Initially, I felt this hotel had barely a passable rating for a 3-star "boutique" hotel. That is, until they *threw away* a gift I had accidentally left on the hotel lobby counter within 24-hours of leaving it. I'm so stunned that they'd throw away a guest's items before the 3-day weekend even ended, and there was little that the front desk agent apologized for. I read reviews before booking and there were some hard critiques that made me wonder if they were being too harsh. Afterall, our friend made the suggestion to book this place so how bad could it be? The non-existent bathroom fan is true and how muggy it makes the bedroom despite having to open the small bathroom window (facing public space) is also true. There's damp-rid in the closet which did absolutely nothing. The room was uncomfortable to sleep in even with the AC turned on. Mind you, it's January and outdoor night temperatures were in the 50's. We won't be coming back. read more

We just finished a four-night stay at the wonderful Upham Hotel, and loved every minute of it. I love the history and the old-fashioned charm of this beautiful little hotel. It's like staying at your grandmother's house. We stayed in one of the Garden Cottages with a Fireplace (#29) at the back of the property. Comfy, quaint and so cute, with a small outdoor patio for relaxing with a beverage and a book (although the WiFi worked out there, too). Very quiet and relaxing, both inside our cottage and outside. The cottage had plenty of room for the two of us, with two armchairs and a table next to the fireplace; a small refrigerator which kept everything icy cold; a desk; a king-size bed with nice linens; a large dresser; a walk-in closet with a light and full-length mirror; a room outside of the bathroom with another dresser and a mirror; and a small but adequate bathroom. The shower was great: nice pressure and lots of hot water once you let it warm up for a couple of minutes. Move the water handle to the 7 o'clock position for maximum hot water. Honestly, if there was a kitchen, I would move in and stay there. The gardens are lush and beautiful,with many rose and camellia bushes, mature trees, clivia plants, grass and bunnies! Two small rabbits live on the property and you can see them several times throughout the day. The grounds are also home to many birds and squirrels. The staff here are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. Complimentary coffee, hot water for tea, muffins, scones and pastries are served each morning from 7-9 am. (Get the caramel scones if they have them; they are delicious!). Complimentary red and white wines are generously poured from 5-7 pm daily, and Oreo cookies and milk are available from 7-9 pm. There's also free parking. State Street is only two blocks away for shopping and dining, and Ubers are plentiful and cheap for trips to and from the ocean and harbor, and to the Old Mission (a must visit). This was one of my top 5 best hotel stays ever. I absolutely loved every minute of our stay, and I was sad to leave. Definitely treat yourself to a visit here, and stay in one of the cottages. It is absolutely worth it. read more

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The vibe at the Upham was just darling. I feel that if this vibe, attention, and care was taken into consideration in different areas such as the room and surrounding spaces, it would enhance the experience. The cost is high so definitely an investment and one that you would assume aligns with the value. Upon arrival, I noticed that the room was not cleaned very well: hair left in the tub, crumbs of food left around the bed, sheets and towels were not washed well etc. -I also noticed an odd odor and went to the room's AC where there appeared to be something that looked like mold... I asked the hotel to please clean this, at the very least. -Hotel staff are the backbone of the hospitality industry -- I am curious about the conditions they face if the rooms feel rushed and not cleaned very well. -Limited parking but that's just a Santa Barbara thing. You will be asked to move your car at night if you forget your accessible parking pass! -Location is ideal for downtown experiences! -Thin walls, be prepared to hear your neighbors cry hysterically then have sex through the night. * I am one to try something out another time before making final judgement (or realizing I need to spend my money elsewhere).... Maybe the next time I visit, and IF I stay here, I will have a cleaner room. read more

Upham Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Listening to our neighbors having sex AGAIN through the paper thin walls here!!!! It's impossible to have ANY quiet here. We can hear them showering ten times a day and now the constant sex noises. The kind of cringy sex noises where he keeps talking loudly while grunting and asking her stupid questions. I feel like I should tip them for being forced to listen to their "show" Bathroom had ants, place is really old. Reeks of everyone who EVER lodged here. Bathroom is super old. The staff is delightful and super helpful. Very hardworking, kind staff! Constantly working and always offering help. The walls are just too thin! We never ate at their restaurant so I cannot comment. Parking is a literal nightmare. I watched a guy in a BMW slam right into a porch railing. Another guy parked his Porsche ON the entry walkway!!! More loud grunting. I'm not coming back here..no pun intended. We parked a block away most of the time. read more

