Lemon Tree Inn

The pool is the best part, and the service was impeccable. The restaurant and bar were fine, but the rooms felt worn and outdated. If you can, get a ground-floor room for easier pool access. There are plenty of other nice places to stay in SB.

The rooms were very clean, and some have balconies overlooking the pool while others offer more privacy. I have only good things to say about the stay and the service. The attached restaurant was an 8.2/10. I'd recommend the filet mingion with mac and cheese, and the desserts were all delicious. If you need a place in Santa Barbara, I'd recommend the Lemon Tree.

The rooms are big and have patios where you can enjoy the greenery. Breakfast isn't included, though. The landscaping is outstanding, and the location in a quiet neighborhood is good. The shower setup is odd and leaks even when you try to prevent it. My room needs fresh paint, and the door frame is rusty from water exposure.

There was noticeable wall damage in the room, a few small holes in the curtain, and only mediocre shower pressure. Checkout was the worst part. At 10:59, housekeeping knocked to ask when we were leaving. I said I'd been told noon checkout was okay, but we'd hurry. They asked how long, and I said 15-20 minutes. They came back at 11:12, then at 11:16 someone called to tell us sternly that we were late. As I carried our bags out, two housekeepers were waiting right outside the door. One held up a phone with a translator app to ask when we'd leave. I felt bad for keeping them waiting, so when we left at 11:25 I went to apologize at the office. The front desk gentleman said the staff shouldn't have done that and confirmed noon was fine. I won't stay there again.