The Upham Hotel

The grounds are lovely, with lots of outdoor spots to hang out, and all the staff we met were great. They helped us choose rooms so our group could stay close together. We booked two adjoining cottages, both comfortable and spacious, in this charming historic hotel. It's an easy walk to shops and restaurants, and the price was very reasonable for Santa Barbara. The heating in the two-bedroom cottage was uneven: one room got very hot when switched on, while the other wasn't working. They brought us a space heater. There's coffee and pastries in the morning, and plenty of nearby options if you want a fuller breakfast, including a great food hall a couple of blocks away. Parking in the tight lot wasn't always available, but there was lots of street parking nearby. Just watch the street-cleaning signs.

The gardens were lovely and relaxing, and the lobby felt just as welcoming and comfortable. Our rooms had a cozy, charming feel and were excellent. We really enjoyed our time here. The location worked perfectly for us since nearly everything we wanted to visit was within walking distance.

Service is what makes The Upham stand out. During the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, I needed a place to spend several nights that weren't consecutive. The staff were great on those visits, and on the days between they let me hang out with my laptop and change into my red carpet clothes for evening events. When a filmmaker canceled at the last minute, they cheerfully reversed the charge. They didn't have to do that, but they went out of their way for me. I've stayed here off and on for almost thirty years, and it remains a wonderful, homey, gorgeous, humble place. Truly a pleasure, and we recommend it highly.

The hallway smelled awful, and I couldn't wait to leave. This so-called 4-star hotel felt more low-rent than four-star. My first room was spacious but run down and ugly, and the toilet was clogged. The receptionist expected me to unclog it myself. I had to refuse three times before they moved me, and the replacement room was smaller but just as ugly.