This hotel is perfectly ok, although we expected it to be by the beach, yet there was a road between. So the seaside view from the patio was in fact to the road. But the rooms were large and comfortable, and the pool was great. In addition, the small details, such as Crabtree & Evelyn shampoos and especially the luxurious brakfast made the visit well worthwile. Next time, I would however choose an accommodation closer to the town centre.

In December 2011, my wife, daughter and I took a trip to Santa Barbara and stayed at the Fess Parker Hotel for 5 days. We are now planning our summer extended vacation in Santa Barbara and will stay at the Fess Parker Hotel again. Everything about the place is top of the line. The food was priced just right for the high quality. There are little details throughout the hotel that give it that extra touch. For example, the breakfast buffet was displayed in glass containers with ice that made it more artistic than a standard breakfast buffet. Someone took great care to select the landscaping that flowed with the Santa Barbara climate. The hotel was the perfect distance from the downtown shopping area (about five minutes in car) so that we could eat at a nice restaurant, but still escape the hustle and bustle by returning to our oasis along the beach. I exercise when I'm on vacation and found the gym to have modern, clean and functional equipment.

Traveling with a three year old can be a chore sometimes, but this hotel accommodated our every need. I just ordered whatever food I wanted for my finicky daughter and they brought it out to my specifications. By the end of the trip, they anticipated what she wanted and brought out her favorites in advance. My wife was relaxed on the trip due largely to my daughter's comfort and her great two experiences at the hotel spa.

There was a convention going on while we were there, but the place was still relaxing. I met other parents who were traveling with their parents and they shared the same sentiments about the hotel being family friendly. Also, if you can get the concierge to arrange a tour of the Fess Parker vineyard. It's worth the half-day trip.

We stayed here over Christmas. We have a 2 and a 4 year old. We had a fantastic time, a great location. We rented bikes and used the pool, it was a lot of fun. The only thing, the food was not great and the housecleaning was slow and sometimes did not come until really late in the day. Overall, it was a great place to stay.

The Hotel location is perfect for beach, downtown, and resturants. If you like to walk, you never have to get back in your car. Rooms are looking a little worn, but clean. We were on the 2nd floor of a building without an elevator, so ask about this when checking in.