More about Harbor House Inn
Blissful Birthday Weekend at the Inn
by TripAdvisor Member melvelshml
I just returned from a blissful birthday weekend in Santa Barbara, and our stay at the Harbor House Inn was what made it so memorable. I booked a deluxe king studio through the Inn's website and even had to modify the reservation dates, with no trouble at all. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the owners and were directed to our room in a building one driveway over. Luckily, parking in the next driveway was much easier to manage than in the roundabout in front of the main building, although the huge palm tree and lounge chairs beneath made for a delightful little gathering place for sharing a bottle of wine. The deluxe king studio was gorgeous. Hardwood floors, huge bathroom, a walk in closet, free wireless internet, a full kitchen and a fireplace! We were welcomed by a basket full of juice, water, fruit, biscotti, and yummy banana nut bread. We walked a few blocks to a market to stock up on ingredients for dinner and had no trouble at all in the kitchen, except for the lack of mixing bowls. The next day we visited the Coronado butterfly preserve near Ellwood Beach, which is a MUST for any visitors from November through March. After returning to the Inn, we borrowed two beach cruisers (and helmets!) and rode from the Inn all the way to Montecito. It's a pretty easy ride, and the views are amazing. Due to the rain we spent the rest of our stay holed up next to the fireplace but didn't mind it a bit. I HIGHLY recommend a stay at the Harbor House Inn to any traveler. Such a quaint place in a great location, just steps from the beach and harbor, and only a short short drive into downtown.
Wonderful small inn
by TripAdvisor Member obsessiveplanner
The inn is small, conveniently located with many nice amenities.
I arrived early and the owner was very helpful and friendly-she stored my bags and loaned me a bike, lock and helmet for the day.
Borrowing the bike was a great convenience and certainly saved me a considerable rental fee. I was able to pedal off and explore the harbor within minutes of my arrival by train, the station is within walking distance or a cheap taxi trip.
The room was small but comfortable, immaculate, nicely decorated with a comfortable bed, climate control, excellent shower and included a lovely bread, fruit/snack/drink basket (in lieu of breakfast).
The inn will provide breakfast drinks if you like. The location is great-close to the harbor for boat rides and sea side dinning, near the State street shutlle and a block from the shore.
I stayed mid-week and got an excellent price.
It is not fancy but its clean, convenient, quiet and has free bikes.
I recommend it highly for singles and couples.
WOW!!!!
by TripAdvisor Member MAR912
This was a very pleasant and relaxing stay. You not only stay by the beach but for the price and amenities that you get it could not be better. We will be staying here again next time through santa barbara. Would recommend to anyone going through santa barbara to give this one a try.
Great value - for the remodeled rooms!
by TripAdvisor Member SHel59
We just returned from a 7 day trip to LA/Santa Barbara. Stayed 2 nights at the Harbour House Inn, booked a King Deluxe room. Definately recommend these rooms - as they are newly remodeled, and much more contemporary than the other rooms. The remodeled rooms are the next driveway over from the other rooms, and the office personnel are very friendly. Free DVD rentals are the icing on the cake. Rooms are in an older building, so you get the benefit character that is freshly decorated. As others have said, the welcome basket is a very nice touch.
We had dinner at Emilios, and felt it was overpriced for the price.
A perfectly enjoyable stay
by TripAdvisor Member adirondacksailor
We stayed at the Harbor House Inn on March 29 and 30, 2007.
There is absolutely nothing negative to report. Our room was lovely. The linens, bed and bath, were luxurious. The room was sparkling, very retro chic, and thoroughly comfortable. The welcome basket people mention is thoughtfully put together with the fresh banana bread, juices, etc for breakfast, and delicious local biscotti, fruits, etc. for snacking.
The complimentary bikes were lots of fun, a great touch. We rode along the beach for miles and out onto Stearn's Wharf. We hadn't ridden bikes in years, but it is all flat and level, with breathtaking scenery.
We're already planning a return trip in September!
Perfect Little Jewel
by TripAdvisor Member kildare10
We couldn’t have been happier with our stay at the Harbor House Inn. The room was lovely and super clean, the welcome basket was the best I’ve ever received at a hotel. We enjoyed watching one of the videos they had on hand (free). Although the shower was leaking a bit the first night, they fixed it immediately. The location is great, we were able to walk to the pier and to all the shops and restaurants on State Street from the hotel and we biked along the shore on the bikes they provide (with locks). Could have biked even more as Santa Barbara is a bike-friendly town. All the staff we encountered provided outstanding hospitality. Many places give lip service to what great service they provide; the staff at Harbor House Inn actually provide it! Oh, and last but definitely not least, they have reasonable rates, much appreciated when trying to stay on a budget. We will definitely recommend this inn to friends and hope to stay there again in the future.
Outstanding rooms, Extraordinary staff, One-of-a-kind enviornment
by TripAdvisor Member smilewithmenow
We are (were) living at Harbor House Inn for 3 days in June 2007. During the same visit we lived in a so called 4-star hotel on very first day, ripped off... Although it was on the beach street but what the heck.. If one wants to stay for 3-4 days, what's in a beach view?
