Marina Beach Motel

The location was amazing, right across from the beach. The rooms were so nice and clean, I usually bring my own sheets and pillows when traveling but didn’t feel the need because everything was so clean. The staff was so friendly and kind!

The location was superb. The staff was fantastic. Every detail was top scale. The room was on the small side because it was a standard King room, BUT it had everything we needed. A nice bathroom with storage for our things. A closet for our things. Built in drawers for storage. Room for everything. A nice desk and a large TV. Seating. A small fridge and separate freezer. Microwave. Coffee maker. No noise from anywhere. A/C and an overhead fan. All with a beautiful design. But the best part was the nice cool casual Santa Barbara vibe this place gives off. Breakfast was a simple thing, but beyond the usual continental breakfast thing. Choices of coffees and teas, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, yogurts, hot and cold cereals, pastries, bagels. People from all over the world enjoying breakfast together. And the same went in the center yard area, where people were enjoying lunch or dinner, and reading books, and sitting around talking with one another. People taking bikes out to the beach. And nothing but a happy greeting from any of them. It was peaceful, fun, and family friendly. But mostly friendly in general. Such a good experience.

That we did not have longer to stay.

Location couldn’t be better. With the free bikes they provide, you’re just a couple min ride to state street or less than half a block walking to the beach/harbor. Check in was smooth and quick. Every time I went into the reception, there was a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies which was a fun touch. The rooms are small but well laid out and designed. Bed is super comfortable but VERY soft, so if you aren’t a fan of extremely soft beds, this might not be the bed for you. I loved it but I know some who wouldn’t. Room was super clean, nice sized bathroom and huge walk in shower. The little lawn in the middle of the property with lounge chairs was really nice to enjoy during a sunny afternoon. Would definitely stay here again.

Loud AC.

The location is perfect for walking to the pier & downtown attractions. The motel has been given a makeover - our room was very fresh with attention paid to nice upgrades like a microwave, very quiet refrigerator, & a heated bathroom mirror. The bed was very comfortable. The free continental breakfast was very convenient. The price was very good compared to nearby properties. And parking is free.

The walls are paper thin. We had a family next door that made a lot of noise - barking dog, loud teenager on the phone, and family commotion at 3 a.m. If you have the right neighbors it's not a problem, but unfortunately we didn't.

Good location a block from the beach - easy walk to the pier and the funk zone. The 2 gals at the front desk were very courteous and helpful. Continental breakfast was simple but sufficient. The fresh pastries were awesome, and I liked the fact that they kept restocking juice/pastries - attention to detail by the front desk.

Had some issue with slow drain in both bathroom and kitchen sinks. Only stayed one night, but when I checked-out I let the front desk know and thanked me and said they would get it fixed.

Cute boutique-like literally 500 ft from beach and marina area. Doable walking distance for the able body to Sterns Wharf, marina, State St and those shops, eateries, wine tasting, etc. Very clean. Free bikes and a pedal surrey. Typical motel continental breakfast was presented clean and nicely. After our first night of three, I asked to change from king room to one with two beds, due to my husband’s moving around while sleeping that keeps me awake. We have a split king at home to avoid that. Staff at first said they could not modify because I went through 3rd party (Booking). As I sat outside on their adorable patio to ATTEMPT to contact Booking.com as staff instructed, front desk gal came out and said her manager gave approval to make the switch! Our luck continued, as the new room with 2 queens was next door! Making the move easy. I was so very thankful they made that happen!

As you will see in other reviews, people speak of ants in the rooms. We really saw them the first night in original room. I heard one traveler leaving tell front desk about them. Second room had very few. They were very small ones. Not like one might see in or around your home.

Wonderful staff! Room was a good size. Kitchenette had everything I needed. Shower was amazing - the water pressure and having two shower heads was fantastic! King bed was huge and lots of pillows. Plenty drawers and a full length mirror available. Bikes available for free to take to beach. Towels for the beach also available. Breakfast had all the basics, definitely enough to satisfy! Love that there was space to eat outside. Walking distance to beach (about 5 minutes at a calm pace).

Parking was super tight, fine for a mid-size or compact car - but definitely way too difficult for a truck. Only 1 spot for handicapped parking which makes little sense since it can be quite far depending where the room is. Kitchenette had ants on arrival and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of them fast enough - they were all over the plates and utensils which is unpleasant. Any food left outside was hit hard by the ants - had to throw a few things away. There should be regular sprayings on the property to control this. The freezer didn't freeze anything, and our ice cream melted - such a bummer! The mattress was awful, I was disappointed to feel all the coils in the bed. Pretty sure the pastries at breakfast were not fresh each morning, some were pretty stale.

I absolutely LOVED the location. It also was a very charming motel. I appreciated the attention to detail from the customer service experience with first checking in to the morning breakfast. Everything was so clean and so nice. I will most definitely be back soon :)

I didn't like that the TV remote was hard to use as when you pressed the buttons it just didn't respond very well. I didn't come to watch tv, but I think having a remote that works easily, would be helpful for guests. Other than that, absolutely loved everything!

Very well-maintained, lovely motel near the main coastal avenue and in walking distance to the center of Santa Barbara. Rooms are freshly renovated and bathrooms are updated, beds are comfortable, so everything is great and cozy. The staff at the reception is very friendly and helpful, e.g., we could rent bikes for free to explore the area, which was fantastic. Complimentary coffee and cookies were offered throughout the whole day, good breakfast in the morning was included. We would stay there again.

Nothing that would cross my mind, except maybe the pricing, but Santa Barbara is generally very expensive.

Beautiful property one block from the beach and a short walk to the pier and many nice restaurants. The room was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast was good and there were chairs and lounges to relax in a small garden area inside the circular driveway.

Walls were thin and could easily hear conversations from adjacent rooms - not good for light sleepers. Only a couple tables for breakfast outside, so we only got to eat outside one of three attempts. However, these small inconveniences didn't take away from a very nice overall experience.