Upper East Santa Barbara, California
Renovated
2011
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Victorian garden showpiece
Tall hedges enclose a one-acre estate of manicured English gardens, historic magnolia trees, and an 1874 Italianate manor.
What it’s good at
Notable
An 1874 Italianate Victorian estate and restored 1878 carriage barn in landscaped gardens.
Notable
A quiet Upper East bed and breakfast institution welcoming guests continuously since 1985.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The quiet Upper East streets put the Arlington Theatre and State Street within an easy five-block walk.
The rooms
Stand-alone garden cottages have private patio entrances, fireplaces, and jetted tubs tucked behind secluded lawns.
At the table
Tiered afternoon tea is served with sparkling wine on the lawns, alongside hot breakfasts prepared by Chef Julian Martinez.
How it began
Built in 1874 for Scotsman Robert Simpson, the property later became North America's first Five Diamond bed-and-breakfast.
Good to know
Stay here
Simpson House Inn
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Santa Barbara
More like this
El Encanto Santa Barbara
“Riviera hillside sanctuary”
The Upham Hotel
“Redwood garden retreat”
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
“Victorian garden lodgings”
Cabrillo Inn at the Beach
“Vintage coastal quarters”
Hotel Santa Barbara
“Spanish Revival quarters”
Beachside Inn
“Mid-century harbor lodge”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.