I will fondly remember my stay here! Our room with a partial ocean view was idyllic! Hubby had stayed here for his job a few years ago and recommended we come back here together. So, I booked a room and let them know we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. We arrived early, so I went to see about checking in. The lady was friendly and helpful. She read my note on the reservation and congratulated me on our anniversary. First time ever, I was offered a celebratory bottle of wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic sparkling cider. I chose the apple juice which was a bottle of Martinelli's. It was probably the least expensive option, but it suited us well. Thank you for helping us celebrate our 39th Anniversary! We were assigned a room with a partial view of the harbor and full view of the swimming pool. The room was in the West Wing which is the building right across from the lobby. We paid $287.10+$40.19Tx=$327.29 for Sat. Jan 17 and $256.50+$35.91Tx=$292.41 for Sun. the 18th, totaling: $619.70 (AAA Rate) for our stay plus $32 per day to park our car. The room was spacious and lovely! We had 2 robes in the closet and the toiletries from L'Occitane were in the bathroom. There was a Keurig, Mini-Fridge, & Safe in our room. The bed was very comfortable. Oh, and there's a ceiling fan! Yay!! I liked that the room had a bathtub & sink vanity in one room with the shower & toilet separated by a pocket door. Our room had a somewhat larger balcony that included 2 chairs with a table, and one sun lounger (like the ones you lay on at the pool). The patio door to the balcony had both curtains & shutters. The room was quiet, I couldn't hear any noises from outside or other rooms. It almost didn't feel like a hotel room! We had a few hiccups which were unforeseeable. The bathtub stopper got stuck with the tub full of water. We decided we'd call the front desk in the morning. In the morning, we decided to turn the TV on, but the remote wouldn't work because the batteries died. When we informed the front desk, they said they'd send maintenance to our room. They were very helpful and apologetic. This Inn is within walking distance of Stearn's Wharf, the beach, and perhaps downtown Santa Barbara. It was a little trek walking to the State Street Promenade in Old Town S.B., but we did it! IF it's too much for you, there is a free shuttle you can take up & down State Street. At one point, we tried to wait for one and none came by, so we powered on back to our hotel by our own volition. I could have stayed a week here since it was so relaxing! I would not hesitate to book another room in the future! read more

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1 Star Review Very disappointing experience at Harbor View Inn. We arrived around 12:30 PM for check-in and noticed multiple other guests receiving room keys while staff clearly knew we were there with 3 young children. We were told our room was "not ready yet," so we decided to go get lunch and walk around the harbor to give them extra time. We returned around 3 PM and our room was STILL not ready. We finally got checked in at 3:54 PM -- literally 6 minutes before the guaranteed check-in time. Meanwhile, other guests continued getting checked in before us. There was absolutely no urgency, professionalism, or consideration shown toward parents traveling with small children. Management seemed completely clueless and unprofessional throughout the entire stay. To make matters worse, during checkout the front desk assistant even gave us the wrong daily rate, so make sure you carefully review your final bill because they will overcharge you if you're not paying attention. No apology, no compensation, and rude behavior from staff the entire time. Definitely not the level of service you would expect from a hotel like this. read more

We stayed here for our wedding anniversary and it was great! The location is right across the street from the beach and within walking distance of the funk zone. When we checked in we were met with a very nice attendant who goes to one of the local high schools and he gave us some great recommendations for the area. The front desk staff was very friendly and offered us a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic sparkling cider upon check in since we were celebrating. We booked online for four nights and paid at booking and it was pretty reasonably priced for being a hotel in Santa Barbara AND right across from the beach. There is onsite parking that's $32 per night, which is worth it seeing as the other options are to pay hourly or move your car all the time to avoid a parking ticket. We will definitely stay here again some time! read more

