Montecito Santa Barbara, California
Renovated
2003
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic SocialOutside the door
Chaplin-founded coastal refuge
Mediterranean Revival archways frame a relaxed coastal retreat opening straight onto the lively sidewalk cafes of Coast Village Road.
What it’s good at
Notable
Built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin, featuring Spanish Revival architecture, vintage photographs, and silent film memorabilia.
Notable
A Coast Village Road fixture welcoming travelers and locals to lower Montecito continuously since 1928.
Listed
Evenings center on craft cocktails at Lion's Tale and intimate ten-seat omakase dinners at Sushi by Scratch.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Stroll along lower Montecito's boutique-lined Coast Village Road, or walk ten minutes down to the sands of Butterfly Beach.
The rooms
Italian marble bathrooms anchor the Mediterranean rooms, with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs available in select suites.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Tall palms border the heated courtyard pool and hot tub, set alongside cushioned loungers and an on-site sauna.
Gym and massage
Custom massages and facials are arranged on demand in guest rooms, and the gym includes a Peloton bike.
Bar
Lion's Tale
Under an ornate pressed-tin ceiling, bartenders mix craft cocktails alongside French-influenced bar plates and velvet seating.
At the table
Sushi by Scratch prepares multi-course omakase at an intimate ten-seat counter, and Coast & Olive pours regional wines.
How it began
Founded in 1928 as a coastal escape for Hollywood actors, the property still displays original silent film artifacts.
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Good to know
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.