Santa Barbara Hotel (on the beach or very close to it)

[KCmike]

So it looks as if Oxnard for a few nights is now out of the question. We wanted a close hotel on the beach or very close to it. I would love a nice pool, hot tub, and be family friendly as we are a family of five. My children are now 20, 17, 17. So a roll away will do. We usually head towards San Diego and stay at the Hotel Del but I really want to visit Santa Barbara instead this year before we head to Yosemite for several days. I put the question out there about Oxnard and many have stated that it isn't so safe plus I could see oil blotches. So we will bypass that all together and just head to SB. My plan is 2-3 days in this area. I have studied trip advisor to death but don't feel good about any hotels. I would like to stay in the $200's per night but if I could find something equally as nice as the Hotel Del I would scrape up some extra cash but it has to be just right. Worse case scenario I will go cheap by staying at hotel inland and just head to the beach by car. I really want to visit the courthouse to catch the spectacular views and see the old missions and all that SB has to offer. Am I crazy? Can anyone help me on this thread. Thanks for all the help with Oxnard.

Mike

 

[ncc1701]

We stayed at the Doubletree but it was 5 years ago. About a 20 minute walk up to Main St and the shops/restaurants. Not as good as the Del or Hyatt Huntington Beach but not as expensive either.Location was great. We took a hop on/off trolley tour that went to Montecito, the mission and downtown along some other stops.
The train tracks are right behind the property but they have non-ocean front rooms that aren't near the tracks. Since we live 2 blocks from a NJ transit trainline, a few more from the high speed rail into Philadelphia and the approach path to Philadelphia Int'l airport, train noise isn't an issue

 

[StageTek]

SB native here.

Look at the Castillo Inn. The Hotel Milo has suites that might be better for a family of five.

I have a few more recommendations but before I do I'd like to know what hotels you studied
up on and didn't feel good about. I'd hate to offer suggestion to the hotels you have already
decided against.

 

[KCmike]

My dream hotel stay would be the Bacara. I've read up on the Fess Parker as it seems closest to what I would like in a hotel (pool, beach by the ocean, hot tub, and price) but some of the reviews don't speak very highly. I will look at both of your suggestions. Thanks StageTek and everyone for taking time out to give me advice.

 

[gcatt]

Bacara was amazing! Stayed there with 11 and 14 year old girls. Elegant and expensive. Great being right on the beach.