La Quinta Inn Suites Santa Barbara Downtown

There were only about 10 parking spaces for the whole hotel, so we had to park on the street in a 15-minute zone from 8am to 6pm. We had to get up early and move the car farther down the block. I wouldn't stay here if you want a relaxing trip. I'm sure there are better places. The building was kind of dirty. The bathroom doors were see-through glass, with no knob or lock, and slid open after you closed them. Rooms weren't cleaned unless we asked. The “complimentary breakfast” was a Capri Sun, applesauce, and a squashed store-bought pastry in a brown paper bag. The heater/AC was so loud it was almost impossible to sleep with it running. Since we couldn't sleep with the heater on, we asked for an extra blanket and were given just a sheet.

The kids were thrilled to swim in the heated pool in January. Breakfast was a nice treat, with self-serve waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, cereals, pastries, toast, bagels, yogurt, juices, coffee, and tea. The hotel is also an easy walk from a large kid-friendly park, restaurants, and a movie theater. We had a wonderful stay. It was very clean and family-friendly, the employees were friendly, and our room seemed to have updated modern decor. We'll stay here again on our next Santa Barbara visit and recommend it to friends.

The room was spacious and clean, with a large, well-stocked bathroom. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was excellent. I also wanted to mention that my mom accidentally left a very special necklace in the room. She contacted the hotel, and housekeeping had turned it in. They mailed it to her home!

The free breakfast was better than I expected, even if it wasn't anything special. The hotel is clean and partly renovated, but the building still feels like its 70s design. We could hear the TV in the room next door, and the pillows weren't comfortable. Next time, we'll try somewhere closer to the busier parts of State Street.