Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#1 of 11 hotels in Goleta
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Wake up to a peaceful retreat rooted in the central coast of California with enriching experiences to nourish the soul. Located on the iconic historic property, we are caretakers of the land and our guests. Stay for the horticulture, experience local California cuisine at Terra, and refresh with our inviting spaces at The Steward hotel in Santa Barbara.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
The Steward hotel's charming atmosphere and historic design, complete with luxurious furnishings and cozy beds, are consistently lauded by guests. Located conveniently near UCSB and Goleta, it offers a respite from urban bustle.
While the service has seen mixed reviews, ranging from commendable to lackluster, the spacious suites stand out despite some guests taking issue with noise and cleanliness. The hotel's amenities and lush grounds are generally appreciated, although some visitors find the food and drinks costly and question the overall value.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Underwhelming
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
Such a lovely place to stay in Santa Barbara. The rooms are spacious and quiet, and give the impression of staying in your own private apartment rather than a hotel. The staff is kind and accommodating. We love renting bicycles from the front desk and following the path down to the beach for a picnic. The daily breakfast is always delicious and filling - we look forward to it each morning! We will always stay here when in the area, thank you Pacifica Suites!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel at the front desk was very hospitable and meticulously pointed out all of the Covid rules (Reservations to use the pool, only 1 hour blocks, Coffee Makers and Microwaves must be requested and will be left outside your door, no maid service so if you want extra towels just text). I did buy a bottle of local wine for 20 bucks which was delicious, and he even provided the corkscrew. Remotes and everything else are covered. They seems to be VERY protective of their customers.
We were "upgraded" to a pool view. Note: Do not get a "pool view" as the sounds of screaming children from sunup to sundown will dampen your vacation. You'll also want to request a 2nd floor as they have balconies, the lower floors just have a "patio"
As many have stated, the rooms ARE dated, but are comfortable. I love a suite and ours (room 120) was roomy, came with a fridge, two TV's and a comfortable bed. Parking can be tricky but the grounds are well laid out so even if you have to park on the oppposite side of the complex, its still an easy walk.
There was no breakfast, but a very short walk to Crushcakes for Red Velvet Cupcakes is worth the steps.
The 217 freeway is seconds away with easy access to the 101 and anything in Santa Barbara is 5-10 minutes away.
The grounds are nice and they are pet friendly (we saw many) however, they do NOT spray for fleas and our little one was covered by the time we got back home.
Took away a star as the rooms do need updating but otherwise a pleasant stay at about half the price of SB hotels.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
I like size and layout of the hotel. The property itself is quaint, quiet, and well maintained. It’s ideally located near the 271 freeway. I traveled with my dog and it’s dog friendly but they charge a $75 pet fee. I hate those. They do have areas for your dog to roam. The exterior does not match the rooms themselves. The rooms are rather dated - at least the furniture is - but the amenities rather make up for it. I particularly liked the patio and plantation shutters on the windows. No breakfast due to the current pandemic but that’s ok. Check in was easy and everyone I encountered was friendly. I can’t say that I’d stay here again due to the fee. It should be refundable.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Upon entering the room I noticed no sticker on the door indicating it had been cleaned as the other rooms had a sticker. I asked the desk about it & she said it was probably just an oversight. We attempted to set up the sofa bed when we noticed a wadded up wash cloth & 2 used tissues, one had a booger on it. Nasty!!! I called the desk, I was offered the room next door. So I had to walk down to the office again, pick up new key, return old key...the new room had no door sticker either. I again asked the desk as to why, she said housekeeping PROBABLY forgot. This was not comforting. Upon check out, I asked to speak with manager regarding my concern with the unsanitary cleaning practices, I was told she would call me later or if not by Monday morning. To date, no follow up call. Disappointing as this hotel was not cheap.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked this Hotel for our Anniversary. I booked this Hotel as part of the booking early check in was included. Also a bottle of wine in the package . On arrival around 1pm having driven 6 hours from San Francisco in need of some rest . We were told no early check available would have to wait . When we did check in around 230 we had to ask for the bottle of wine included. When we got to our room we rang down for a couple of wine glasses told non available. I know the restaurant is closed surely they should have wine glasses available.Told non available. Offered a couple of plastic cups (not my idea of romantic ) .
