Marina Beach Motel, Santa Barbara

The first time we stayed here, we had no complaints. Sure, the room was a bit small, but it had a great jacuzzi tub, and the price wasn't too terrible considering the location. The second stay was a completely different story. 1. They no longer allow dogs in the jacuzzi rooms. Massive bummer, considering it was our anniversary - and we desperately wanted the use of a jacuzzi tub. 2. There was feces on our comforter. We didn't complain - we just didn't use it, because the room was pretty small - and with two people and two dogs, a lightweight blanket and sheet was more than sufficient. 3. Our dogs on a hypo-allergenic raw food diet. We brought enough food for them for three days in Santa Barbara. Only problem was, we weren't aware that the refrigerator wasn't working until it was too late. When we reported the problem, a child came to our room to take a look at it - and he tried plugging the refrigerator in to different outlets. It still wasn't working. He said that something, (a surge protector perhaps?) had to be replaced. He said he'd try to see if another refrigerator was available too, but he didn't think one was. He never came back to fix it. All of our dogs food, and special snacks we brought for ourselves were ruined. The stench from the rotten dog food and dairy products we'd brought for ourselves was overwhelming. We had to purchase hamburgers and what not from local restaurants to feed our dogs. Needless to say, it was upsetting. Combined with the fact that the bathroom was literally the size of a tiny closet, it was less than stellar. To make matters worse, my husband spoke with the manager on the day we left, to complain about the refrigerator that was never fixed, amongst other issues we had during our stay. He agreed to comp two nights. This, we were pleased with. It was only fair considering the issues put a major damper on our fifth anniversary celebration. 3 1/2 weeks later, I get a voicemail from the manager stating that he wants to discuss the matter further... that he was vacationing and hadn't been able to discuss it with his staff during that period - but that he had finally gotten around to doing so, and that their story didn't line up with ours. Seriously? You're going to believe you're incompetent teenage staff and accuse us - second time guests of making this stuff up? Seriously? My husband didn't call him back immediately, so he charged us for one of the nights of our stay. I emailed him to explain that he had been grossly misinformed by his staff. They insisted that the refrigerator had been fixed. Um - not so. We had no refrigerator for one minute of our stay. Despite me sending a detailed letter explaining what really went down yet again, he wrote back and said that the refrigerator had been fixed - and that we would only be comped for the one night it hadn't been working. I responded by saying that his staff lied to him. The refrigerator never worked. Now I know, a busted fridge isn't the end of the world - but it did inconvenience us greatly because of our dogs- and between that and the feces on the bedspread, we were pretty appalled at being charged $200 a night. And who in their right mind agrees to comp two nights, and then changes their mind nearly one month later? That's just completely asinine. We are disputing the charge and we will never return to this place again.

This hotel is perfect for family fun or a lovers get away. So close to the beach and State Street no car needed. The hotel staffs are wonderful and very helpful. Breakfast is a treat with fresh bakery goods. Free bikes, including a tandum is icing on the cake!!!!

Hello thank you for the great reviews of our motel! We would like to clarify that prices are as low as $99 in the down season but are not all year long. Thanks again! -Front desk

This motel is awesome. Very quaint feels like home. It's my anniversary spot now. Bike on hand too ~ Friendly service, worth the trip ~

A very nice place and close to the beach and State St. Rooms were nice. Kind of a cool retro motor-court. Would remind you of a step back to the great old road trips when you were a kid. Generous breakfast and coffee. Staff was very nice pleasant. We will definitely stay here next time we are in Santa Barbara.

This place sits perfectly close to the beach, habor and is easily accessable to downtown State Street. Rooms are beautifully set up for family accomodations and are very roomy. The area around the motel is breathtaking and quiet. Guest are treated with superior treatment. We trully enjoyed our stay here and look forward to a quick return. James & Judy

My husband and I had ticketes to go see a show at the Santa Barbara BowI for a Saturday in August. I was looking for a entirely non-smoking property, and this quaint motel was one of a few. We needed to reserve for two nights (per motel requirements at this time of year), and being on a weekend in the middle of the summer, it was a lot more expensive than we've ever spent on a hotel before. But, when we got there, we were pleasantly surprised. Beautiful, quaint property, friendly service (we arrived early and they had the maid go to make up our room - we only had to wait 20 minutes), perfect location, and free bike rentals (which was one of the reasons I booked this motel.) Our room was very well decorated, although small. And, despite the fact that I had read other reviews saying the walls were "paper thin", I never heard a sound from either neighbor. This place is walking distance to everything - Amtrak (which we took up there), the beach, the harbor, the shuttle/bus system, and State Street. We even woke up on Sunday morning, checked out a few bikes, and rode to church! And just before we left to go back to the train station on Sunday, we had to say goodbye with a ride on their porch swing.... It is a place I would go back to in a heartbeat, although next time I will avoid peak season so I can save a little more money.

The rooms are well decorated & cozy. Very comfortable. Nice central patio & free bike rentals. The continental breakfast is great. Lots of variety on pastries & fruits. The only bad thing - the walls are paper thin and if you have noisy, loud neighbors...you could hear their conversations. Despite that I had a nice stay there. The price is about $99 weekdays & jumps up to $149 on the weekends. Kinda pricey but then so is every other hotel near the beach!!!

After a long and grueling drive from Vegas, we checked in. The staff were charming and helpful. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the hotel grounds well kept. We stayed two nights and due to the excellent location, could walk both round to the pier and the town quite easily. Breakfast was good and sociable, meeting and interacting with other guests.

We loved the decor of the room and the jacuzzi bath. We also loved that they had bikes that you could take to go bike riding around the city. The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. We go back year after year--it's now a tradition.