Lavender Inn by the Sea

The grounds were comfortable and well kept, and the staff were mostly good. We could walk to the harbor and a few nearby restaurants; State Street felt a little far on foot, though it's a quick drive. Our room was fine and had what we needed, but looked dated. They fixed a bathroom maintenance issue right away, and breakfast was average but a nice extra. I booked by phone and didn't get the rooms we'd asked for. I suppose I could have confirmed beforehand, but I don't think I should have had to. They said they were booked, so there was no way to fix it. I'd maybe return, with lower expectations. It was a decent stay for a three-star place, not a great one.

We enjoyed our stay a lot. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the continental breakfast was better than what many similar hotels offer. There was wine and cheese in the evening, too. It's a cute little boutique hotel, an easy walk from the coast, the boardwalk, and the State Street shops. Our room was clean and comfortable.

We had a roomy corner suite for my boyfriend's birthday, and it was very clean, though dated. I thought the older look added to the charm. When we arrived, there was a complimentary bottle of champagne chilling for us. The pool was clean, with plenty of seating nearby and in the courtyards. Lavender Inn is a quaint bed and breakfast a few blocks from the beach and State Street. In the evening they put out wine, crackers, and cheese for happy hour. Breakfast was included too, with options like pastries, oatmeal, quiche, bagels, and coffee. I live in Southern California and visit Santa Barbara often. I'd definitely come back and recommend the Inn.

The room had a tiny bathroom, but two people could manage for a night or two. The busy street didn't keep us from sleeping, and the price felt good for Santa Barbara. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool was nice, though more shade would help. Between the parking lot and rooms there's a clean little garden with lots of seating, and there was a decent continental breakfast plus crackers and cheese in the evening, all included. It's in the West Beach area, about a five-minute walk to the harbor and ten minutes to Stearns Wharf and the train station. We'd return for a couple of nights.