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Stayed at Harbor View Inn and left pretty disappointed. We were told at 12:30 PM that our room was being prepared and that staff knew we were on property, but we never received any updates and kept getting different answers when we checked back. At 4:00 PM, we still had to wait in line like everyone else. The room we were given had zero privacy (ground floor next to pool and gym, constant noise and foot traffic). When we asked to switch rooms, the front desk (Jason Jarique) refused to help and told us to write a review if we weren't happy. The only option offered was a paid upgrade--which we agreed to--only to be placed in a handicap room without being told. At one point we even asked to cancel and were told we could, but would still be charged in full. The biggest issue wasn't the room--it was the lack of effort and care from staff. Really disappointing experience overall. Definitely not worth $450.00+ per night to be treated like crap read more

Provided covered parking, beautifully finished huge room, beach front, for $200 bucks per night? Hell yes. We did stay in the offset building but it was newly remodeled and had garage parking. Tremendously safe. We have 2 kids and our room was more than enough size. They even had the pack and play setup upon arrival. Beds are very comfortable, pillows are actually full and don't sink to the bed in 2 minutes. The bathrooms are very nice. Sliding door for the front, sliding door for the toilet, and 2 sprayers in the shower?? LUXURY. This hotel is in walking distance to everything. The wharf, the skatepark, the ice cream shop, several nice restaurants, lunch, dinner, everything. The funk zone is maybe a 4 minute walk and you have access to everything you could ask for. We live in San Diego, in the burbs, in a $1m+ house, but I would move here in a heartbeat. This is the place to be, the funky place. read more

Harbor View Inn - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Nice hotel but I can't understand why such a nice place has no bar or restaurant. Fortunately there are Establishments in walking distance but unfortunately we were there in rainy and windy weather. read more

Racist front desk attendants. I came to Santa Barbara for a few days to celebrate my birthday. Upon check in, I inquired on upgrading my room to an oceanfront double queen. I was initially told by Daisy that there was a room available, but her boss overrides the request stating that there wasn't one available. I then go onto their website and low and behold there was a room available matching my request. I then go in and show the manager and he checks with some department and comes out stating they are able to have the room taken off of hold so I can upgrade. While I was waiting to hear if I can upgrade, a white couple came in and stated that they were celebrating a birthday. Daisy offered them a complementary wine or n/a beverage, but she also knew that I was celebrating my birthday and did not offer. I would not recommend this hotel. read more

We paid 360$ for one night here based on the website 4 stars and then 35$ for parking that's ridiculous. The room is far from the pool and they didn't provide any breakfast for guests. With the money we would rather go somewhere than HarborView here. The room is old and I'm so disappointed with this place. Never come here again. read more

Very clean rooms, nice staff and priced great for being so close the to beach! Will definitely stay here again.

My first vacation in 12 years and this place was recommended from my travel agent. Great location, comfortable and attractive room and service was excellent. Upon arrival, I was advised where to park for check-in, given plenty of information at the front desk and advised who to contact should I have any questions. Plenty of recommendations on what to do and where to eat. All staff were helpful and friendly including the cleaning staff. Parking is $32 per night, so my research that said it was $25 was a bit off. That being said there was plenty of spots and self-parking made in/out very easy. Room had a great view. Overlooked the pool area which due to the families staying there was a bit loud at times, but never during late or early morning hours. I enjoyed my stay and would do so again should I return to Santa Barbara. read more

Harbor View Inn - My view - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Harbor View Inn is amazing in so many ways! First, the staff are super friendly and helpful. Secondly, the place is enchanting with its landscaping and architecture, plus being across from the beach! The pool is perfect and secluded. The rooms are large, comfortable and clean. We just completed our second stay here and there is no other place than Harbor View Inn! We watched the fireworks from our room and it was magical!!! Thank you Harbor View Inn for your hospitality and beauty! Will be back next year for another visit. Can't wait!!!! read more

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I cannot say enough wonderful things about this truly fabulous hotel. It has quite literally everything you would want or need and the location is absolutely perfect. Our partial ocean view room with patio was darling and spacious, and most importantly, incredibly clean. I can't wait to come back!!! read more

