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Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
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Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
Ranked #27 of 61 hotels in Santa Barbara
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927 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    308
    311
    184
    78
    46
See reviews for
Families
257
 
Couples
296
 
Solo
45
 
Business
150
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Great but not quite perfect....”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 15, 2013

I had 1 night at Fess Parker as part of a group tour and I was impressed. I had read some previous reviews and apart from not being to work the shower, my stay was lovely. The proximity to the beach - across the road, and the pier - down the street are the best things about the property. The property is older and it doesn't have the latest luxurious appointments in the rooms but there was absolutely nothing wrong with what they do have.
The Buffet Breakfast was excellent, something for everyone plus they will cook your eggs to order.
I found the service to be fine, a little slow but that could have something to do with the size of the property and I was part of a large group.

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Louise L about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mlavine, General Manager at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, responded to this review
February 19, 2013
We are very pleased you enjoyed your recent stay and thank you for your comments.
If your travel plans include a return trip to Santa Barbara, we hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back to Santa Barbara and the resort!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Los Angeles
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Great hotel and staff”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2013

Just returned from a stay at the Fess Parker and we couldn't have enjoyed it more; so much so that we extended our stay. From the moment we pulled up to the hotel, we were treated so well by all the staff. We arrived early and were given a room right away. I currently have some mobility issues so we were given a room near everything on the ground floor. We were worried about noise, but it was never an issue. Our room was large and had everything we needed. We had an ocean view and even though it was cold, we sat on the patio and enjoyed our beautiful view every day. The beds were a bit soft for my taste as I have back issues. But a quick call to the front desk and a board was placed under the mattress and problem solved. This is how it was for everything; ask and someone will quickly help you with a smile. We ate at the restaurant for breakfast and at the bar a few times. Everyone we encountered was extremely attentive and the food was good, although pricey. The location is great; away enough from State Street to feel quiet but close enough to get there quickly when you want to. The hotel is showing it's age in some ways, but not in any way that we felt was a negative. And signs were posted that renovations will be happening this year. It's truly a wonderful hotel with great staff that will go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

Room Tip: We stayed in the main building on the first floor facing the ocean. The view couldn't be beat!
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  • Stayed February 2013, traveled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask CKinLA about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
POMONA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Very Nice Place to Stay”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2013 via mobile

Hotel Grounds and Lobby are very nice rooms were ok we couldn't figure out how to turn on shower and had to call the front desk. The bartender and waitress were very nice. The only complaint was one of the towels in our room was stained and looked dirty...My daughter loved the Fresh Baked Cookies on check in..

Stayed February 2013, traveled with family
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Michelle R about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Newcastle, Australia
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
14 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
“Aging facility,great location”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 4, 2013 via mobile

We stayed 2 nights as Hilton Gold members and received an upgrade to a garden view room with free wi Fi.
The downside to our upgrade was that the two storey Eucalyptus wing has no lift so lugging heavy luggage was an unexpected delight after we declined a porter.
A late arrival saw us eating dinner in the bar with wonderful service from Kim although the steak was overpriced and overcooked.
The rooms we clean although a musty smell was evident in the corridor. The hotel was quite empty so the requested later checkout beyond 1.30 for gold honors members being declined unless an extra fee was paid was a surprise.
The cleaning staff however must have been unaware of the 1.30 checkout as they knocked on the door on two occasions to clean - maybe better communication amongst departments would be in order.
The location was very good for strolling along the beach or,walking to the wharf or main street.
Breakfast was standard fare - a bit underwhelming due to disinterested staff.

An unexpected bonus was the train hooting regularly as it signaled it's arrival regularly.
Our sleep however was very god with very good quality beds and pillows.

Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Ask Auswalkers about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mlavine, General Manager at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, responded to this review
February 5, 2013
Thank you for your feedback and your kind compliment regarding the service you received from Kim during your stay.. However, I was so sorry to learn of the unfortunate problems you encountered. Your valuable comments have already been shared with the appropriate managers and will most certainly help us improve the communication between departments and service to our guests. Thank you again for taking the time to tell us about incidents we were not aware of while you were here and which will assist us in our training process.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Great stay, wonderful staff!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 28, 2013

We recently stayed for 5 days at the resort for my 60th birthday. Loved that it was in walking distance of Sterns Wharf and the beachfront. From the moment we arrived, the staff were exceedingly helpful and friendly. The valet, concierge, restaurant, and check in attendants all went above and beyond to assist us in a great stay. The grounds were impressive and very well kept. Great night's sleep on the bed and pillows! However I think the hotel should provide bath robes for the price. Breakfast was average. Price for buffet was high. I would have liked to see a quiche or something more unique than typical eggs, bacon, and sweets. I would stay again next time I visit California.

Room Tip: Be sure to ask for a room facing the beach.
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask m818m about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mlavine, General Manager at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, responded to this review
January 31, 2013
Thank you for selecting our resort for your 60th birthday celebration! I was so pleased to learn that our team extended their warm Santa Barbara hospitality and helped make your stay a memorable one. I also want to thank you for your suggestions. We hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back real soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort

Also Known As:
Fess Parker`s Doubletree Hotel
Fess Parker`s Doubletree Hotel Santa Barbara
Doubletree Santa Barbara
Doubletree Fess Parkers
Fess Parkers Doubletree Resort
Address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Santa Barbara
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Kids Activities Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#6 On the Beach Hotels in Santa Barbara
#6 Luxury Hotels in Santa Barbara
#8 Romantic Hotels in Santa Barbara
#12 Business Hotels in Santa Barbara
#25 Family Hotels in Santa Barbara
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort is steps from the beach and convenient to Santa Barbara's waterfront and downtown. Oversized rooms all feature balconies or patios; families and pets are warmly welcomed. Amenities include a year round heated Olympic sized pool, Spa, fitness center, salon, tennis courts, bike rentals, putting green, shuffle board, weekend wine tasting, 2 restaurants, ocean-view bar and 24 acres of grounds. Complimentary airport/Amtrak shuttle service available daily. ... more   less 
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Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort
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