Our experience: a bad dorm room. The shower tiles had mold all over, the bathroom had a persistent urine odor, the room walls offered ZERO sound insulation...we heard every step, thump, people passing the room, carts rolling the paths outside, etc., the room had noticeable dust, cobwebs, and aging carpet. The only blessing was, we were only there one night. read more

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This is the oldest hotel still operational in soCal apparently. How cool! Stayed here for one night when seeing a show at the SB Bowl. I loved the charm and quaintness and its history was not lost on me. Room was large with plenty of space for two people and a nice, walk in closet. Beds were very comfortable. Staff were all very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend staying here! read more

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The Upham, where I've stayed on and off for almost thirty years, remains a wonderful, homey, gorgeous and humble property. What sets them apart is service: I had to stay for several non-consecutive nights for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and beyond the excellent service for those visits, they let me be a laptop hobo on the off days and let me change into my red carpet clothes for evening events. Further, when a filmmaker canceled on us at the last minute, they cheerfully reversed the charge. They didn't have to do that but extended themselves for me anyway. Truly a pleasure, and we recommend the property highly. read more

This is absolutely one of the cutest hotels I've stayed at. When I originally booked my stay I was not completely sure how the hotel looked because there were not a lot of pictures. We stayed in individual little "cottage" like rooms that were so cute and had their own little small patio area and own private entrance. The hotel is one street over from State St for convenience! Our room had a mini fridge and although the room is small there is plenty of space for everything. The bed was very comfortable and the hotel also has free wifi. There is plenty of parking and we were able to get a spot right next to our room although all spots are not far apart. I really liked that the bathroom had drawers to organize my things and I loved the vanity area with the huge mirror. When we walked in we were greeted and shown around the hotel for easy accommodation. You are also handed a map so you do not get lost. They also have a wine happy hour which I wish we could have gone to but maybe for next time. Each area also has cute little cottage names! I loved my stay! read more

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The hotel is quaint but not well maintained. The bathroom of our room has no fan, leading to moisture, mold and dry rot throughout the room. The floors are paper thin, and our upstairs neighbors constantly woke us up by just walking. Housekeeping closes early so can't request additional towels, etc. And I've never stayed in a hotel with no parking. Won't be returning. read more

The Upham is a classic vintage hotel. However, very limited parking. We had to park a quarter of a mile away. The grounds are very nice but our patio sitting are was messy and completely unusable. The restaurant which was an Upham highlight is closed. I think I will check out a different hotel next time. read more

Upham Hotel - Maybe blow off the patio so it can be used. - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Really liked the Upham, in particular the gracious, friendly, helpful, supportive staff. I'm 62, I've traveled a great deal and stayed at hundreds of hotels over the years. In my working life, I was a Chief Marketing Officer and owned the client experience. It's very difficult to get the details right, particularly for picky people. Example: I like to get up early and start working at 5 a.m. I don't make coffee in the room, it wakes up my wife, so I usually tough it out or find a coffee shop close to the hotel. I can't recall the last time - if ever - coffee was ready at 5 a.m. I got down to the lobby, and an actual live human being was there to greet me. I didn't have to ring a bell or call out. John was right there. That, in itself, was both unusual and welcome. I asked him when coffee would be available. Recently, I stayed at a comically overpriced resort hotel, and the staff - when I could find one - said "coffee will be ready at 6:30." Fine, that's okay and par for the course for resort hotels. John said, "How about if I make a fresh pot right now?" To all hotels everywhere...that's the right answer. And I can count on one hand the times I've received that specific answer, in four decades of staying at hotels. Other little details...shower pressure and temperature was perfect. Pretty rare in hotels. Very quiet, so we could sleep. EXTREMELY comfortable bed. Check-in was quick and painless. The Upham is a cute, quirky (in a good way) boutique hotel close to State Street. And for the type of hotel and the area, it is very reasonably priced. Next time I'm in Santa Barbara, I'm going straight to the Upham. read more