Sharing this based on my mother's direct experience during my wedding weekend. She made a reservation in Aug 2025 for an Oct 2025 stay. In Sept 2025, she called the hotel and was told no reservation existed, so she made a second booking in good faith. Upon arrival, staff stated there were two reservations, yet refused to properly acknowledge this as their error or system failure. She clearly explained the timeline and relied on the hotel to correct what was evidently a duplicate booking caused by their process breakdown. Staff declined to escalate the issue, would not involve anyone with authority, and provided an email contact that bounced back repeatedly. She was ultimately charged twice. Even after she demonstrated the duplicate charges, the hotel refused to correct it, refund it, or apologize. She had to dispute the charge through her credit card company to resolve it. The property may be visually appealing, but the service failure, lack of accountability, and refusal to resolve a documented billing error make this unacceptable. Cannot recommend. read more

You honestly can't ask for a better location. View directly across from the boardwalk, pier, and ocean. The room was very modern lots of space with two beds, nice balcony, room with a large bathroom. The service was nice at check in with a new staff member being trained. Check out is typically at 12:00, however they were able to accommodate a 1:00 check out to match with flight times. Parking was $32.00 per day self park. Food tips: If you are looking for a great breakfast stop, try Jeannie's next door you won't be disappointed. read more

We stayed here once 3-4 years ago and had an amazing stay. It is in a fabulous location, right by the wharf and State Street. Last time, it was a beautiful day; we hung out by the pool, the pool bar was open, and we had a great time. We finally had the chance to stay here again. We splurged for a room with ocean view, and 2 Queens and were looking forward to enjoying time at the pool overlooking the ocean. However, they closed the pool for maintenance the one day we were there, which was a big disappointment. I was hoping that they could try to make it up to us by at least giving us an early check-in. I arrived at 11 a.m. and waited FOUR HOURS in the lobby for the room to be ready. It wasn't ready until 3.15 p.m. Another frustrating disappointment, as we left at 8 am the next morning, so only had a couple hours of daylight to enjoy the room. On top of that, not only was the pool closed, but the entire pool area was blocked off. Parking is also very pricey at $35 a night. I might come back, but this stay left me with a sour taste in my mouth. read more

I made a reservation by phone on Friday for a Saturday stay, and I explained that we were arriving by the Starlight Amtrak around noon. The employee confirmed the reservation and said early check-in was possible. Upon arrival on Saturday, we were told the reservation had been incorrectly booked for Friday instead of Saturday, and therefore they no longer had the room type we reserved. Manager Jason Jauregui informed us that we would not receive a refund for the mistaken "no-show" and that our only option was to book a different room for a higher price and no ocean view. This was extremely disappointing, especially after traveling for my father's 75th birthday trip. The issue was caused by their staff error, yet we were the ones penalized. Very unfortunate customer service experience. read more

Horrible management and customer service. Booked an Ocean view room four months ago put down a credit card got a reservation number. Thought everything was great now two days before my hotel stay I get an email that my reservation was canceled. No phone call no email nothing just to canceled reservation and now I have to rebook the hotel however they said the room I chose has already been resold. Obviously they just canceled this because I got a lower rate and they found somebody else to sell the room to add a much higher price. I called in their front desk didn't help at all. I asked for the general manager they sent me over to what was probably the current day of front desk manager, instead, who was very rude and unhelpful. Said it was my fault that they sent me an email four months ago after I made the reservation that said the card didn't go through and that was it - yet my reservation was active all the way until today avoid at all cost until management can get their act together read more

Looking forward to my stay. However I have stayed here and enjoyed it every time. They have lots of choices for rooms some newer than others based on when I've stayed there all are well maintained all comfortable rooms. They have a newer building that I prefer to stay in because I travel by train. Even staying in the original building it's directly across from the Pier and best of all next door is my go to breakfast place, Jeannine's opens at 7:30 worth getting there early as the line can get long. If you just want to grab a lite to go breakfast they have that available too. Staying at the Harbor View is in a perfect walkable location. Plenty of parking read more

