The Sandman Inn

I booked this at the last minute while passing through Santa Barbara. It was affordable, CLEAN, and came with FREE breakfast. I didn’t use the pool. To me, it’s a place to crash, not a vacation spot. It’s at the end of State St., where all the action is, but the main hot spots still take a short drive or a $15 Uber. For late-night happy hour meals and drink specials, try Arch Rock Mon-Sat, then head to James Joyce's Pub.

At night, noisy cars park with their headlights shining into the room. The hook on the back of our bathroom door was falling off and tearing a hole in it. After checkout, while we were waiting for our taxi, hotel staff wouldn’t even let our 3-year-old use their toilet. We had to cross the busy State St to use one at a restaurant.

They charged my card for a huge bedroom mirror without even asking us, then stuck to the housekeeper's report that it was missing. There was no mirror in our room at all. We asked them to check security footage or find some other way to show we hadn't taken it, but they wouldn't. We were treated like thieves over something we'd never even seen. Avoid staying here unless you want to pay extra for their refurnishing.

We had a great room, plenty of parking, and the best breakfast of our whole vacation at any hotel. The pool was nice too, and the staff were really helpful when we needed restaurant and sports bar suggestions. Very nice inn.