Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

We were delighted to find the grounds and rooms even nicer than they looked when we booked. The charming design and inviting decor are well cared for, and the place feels more like a boutique beachfront hotel than the standard hotel we expected. Brendan at the front desk was incredibly welcoming. He upgraded us at no charge to a nice ocean-view suite with a fireplace, gave us a bottle of wine as a welcome gift, and shared nearby recommendations. He even came outside to help carry our bags up the stairs. You don’t often get this level of service, even at many 5 diamond properties. It’s an affordable, beautiful place with plenty of charm, basically right across from the beach in Santa Barbara. Highly recommend!

It’s a great location, just across the street from East beach. We walked along the beach for about 20 minutes to Stearns Wharf and State Street. The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Check-in was awesome: Jason made fresh chocolate chip cookies, and we had a champagne toast. You can text reception, and they’re quick to help with whatever you need. We’d definitely stay here again.

The location is a plus: walk past the hotel on the other corner, cross the street, and the beach is right there. Check-in was easy and the front desk was very helpful. They text each day to ask if you want service, and there’s also a door sign for requesting room cleaning. On our first day back from a walk, a cleaner asked if we wanted the room cleaned, and we said no. But the next day, when we returned around 11:30ish, the door was wide open and the room was being cleaned anyway. It felt a little iffy, though we just cleaned our belongings after she left. I also asked if they recycle water bottles, but she didn’t seem to understand. I’ll chalk it up to a miscommunication around whether guests wanted service. The parking lot is tiny and tight, and two giant Caltrans trucks were parked there throughout our trip, making it really tight to drive out past them. We didn’t use the pool, so I can’t comment on it. The mattresses definitely need updating, as others have mentioned. The middle slopes down, while the foot area stays firm and high.

The best part may be the location: right across the street from the beach, with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. We definitely got our steps in. Blue Sands Inn is a charming, well-priced hotel, and I hope to return before long. The property was adorable and quiet, with clean, neat registration and common areas and a clean pool area. Our room had a relaxed, quaint feel, bright but soothing, and was cozy with enough space. It came with a full kitchen and an updated, clean bathroom. The bed was comfortable, and the bedding was soft, clean, and warm. Check-in was quick and easy. Coffee and tea were available all day in that room, the decor was very cute, and the attendant was courteous. The pool was small, but space is limited throughout SB, and there was still enough room for plenty of people to enjoy it. I’d highly recommend Blue Sands for its charm, good location, and reasonable price.