Which is best of these cheaper accom options?

We are looking for cheaper accomodation (under $150) for one night in / near SB in August (a Sunday night) afer arriving from LAX. I have read some of the postings here and checked out some of the hotels - but many are still out of our price range ie over $200.

That would seem to leave Motel 6 or similar ($115-125). Which would you recommend out of SB Beach and Goleta? Looking at traffic noise/railway line, standard of the property, access to restaurants (preferably walk), free parking.

Im also considering Best Western South Coast or BW Beachside Inn as these look quite nice - a little more expensive than Motel 6 but not a lot. Any comments on which is the better property?

Out of interest, which is usually the best of the cheaper accomodation chains - Super 8 Motels, Motel 6 etc? We will be looking in other locations also as we are heading up the coast.

And this may sound like an odd question - but when hotels say their rooms have a coffee makeer, what does this mean? Over here that would be an electic jug/kettle for heating water to make tea or coffee.

Many thanks.

Which is best of these cheaper accom options?

Hi Kiwi,

I would recommend the Best Western Beachside Inn, for the conveniences you want. It is directly across the street from the beach and close to the yacht harbor and the pier with several restaurants to choose from. There are also restaurants on Cabrillo Blvd. where the Inn is located that you can walk to. There is also a nice public pool directly across the street if you like to swim. We also have an electric shuttle that you can catch very close by if you want to ride uptown for 25 cents. I would ask for a room on the East end of the building away from the traffic light and possible traffic noise. They have a large parking garage and I do not think they charge for parking.

Coffee maker in room means you will have an electric coffee maker and they will supply you with individual size packets of coffee and tea, usually daily, so you can have that first cup of coffee or tea in the morning before you go out for breakfast. It is a very nice amenity.

Hope this helps and hope you have a wonderful vacation!

Which is best of these cheaper accom options?

I have stayed at the BW Beachside and agree that it is good value with a very nice location. They have a pool and do not charge for parking.

I have stayed at the other Best Westernss(Encina and Peppertree) and have found them to also be of good value.

The reviews on this forum for these hotels are not quite fair and I belive that they are much better than the reviews would indicate.

Santa Barbara is a very popular place and the hotels tend to be pricey. I believe that many visitors have unreasonable expectations becasue of the price.

The Super 8%26#39;s and Motel 6%26#39;s are going to vary in quality since some are franchisedand the quality is going to depend on the individual owners.

Use this forum and the visitor feedback from www.expedia.com to read about previous stays.

The Best Western chain(while franchised,also) is also a good chain to look for.

No Worries!!

We have stayed at many Best Westerns at different locations and have always found the hotels to be clean, comfortable and most have nice pool areas and jacuzzis, complimentary breakfast and parking.

RicardoBA, do you know anything about the Best Western Laguna Reef Inn? Is it directly across the street from the Montage? :)

Hi Syrah,

It%26#39;s located directly across the street from the Montage as you enter the driveway for the shoppping center. It has been there for years. I know that they did a remodel, but I can%26#39;t remember how long ago.

I have never stayed there so I don%26#39;t know what to tell you other than what the reviews are saying. However, you know that the location is wonderful.

It looks like good value to me.

Good Luck!!

Thank you all - Ive read some not so good recent reviews about BW Beachside Inn but the location does seem good, especially for our short stay. The BW South Coast looks a nicer property but not such a convenient location.

Can you suggest briefly what we should try to do/see while in SB - we will have time in the afternoon/evening and some time in the morning. Would like to check out the beach/seafront/wharf and some of the Spanish style buildings that SB is known for.

Thanks for answering my other questions too.

We are heading North after SB - next overnite perhaps at Cambria - any suggestions for where to stay here that will be in our price range? Thanks.

In terms of things to do:

(1) I would see the courthouse (it has a beatuiful tower which you can take an elevator to the top of for a beautiful view of the city) and its only one block off State St;

(2) There is always shopping/people watching along State St. Lower State St is our downtown, historical, shopping and entertainment district. Walking the Red Tile Tour or along State St is popular and will allow you to see a lot of Santa Barbara Architecture;

(3) Stern%26#39;s Wharf (where State St. meets the ocean). Its a nice place to walk and see a beautiful view of Santa Barbara from the water;

(4) If you are here on a Sunday, I would highly recommend walking along Cabrillo Blvd for our famous Art Walk. Its a beauiful walk and more than 100 exhibitors seeling hademade crafts and art objects within 150 feet of the ocean, its very nice and I would say it is a ';Don%26#39;t miss';

(5) Also the Santa Barbara Mission is beautiful (self guided hour long tours are $3).

(6) As for beaches: Butterfly beach is top notch for both people watching and swimming with East Beach being a close second. East beach is a fairly easy walk from the BW on Cabrillo.

Thanks for those suggestions - that%26#39;s just great. And we will be there on Sunday afternoon so will look out for the Art Walk.

Luckily you will be here on a Sunday! The Art Walk is truly special.

I have stayed at the Motel 6 Beach. It is quickly sold out because it is near the ocean. You can walk to the water bare foot in the morning. The Motel 6%26#39;s [ all ] are spartan and dreary...but you get the prison cell basics...towel....small TV....and uh that%26#39;s it. Many noisy night-owls fueled by alcohol to wake you at 1 am.....but it is a great bargain.

I can recommend Mason Beach Inn in Santa Barbara, should be in your price range as long as it is not Aug 31 (holiday weekend).

SSpines.com, near Cambria, is fine and a quick walk to the ocean