Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

I expected basic safety, cleanliness, and a working property, but this visit left a bad mark on my UCSB Dad trip. The room itself had a broken blackout shade, letting the pool light shine in all night. It wasn’t cleaned the next day. Staff said housekeeping comes every other day, while a bathroom sign says rooms are cleaned daily, which was frustrating. The problems started at check-in on Friday, when the computers were down and delayed our arrival. That night, the elevator malfunctioned and trapped me inside. A handwritten sign even told guests to “wiggle the door” to get it shut. Later the elevator stayed broken, so my son and I had to haul our gear up and down the stairs repeatedly to a room far from the lobby. Then my key card stopped working for no reason, sending me downstairs again to replace it. That was the last straw. I asked to leave early and cancel the second night, but the staff wouldn’t work with me. It felt like the property wasn’t being maintained, and I won’t return.

The rooms are quiet and spacious, and the staff have all been friendly. The other amenities are passable, neither particularly good nor bad, and the room has a working shower, toilet, and single sink. It’s also pretty bare. For a stay of several days, the lack of storage is a serious shortcoming for the price: no drawers, closet, or even a suitcase rack. There’s a couch and desk, but using those for luggage means your clothes aren’t on furniture, so they’d end up on the floor or draped over lampshades. The window looks straight into another room, too, so remember to get dressed before leaving the bathroom in case the other person enjoys the view. No smart TVs either, which is the first time I’ve seen that in at least five years of traveling. No Netflix or Paramount+. For somewhere to sleep after a long day, it’ll do in a pinch, but that’s about it.

The employees were sweet, and the coffee was good, but the room was awful. It reeked of mildew and smoke, and the old-fashioned AC left the carpet wet and filthy. There was white stuff staining the furniture and carpet, and the walls, lamps, doors, and everything else were filthy. We skipped breakfast because there were too many dogs in the food and seating area. It felt like a dog park. We won’t return, and this place needs serious remodeling.

The room was very clean, and I was welcomed when I arrived. Ana also texted to check that my room was okay.