Reasonable value for Santa Barbara ($150/night) although a little unusual in that check-in and facilities (pool, restaurants) are a block away at a separate hotel (the more expensive Mar Monte). Other than this it's a nice place, a couple of blocks from the beach and across a small park from the zoo. It is quite a long walk from downtown (State Street). Dont be put off by the "Disgusting and unsafe" comment below , there was no sign of either an abandoned parking lot or of homeless people sleeping nearby when we were there, just kids playing baseball in the park.

The curtain had a large coffee? stain on it, the bathtub had a black stain, prob. mildew, on the bottom. I would not have taken a bath in the tub. We were unaware that we were not getting a handicapped room until we got there though my husband had requested it on the internet. As soon as we walked into the building, I could smell the musty smell, which was also in the room. I appreciated the night manager's care and attention in finding a handicap room for us for the night. I believe that it was overrated when we were choosing a hotel through the internet. I'm glad to hear that the building is going to be renovated. I recommend that you not book people for the rooms until this happens.

Back in 08/29/08 my daughter and I made a reservation through the Hotels.com/ Ian Travel Services @ this hotel. The pictures were beautiful in the web site. Once we checked in @ the Big Hotel and got the key for the room, we found out the room was far from the hotel, not next to the hotel as they tell you, next to the highway, an abandoned parking lot full of homeless people sleeping in tents and cars, a car repair shop, and no protection to the bedrooms, the doors were right there @ the parking lot. Meaning, anyone could kick the door and walk in. We didn’t bother checking the room, we returned the key within 5 minutes, as of today the hotel has not removed the charges made to my credit card, $194.50!! for a homeless quarters!!!

I stayed here in Nov 09 after checking quite a few reviews on Expedia and some other websites. I was concerned about some negative comments, things about the hotel being "dark" and the rooms not clean, and the surrounding area a little unsafe looking.

After my stay, I can say with confidence this is a great place. My room was comfortable, clean, and quiet, and I had everything I needed. When I wanted to use the jacuzzi, I just walked up to the Mar Monte, one block up the street. The staff was courteous and I had no problems.

Travelers must understand that this is not the Mar Monte, that the pool and spa are located a block away, and that some of the rooms don't have balconies. They are not luxury rooms. If those are on your "must have" list, then book at the Mar Monte or the Red Lion and pay more money. But as for the negatives I read about on the other reviews, none of them came up at all.

Yes, there is a park across the street, filled usually with soccer or softball games (they were supervised and I could barely hear any noise). I had to walk a block to the beach, but once there, I could enjoy that or take the shuttle (25 cents) up and down the beach area. I was able to use the gym and the jacuzzi at the Mar Monte - what more could I ask for? There are a few homeless people along the beach area, but that includes ALL of waterfront, and none of them came anywhere near the Parkside. Besides, if you have never encountered a homeless person before, I don't know where you have been living.

My point is that some people will always find something to complain about. You can enjoy this hotel as long as you are not expecting high class luxury. Happy travels!

PS - There is a great organic foods market about 2 blocks away, on Milpas Street, where you can get fruit, yogurt, etc, and there is good cheap Mexican food farther up Milpas.