Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel, is highly regarded for its exceptional location and staff, providing guests with a memorable seaside retreat. Situated right across from the beach, the hotel offers easy access to the ocean, enhancing its appeal for visitors seeking leisurely strolls along the shoreline. The proximity to vibrant restaurants and walking paths adds convenience for those interested in exploring local dining and outdoor activities. Despite not being centrally located, guests enjoy a quiet neighborhood that’s close to the heart of the area, making it an ideal spot for relaxation with opportunities for nearby active pursuits.
Rooms at the Blue Sands Inn impress guests with their cleanliness, modern touches, and well-maintained, newly remodeled spaces. Comfortable beds and full kitchen amenities contribute to a homely feel, while fireplaces and stunning coastline views in some rooms add extra charm and coziness. Bathrooms are spacious and immaculate, enhancing the luxurious experience. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as occasional shortages of towels and thin walls, the hotel is known for its cleanliness and comfort, with well-kept communal spaces like the inviting pool area providing a pleasant environment for relaxation.
The hotel's staff stands out for their friendly and accommodating nature, with team members often praised for their kindness and assistance. This exceptional hospitality significantly contributes to a pleasant stay, ensuring guests feel well-supported and looked after throughout their visit.
The pool, although modest in size, is a delightful feature praised for its cleanliness and the heated aspect of its saltwater, offering a refreshing swim for guests of all ages. Families with young children particularly enjoy the pool, which provides ample seating for relaxation, despite occasional lively daytime activity.
Beds receive mixed feedback, with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a pleasant stay, while some have noted issues with firmness or softness affecting the quality of sleep. Overall, Blue Sands Inn provides generally comfortable beds but may benefit from updates to accommodate guest preferences better.
While the absence of breakfast options is a noted drawback, the complementary coffee in the lobby and potential for future room amenities offer hope for improvement. In essence, Blue Sands Inn combines beachside charm and practical proximity to local attractions, creating a charming and well-equipped haven for travelers seeking a comfortable and scenic getaway.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel in Santa Barbara is a top-rated hotel with exceptional service and warm hospitality. The staff is incredibly respectful, hospitable and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and taken care of throughout their stay. The majority of guests have praised the friendliness of ALL the staff, who are known for providing excellent service and tending to guests' needs. While there have been some isolated incidents where not all staff members were friendly and the hotel was unable to handle all tables, these are rare exceptions. Overall, El Encanto Santa Barbara is an excellent choice for those seeking exceptional service and a friendly staff.
Situated 3 miles away from the Los Padres National Forest, this upscale Spanish hacienda-style inn dates to 1923.
Summary of reviews
The Ojai Valley Inn is a stunning and picturesque resort located in a peaceful and beautiful location, which offers guests an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The spacious and well-designed rooms are comfortable and luxurious with super soft sheets and plush towels. While some guests did report some dated rooms and a lack of cleanliness, most guests were satisfied with the level of cleanliness of the hotel. The staff is well-trained, friendly and attentive, making guests feel incredibly taken care of. The spa is a definite highlight with guests describing it as "absolutely perfect" and the pools are a great place to relax in the sunshine. Despite some minor issues such as delays in drink service and trash left by the pool, guests overall found the property to be amazing and the epitome of luxury.
The Amanzi Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel in Ventura, California, impresses guests with a variety of commendable features. The hotel's prime location is a frequent highlight, situated within walking distance of the beach, Ventura pier and downtown. This central positioning, coupled with ease of access to Main Street's shops, restaurants and bars, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking convenience and accessibility. Guests also note the hotel's proximity to the 101 freeway, further facilitating travel.
Rooms at the Amanzi Hotel are celebrated for their spaciousness and cleanliness, providing a comfortable and modern stay thanks to recent renovations. Essential amenities like small fridges, microwaves and double sinks enhance the room's functionality. The rooms facing the ocean, some with balconies, are particularly appreciated, although a few reviews suggest improving the soundproofing due to nearby freeway and train noise. Nonetheless, the majority of guests find the room size and modern decor to exceed expectations.
The breakfast experience at the hotel is another standout feature with guests appreciating the variety and quality of the offered items. Hot selections such as eggs, waffles and bacon, along with vegan and pre-packaged options, cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Although some adjustments due to Covid-19 were less favorable, the breakfast buffet generally receives high praise.
Cleanliness is consistently noted with high marks, both in rooms and common areas, making it a well-regarded choice for those prioritizing hygiene. The staff at Amanzi Hotel are often highlighted for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness, significantly enhancing the guest experience. From the front desk to the breakfast staff, the team is frequently commended for their accommodating and helpful nature.
Additionally, guests often highlight the ease of parking with ample and secure options available, including underground and gated facilities. This complements the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere with spacious and comfortable family rooms making it a favorable option for those traveling with children.
The hotel's strategic location also offers easy access to Ventura's vibrant nightlife, which many guests enjoy despite some potential for late-night noise. Comfortable beds generally contribute to a restful stay, although opinions on pillow quality and mattress firmness vary.
Other notable features include in-room fireplaces, which, although primarily decorative, add a charming touch to the hotel’s ambiance. Accessibility is another strength with guest-friendly design elements such as direct elevator access from the parking garage and well-thought-out bathroom facilities.
In summary, Amanzi Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel, blends comfort, convenience and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a strong choice for travelers to Ventura.
Categories
Rooms with Fireplace
Pool
Heated Pool
Outdoor Pool
Golf
*Additional taxes or fees may apply. Please check the final price before completing your booking.Showing 1-5 out of 5 hotels in and around Montecito