My husband and I have had many wonderful stays here through the years, our most recent being a few weeks ago. We have stayed in every type of room they have, with the exception of the cottages,and have loved them all. It looks and feels like no other hotel, even other luxury places we have visited. The atmosphere is truly something special. We feel transported out of our everyday life for a little while, even if we aren't very far from it. The service is exceptional. They have always gone out of their way on special occasions to make it memorable. Eating any meal here is a treat, especially on the patio, followed by a walk along butterfly beach. It, to me, is Santa Barbara.

I love this hotel. This is the 3rd time i have stayed here in the past 3 years and every time i leave thinking "i wish i could come back more often." It is everything you want when you are staying at a nice hotel- professional service, immaculate grounds, clean, well appointed rooms with every amenity you could ask for. I don't know if all of the room have these features but every time i have stayed here there has been a fire place and a big bath tub in my room. And the beds are so comfortable that i actually called to see if i could buy one of the mattresses (you can- the concierge was very helpful and knowledgeable about this- i guess i am not the only one)I love the pool- relaxing, quiet- feels like a real retreat AND the beach club across the street with a new, Olympic size swimming pool, a restaurant and beach access is pretty phenomenal.

Clean, well appointed gym looking out to the ocean AND there is another gym at the beach club across the street. I didn't get spa appointments this time but i have had in the past and been happy.

Just a few nice things about this last stay in particular:
- Room upgrade when we arrived
- filled special requests like need for a steamer (for clothes), shaving cream etc very quickly
- people in the restaurant and room service didn't even bat an eye when I asked if i could order something not on the menu. They were game and brought be exactly what i wanted.

Yes- these are all services i expect when i am staying at a nice hotel, especially a four seasons and if i didn't get these things i would complain, however, i still appreciate when it is there as it should be! That, combined with the fact the hotel is really unique and beautiful (feel like an old Mediterranean mansion with colored tiles in the lobby and bathrooms) make it one of my favorite places.

And don't miss the Sunday Brunch. it is pretty spectacular. I have even seen Oprah indulging and if it is good enough for her...!

We stayed here a night while our kitchen was being remodeled. 2 adults and 2 kids in one of the cottages. The staff were beyond polite, courteous and wonderful to not only us, but our children. I just wished the stay was longer. Be warned that the trains do go by early, but it just means that you get to see a great sunrise over the Pacific.

Love, love, love this hotel! The minute you arrive beauty surrounds you. The beautiful grounds and the charming rooms and cottages gives you instant relaxation. The staff are very friendly and helpful. It amazes me that this beautiful hotel is also pet friendly and the accommodations that are ready in the room for your pet is such a delight to see. I only get to stay here because of the annual conference that I attend but it is known in the office that I will wrestle anyone that tries to take my spot at this conference at the Biltmore!