NBR: Santa Barbara

jckh912

Hey ladies,

If any of you are from or have visited Santa Barbara I could really use some advice.

We just found out my SIL is getting married at the end of the month in SB! We are trying to find a hotel to stay at and are wondering if it is necessary for us to rent a car. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 TIA

SarahinRichmond

DH and I went to Santa Barbara in September for a wedding. It was beautiful! We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Goleta. We were very happy with it. It was reasonably priced, near the airport and had a nice pool outside! And a free breakfast in the morning.

We rented a car at the airport. We definitely needed it to get around (although we took taxis in the evening which were really accessible). Plus we got to drive on the Pacific Coast Highway and do a little sightseeing while we were there! Downtown Santa Barbara was really nice.

P.S. There was an awesome sushi place near our hotel (I think it was just called the Goleta Sushi House). They had delicious miso soup and cooked rolls too! 

waterfall11

I live here (well nearby, but work in SB).  Are you looking for an affordable hotel or something to splurge on as a babymoon? 

It's nice to have a car but I'm sure you could get around without one, depending on where you are staying.  Partially depends on how much you want to see or do while you are here. 

Oh, and a shameless plug for the company I own.  If she is in need of lighting, drapery or other AV have her check out Ideal Lighting and Sound, LLC (except if the wedding is Jan 29, we are fully booked that day).  (I will probably edit this out later since I like to keep my anonymity on message boards) 

jckh912

We are looking for something nice but affordable (if that is possible there . I haven't convinced DH to splurge yet!

The wedding is on the 28th, but they are getting married at the courthouse!

waterfall11

DH used to stay at Castillo Inn for work before he moved to SB.  It's walking distance from the beach.  Four Seasons is the best splurge.  If you want to find somewhere less expensive you will want to stay farther out- upper State St, Goleta or Carpinteria.  When we lived in Carp my in-laws really liked the Holiday Inn Express.  Let me know if you have any other questions about the area.  Not a native but I've been here for a few years.