It's very unfortunate that this ideally located resort hotel has grounds of a 5+ star hotel but the conditions of even their NICEST rooms leave much to be desired. Toilets that run all night, broken furnishings, stained and worn carpets, lighting fixtures that may or may not work, and the in room telephone system...well, one would be better off using a paper cup and string! The staff are phenomenal and truly are a joy to work with. If you don't mind paying top dollar for location alone, this is not a bad option. If one is looking for a well kept stately room with MORE than the luxuries of home, you will be sorely disappointed!

We had a great time, loved the view and the room was peaceful. All was fine - except the internet, which I depend on for my work. It is so irritating to be staying at a super fine hotel (which it is) and be charged for internet use. Not only that, but they charge for each device!... So, if you have a laptop and an ipad, it's x two... I know, it's a small charge (especially when compared with the cost of the room itself), but that makes it even more irritating. Other than that little irritation, the room was awesome. We were right across the street from the beach. Wonderful location for my husband's birthday get-away.

This is my second time staying here. I chose it specifically for the location close to the beach and the fact that it is within a 15 min walk of State Street where most of the fun bars and restaurants are located. Highlights:

- Ocean view rooms have nice views. Hotel is across the street from the beach so there is car traffic and pedestrians. Closest units are about 100yards from the street and 200 yards from the beach. Many units are ground floor with a patio, table and chairs and lounge chair. I like the ground floor units. Landscaping is beautiful and well maintained.

- Hotel is low rise with separate building units. Very easy to navigate although some rooms are a good walk from the lobby.

- Rooms are older and in need of upgrade but clean. Still a good value for the price.

- Hotel has self parking which is spacious and close to the hotel.

- Large lobby, good Starbucks coffee in cafe, bar has outdoor patio seating facing the beach.

- Restaurants are good. No other good meal options nearby without 15 min walk to State Street. 2 excellent coffee places at foot of state street.

- Beach path across street is great for a morning run or walk.

- Hotel service is good. Everyone is very helpful and friendly.

*Golf tips* Sandpiper is everyone's first choice. It is about 15 min north of hotel and on the ocean. Can be expensive but worth playing once. My favorite is Rancho San Marcos about 20 min from hotel near Los Padres National Forest. Gorgeous pastoral setting and layout. Conditions have gotten a bit scruffy post recession but well worth the $70 I paid this week. Played in 3 hours which was a plus! Glen Annie another good choice. All available on GolfNow.

I recently spent one week at this location during a work related seminar. The location is magnificent. The Hotel is not a five star hotel but certainly meets the four star class. Get an Ocean room if available, because my mountain view room had the mountains and the parking lot scene. However, for the convention price we were paying, I cannot complain at all. I wish all the hotel rooms I have stayed in the past were as nice as the one I had during my stay. The room (king size bed) was humongous. Please note this hotel is used for business conferences. The hotel has a main building with several conference rooms and several clusters of villas housing several rooms in them. The landscaping is very beautiful. The hotel is about a block from the ocean, and about five blocks from the wharf. The staff is very, very pleasant, and attentive, and they are trained to assist guests any which way they can. Although certain areas of the building need to be refreshed, all in all I had no complaints about my stay. I want to return to Santa Barbara, and stay at the Fess Parker. Do not forget to ask for the chocolate chip cookies at the reception, which seems to be a Double Tree treat!