Overall very disappointed Hotel is not cheap but at least could do the basics a lot better in these challenging times.
This Hotel externally looks good . However the rooms are dated in need of some updating.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m convinced many of the hospitality staffs in SB hate their jobs. I work on the Las Vegas Strip at one of MGM’s properties and I definitely expect the same kind of customer service I give. The front desk staff lacks personality. All it takes is a simple hello to greet guests. I was told I would get a call when my room was ready but never received one so I had to call and confirm if the room was in fact ready. The room was nice but we had no body wash and I had to ask housekeeping for some the next morning. When I received the call that I “requested” body wash I had to let the front desk staff know that we never had any in the room. I chose this location as I know the area well. My grandparents had a house off of Patterson Ave. for over 40 years so the location of The Steward was perfect. Pool was great for my kids. In my own opinion, the employees of this hotel could use some much needed training. SB is beautiful! How can everyone be so miserable?!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Get ready to deal with a very unhappy staff
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Morales, General Manager at The Steward
Responded Mar 19, 2024
Thank you for your feedback we will be sure to take this learning opportunity and share with the team. We hope to regain your business in the near future.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for a family members wedding, food is overpriced our table ordered bread the outside was warm but the inside was still frozen with frost. The pool ours are from 7am to 10pm and at around 9:20 staff comes to the pool and says “quiet time hours are not till 10pm but can you guys keep it down” and then leaves and proceeds to shut off the lights in the pool. It was very dangerous as there was little kids who if they got injured would not have been seen. Then the water in the shower, sinks and toilet in all of my family members rooms had dark brown water coming out and went on for about 30 minutes. This all happened in the span of 5 hours and ruined my family members wedding along with our night that we wanted to enjoy after a wedding.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Do not go
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Morales, General Manager at The Steward
Responded Apr 4, 2024
Thank you for the feed back as we mentioned to your family member, it was a pleasure to be able to assist you today. Appreciate your patience and allowing us to do a thorough investigation.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed only one night for early flight following day, it's a couple of miles and an easy drive from this hotel. Arrived an hour or so early but gentleman on reception happily gave us a room which was actually a two room suite and really nice and modern with comfortable bed and furniture and a great shower. As the grounds and rooms are spread out we were able to drive and park close to offload luggage. Once we had done that we made use of the Terra bar / restaurant first for drinks then later for food as well. All enjoyable and pleasantly served by attentive staff. We were very pleasantly surprised with the pool and outside lounging areas which were very nice, unfortunately it was a cool afternoon so didn't use those facilities. On a sunny warm afternoon that would be a great place to spend time. Overall a very pleasant short stay and would certainly recommend. It is at the side of the main highway so some rooms will probably have road noise although we were right near it and although we could hear the road in the lounge the bedroom sound insulation made that minimal and didn't disturb us.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:If not driving ask for a room near reception to minimise walk with luggage.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Morales, General Manager at The Steward
Responded May 9, 2024
Thank you for the great review. Appreciate your amazing feedback. We look forward to welcoming you once again to our secret hideaway.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked a room weeks before trip to Santa Barbara when there were plenty of hotel options. Three days before checkin, Pacific Suites sent an email which said the hotel was under refurbishment and pool and ALL PUBLIC AREAS were unavailable. Many other hotel options were booked and what we found was 40% more expensive than had been. Such a deceptive set of actions.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for the weekend while visiting the UCSB campus and surrounding areas. It is perfectly located close to the campus. The hotel grounds are lovely and peaceful. We loved having the extra space with the suite. The furnishings in the living room are a bit dated, but everything is clean and bright. The beds were super comfy. The made to order breakfasts were fantastic and the staff in the kitchen/dining area were so kind and welcoming. We also loved the gourmet espresso machine in the dining room..great coffees every morning! We would definitely stay here again.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Goleta area.
PRICE RANGE
C$402 - C$565 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaGoleta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
87
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
