Ala Mar by the Sea

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel this experience is important to share. My husband and I have been going to Fiesta for years, and every year we would look at one particular room at Ala Mar—the one with the little private balcony facing Cabrillo Boulevard and the ocean—and say, “One day, we’re going to stay there.” We always imagined sitting together on that balcony watching the Fiesta parade. This year, that “one day” finally came. About two months before Fiesta, we saw that exact room was available and immediately booked it. Because that specific room was the entire reason we chose Ala Mar, I went out of my way beforehand to make sure there would be absolutely no misunderstanding. I contacted Ala Mar directly, explained that I wanted the private balcony fully facing the ocean—not a side or partial ocean view—and even circled the exact room in photos. Ala Mar confirmed in writing that I would be in Room 110, “fully facing the ocean, not a partial ocean view.” They told me I was “locked into” Room 110 and confirmed the small wooden balcony was private. For additional reassurance, I contacted Expedia. Their representative called Ala Mar directly and spoke with Jonathan. Afterward, Expedia confirmed the exact room I had circled, telling me, “The one that you’ve circled, yes that is the one.” Despite all of those confirmations, when we arrived, we were told we had been moved to Room 119. The front desk employee told me management had “booted” us from Room 110 because a “VIP” guest wanted it. He said he had even warned management that I would be upset because of all my previous confirmations, but they changed the room anyway. I immediately went to Villa Rosa to speak with management and explained everything. I was simply told the other person was a longtime guest and there was nothing they could do. What hurt almost as much as losing the room was the complete lack of empathy. It felt like all the effort I had made months in advance to prevent this exact situation meant absolutely nothing. No one contacted me beforehand. Instead, we were given a room primarily facing the neighboring property with only a partial ocean view—the exact situation I had specifically confirmed would not happen. There was no misunderstanding: the room number, private balcony, direct ocean view, and even photographs were repeatedly confirmed. We saved for months for this trip and would never have paid that much to stay at Ala Mar if it weren’t for that specific room and view. If Room 110 was never truly available to us, why confirm it repeatedly and tell me I was “locked into” it? I later emailed Ala Mar directly, hoping they would at least acknowledge what happened and apologize. I never received a response—not even a simple apology. Expedia also contacted the hotel multiple times trying to help, but was told the property would not resolve the issue. What should have been a special experience we had looked forward to for years became one of the most disappointing parts of our Fiesta weekend. The lack of professionalism, accountability, communication, and basic care toward a guest with a confirmed reservation was incredibly disappointing. Looking back, I wish I had taken the negative reviews I read before booking more seriously. Based on my experience, I would strongly caution others before booking here. I do not recommend Ala Mar.

This place is alittle outdated. But, location within walking distance to beach, stearns wharf and shops. Room was clean, bed was ok. There's a continental breakfast next door at their sister hotel, and pool and a not so clean hot tub. We only stayed one night as a stopover on way to Morro Bay. I cant say we'd stay again, but it did have mini fridge and microwave and free parking.

The Alamar hotel is a hidden gem in Santa Barbara. Each room is different and steps away from the beach! I can see the ocean from my bed! The room I have is updated and modern, and the staff is very friendly and aim to please. The Alamar has pool and jacuzzi Access to the Villa Rosa Hotel which is 1/2 a block away. I love the European artistic romantic feel of this hotel. I am artist and art teacher and I love the statues, artworks, and beautiful pool and jacuzzi area. I feel like I am in Italy! I enjoyed connecting and talking with other guests in the pool area and the hotel is dog friendly too which is a plus. I enjoyed the waffles at breakfast and appetizers for happy hour, and highly reccomend this hotel.