We love the Upham! My family has been staying with the Upham for various occasions over the years, I spent my 30th birthday with my best friend at the Upham, so it was fitting my fiancé and I chose the Upham for our wedding weekend. We rented multiple rooms for us and our family. It was wonderful and feels like a home away from home. The grounds are beautiful and it's very close to everything. Staying here made our wedding weekend feel extra special and extravagant and we can't wait to come back for our anniversaries the only thing we hope for is that they bring back the cheese for their happy hour and their breakfast, That was always a nice touch! read more

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We came to Santa Barbara for a concert and decided to try the Upham Hotel this time around. We found the accommodations very nice as well as the staff. The grounds are beautiful and the location was perfect for the event we were attending. Our room was very clean, warm , and cozy which provided for a wonderful nights sleep after the show. We were very happy with everything and will be returning. read more

We have been staying at this hotel for many years however this past experience was not great and we will probably not be back. The place looks super rundown. Our room although large in size smelled old and the carpet was gross. There's no pen and writing pad in the room, toilet paper was half used, and we had to look in the closet to find another roll. There were no bathroom items like Q-tips, shower cap, etc...coffee maker didn't work, air conditioner was not super cold. Our fire alarm monitor started to beep in the morning. They used to have a much bigger spread for breakfast now it's just only pastries. They advertise wine and cheese....never saw any cheese. Wine is not out, I guess you have to ask for it. They used to have wonderful cookies in the evening with milk now they're only serving Oreos. The trash next to the pastries and coffee was overflowing at 6am on both mornings. Although a great location, we will not be back. Super sad. read more

Super friendly staff. Close to State St. Bed was one of the best I've ever slept in. Great work !

It's in a great location. Courtyard is lovely. Facilities are nice but our room did show its age, wear & tear. Bed wasn't awful but not comfortable. In the room & online they promise a basket of goodies & a bottle of wine but they don't actually offer it. The front desk blames corporate. Breakfast has a very small selection- fine if you eat muffins but difficult if you are gluten free or like protein in the morning. Towels scratchy & thin. No conditioner just shampoo in the bathroom. Front desk not really friendly or welcoming. read more

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We stayed for a few days here. My overall experience here was just ok. The grounds are beautiful and the original hotel is very charming. The rooms are clean and somewhat comfortable. The website says the beds are plush and cozy. While the room was cozy the bed was hard and the pillows had seen better days. The sink had a crack in it that made me feel unsafe. The kurig was dirty inside so we didn't use it . There are a lot of little things that need just some care and attention. The light on my patio didn't work and was hanging. My sister said her toilet in her room was wobbly! The restaurant on site was a very nice experience. The food was amazing. The wait staff maybe need a little polish with their skills . The service was slow and that appetizer came out after our meal was done and had to be asked for. I probably would not go back unless these things would improve read more

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Many years have passed since we returned to the Upham. How comforting it was to see this little hotel has kept all its quaintness and charm. The gardens and grounds are pristine. All the staff have been congenial and helpful ~ Steve was so welcoming upon check in, Deb was so warm and accommodating on the phone and after we arrived making great recommendations for local restaurants within walking distance, and Patty who sets up the complimentary continental breakfast was a pleasure. Our cottage with a fireplace was cozy and quiet which was just what we needed. They serve complimentary wine from 5-7 which is such a nice touch. We cannot wait to return! read more

Our son was getting married in Santa Barbara, so family booked rooms here and we hosted the pre Wedding party in the Garden Room. Anissa Moritz helped us plan a wonderful event and the rooms were all beautiful. Thank you for making our wedding weekend memorable. read more