We thought and called view nearby places and decided to live at Harbor House Inn for 3 days. Unbelievable!! Such a nice and well behaved staff, very professional. Got a very good deal. $180 for junior studio (before taxes, midweek). As soon as we entered the room, we found homely enviornment. Nice kitchen, New TV with DVD (another one in bedroom). They even have a good DVD collection to borrow. Great WI-FI (ultimate speed). Nice outside, with lawn chairs, palm tree! Sitting under palm tree and eating dinner was just awesome!!
We highly recommend this place, just 1 min walking distance. They even have bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels to borrow for free. What more you need? Gricery store is 2 blocks away!!
Enjoy and try this one for next visit!!
We loved it!
by TripAdvisor Member aefreed
My husband and I honeymooned along the California coast in early September of 2006. We did Monterey, Cambria, and Santa Barbara was our last spot before returing home to SoCal. A traveler that we met in Cambria recommended the Harbor House Inn to us, so we decided to give it a try. Our stay at the Harbor House Inn was the absolute highlight of our trip. Service was fantastic and friendly. Our room was quaint, charming, clean, all appliances worked, fully stocked + a neat welcome basket! We loved the bike rentals included with our stay and took advantage of this great perk! This inn is in a fabulous location, within walking distance to the beach, State Street, and plenty of shops and restaurants. The rooms are situated around a circle which also serves as the property's parking. We liked to be able to see our car and know that it was safe. Nice patio furniture is set up around the property and in the center of the circle, allowing lots of space to sit and relax outside. The Harbor House Inn is very charming and it was quite a pleasant surprise to us, since we had no idea what to expect. We felt that the price was on par with what we got. I recommend this property to couples looking for a quiet, memorable, and romantic stay in Santa Barbara. Our ages are 25 and 32.
Just as wonderful as the reviews state
by TripAdvisor Member NRosenbaum
We stayed 3 nights at the Harbor House. Loved the helpful staff, the location and our junior studio. When returning to S. Barbara we will certainly stay here again. I have not one negative comment on our stay here.
Great little place with awesome location
by TripAdvisor Member baltimooron
This is an absolutely top rate *** hotel with wonderful helpful staff and a great location. The rooms are fantastic, clean, airy....really great. Santa Barbara is an expensive town, and for a place in this location, you may feel you are paying five star prices for a 3 star hotel, that is just the reality of SB. This place is very nice, and highly recommended, but if you want the Ritz---- the Four Seasons is down the street and about twice as much moolah. This is a super nice place.
Photos
Rain clouds gather over east beach
a silent protest that speaks volumes
lush gardens in the courtyard
Palms in Santa Barbara, California
Forum Posts
From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by epsom60
Hello everyone,
Will be travelling from Santa Barbara to Yosemite during the day. Any suggestion for fantastic "pit-stops" or great lunch adventure along the way. Would appreciate any comment.
Cheers
Charles
Re: From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by lostsooner55
When I was in San Francisco, I always flew when I went south, but to me, a Santa Barbara to Yosemite day trip seems a little ambitious, especially with stops. There also can be adverse weather and road conditions to consider. If you'll list your interests, and what time of year you are travelling, I'm sure you will be able to get a lot more feedback. Some links that might be helpful: http://www.weather.com,( a site where you can get international weather conditions and forecasts for up to 10 days), http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo,(for California highway conditions, delays, construction,etc.), and http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm,( a good link for the park itself). I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Gary
Re: From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by epsom60
Thanks Gary for the input,
We are travelling next wed. to Yosemite from Santa Barbara, I may have misspoken there in my posting. It is not a day trip , we are actually staying 2-3 days at a lodge in the park.
Re: From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by Roadquill
The fastest way (about 5 1/2 hours) from SB to Yosemite is to head back S on the 101, pick up the 126 East to the 5 and then head N until Fresno and then cut off towards Yosemite. However, this is nothing but boring. If you plan on a few more hours, head up towards San Luis Obispo, and then up past Big Sur to Monterey. Then cut over to Watsonville, los Banos and then back down to the 5 or go through Merced and then up to Yosemite You are going to have to cross the San Joaquin Valley in any event. At least this way you have great coastal views. Stop by Morro Bay. Numerous sea life viewing areas on the way to Monterey. Monterey and Carmel are both cool places to visit. Karl
Re: From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by kathymof
Well if you want a good burger, you could go to the Colorado Grill in Fresno. Going North on 41, take the Herndon exit and head west (left turn) and get in the right lane. You will see it on the frontage road just after the underpass (200 feet or so). Take a right onto Blackstone and then the first right (sharp right) to get onto the frontage road. It is consistently voted Best Burger in town and it is right on the way to Yosemite.
If you want gourmet and expensive, you could go to Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst (also on Hwy 41) but I don't know if they serve lunch.
Re: From Santa Barbara to Yosemite
by Kevross85
Although the 101 is a lot quicker taking route one is so much nicer you get all the coastel views. ALl the small towns on the way up are nice places but one of my favourites is Monterey bay it is a good bit up from santa barbara but it is really nice and has a great aqaurium. A plus point is there is many good sea food places on the pier and a brilliant sea water taffy shop. Not sure if this is any help but hope so
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