The Upham Hotel
1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3027
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About
#20 of 55 hotels in Santa Barbara
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.4
Value
4.0
A Victorian treasure in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the Upham Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Santa Barbara, Southern California. Constructed of redwood with sweeping verandas, the 50-room 1871 landmark is surrounded by an acre of gardens and combines the intimacy of a bed and breakfast with the convenience of a full-service hotel and conference facility.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Baggage storage
Newspaper
24-hour front desk
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Outdoor furniture
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Safe
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Residential Neighborhood
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
84Good for walkers
Grade: 84 out of 100
41Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
18Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3027
Getting there
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $39/day
794Reviews2Q+A100Room tips
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We have stayed at the upham for over 20 years. we love the location. Until this trip we would give it 5 stars. Probably because of management or covid the happy hour and breakfast were not great( a big change). Most important, room no 42 was not insulated and you could hear everything from next door. It sounded like the shower was a water break in the room. The occupants were up from 3-5 and so were we. I told the front desk the the gentleman had no response and did not seemed surprised. He simply said well it is vacant today. However, the cleaning crew was in at 3.30 while we were resting and same issue. no management at all. what a change.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: do not book room 42.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
The Upham hotel is highly overrated -starting with the parking which is totally inadequate. When I inquired at the desk I was told "first come, first served". Because of the parking situation we felt we could not take our car out in the evening which put a real damper on our stay. Our king room was spacious but had a very unpleasant smell which didn't go away even with the windows open. And there was no heat in the bathroom. Breakfast was ample but not what we expected at a B&B. Everything was packed in plastic like you would find at your gas station market. The only positive of the Upham is it's location. It is definitely not an upscale experience.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Stay somewhere else
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Feb 24, 2023
Thank you Jean for your feedback on your recent stay with us. I regret that the parking situation took away from your experience and certainly has been a long-time challenge for our 152-year-old property. We try to let everyone know prior to arrival that on-site parking is complimentary but limited and that overnight parking is available on the surrounding streets. Again we apologize that information wasn't provided to you before you arrived. As for the continental breakfast we offer, please know that it will evolve soon as we experiment with different items that will we can introduce while still keeping COVID concerns in check and still making our guests feel safe about how we present them. We hope you will give us another opportunity to meet or exceed your expectations when visiting Santa Barbara again in the future. Sincerely, Bill
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our recent visit was our third stay at the Upham Hotel over the past few years and sadly, probably our last. The hotel is well located in an appealing part of upper State street. Though the building still retains its inherent charm and the gardens are lovely and well-maintained, the furnishings and condition of the rooms have gotten progressively worse. The King garden room, at $400/night had a cheaply refurbished bathroom with a fan that made a lot of noise, but functioned poorly, and heating lights which similarly made a lot of noise, but provided zero heat. The main bedroom/living room had inadequate heating and the carpet needed a cleaning. I agree with several other reviewers in stating that this should not be called a bed and breakfast, the latter that they provide being virtually inedible.... the kind of breakfast that might be provided at a cheap roadside motel.…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Feb 24, 2023
Dear Josees966, Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent stay with us. I regret that we did not meet your expectations, particularly as a return guest to our property. We are entering into a period of upgrading and will use this information to help plan for some of those changes. You are correct in stating that we are not a bed and breakfast and actually considered to be more of a boutique hotel given the services we provide. It is certainly a fine line and apologize for any confusion in the many publications and travel websites out there. Our breakfast will evolve at some point and I sincerely hope you will give us another opportunity at some point, to meet or exceed your expectation. Sincerely, Bill
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Quiet and serene. My more than boyfriend brought me here for a weekend getaway. It was simply amazing, and walking distance to Front Street where great shopping. Several excellent restaurants near by that are highly rated by Michelin. On of the best restaurants was at this hotel. Will come again.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Feb 24, 2023
Thank you Jeanie for the great rating and kind comments. We look forward to your next visit to the Upham! Best, Bill
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked a suite; sitting room separate from the bedroom. Unfortunately, we couldn't use the sitting room because there were no heating vents and the room was very cold (the temperature in Santa Barbara this morning was 39 degrees). So we really only had the use of one room where the heater is. Also, one needs to run the water in the shower for a long time waiting for it to get hot. As another reviewer wrote, it's not really a B&B because the "breakfast" is inedible fare: cellophane-wrapped pastries like you would find at a 711 store. I also agree with the other reviewer about the pathetic "happy hour" - better not to offer than to put out a glass of wine with no crackers or cheese. It felt very cheap. The lobby fireplace was nice though. The grounds are pretty and well-maintained. The bed was comfortable. Parking is good. The staff was very friendly but it is not on par with other B&B options nearby although prices are comparable to the Cheshire Cat B&B (which, last time we stayed, offered a lovely breakfast). We will not stay at the Upham again. …
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Feb 24, 2023
Dear Amy, Thank you for your detailed review of our property. I regret that we did not meet your expectations during your stay with us and want you to know that we will make changes to our operation as time goes on and hopefully address many of the concerns you mentioned. It has been a challenge to evolve after COVID and we will get there at some point with the hopes that someday you will give us another chance to impress you. Sincerely, Bill
