Stayed for three nights in January. This hotel is in a very good location right off of State street which has the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, etc in S.B..
Room and hotel was very clean, the breakfast area was well stocked and full of a lot of choices.
My only suggestion would be to mae the wine and cheese reception they offer a little nicer. They served the wine in a small plastice cup with just a sample of the wine similiar to what you would get at a tasting. We have been to other hotels that offer this in a much better way.
For examplet use wine glasses and don't be afraid to offer a better pour.
If we were in S.B. again I would go back.

After being welcomed by friendly staff, we moved to our large, clean room. Well appointed in a refurbished historic building. Breakfast contained more variety than expected. Close to State St. And the wharf it is a great starating off point for any traveler. The front desk staff was helpful with directions, dinner suggestions etc.
Pick a room on the top floor if you can

This hotel is SOOOO quaint, super pretty Spanish style - fits right in with Santa Barbara! We had a huge room and slept on THE most comfortable beds!!! The room was gorgeous and updated, the staff cleaned the room to perfection, the location is right at Haley & State Street and about 2 blocks from the beach! State Street is the main shopping district street in Santa Barbara. Was also a block or so from the movie theatre. Valet parking, free waters, free breakfast, huge room, immaculate, great location - would stay here a million times over!!! (I stay in hotels about 60 nights/year so this review is one of my best!)

My friend and I pulled into Santa Barbara in the evening on our way to Los Angeles from Portland, Oregon without lodging reservation and not knowing where to stay. Since all we needed was a clean room and two warm beds, Holiday Inn Express in downtown seemed like a good bet. But what a surprise, we found ourselves in a historical landmark that’s on the National Register.

The original, known as Virginia Hotel, was built in the early 1900’s. Ravaged by age, it was closed in 1997. Afterwards, the property was renovated and operated as Holiday Inn Express. While the new hotel has all the modern comforts, including flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and climate control, the building retains its historical charms. Elements of its former Colonial Revival style can still be seen both inside and outside of the building.

The location is superb too, just around the corner from State Street where shops and restaurants abound. We had dinner at Cadiz, a Mediterranean Tapas and seafood restaurant, where not only the food was excellent, the hostesses could not be more helpful and friendlier. I don’t usually remember names from chance encounters, but I still remember Paige and Michelle because of the extraordinary experience.

Last but not least, the complimentary breakfast at the hotel was a surprise too. It did not look like much initially because it was self-service and everything was packed into one corner of the small lobby. But upon closer examination, it has the full monty – pastries, toasts, pancakes, eggs, yogurts, juices, coffee, tea, and more. The machine-made pancakes could be fluffier, but should one complaint, when they are free? (Of course, nothing is really free in a hotel when you have to pay for the room.)