Quiet and serene. My more than boyfriend brought me here for a weekend getaway. It was simply amazing, and walking distance to Front Street where great shopping. Several excellent restaurants near by that are highly rated by Michelin. On of the best restaurants was at this hotel. Will come again.
We booked a suite; sitting room separate from the bedroom. Unfortunately, we couldn't use the sitting room because there were no heating vents and the room was very cold (the temperature in Santa Barbara this morning was 39 degrees). So we really only had the use of one room where the heater is. Also, one needs to run the water in the shower for a long time waiting for it to get hot. As another reviewer wrote, it's not really a B&B because the "breakfast" is inedible fare: cellophane-wrapped pastries like you would find at a 711 store. I also agree with the other reviewer about the pathetic "happy hour" - better not to offer than to put out a glass of wine with no crackers or cheese. It felt very cheap. The lobby fireplace was nice though. The grounds are pretty and well-maintained. The bed was comfortable. Parking is good. The staff was very friendly but it is not on par with other B&B options nearby although prices are comparable to the Cheshire Cat B&B (which, last time we stayed, offered a lovely breakfast). We will not stay at the Upham again. …
This is the perfect place to stay regardless of whether you want a couples get away, a family vacation or a wedding party venue for family and friends which is what we did. It has amazing outside spots to sit whether on the porch, in the garden or in the gazebo. The staff is so friendly and it is impeccably clean and the grounds are well groomed. We had wonderful breakfast of croissants, pastries, coffee and fresh orange juice daily and happy hour by the fire in the lobby each evening. We stayed in a cottage with our own fireplace and outside patio. It is 2 blocks to State street with many shops and restaurants and easy walk down State street to Stearns Wharf. We stayed a couple of extra days after the wedding because it was such a comfortable place to stay. I wouldn't consider any other accommodations in Santa Barbara.…
From the outside the Upham still holds its charm. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the main reception area is quaint. Unfortunately, when you turn the key and open the door to your room, the quaintness disappears. Rooms are run down with cracked tiles, stains on the furniture, and a general lack of upkeep. Breakfast is prepackaged and uninteresting while the wine “happy hour” is some glasses on a counter with a quick pour from the front desk clerk. It’s time for a little rehab to bring the Upham back to life.
Charming boutique inn. Tastefully decorated, loads of character, lovely atmosphere. Several buildings in pretty gardens. Excellent, friendly staff. Great location close to State Street, good parking. Lovely touches such as wine by the fireplace each evening. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Louie’s Restaurant. Great find and would love to visit again.
I stayed at Upham in August 2022. I stayed here for the third time, as the conference I come to SB for always uses this hotel. Pros and Cons: Pros: (1) Historical hotel, and cozy atmosphere. (2) Quiet location. But not too far from the center of downtown Santa Barbara. Less than 30 min walk to the center of tourism (Wharf). A lot of restaurants and bars around but not too close so the hotel itself is quiet. (3) Friendly nice staff. (4) Happy hour with free wines. (5) Pretty garden where you can just relax. (6) My room had a cute private balcony. Cons (1) A bit far from the center of actions. (2) Not the cheapest hotel. Overall, I think it's a cute hotel with great service and staff. I am happy I come back to this hotel many times.
My wife and I spent a night here while in Santa Barbara to see a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. This was our second visit to the Upham, having done the same in 2021. We liked the hotel then but our room was small (king room in Lincoln Building). We paid to upgrade this year to a cottage king room in the Rose Cottage and it was wonderful. Bigger room and easy access to the nice outdoor lawn/garden area. If you are going to the Santa Barbara Bowl, you can walk (~about 25 minutes in total) and stop 1/3rd of the way for dinner (ten minutes to the Courthouse Tavern) and walk the last 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. The famously beautiful SB Courthouse is a five minute walk and well worth dropping in for a tour. Complimentary happy hour wine and morning breakfast were simple but satisfying.…
At first I was apprehensive staying in a hotel from 1871 since I am a terrible sleeper and enjoy modern conveniences. Bill, the manager, did not help when he said I had a terrible room for sleep. To his credit, he was able to switch me to an upper room that was peaceful and very functional with period furniture but modern amenities. The bathroom was spacious and the room, along with the entire property, was very peaceful. Not sure why the wall air conditioner had to be positioned right next to the desk and bed making it impossible to leave on when I was in the room. Luckily it wasn't too hot. Erica, at check in , was extremely helpful and friendly. A great resource during our stay and very pleasant to chat with over complimentary wine. The continental breakfast is nice and everything is individually wrapped and most appropriate for a pandemic. Hot food would be nice, maybe someday it will come back. The onsite restaurant is amazing. Excellent food, outdoor seating, and service. A little far from the beach as my non walker friend would complain, but otherwise a great choice.…
Quaint historic hotel in quiet residential neighborhood! One of the oldest hotels in California dated back to the gold rush days of the late 1800’s. In a very safe neighborhood & only a short walk to restaurants & shopping. The beach is an easy 10-15 walk as well.
The rooms, lobby and restaurant are well appointed, clean, comfortable and picturesque over looking beautiful landscaped gardens. The Upham serves a continental breakfast and offers wine in the evening. State Street is located two blocks from the hotel - a perfect location for the Courthouse, SB Museum, restaurants, theater, etc. Money very well spent. Parking is included.
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