A Conundrum of Contrasts
Dear
Polite Traveler,
While
breathtakingly beautiful grounds and impeccably designed interiors, I wouldn’t
call this a “luxury” resort that should demand a premium daily rate. Still, this is one of the few large hotels in
Santa Barbara, CA, directly across the street from the Pacific
Ocean in what is called “The American Riviera.”
So here begins my explanation of why this hotel confuses me. (Video: Santa Barbara)
The Pluses
Take
a deep breath, you have arrived in the land of Aww.... Damn straight, this is a
beautiful place. The grounds are
massive, green and, well, just about all colors blended into a mosaic of
California’s best. The jasmine perfumes
the air as the bougainvillea tantalizes the eyes. Those are also two names of the eight
buildings.
While
strolling through the well-manicured gardens, a
stunning vision of the deep-blue Pacific Ocean peaks through the buildings to remind
me of why we’re here. Like many of us, I
needed calm in this year of healing. Due
to the location, this Hilton delivers on that promise.
Common Rooms
Inside
the main building—housing the registration desk, lobby, restaurants and
conference rooms—I found a contemporary flair with attention to detail so well
designed, I felt compelled to stop and examine the tiniest of items, such as a
decorative vase or one of the gazillion orchids scattered around the
lobby.
For
the most part, the staff is accommodating, pleasant and friendly. Some even attempted to remember our names,
which is always polite, albeit difficult to achieve.
The
restaurants
offered decent but not memorable fare at resort prices, but hey, we’re soaking
in the beauty of the Pacific as we’re munching—more of that confusing contrast
I mentioned.
For example, “The Set”—restaurant serving lunch and dinner—directly faces the
ocean. So naturally, the prices are a
tad higher than you might be used to paying.
Still, I didn’t find prices much higher than in other restaurants in
Santa Barbara. Plus, up to two guests receive a drink coupon for one free glass of house
wine. Score! (restaurant post)
Note
Daily
wine coupons are included with the cost of the resort fee.
Our Room
Even
our room was a bit puzzling. Although
not a suite, it was spacious and opened to a beautiful garden. An ocean or partial ocean view was available
for a price, but we found we already had one in ours: room #491, Bougainvillea
building.
Note
Please
read my room review.
The Negatives
Remembering
that this is a “resort” hotel, which comes at a price tag of $30 per day resort
fee, I expected beautiful grounds, pool, and some activities. Hands down, the look and feel of the place
were on point. However, a few other aspects
left me perplexed.
The Grounds
As
mentioned before, the grounds are remarkable, but every hotel has its less than
desirable room locations. This hotel is
no different. I am mentioning this
negative for you, my polite travelers, even though I did not experience
it. Our room faced the garden.
Beware
rooms facing the parking lots. The train
tracks are directly behind the hotel.
Plus, those rooms facing the north/west parking lot may be
affected by a utility yard behind the hotel.
There is quite a bit of noise from cement trucks and the miscellaneous
events occurring in this yard.
Hilton
has no control over this, and some guests may not have an issue with those
rooms. Still, it is my obligation to you
to report my unvarnished observations.
Oh,
and by the way, the rails are barely used.
The Food
Prices are slightly higher
than Starbucks which is typical for a hotel.
What disappointed, for me at least, were the two breakfast sandwich
choices. Please read why.
The
view of the Pacific dictated dining at “The Set” a must for our three night’s
dinners, for which we chose only two options.
Since our trip down the coast took eight hours, and we were exhausted,
we chose a cheese and charcuterie platter for our first night. Unfortunately, the cheese was cold making
this a very poor choice. Please read why and about our better choice the next two
nights.
The biggest
negative is the service at the Java Del Mar.
I understand how difficult it can be dealing with tourists, especially
those who appear arrogant and superior about shelling out resort-room prices. But
really. Must they be rude and
indifferent? The rudeness I noticed was primarily
in facial expressions, but indifference was displayed in the total package:
facial expression, body language, and voice.
Due to
our limited time, I had a mere two interactions with three baristas. Only two conveyed utter disdain for
guests. One associate, Mariana, was pleasant. Thank you, Mariana.
But Hilton Garden Inn offers that...Why????
Since
we attempt to limit our stays within two hotel franchises—Hilton and Choice—it
is relatively easy for us to compare what is typically found within the variety
of hotels within the franchises. That’s
not to say we’re not surprised at times, but for the most part, what is
expected is what is found.
Our
lovely room surprised: the pluses mentioned above and... There was no microwave! What?!
Really? Yep, here’s a luxury room
in a resort ON THE OCEAN without a microwave.
Even lesser hotels typically include one or one is ready for the
asking.
Even
the hotel
across from the water treatment plant had one.
Phew, that was a unique Nevada experience. This hotel?
Nope. Since we were staying a
scant few days, I didn’t request one. So
that is on me. Perhaps you could ask and
share the information with us. Thank you
in advance.
Next,
I asked for an electric kettle for warming water. I know Santa Barbara, and more specifically
this hotel receives foreign visitors who typically use them for tea. Simple slam dunk in my book. Well, wrong page. They don’t have any. Typically, this wouldn’t be an issue due to
the short stay. But with the coffee pot
the only way of heating tea water, I wasn’t too thrilled. I love tea.
Pout, pout.
These
two negatives aren’t deal breakers and not huge issues but did surprise me.
Bottom Line
Will
we return? If we receive a deal,
yes. It’s a beautiful hotel in one of
the most magnificent areas in California.
Still, the frugal me wouldn’t feel comfortable with paying the full rate—$445
to $695 per night—even for this level of...wow!
Fold
in the daily $30 resort and $30 parking fees and you’re talking real cashola.
However, there are deals
available. We used our free nights for
being Hilton Honors Members. You might
find a deal that’s right for you!
Note
The Daily
Resort Charge includes internet access for 2 devices, 2-hour bicycle rental; a glass of house wine (2 adults), 2 bottles of water available daily at the front desk
and a 20% discount on Spa services and tennis clinics.
Value of Being a Hilton Honors Member
My
ardent readers know how much I love and enjoy the Hilton Honors Membership
Program and this is another reason for you to love it as well.
Gold/Diamond Members receive a daily $15.00 breakfast credit
per person (up to two) available at The Roundhouse or Java Del Mar and a room
upgrade based on space availability.
All
Members Using points or free rewards stays:
No charge for room, no room taxes, and no resort fees.
Note
I
am not a representative nor am I compensated by Hilton. I’m just a zealous fan.
Please
Read
Road Trip to the
Albion River Inn on the CA Coast
Hotel & Room
Review: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City
Hotel Room Review of
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Davis
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