My husband Matt B. is from Santa Barbara so I've been coming up here pretty often over the last fifteen years, almost always staying at his childhood home. That home is now undergoing a long delayed renovation, and we've started paying out the nose to stay in hotels. Luxury hotels in Santa Barbara are unbelievably expensive, with nightly rates climbing well into the four-figure range. On the other side, it seems to cost at least $300 a night to get a room that's clean and not creepy. Harbor View Inn starts around there and is as nice an option as I've seen in this mid-tier category. I also applaud their restraint with hidden fees. We stayed here for two nights at the end of July, and it was pretty great. The level of service was definitely that of a low-key inn, but the check-in process was smooth and we had no problems during our visit. The only thing that stuck out at me was that the hotel was so decentralized, with clusters of rooms spread out across multiple buildings, that I never knew where to find, say, a lobby. We did need help when we accidentally locked a piece of luggage in the room on our way out (chaos of traveling with two children), and someone came to let us in minutes after we called the front desk. There are some terrible stories in the other reviews (I was curious why the rating was so low), but our experience was wholly positive. We booked last minute but got a room in the location we wanted, the Harbor View North building on State Street, in the same part of the Funk Zone as the Hotel Californian. It was super convenient, within walking distance of several things we did that weekend, with easy garage parking right by the elevator. Unfortunately, we were stuck with one of the few rooms in the building that didn't have a balcony. That extra space would've been useful, however small, when our children were in bed. Matt and I ended up drinking quietly in the dark after putting them down, looking at our phones with both kids talking to us until they finally conked out. The standard room was otherwise nice, though, with two comfortable queen beds and a crib. The bathroom was clean and pretty, though it did not have a bathtub (I guess this is the trend these days, but not ideal for babies). The decor was tasteful and interesting. We'd stayed at the Hilton a couple weeks earlier, and our room there was considerably more expensive and not as attractive, with a lot less character. We would've stayed at the Harbor View Inn that trip too, but it was booked--I guess that's the downside of a smaller hotel. Otherwise, I have no complaints about this place. It's a great hotel in a great location, at an unusually decent price point for the area. I suspect we'll be back before long. read more

UPDATE: I received a call from a supervisor stating that they will issue me a one time exemption on date correction. We gave them the date we booked and they honored it. The room was beautiful, clean, and was in a great location. read more

Such a beautiful hotel! The front desk staff and the house keeping staff were so friendly and attentive to our group. We had our wedding weekend stay here and they gave us a discount code for our guests. The views are so beautiful and it's walking distance to tons of restaurants and local bars. The grass area by the pool was also so nice to have for our group to hangout in. I highly recommend this hotel!! read more

Harbor View Inn - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Disastrous 20th Anniversary Stay - Avoid at All Costs Our history with the Harbor View Inn spans two decades, beginning with our wedding when our entire wedding party, including ourselves in the Presidential Suite, stayed here. We've returned several times over the years, holding fond memories. However, our recent 20th-anniversary visit has completely altered our perception of the hotel. Upon arrival, we were shocked to discover that the upgraded oceanfront room my husband had specifically booked for the occasion was unavailable. The staff's response to this major inconvenience was utterly unprofessional and inflexible. When we reasonably requested a refund to seek accommodation elsewhere, we were denied. This bait-and-switch tactic has left us with two equally unpalatable options: disrupt our anniversary celebration by relocating mid-stay or accept a room that is vastly inferior to what we were promised and paid for. The discrepancy between the upgrade that was booked and paid for and what was delivered is nothing short of deceptive. The management's handling of this situation has been appalling. Their lack of customer service, absence of problem-solving skills, and apparent disregard for long-time patrons is inexcusable. This experience has irreparably damaged our relationship with the Harbor View Inn. We are deeply disappointed and can state with certainty that we will never return to this hotel. Furthermore, we feel compelled to warn others about the risk of having their special occasions ruined by this establishment's unreliability and poor management. In conclusion, save yourself the headache and heartache - avoid the Harbor View Inn at all costs. There are too many lovely options in Santa Barbara that actually value their guests and honor their commitments. read more

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I will stay here anytime I go to Santa Barbara! I had a king suite with an ocean view AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The room was nice and big, the bathroom had a bathtub and shower, and the ocean view was beautiful. The best part of staying here was the front desk Reyna!! She was so nice, friendly, and polite. She made the stay 1000000/10. She always greeted us as we came in or left the hotel. Just super sweet. read more

