This is easily one of the nicest properties in the US. I am here now, enjoying a beautiful, casually decorated room with all the possible amenities. The grounds are immaculate and the location lovely. The Amtrak train just passed the back of the hotel and even that does not diminish the pleasure. The food is excellent (and expensive) and there is a breathtaking new club for guests on the beach across the street. The pool is oceanfront and incredible there; there is still the lovely smaller heated pool in the center of this property.

The staff bend over backward to please and I can't find a flaw other than the trains, which annoy but not as if I were in a lesser place (and they supply earplugs and and explanation of the history of the train.....)

This is a wonderful hotel in a charming setting.

We stayed in the Four Seasons in October 2008 for three nights. The complex, grounds and amenties are fantastic. As a quest in the hotel you also have access to the complex across the street which offers a 50 metre swimming pool, gym and sun lounging area in front of the sea which is beautiful. Due to the time of the year the complex was quiet enough so we had the place to ourselves.

Our room was a good size and the service in the hotel was second to none. Often the website of a hotel doesn't live up to reality however I have to say that this one most definately does.

My only word of warning relates to the railway track which runs behind the hotel. Regular trains run through out the night and we were awoken at various hours (1.30am, 3am etc ) with the whistle of trains as they passed the hotel. Even when we checked in at reception this was highlighted.. but they do provide ear plugs :)

Taking into account the nightly rate of this hotel I felt it was pricey for having to put up with this extra noise particularily if you are a light sleeper.

It is a beautiful resort.. its just a pity about the track that runs behind it..

My wife and I last stayed here in 1990 when we visited friends now living in Santa Barbara. It was a great experience and there is no place quite like Santa Barbara. The hotel is just as we remembered it. A really tranquil and beautiful setting with gardens that were planted with sub-tropical trees many years ago. Wandering round in the early evening and along the nearby beach at the time the sun is setting is magical. The sound of the hooting trains which pass close by are, to us, part of the whole atmosphere of the hotel and indeed much of the Santa Barbara area.

We decided to take advantage of their three nights for the price of two and then spent the saving by going for a suite! Lovely rooms, bit dark, but we were out most of the day visiting our friends, now living nearby so the lack of daylight was not a problem. Our only complaint was that on the Sunday, a large number of tables with seating for 80 appeared right outside our windows overlooking the lovely garden. I discussed this with reception as I thought that this was not what to expect when paying over $1000 per night for a suite. They apologised, said that there was no other suite available but the manager then said they would deduct the charge for the breakfast we had had in the room that morning. On checking out, I was disappointed to see the charge still included but it was then deducted.

Still a great hotel but they do have a large number of wedding parties in the lovely gardens and I can well understand how popular they are for such an event. It does mean however that nearby rooms become rather public. Perhaps next time we will ask for one of the cottages, many of which are rather more private.

The four seasons, as always, meticulously tenders to your every individual need. The service and attention to every detail are the features that stood out for me.

The property is beautiful and has this quiet and classy ambiance. The rooms are great and gardens to die for. Restaurant and bar are good. SPA is also very impressive, the massage rooms with great views of the ocean.

The one thing to consider is that it is very expensive. We stayed 3 nights vacation and we used the SPA once and the check out invoice ended up being double the room rate from all of the little adders.

Great stay though – I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.