Hotel Californian 36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

"While Hotel Californian is a well-maintained, beautifully-appointed luxury resort in the heart of the funk zone, we've found after many visits to SB that there are better options worthy of consideration. If you're seeking classic luxury, this might be just right. But if you're seeking something a bit more modern and less stuffy, keep looking."

"Overall the vibe and location of Hotel Californian is good. It is centrally located in the fabulous Funk Zone and super close to the pier and ocean bike path. Once I realized our room did not have a bath tub, Amber nicely upgraded us to a room with a fireplace and tub. Unfortunately, this room was above the service door area to the hotel and restaurant. The first morning around 8:30am we heard a truck outside with the engine on and there was a really noxious smell. I called down to the desk and Amber sent someone over to check it out. It turns out they were cleaning the grease traps which apparently does not happen often. I guess our timing was bad. I gotta tell you the smell was bad even in the lobby downstairs and outside on the street! The next morning at 5:55am we were woken to another truck with the engine running continually for over 1/2 hr. I called the front desk again and was told there is nothing they can do as it was a delivery for Finnegan’s the restaurant on the first floor of the building. We discussed the noise with Amber and she suggested that we book next time in the main area building as it is much quieter. Amber was lovely, tried to be helpful and listened well, but really!! If it was not busy, why not upgrade us to a nice quiet location in the hotel! We received one measly bar of soap our entire stay. Amenities in general were skimpy. They have a very limited supply of bikes and apparently all are in need of maintenance. One of the seats would not go down all the way. The other bike only had one gear working. For a supreme biking area this does not seem ideal. I also realize that this is winter time, but seriously make the hotel look inviting. Lights and warmth in the bar area. PUT the cushions out on the furniture in the court yard and on the roof top area which has a wonderfully beautiful vista view of Santa Barbara. It literally barely drizzled one day and the other days it was beautiful out so there is no excuse not to have cushions out. Remember this is vacation time for your guests even if it is not your busy season!! Given the prices charged, cool decor and vibe of this hotel, it seems like they could do much better."

"I was charged twice for my hotel stay. According to the hotel it has been reversed. My bank shows no reversal. Both my bank and I have tried to reach the billing department for over a month. No one answers. No one calls back. It’s beyond ridiculous at this point. I’m out thousands with absolutely no accountability and a completely incompetent staff. I went looking at wedding venues. Absolutely no freaking way. Don’t waste your time."

"This property is advertised as 5 star and charges prices to match. Our experience was average at best. We are well traveled. The customer service was lacking and while friendly, did not feel personal or professional. Too laid back and unattentive for the cost of this hotel relative to others in the area. There was nothing that felt special about our stay. We stayed in the main building and so had to walk across State street to use the pool. The pool and hot tub area were littered with trash and not picked up regularly. There was a strong sewage smell our entire stay, which may be out of their control, but certainly is not disclosed. Delayed response (the next day) in cleaning up pool area after we brought it to their attention. When we booked, we had messaged with staff who had planned a special surprise for my spouse in our room upon check-in. They forgot this and so we had to call down for it. No water bottles were in our room upon check-in. No one greeted us as we entered or exited the hotel, or asked how our stay was going and if we needed anything. In-room dining closes at 8pm and their restaurants have limited hours other than the Goat tree. The only positive for us was the proximity to the ocean and to the Funk Zone. We would not stay here again."

"Attended the Sunday sessions rooftop party with friends. Drinks were nice and the rooftop bar and fireplace were excellent. The rooftop event space overlooks the city and the sea! I would like to add that your staff member Robbie Walker was an amazing attendant, who showed us around and made us feel so comfortable. We were invited by her, and she made the entire night feel like a dream! We will def7be returning."