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Do you want a good nights sleep? Don't stay here! Do you want old rooms that creek with every step and stained mattresses with rude front desk associates (Ramon)? Then Stay here! We travelled a few hours to stay here as it was our first time in Santa Barbara. We called about 10 min before arriving to our hotel to ask about our room availability and if we can drop off our luggage. We were met with the worst attitude by a front desk clerk named Ramon. He told us that he can't tell us if the rooms are ready and that we have to be here physically in order for him to tell us. Once arrived 10 min later, he was very happy to tell us that the room was not ready (big shocker as his attitude over the phone made him seem upset and very rude we already expected it not to be). I asked why he couldn't tell us if the room was ready and he started saying that people tell him that they are close by and end up coming way later. If that was the case wouldn't you ask us when we are arriving? Or emphasised that you don't want to have the room sitting for hours? Weird. Once we met him in person he was very very short, told us he would call us when our room was ready-- which ended up being almost 4 hours later. We get the text our room is ready and we head over. Immediately you are met with an Odor that is attached to the foundation of the hotel, smells like wet wood or kind of like mold. Ramon-- I hope you get the help you need and find a place where you want to work. It is very apparent that you are not the customer service assistant, or face, that should be checking people in or even taking phone calls. read more

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This 150+ year old charmer in downtown Santa Barbara was reasonably priced (compared to others in the Summer) and close enough to walk to State Street, but far enough to have quiet time. They offer free parking for guests on site, provides a small continental breakfast in the mornings, local wine hour in the evening and wifi. We did not try the restaurant on site but could smell amazing things from outside our room. Although this is not the fanciest of stays, the service and historic feel of the property is really enchanting. read more

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I have a new place that I love - it's The Upham Hotel in SB. I can't wait to go back! I do wish the hotel offered more during breakfast, but the wine from 5pm-7pm was a great perk. Louie's California Bistro right on the premises was a great surprise as well. A close walk to State St and a Starbucks a few blocks down - so it's well placed. I can't wait to stay again. read more

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Awesome Experience! Hanna the manager is very nice and had a little care bag for my son! I would definitely come back again!

On the weekend of April 16-18 my family of 6 stayed at the beautiful Upham Hotel to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were welcomed like family, even receiving a hand written birthday greeting from the Upham Family. The grounds at the Upham are so inviting with beautiful places to gather or sit, and the rooms are large, clean, quiet and beautifully appointed. Our beds were so comfortable. The team working the front desk were very kind and helpful. Two staff members, Jasmine and Denise, went above and beyond to meet our needs. On Saturday afternoon we were scheduled for a Celebration Boat Cruise leaving from Stearn's Wharf but risked missing the boat due to challenges to secure transportation for our group of 6 on a busy Saturday afternoon. I called the front desk for recommendations. Jasmine recommended one particular taxi company but they were booked; she then offered to drive us to the wharf herself! At the last minute we were able to find a Lyft for 4 of us and Jasmine drove my husband and me. We all made it to our boat just on time! We were so grateful. On the morning of our departure I met Denise. I recalled how helpful Denise had been when I made our reservations so was very happy to meet her in person. This time I asked if she would take some photos which she kindly agreed to and she took some great ones; a couple are attached. We now consider the Upham Hotel to be our home away from home when whenever we visit Santa Barbara. Thank you Upham family and staff. Kathleen & Paul Fahey read more

Upham Hotel - Kathleen and Paul - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Amazing, quiet and beautiful hotel. It has the feel of a more personal getaway rather than the busy crowded and loud large hotel properties. The staff is amazing and the receptionist Natalie was super friendly and it even made me (an introvert) feel very comfortable. I would definitely recommend staying here at least once to try it. Not sure how all the other rooms are but ours was small and personal but it had its own private balcony where you can sit and eat and talk if you wanted to. Our room made us feel like we truly were just the only ones here and we slept like babies because of how quiet it was at night. And with 4 kids back at home we don't get much of a quiet night. We loved sitting in the courtyard because of how peaceful it was. read more

Upham Hotel - Small court yard - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A quiet, historic in for couples. He very romantic place to stay. And really it feels like a wonderful getaway at the same time like a home away from home. read more

Zero water pressure Zero counter space Extra charge for early check-in Good location but do not recommend read more

Disappointed in this place after having stayed there for over 25 years , and not for the past decade -coming back , rather than being warm and caring like we remembered it was rundown , overpriced and they just charged me $100 for something they should not have. Too bad. read more

