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Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara – reviews, photos

2.0 of 5
1601 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Formerly El Prado Inn)
Hotel amenities
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
3.0 of 5 stars 96 Reviews
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96 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
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    34
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Date Rating
Los Angeles
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Good value but a few big misses”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

When we travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to visit our daughter in college, we simply want a clean, affordable hotel for one or two nights. We've had good experiences with Days Inn in other cities, and wanted to give this one a try.

The positives: as we typically experience at Days Inn, the staff was kind and courteous. The common areas and the room were very clean. While the room's decor was a bit dated, it had rustic-looking wood nightstands and dressers which we liked. The shower was nicely tiled and HUGE. That was another good feature.

The negatives: the mattresses were very lumpy and desperately need to be replaced. They were quite bad and it really impacted our sleep. There were also several small maintenance issues such as broken light fixtures, loose handles, etc., that may suggest a larger problem relative to the overall care of the hotel.

I struggled with the proper rating for this hotel. The mattresses were a significant problem and, alone, could have warranted giving it only two stars On the other hand, had that problem not existed I'd consider giving it four stars based on the price and location. The property is located right on State street, very near the shopping and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. This was a big plus. So, I chose to split the difference.

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SkyLordHeuksa about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
London, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Biggest Rooms and best service in Santa Barbara at a great price”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review although I have travelled extensively. This is mainly because of the title above and especially the fantastic service offered by the General Manager - Sylvia Lizarde. Having driven a long way in extreme fog in a small car with my family I was far from in the best frame of mind when I arrived. I was immediately felt welcome and no request was too much trouble. Being on a long trip value for money was essentail for me also and this was definitely the case. Within 5 minutes I felt relaxed and well cared for. On leaving the hotel I had a multitude of questions and requests as I was unfamiliar with the West Coast. Not only were all of them dealt with professionally but in a personal way. I have been lucky enough in the past to stay in 5 star hotels thoughout the US and Europe and have not received such service. in short clean,large-sized rooms with exceptional service at a great price. Enough said

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Andrew P about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
San Francisco, California
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Needs a major overhaul”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 November 2011

It's like stepping back in time to a 1970's motor lodge. Check-in was friendly, but very inefficient. I sat and waited an hour (it was after 2pm), and had to remind the clerk twice to call housekeeping to confirm when the room was ready.

Small, musty rooms with mis-matched furniture and worn carpet, broken electrical outlets, chipped tub, etc.

The location is okay if driving, but there's nothing within walking distance.

On the plus side: free parking and free wi-fi. But the free "breakfast" consists only of coffee and pastries.

Normally I would say that this is an "average" motel. But when they are quoting rates of $160 a night, I have to downgrade to poor.

Room Tip: The majority of the rooms seem to face the street. Maybe ask for one facing the pool?
See more room tips
  • Stayed October 2011, travelled solo
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SFO_Drew about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Top Contributor
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“Basic but ok.”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 October 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We didn't experience any of the issues mentioned on here. Yes it was typical motel style, basic, but we found the staff ok, plenty of parking and a great location on State Street.

We overlooked the pool area, which was reasonably landscaped and not at all busy.

Breakfast was indeed, pretty horrible.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SLordUK about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Santa Monica, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Worst Hotel Service ever experienced”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 October 2011
2
people found this review helpful

This hotel has a great location on State Street, though it was the worst customer service i have ever experienced at any hotel. The front desk staff is horrible, absolutely horrible and just plain rude. The do not know the meaning of customer service. Very sad.
Additionally, the air conditioners in the rooms don not work, the rooms smells, and the bed are hard. You are better sleeping in your car than checking into this hotel. Trust me, if you check in, you will want to check out immediately.

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask prezsteve about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Days Inn & Suites Santa Barbara

1601 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Formerly El Prado Inn)
Price range (per night):* INR6,721 - 10,026

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