Coast Village Inn - Santa Barbara

Nice little retro motor inn set back from the road a bit in the village of Montecito. Spit-shined rooms are on the small side, with old fashioned windows that open and a ceiling fan but no A/C. Bathrooms are particularly tight but the shower (our room had no tub) was fairly roomy with a light rain-style water pressure). Room had a set of drawers, an open closet space and a bit of room to move around. (Adequate for 2 persons but definitely not roomy.) Coffee in room or in the lobby, no breakfast. Several breakfast places within a few blocks walk. The 2nd floor rooms are only accessible by a steep flight of stairs, may be difficult for some with luggage but staff is happy to help if available. Parking, a bit tight for large cars, is in front of and behind the motel. Walk to everything in town or under the freeway (via tunnel) to Butterfly Beach. A dozen or so free beach cruiser bikes for guest use and it's an easy ride along Butterfly Beach and up around the cemetery into Santa Barbara and along the beach strand. (On the way back though you'll have some uphill climbs to walk/deal with and might take the main drag back instead, Cabrillo-to-Hot-Springs roundabout-to Coast Village Road. there is a bike lane. Five stars not because it's the Ritz or comparable, but because for what it is, a retro motel nicely kept over the decades, it's a good choice in a very pricey area if you're ok with the little quirk. It's kinda nice that this place still exists and has not been replaced by yet another sleek white-and-black generic dull modern box. Your little room will take you back to the 50s or 60s and the "this place needs an update" crowd will not be happy here.

This hotel is a true gem! It’s in an excellent location, within walking distance to shops, restaurants, upscale boutiques, and charming coffee spots. We visited in December, so it was lovely to see the local shops all lit up with Christmas lights, and the area had a wonderfully festive feel with decorations everywhere. Our room was clean and well-equipped with great amenities to start the day. The front desk staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful during check-in, offering parking tips and pointing out nearby places to visit, including restaurants and shops. While the pool looked inviting, we didn’t have time to use it since we were only staying for one night. The property is well-maintained, and I’d definitely stay here again!

Pros: cleanish, although bathroom had faint Clorox and urine smell, great location in Montecito where others charge much more; close to Pavilions /Safeway grocery store; have real glasses and cups, great comfortable beds. Cons: close to loud bar, rooms slightly mildewy smelling, old property, furnishing from the Nixon administration, can’t change rooms once booked. Rooms are extremely small, carpet dirty, windows very old, drapes very old and dated, bathroom very small, shower pressure slow to medium. Rooms overlooking pool have slight ocean view but are never available. Charges parking fees, but off street parking is available.