Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
312
to skylight and French doors opening to the manicur ed gardens. Romantic cottages are
also nestled thr oughout the gr ounds. The r ooms hav e ev erything y ou could possibly
need, but most impressive are the extras: the gourmet Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres and
Santa B arbara wines ser ved each afternoon, the enormous video librar y, and the full
gourmet breakfast (delivered, for detached cottages, on delicate china). Fact is, the Simp-
son House goes the distance—and then some—to cr eate the perfect stay. Although this
property is packed into a r elatively small space, it still manages an ambience of countr y
elegance and exclusivity—especially if you book one of the cottages.
121 E. Arrellaga St. (btw. Santa Barbara and Anacapa sts.), Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
&
800/676-1280
or
805/963-7067. Fax 805/564-4811. www.simpsonhouseinn.com. 14 units. $235-$615 double; $595-$605
suite and c ottage. 2-night minimum on w eekends. Rates include full gourmet br eakfast, evening hors
d'oeuvres, and wine . AE, DISC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Bikes; c oncierge.
In room:
A/C, TV/VCR/
DVD, movie library, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
Moderate
Casa del Mar Inn a t the B each
Value
A half-block fr om the beach (sorr y, no
views), Casa del Mar is an excellent-value Spanish-architecture motel with one- and two-
room suites. The largish r ooms have relatively new furnishings, with plenty of pastels.
The flower-sprinkled grounds are well maintained, with an attractiv e sun deck (but no
swimming pool), and the staff is eager to please. M any rooms have kitchenettes, and a
dozen different room configurations guarantee something to suit y our needs (especially
families). Guests get discounts at a nearb y day spa, and golf packages can be arranged.
Tip:
Despite the hotel 's multitude of rates, r ooms can often be an unexpected bargain.
Also check the website for Internet-only specials.
18 Bath St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
&
800/433-3097
or 805/963-4418. Fax 805/966-4240. www.casa
delmar.com. 21 units. $144-$294 double; from $264 suite. Rates include continental breakfast and wine-
and-cheese social. Extra person $10. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Pets accepted with $10 fee. From
northbound U.S. 101, exit at Cabrillo, turn left onto Cabrillo, and head toward the beach; Bath is the 2nd
street on the right af ter the whar f. From southbound U .S. 101, take the C astillo exit and turn right on
Castillo, lef t on C abrillo, and lef t on Bath.
Amenities:
Jacuzzi.
In room:
TV, hair dr yer, I nternet (free),
kitchen or kitchenette (some units).
Hotel Oceana
If you're going to v acation in S anta Barbara, you might as w ell
stay in style and on the beach—ergo, this “beach chic ” hotel with an oceanfr ont setting
and an L.A. makeo ver. The 2.5-acr e S panish mission-style pr operty consists of four
adjacent motels built in the 1940s that have been merged and renovated into one sprawl-
ing hotel. The result is a wide range of charmingly old-school accommodations—ev ery-
thing fr om apar tments with r eal daybeds (gr eat for families) to inexpensiv e cour tyard
rooms and delux e oceanview suites with bright modern furnishings. Each guest r oom,
decorated by renowned interior designer Kathryn Ireland, is smartly appointed with soft
Frette linens, do wn comfor ters (the beds ar e fantastic), ceiling fans, cozy duv ets, and
Aveda bath products. The beach and jogging path ar e right across the street, and there's
a huge lawn area that's perfect for picnic lunches.
202 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
&
800/965-9776
or 805/965-4577. F ax 805/965-9937.
www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com. 122 units. $185-$360 double. 2-night minimum for weekend reser-
vations. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $10.
Amenities:
Denny's restaurant adjacent; exercise room; Jacuzzi;
2 outdoor pools; spa.
In room:
A/C, TV, CD player, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
11
The Upham Hotel and C ountry House
This conveniently located inn combines
the intimacy of a B&B with the service of a small hotel. Built in 1871, the Upham is the
