Stayed here for a night in October, had a very pleasant stay. It's a clean small motel run by friendly people. Very pet friendly, which was nice for us traveling with a small dog. It's across a road from the beach, and about a mile from the pier, but a very easy walk down the bike path. Overall a great stay, and highly recommended.

My husband and I were on a three-day drive from the southern Oregon coast to San Diego. We thought that any hotel in a city the size of Santa Barbara would be noisy and impersonal, but we were wrong. The Blue Sands is not only quiet, but has more amenities than any other hotel we have stayed at! The room was clean, quiet, and well-appointed. There was a good view of the beach, a nice sunset, and a great running path for me in the morning. The local restaurants were very good, and it was so easy to get to the highway from the Blue Sands. It was also convenient to get to the shopping areas, and the mission. All in all, a great value.

We stayed at the Blue Sands just after the 4th of July holiday and weren't sure what do expect. We were plesantly surprised by updated decor, baths, wine fridges, and in some rooms, gas fireplaces. We stayed in the suite for two nights and then a double room for two nights... the suite had a great little kitchen with stove and fullsize refrigerator and two bedrooms and a great view of the ocean. The second room was typical hotel room plus fireplace, wine fridge and a brand new updated bathroom which was appreciated. The grounds include a nice little reading area and a very clean pool. Walking distance to Trader Joe's and a smaller market, the beach, the bath house and more. We'd definitely stay again.

We stayed at both the Blue Sands and the Castillo Inn on our trip (could not get 2 nights together anywhere due to a convention). I preferred the Blue Sands. Locations are comparable (both one block from the sea), but the Blue Sands has two food stores within walking distance. It also has a nice pool and the rooms are larger and ours had a great kitchen and a large bathroom with walk-in shower. For the price, it was great. Would definitely stay again, and we plan to. Santa Barbara is a gem. The only downfall is the trains at night - loud! Bring your earplugs and you won't be bothered.