Hotel Mision Santa Barbara

The garden areas are lovely, with plenty of communal tables and benches for sitting outside in the evenings, and I liked the location. The rooms feel a bit tired, with padlocks on the doors, no AC, and just a room fan. Staff were welcoming and friendly, though breakfast service could've been better. Breakfast was eggs, a small area, and a glass of juice.

I had a really pleasant stay. The reception staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel made a good base for exploring this beautiful town. It’s on a quiet side street, a short walk from the main square, the church, and lots of bars and restaurants. The courtyard is pretty, with seating around the rooms, and the dining area off it serves a good breakfast, including eggs cooked to order, fruit, and cereals. There’s also a small gym with a few machines. The pool was a nice place to relax in the sun, with loungers, chairs, and tables. My room was large and well equipped, with comfortable beds, aircon, and a couple of good fans. The bathroom was small but adequate, with fresh towels and toiletries each day. I also liked the wooden shutters that open to the outside.

The owners were very accommodating, and we’d absolutely stay again. Our room slept four and cost $81/night. It’s an old hotel, about 200 years old and remodeled in the 80s, so keep that in mind. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the center, and one of the few hotels with secure parking for our Jeep.

I planned on staying for a couple of days and ended up there for a week. That says enough. It’s a hacienda style hotel that felt like stepping back in time, with a relaxed vibe and super friendly people from the owner to the staff. You can walk a short way to valley views in one direction and the plaza in the other.