; 3643 State St; r $149-199; wi-fi) There once was a motel named Hacienda, with standard rooms and HBO on the agenda, summer rates are crazy high, I’m not sure why, but optional kitchenettes and laundry are nice addenda. Two miles from beach.
Presidio Motel (Map; 805-963-1355; 1620 State St; www.thepresidiomotel.com; r $150-210; ) The Presidio is the H&M of Santa Barbara motels, a budget option flaunting what its got with sassy, irresistible style. From mod lounge chairs on the sundeck and artsy photos on the walls to origami dangling from the ceiling, the owners make the most of an older, standard-issue building. Located just north of downtown, the motel attracts a slightly younger crowd. Wi-fi available in some rooms.
Colonial Beach Inn (Map; 805-963-4317, 800-649-2669; www.sbhotels.com; 206 Castillo St; r $208-248; wi-fi) Every guest looks happy at this two-story motel where bright window boxes and a welcoming magnolia tree complement the clean, slightly formal Southern-style furnishings. Rooms are slightly bigger than average, though showing a bit of wear. Wine and cheese are served in the afternoon.
Hotel Santa Barbara (Map; 805-957-9300, 888-259-7770; www.hotelsantabarbara.com; 533 State St; r $219-269; wi-fi) As unpretentiously sophisticated as its namesake city, the 1925 Hotel Santa Barbara has rooms done up with rattan and blond-wood furnishings and sunny Mediterranean colors – Provence meets the beach. A continental breakfast is included. Top choice downtown for upper-middle budgets. Parking costs $5 per day. Best of all, you can walk everywhere.
Cabrillo Inn (Map; 805-966-1641, 800-648-6708; www.cabrilloinn.com; 931 E Cabrillo Blvd; r $209-289, ste $369; ) Prices have jumped here in recent years, but the Cabrillo, with its two pools, two sundecks and beach access just across the street, is still a pretty good deal for pricey Santa Barbara. Most rooms have partial ocean views; for a full ocean view, add another $40. Score a good rate, and this place is excellent for value and location.
Eagle Inn (Map; 805-965-3586; www.theeagleinn.com; 232 Natoma Ave; r $275-350; wi-fi) You’ll feel like Spanish royalty strolling underneath the colorful tile-lined archway into this white, two-story inn. Average-sized rooms are brightened with crisp floral motifs. For more space, try one of the four new cottages in back. This tranquil, family-owned property is popular with business travelers.
Marina Beach Motel (Map; 805-963-9311, 877-627-4621; www.marinabeachmotel.com; 21 Bath St; r $239-294; wi-fi) Family-owned since 1942, this flower-festooned, one-story motel that wraps around a central courtyard is also worth a visit.
Top End
El Capitan Canyon (off Map; 805-685-3887, 866-352-2729; www.elcapitancanyon.com; 11560 Calle Real; safari tents $145, cabins $225-345; wi-fi) This upscale woodsy retreat is a current media darling, garnering magazine and morning-show kudos as a premier ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) resort. At El Capitan you can sleep in a tent or a cabin on a top-quality mattress with high-thread-count sheets. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit. No cars are allowed tent-side, so it feels like a walk-in campground – but oh! that bed. Die-hard campers shouldn’t despair – communal bathrooms and un-Disney-like critter sightings keep things real. It’s sandwiched between the Santa Ynez mountains and a state beach, 17 miles west of Santa Barbara, off Hwy 101 northbound (30 minutes’ drive). There’s on-site massage, a café and a yurt for yoga. Ask about family cabins if you’re with kids.
Hotel Oceana (Map; 805-965-4577, 800-965-9776; www.hoteloceana.com; 202 W Cabrillo Blvd; r $219-410; ) Just when you think you’ve driven past your hotel, it pops up again,