La Playa Inn Santa Barbara

The villa was in a perfect location for us, very near a host of bars and restaurents and well within walking distance of State Street - the main street of the city. Our 2nd room was large, airy and perfectly clean.

Our initial room had a leak in the bathroom. I brought it to the notice of the reception staff who sent the handyman to investigate. He established it was leaking from the toilet. I requested another room and we were allocated the room next door. It had not been cleaned so we went for lunch and were told that the staff would move our luggage to the new room. When we returned from lunch the room was ready but the staff had not moved out luggage.

La Playa .....has proven itself to be the MVP of Santa Barbara's coastal players! Having just stayed the night at this beachside "Funk Zone" nirvana, I can attest that Santa Barbara is expensive as heck ---- simply because it can be! Positioned just steps away from the harbor, this Mediterranean inspired enclave is the ONLY place that I'll "pitch a tent when braving the trek into town! Perched directly next to Avania, Lavender Inn, and Brisas as well, bearing in mind that I've stayed at each of the above, I can fervently attest to La Playa having fully perfected their craft. Traveling from some 1,200+ miles away,......while originally a Southern Californian, myself, it truly makes my day amd warm my heart when hotel personnel actually take the initiative to read, review, and adhere to the "special requests" of guests to be. Our top floor corner room was something directly out of Elle Magazine! From the fridge, to the rainfall shower head, to the plush bedding and spectacular views - if Heaven can outdo this place, then I might have to rush my departure (...joking) and in addition to comping a bottle of vino for gratis, customer service was so spot on that I honestly wanted to recruit the staff and reposition them onto my payroll! Aghhh. Now, if only their neighbors could take a lesson from their play book!

A paltry request would be the introduction of a nightly wine and cheese hour and a few more items to grace their morning continental breakfast. *** Man wasn't intended to survive on bagels and muffins alone! Toss some cheese, protein, and olives in there! It's Wine Country for crying out loud! :-) Thanks again, all!

We loved our stay here. All staff members were exceptionally friendly. The rooms were spotless, roomy, and chic, and the common areas were also very nice. We actually had a car revving its engine right outside of our door for some unknown reason, and once our door was closed, we couldn't hear them at all. On top of the comfortable digs, the location was very close to all of our favorite destinations in the city.

We would like a pool, but that would not prevent us from coming back to this wonderful inn. We were a block from the beach, which totally makes up for it.

The location is wonderful. Within walking distance to the pier and the beach and all the fun things you come to Santa Barbara for. The rooms are spacious, seem recently remodeled. The showers are nice and big with plenty of hot water. The beds are very comfortable and the rooms come with nice amenities such as a coffee maker with coffee and tea. There is fruit and yogurt available at all times in the lobby. There’s an elevator in the lobby to help you get your luggage up to the second and third floors. Parking is free for one car and they ask for the make and model and give you a placard to put in it. ya

We were given a room next to another property under-going construction and there was a tremendous amount of noise. When we requested a room change, there was some resistance because “the noise only occurs during the day” and were we going to be in room during the day? Well, yes, yes, we were… While they provide a luggage cart for bags, there are Saltillo pavers on the landings on the second and third floors which are quite bumpy and loud, so if you arrive late at night it might be quite uncomfortable dragging the cart to your room worrying about disturbing other guests…

It was in a very central location & I could take a nice walk to parks, beaches, restaurants, cafes, State street, etc. The hotel itself was very beautiful with great views from the top. It was very clean and well designed. The beds were super comfy, lots of room in the shower, pretty good size secure safe, the patio was beautiful & really enjoyed having breakfast out there in the AM. Jennifer, Max and the older gentleman I think is the manger (I forgot his name) were wonderful! They were very friendly and welcoming. They also were very accommodating.

Great location - close to everything, but in a quiet area. The inn looks like a new or recently renovated property, everything is neat and tidy, and all fixtures looked new as well. Our room was comfortable and quite spacious, with all the amenities.

It is not a big deal, but I would suggest adding make-up mirror to the bathroom because the wall mirror is a bit too far, and the mirror in the hall doesn’t have a good lighting for doing make up. Also the receptionist forgot to inform us about breakfast option in the lobby area.

I can't say enough good things about this hotel. All members of the staff (office and service) were extremely friendly, professional, and helpful. The outdoor terrace near the office was an amazing place to sit and have coffee, along with the complimentary continental breakfast, and the second floor outdoor seating area was a great place to hang out and relax in the always perfect Santa Barbara weather. We greatly admired the tasteful decor, and the proximity to the beach, the Funk Zone, and other oceanside restaurants and bars is exceptional.

Really, nothing. Our air conditioner made some clunking sounds from time to time when running, but we really didn't need the air conditioner. Rather, we opted to open the windows and enjoy the outside air.

After I reserved my room I had to call the hotel to request a change in the reservation (from two queen beds to one king size bed) and they were quite accommodating. I also asked for a quiet room and was given a fantastic room. The room (#309) was on the third floor and in the corner so I got extra windows. The room was extremely clean and beautiful. The windows OPEN which is something rare in hotels but it was lovely to get some fresh air especially since we were about a block and a half from the beach. You can park your car but I took the train to Santa Barbara and was able to walk from the train station to the hotel and to restaurants, shops and the spa (Float off of State Street). The staff at the hotel was lovely and always helpful and kind (THANK YOU!). There is a coffee machine and a mini fridge in the room so I was able to enjoy quiet mornings. The hotel also provided waters and yogurts (outside of breakfast time) and I stored the yogurt in my room for breakfast the next day. If you are looking at getting away this hotel is lovely, clean (super clean) and easy to get to. I would definitely recommend and would love to go back.

I didn't like that I had to go back to reality. In all seriousness, there isn't anything I didn't like. It was THAT good of an experience.

Quiet east end location, very walkable, across street from City College. Rooms great, very pretty building and courtyard. Staff friendly and accommodating, we arrived very early and asked if early ck in was possible and it was. Complimentary breakfast food appreciated and good variety and quality.

COFFEE however could've GREATLY improved - from the in room coffee maker and coffee to what was available in lobby - weak and not worth drinking. How about Nespresso for the room rate charged!? We stayed on a busy holiday weekend and paid a premium price. But would go back again at less busy time of year.

Where do I start! La Playa Inn is a small but elegant hotel that is 5 minutes away from the harbor. I loved how the staff was so friendly and willing to give recommendations on things to do in Santa Barbara. It does not stop there. The room was comfortable and clean and the continental breakfast was good too. I will definitely be staying at La Playa Inn Santa Barbara when we come through again.

Not one single dislike about La Playa Inn!