6/23/22 we checked in here for 2 bedrooms for my family and plan to stay till Monday. It's a beautiful old hotel with beautiful flower gardens etc... We hope to come and stay again. Thank you management, Aiko read more

I love old hotels and I wish I could recommend this one. The best part is the location, close walking distance to the Santa Barbara Public Market, an absolute marvel for food. Alas, that is the best I can say about the Upham. In town for a wedding, we booked the Jacaranda Suite for three nights at approx $500/night. First, the room is listed on the website as a king room. It is not. It probably never was since there is no room for the bed if you plan to have a night stand or open the tiny closet. This was infuriating to us, to be honest. If I wanted a queen bed (or maybe it was a double--hard to say) I'd have booked one. Know what I mean????? The furniture in the room is outdated and so worn as to be unusable. The best part of the room, honestly, was the enclosed patio. High walls for privacy, the furnature was comfortable and the outdoor rug was a nice touch for the feet. I had coffee and a mediocre bagel from the lobby every morning. When we checked in, at around 9pm, no one was around and when we rang the desk bell and young woman emerged from the back with one of those 'WTF could you possibly want' looks. We should have known then. I'm guessing every place in SB is expensive but I'd hope you'd at least get the bed size you asked for someplace else. We won't be back. read more

We stayed here on business but also enjoyed the lovely environs of the hotel. The gardens, outdoor seating and lobby are all particularly noteworthy. Leticia at the front desk helped with suggestions about where to eat and places to visit. Our room was well appointed and large with comfortable bedding. It was a lovely visit and we will be back. read more

I stayed here the first week of June, after the Memorial Day weekend, and avoided the crowds. I stayed in the Santa Barbara rooms. Pros: - The hotel is very reasonably priced for the area. They don't charge parking or resort fees - Friendly front desk staff - Walking distance to downtown, shops, restaurants, etc. - Beautiful common areas to lounge - Good water pressure, hot water comes on very fast Cons: - Hotel is in very desperate need of a remodel. I understand the desire to for a old-world, historical charm, but the same aesthetics may be accomplished with remodeling - Paper-thin walls. I stayed in a building with 2 rooms downstairs and 2 rooms upstairs, even though our neighbors were quiet and respectful, we could hear every footstep and sound. We only overlapped with our neighbors for one night, and it was hard to get good sleep and R&R when you can hear your neighbors bound up and down the stairs late at night and early in the morning. I'd HATE to be here on a full capacity day. - Garbage collection with the super noisy trucks come multiple times per week, very early in the morning. Again, disruptive to sleep. - Double / triple / quadruple paned windows would be nice (related to the desperate need for a renovation) read more

Would not recommend, only booked because it was a last minute trip and this was the only vacancy I could find, not only is it really over priced, the GM was condescending to me when I complained about check in being almost 2 hours late. Website says 3pm check in, got there at 3 and the room wasn't ready until 4:45. I asked the GM if they have any kind of comps for the 2 hour delay she said "this is a hotel, it happens" so I guess that late check ins are pretty regular here, so be advised if you like checking into hotels on time. read more

January 17, 2021 Life is all about second chances. And I'm grateful to be given this second chance to stay at the Upham Hotel. Our entire stay has been incredibly marvelous. I need to mention first & foremost the lovely person behind it all - Denise Spain, General Manager. Ms. Denise went above & beyond to rectify the unfortunate experience we previously had. She was there to greet us when we arrived and she even personally went with us to show us our room and we had a short but fun, light & positive conversation. Our experience this time started very delightful and pleasant and I didn't want it to end. The hotel grounds is such a unique space with its expansive garden areas with wooden beach chairs where you can quietly read a book or enjoy a glass of their wonderful complementary wine. There is even a smaller garden area beside the main garden where I envision to be a good space to meditate with the sound of water trickling from the small fountain. Or just enjoy the peace that the space brings. The gazebo is also a unique touch which gives a classy and elegant feel to the overall vibe of the outdoor area. The room we stayed in was spacious and extremely comfortable. It was also well-lit. The highlight of it all for me was our own private patio. We frequent hotels when traveling and very rare do I experience a hotel such as this where you can enjoy your coffee, your meals, a good read or just to lounge in your very own patio in the comfort of your hotel room. The bathroom was newly renovated with a good space and great shower. There was that exquisite basket filled with delicious baked goods waiting when you arrived, along with the complementary bottle of wine (which I thought was a genuinely thoughtful touch). The bed was comfy with clean and fresh-smelling sheets. All the staff were wearing masks and were adhering to social distancing. This time around, I couldn't really mention any areas for improvement and I can only hope that this hotel continues to thrive in the leadership and guidance of their General Manager. Ms. Denise, please continue to move forward in leaps and bounds. Thank you very much for a memorable birthday weekend you allowed me to have. read more