Harbor View Inn - View from our room - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Our room was lacking basic/common amenities typically found at the average Best Western. We arrived early and understood that the room wasn't ready, but they promised to call when it was. We returned to the hotel at 3pm and sat at the front patio area. Finally, after 4pm we checked with the front desk. Our room was ready. No call. No text. At this price point that is completely unacceptable. We have stayed at this hotel before, but were pretty disappointed this time. read more

Harbor View Inn - No liner for the ice bucket. Unwrapped plastic cups of undetermined cleanliness. - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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First time in SB & booked for a birthday getaway. Picked this spot mainly because of convenience & it did not disappoint. Location is right across the pier and next to the Main Street with a bunch of restaurants. Also right next to an amazing bakery- Jeanine's. Room was comfortable, spacious, & beautiful. Our room was steps away from the main lobby so we didn't get a "nice view". But that was ok because that wasn't a priority. Parking is $32 a night with plenty of spots, and is real convenient because parking around SB is tough. So we were able to walk everywhere we wanted. Staff was helpful and courteous, offered recommendations to local spots. I would return and definitely recommend booking! read more

Was told we'd get phone call for early room check in not only did we not get a room two guest were allowed to go ahead of us. This after having pre registration there was no compensation offered apologies nothing. read more

This is a beautiful spot, steps from the beach. We did a room facing the ocean, so it was a little loud because of the main street (to be expected). Unfortunately the bed was uncomfortable. Otherwise we might have stayed another night. read more

Harbor View Inn - View from our balcony - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I had a terrible experience with the customer service at this hotel. From booking the reservation to check out just issue after issue. When I first made the reservation I was told that I would just have a hold on my card for the first night with taxes two days before my arrival. I said that I was ok, when I arrived at Check-in I was told that was not a hold but they actually charged my card for the first night stay. I told them from the beginning that I was only using my CC to book and I wanted to use my debit card to pay the final balance like I've done at the hundreds of hotels I've stayed at in the past. They told me I would just get a refund at check out and I could use my debit to pay. Then I was told they had to do a "hold" for the remaining balance on my card until I check out which I thought was very odd I've never had to hold the entire balance on my card until check out. Then during my stay I get a duplicate charge for the hold amount. During my check out they said they only show one "hold" they issued and have no clue why there was a duplicate. Then after I check out and have a refund issued. Only one refund was issued for the charge they put before my arrival and hold they had issued there was no refund or release of this mysterious second hold they put on my card. There was no general manager, there was no corporate number only a front desk manager who was no help at all. The location is great for the beach the room itself was good but please avoid any place like this that lacks accountability, customer service, and has outdated policy and procedures. I have never had a terrible hotel experience like this. This place is not cheap and the duplicate charges put my credit card over the balance because the charges were well over a thousand dollars. My first experience with Santa Barbara, first experience with this hotel. I would never again. I would book with Motel 6 before I booked with this place again. read more

We chose Harbor View Inn as the home base for our wedding and NO mistakes were made. The discount offered to our wedding block was unmatched by any hotel in the area. The rooms were all beautiful, clean, and comfortable. We will be coming back every year to celebrate our anniversary. There are so many things to do within walking distance. From the beach to the pier to the countless restaurants and McConnell's ice cream! We loved absolutely every moment of our week here. I still think about that view! read more

Harbor View Inn - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Second time here. Stayed the first time while visiting UCSBS, great experience. Arrived for a second visit for parents weekend. They had us for 2 rooms, I'd only booked 1 room per my hotels.com conformation. They insisted I had booked another room through the hotel website directly which I did not. I had no email from harbor view in confirming the room, just the one from hotel.com. Cameron was very condending, made us pay for a 4th night. Won't stay here again, and won't recommend. Thankful so many other great hotels in the area, to bad thought this would be the go to spot for us every couple of months for the next 4 years. read more

We had a suite with partial view of the ocean on the 1st floor. Had small patio with lounge chairs. Room was great and spacious enough for me to have my glam peeps for day of my wedding. Would stay again! read more

Staff was friendly, rooms are very clean and well done, location is excellent parking was easy