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This is the perfect place to stay regardless of whether you want a couples get away, a family vacation or a wedding party venue for family and friends which is what we did. It has amazing outside spots to sit whether on the porch, in the garden or in the gazebo. The staff is so friendly and it is impeccably clean and the grounds are well groomed. We had wonderful breakfast of croissants, pastries, coffee and fresh orange juice daily and happy hour by the fire in the lobby each evening. We stayed in a cottage with our own fireplace and outside patio. It is 2 blocks to State street with many shops and restaurants and easy walk down State street to Stearns Wharf. We stayed a couple of extra days after the wedding because it was such a comfortable place to stay. I wouldn't consider any other accommodations in Santa Barbara.…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Jan 26, 2023
Dear Becky, Thank you very much for your great rating and wonderful comments. You managed to hit on all of our key points and we are happy that you were able to extend your stay and enjoy them all. We hope you will return to and stay with us again in the future and relive some of the recent memories you created. Best,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the outside the Upham still holds its charm. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the main reception area is quaint. Unfortunately, when you turn the key and open the door to your room, the quaintness disappears. Rooms are run down with cracked tiles, stains on the furniture, and a general lack of upkeep. Breakfast is prepackaged and uninteresting while the wine “happy hour” is some glasses on a counter with a quick pour from the front desk clerk. It’s time for a little rehab to bring the Upham back to life.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Jan 26, 2023
Dear JM, Thank you so much for the great feedback. We appreciate your honest opinion about your experience and where we can improve. I regret that we did not meet all of your expectations but want you to know that we are making progress in all those areas you mentioned as we start the new year, with the hopes of making significant changes to our operation and the amenities we have to offer. We will also take a closer look at your particular room to determine what actions or upgrades we can make that will have more of an immediate impact on our guest experience. We hope you will return again one day and enjoy the changes we have made up to that point. Take care and safe travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charming boutique inn. Tastefully decorated, loads of character, lovely atmosphere. Several buildings in pretty gardens. Excellent, friendly staff. Great location close to State Street, good parking. Lovely touches such as wine by the fireplace each evening. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Louie’s Restaurant. Great find and would love to visit again.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Dec 14, 2022
Thank you for the great rating and wonderful feedback. We are thrilled that your expectations were met and that you enjoyed your experience in our restaurant as well. Have a safe Holiday season and we look forward to your next stay at the Upham. Best
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I stayed at Upham in August 2022. I stayed here for the third time, as the conference I come to SB for always uses this hotel. Pros and Cons: Pros: (1) Historical hotel, and cozy atmosphere. (2) Quiet location. But not too far from the center of downtown Santa Barbara. Less than 30 min walk to the center of tourism (Wharf). A lot of restaurants and bars around but not too close so the hotel itself is quiet. (3) Friendly nice staff. (4) Happy hour with free wines. (5) Pretty garden where you can just relax. (6) My room had a cute private balcony. Cons (1) A bit far from the center of actions. (2) Not the cheapest hotel. Overall, I think it's a cute hotel with great service and staff. I am happy I come back to this hotel many times.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Oct 2, 2022
Dear Makoto, Thank you very much for the great rating and detailed feedback you provided. We appreciate the time you took to list the pros and cons. We hope that you will return to stay with us again when you're in the area and if we can be of any assistance during your next visit please let us know. Safe travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I spent a night here while in Santa Barbara to see a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. This was our second visit to the Upham, having done the same in 2021. We liked the hotel then but our room was small (king room in Lincoln Building). We paid to upgrade this year to a cottage king room in the Rose Cottage and it was wonderful. Bigger room and easy access to the nice outdoor lawn/garden area. If you are going to the Santa Barbara Bowl, you can walk (~about 25 minutes in total) and stop 1/3rd of the way for dinner (ten minutes to the Courthouse Tavern) and walk the last 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. The famously beautiful SB Courthouse is a five minute walk and well worth dropping in for a tour. Complimentary happy hour wine and morning breakfast were simple but satisfying.…
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: We liked the Rose Cottage King room
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from William Bradford, General Manager at The Upham Hotel
Responded Jun 28, 2022
Dear Mblaca, Thank you so much for the great rating and kind remarks...we hope you will stay with us again when you're visiting the Santa Barbara area. Meanwhile, safe travels and have a great summer. Best,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$359 - $432 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the upham hotel santa barbara, upham santa barbara, upham hotel santa barbara
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Barbara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
58
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Claim Your ListingTHE UPHAM HOTEL - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Santa Barbara, CA)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Upham Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Upham Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Granada Theatre (0.3 miles), Arlington Theatre (0.2 miles), and Ensemble Theatre Company (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Upham Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Upham Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Upham Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Bouchon, Arigato Sushi, and Opal Restaurant and Bar.
Is The Upham Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.7 miles away from the center of Santa Barbara.
Does The Upham Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Upham Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to The Upham Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Santa Barbara County Courthouse (0.4 miles), Casa del Herrero (4.2 miles), and Old Mission Santa Barbara (1.0 miles).