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Always a comfy, quiet sanctuary in a lovely garden setting! Staff and housekeepers all very attentive and friendly. Ate at Louie's restaurant: great food and wine selection. read more

What a find. We stayed in one of the bungalows off the lawn area; it felt very private, was clean, and the essentials were done simply but nicely. The common spaces are where this hotel shines, from the lobby to the wrap around porches, to the common lawn area with Adirondack chairs. Hospitality was top notch. I would stay here anytime, and living in LA we do come to SB fairly often. It's about a half mile walk to the busy parts of state street, which means its neighborhood is peaceful and with just enough distance from restaurants to get your steps in! (Try Carlito's Mexican just a few blocks away, phenomenal). read more

Upham Hotel - Common Lawn Area - Hotels Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Stayed last month. Freezing cold room, they brought us a space heater which was loud while sleeping but at least we were warm. Ran out of toilet paper, called to front desk and I had to leave room in pajamas to go get a roll. Breakfast is eh, stale croissants. read more

I think this place is ideal if you are having something like a family reunion because the best feature of the Upham is its common areas, the lobby and the backyard. There is always coffee and tea in the lobby, which I'm tempted to call the "living room" (see my photo). Next to the living room, there's a little room where they put out wine and cheese for the early evening, cookies and milk for the late evening, and breakfast in the morning. The gusts are always lounging in the living room and in the backyard. The location is also excellent. It is only two blocks away from State Street, which is the main strip of downtown Santa Barbara. Despite this proximity to the main business area, the Upham is tucked away in a quite residential neighborhood. Before staying here, just based on some of the photos of their backyard, I was a bit worried if it is quite enough to enjoy it. The Upham Hotel consists of several buildings and those buildings surround the yard, making it more like a courtyard. It's very quiet and nice. The only reason why I did not give 5 stars is that some of the buildings are old. We stayed in the building called "Lincoln." Our room was very small and old. To make it worse, the beddings and towels were also very old. If something is old in the sense of classic, it is fine. If it is old in the sense of worn and not replaced for a while, it is not good. I took a peak at a room in the Hibiscus building, it looked much newer (classic and cute). As I started out this review, if you're looking for a place to relax, this is a nice place. If you're in town for business, it may not be an ideal place because their "business center," is very basic. They do have free wifi. So, checking email or surfing the internet is not a problem. Assuming that I would stay in one of the newer buildings, I will definitely stay here again. ****************************** If you found something useful in my review, please hit "useful" so that I can improve my reviews. If you love food and traveling, follow me! Thank you and happy yelping! read more

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Do not stay at this hotel. They declined my reservation because I did not have a credit card available at check in. Their staff was verbally abusive and threatened violence. The hotel property was tired and worn. I am expecting a full refund otherwise I will be contacting Hotels.com, the BBB, and my credit card company. Plenty of other hotels to choose from that likely are more up to date on current customer service policies. read more

Very nice place to stay. The location is prime ! Walking distant from shops and restaurants. This has nothing to do with the hotel but our neighbors were very loud really early in the morning on both days we stayed I wish that the hotel had just made some courtesy rules that had clients to be consider of their volume because the rooms are pretty close to one another and the walls are thin. We had the queen room bungalow and it was adorable and comfortable with a private patio. A nice welcome basket with complimentary wine bottle. Loved the room. The garden outside was gorgeous. Downside there was massive spiders. Like it wasn't just one like there were 3-4 on a daily we were finding. It was a nice stay overall. Kill the spiders and fix the noise levels and we would definitely come back! read more