The Old Yacht Club Inn, Santa Barbara

My husband and I regretted our stay at this property. Our room was tacky, the "antiques" looked like they had been purchased at Kmart, the bathroom was in desperate need of remodeling, the breakfasts were o.k., not gourmet as their website states, the wine and cheese during the happy hour were cheap, the hostess (Elaine?) wasn't particularly friendly or welcoming, and the prices were ridiculously high for the dumpy nature of the place. Needless to stay, we will never return.

When I arrived with my friend for New Years Eve, no one was there. I was told if office was closed, the key to room would be in lock box and it was. We went up to the Santa Cruz room and it was what we expected. Very quaint, old-world charm. The decor was more than what I would normally prefer but it was perfect for a B&B. The bed was very comfortable. The electric fireplace wasn't the real thing but still gave the ambience we were looking for. The bathroom really could use an upgrade as the cabinet doors are very old. The water took a long time to heat in the bathroom sink. The jacuzzi tub was fantastic and we really enjoyed using it. We were both pleased with the room. Being close to the train tracks wasn't great but at least the train did not pass by in the middle of the night. Location of Inn was great to our other planned events. The wine social was nice as we conversed with some nice people. Pre-planned breakfast was not bad. Presentation and flavors were really good. The poached pear was very nice, fresh OJ tasted great. The banana nut pancakes were colder than we would have liked but they were still very flavorful. Even though we walked away feeling satisfied, we were both hungry a couple of hours later. All in all, service in the dining room and service for the room was very good. It was a nice way to celebrate the New Year.

We stayed in the Belle Caruso suite in the Hitchcock house. The service was excellent and the breakfasts were great (omelettes, frence toast, yogurt and apples with granola, fresh juice)! We were warmly greeted and referred to a great restaurant by the innkeeper (Lucierno). He always answered our questions courteously. I highly recommend using their bikes and the scenic bike paths right by the inn. We did this and had a great time. It is close enough to downtown, without being in all the traffic. What we didn't like: the bathroom door did not close, very musty (despite the ionic breeze air cleaner) and the train noise. The train was "quaint" at first, but after the 3rd time in one night, we grew a little tired of it.

This is one of the worst bed and breakfasts that I have ever stayed at. Our room was run down--cheap furniture, carpeting, bedding and upholstery. The noise from the nearby train running through the area in the middle of the night was unbelievably loud, waking us up each night. The hostess acted as though she'd rather not be running a b and b; for example, at one minute past the end of happy hour she couldn't wait to clear the wine and munchies off of the table in the living room, as if she wanted to get rid of everybody. She made no effort to mingle with people or to be friendly--very strange. And the breakfast was just mediocre. I couldn't believe the prices that she was charging for this dump. I will never return.

I have stayed in a lot of B & Bs and this is the top of my list as my worst experience. The breakfast was nothing to write home about. No wireless internet. Noisy neighbors. Tacky furniture. I may as well stayed at the Motel 6 which was right down the street. NEVER AGAIN

Served the same breakfast two mornings in a row. Breakfast was too light, went away still hungry. Plastic, Walmart style chairs on the patio. Now there is some class. Located a mere stones throw from the Motel 6, why not stay there instead and save money? I have stayed in a lot of B & B and this rates way down the list. NEVER AGAIN Way too much money for what you get.

The only communication with the innkeeper was a note on our door asking for our credit card number so that they could charge us for 2 nights in advance. Maid service never showed up on our second day. The "King Size" bed was actually 2 twins spliced together. The private deck was so dirty with cobwebs and landscape droppings that we could enjoy it. Extremely overpriced