The worse hotel staff in Santa Barbara! As a customer I could hear parking staff yelling obscene language at a customer with children present early in the morning. The parking staff should be fired. The staff was threatening the customer over parking on the property as a customer. Avoid this hotel and spend your money at The Californian Hotel around the corner. The Harbor View Inn should be closed for mistreating customers and yelling obscene language early in the morning at customers. Don't have a restaurant on your property and have staff yelling and threatening the customers! Get a clue and be professional to people spending money at your property. Now it is time to report your property to the City of Santa Barbara to require you to designate parking for the restaurant! read more

Great location near the train, shops, restaurants, entertainment, wine tasting rooms, the pier and many fun water activities. We upgraded to an ocean view room with a balcony. There is a pool and hot tub. Walking distance to the beach and boat rides. read more

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This is one of the more beautiful spaces my wife and I have stayed in. Their front desk is very kind and courteous. Their staff is very attentive, and ready to help, and they kindly set up the child pack and play. We stayed in the king ocean view room. Lovely room, very clean, excellent walk in shower, gorgeous sized tub, great king bed, and quiet, couldn't tell anyone was staying next to us in either side. I look forward to our next stay. Great work on hiring the staff team y'all got! read more

California is in a state of emergency due to the wildfires. Unfortunately I got evacuated from my home in Brentwood. Thereafter my family was evacuated the day of our booking at this hotel. My partner and I called and asked if we could post pone our trip (not even asking for a refund) due to the STATE OF DECLARED EMERGENCY. My father is 80 years old- we cannot leave my family. We had to help them pack and relocate today. There are several road closures as well in the area. This business refused to allow us to reschedule and we lost the money we spent booking this. No one could even explain why we couldn't just simply re schedule. No one seemed to care of the ravaging fires or how that money was necessary to help cover relocation costs, food and medicine. Even air b n b is offering a free stay at their properties. Lyft is offering free rides to get people out that are being evacuated. This is unthinkable, unethical and DISGUSTING what this property is doing. I am going to report to the BBB and post reviews everywhere. This isn't right. read more

It was great until they assigned the room above me to kids that continually bounced balls and stomped around keeping me from sleeping, working or watching TV. I called several times and they offered for me to move rooms. But they did not care that this was happening. They just kept quoting the noise ordinance. I would have been happy if they moved the kids. I would only stay on the top floor if you stay here. And I feel totally helpless as I lay awake listening to the kids above me bouncing balls and stomping around. read more

Nice hotel and a great price for being on the beach and in a walkable area. The staff was friendly, the room was clean and attractive.

We have spent countless nights in different hotels in Santa Barbara through the years since our son attended college at UCSB but never at the Harbor View Inn so this was our first stay. What a lovely property and the room was fabulous. A great view, comfortable room at a reasonable price. We will be returning. read more

One of worst hotels we've stayed at when it comes to prioritizing customer satisfaction. We had made plans to visit SB on a weekend where we had availability, and were not made aware that there was a festival happening right next to the hotel. This is not a heavily publicized/marketed festival either, but it does require all of the surrounding streets to be blocked off. The hotel gave us 0 heads up / directional recommendations in advance. Since this was our first time visiting, we called the hotel asking if they had any guidance as to how we navigate our way to the hotel parking lot. They left us on hold for 30+ minutes, and when we finally got ahold of someone at the front desk, their simple answer was "Uh, I think you should still be able to get in" when very clearly, we could not. We ended up having to ask a police officer to move a barricade for us to eventually enter a backstreet to the hotel lot. Once we approached the front desk in clear frustration over the little care to help, the woman at the front desk was all but apologetic/sympathetic for our situation. She kept saying "We're not responsible for something that the city coordinates" which may be the least hospitable thing you can say as a HOTEL. You knew months ahead of time that this festival would be taking place, yet you provided no alert to existing customers to prepare for heavy traffic / alternative routes. We ended up talking to the manager later that evening and he was far more apologetic and receptive of what we had to say, but it was just an awful start to what we'd anticipated being a wonderful (and expensive) stay. Bottom line, Santa Barbara is a city that attracts and prides itself on tourism. As a hotel, restaurant, store, etc, ensuring your customers receive top-class service should be a given. read more