We have been staying in the Santa Barbara area in one of the large hotels along the water. This year they have increased their rates by 25% so we decided to try a new spot and we are so glad we did. The Castillo Inn is a small motel style location where you never have to hear a guest above you and the parking allows you easy access to your car with no parking costs. The rate was half of what we have been paying with a much larger and updated bathroom. There is no pool or hot tub but in Jan./Feb. these are not amenities most of us are going to want to use. The train that runs along the waterfront turns inland before getting to this location--- so no noise issues there. The place is very clean and the small garden areas well cared for around the inn. Breakfast is simple and must be taken to your room but the fruit was fresh and tasty.
Dan the manager was quite helpful throughout our stay and performed many tasks after we left with a most pleasant demeanor. We had forgotten a large suit bag of clothing in the wardrobe and didn't realize it until we were over two hours from Santa Barbara. The honest maids had already brought it to him. Many of the items in the bag had just been purchased so we were so pleased when Dan took control of the situation --- boxed them up, measured and weighed them, and explained how to proceed for the UPS pick-up. Within two days the clothing arrived in perfect condition. Lucky us to have chosen this perfect little inn.

We based our stay on TripAdvisor and had such a nice experience! The room was really lovely and in a very good location in Santa Barbara and came with free parking including throughout the day after we had checked out. Both staff members were very helpful at our check-in and check-out. The room felt much more personal than a normal room and was a nice size. The only negative was the selection on the continental breakfast- I'd just as soon not have one or just have fruit and juice. But with so many great places to eat breakfast, you don't really need one. The value for this hotel made it that much more appealing. I'd recommend it to anyone.

My wife and I just spent 5 days and 4 nights there. I picked this Inn from Trip Advisor for location, price AND the reviews of others. We still found more than we expected. It is a smaller Inn but the location is 1 1/2 blocks from the harbor. The beach and the wharf are close and a short walking distance. The waking and biking paths are great and take you a long way.

We walked for 1 1/2 hours for excercise and just scratched the surface of the beautiful walks available. Also, restaurants, stores and the downtown area where close.

The Inn itself has a newer remodel and is done quite nicely. The staff are very helpful. The continental breakfast is small, coffee, muffins, scones, fruit, but all good. Free daily newspapers. No pool, no microwaves.

All-in-all, we will stay there again. We had family at other lodging in the area and they cost more and were not nearly as nice. A clean, comfortable, quiet and nicely appointed Inn.

If there's better value anywhere in Santa Barbara in the economy sector near the harbor, you would probably waste a lot of time trying to find it. Locally owned, remodeled, and managed, no detail is overlooked.
A lucky find last night--just before the 'no Vacancy' sign lit up!