The Inn at East Beach

While waiting in line to check in, I was behind another guest who was also choosing to leave and forfeit their nonrefundable stay because they felt the condition of the property was not as represented. Unfortunately, once I saw my room, I understood why. The room was extremely dirty and run down. The walls were filthy, there appeared to be mold beneath the bathroom sink, there were multiple haphazardly patched holes in the walls as well as an actual unpatched hole, and the flooring was warped and lifting. The condition wasn't limited to the room. The lobby had multiple out-of-order machines and wet towels lying on the floor. This went well beyond a property simply being dated or needing renovation. I did not feel the room was in an acceptable condition to stay in. Given that another guest was leaving for similar reasons at the same time I was checking in, I would strongly recommend looking carefully at recent reviews before booking, particularly if your reservation is nonrefundable.

The Inn isn't the newest, fanciest accommodation on the block, however this os exactly why I loved it. My room was spacious. I didn't feel like I was living in a shoebox. The Inn is about a 400m walk to the beach. There is a gym and restaurant adjacent to each other on the beachfront. As a "senior", I paid US $5 to go to the gym. Afterwards I was able to change into my bathing suit, store my belongings into a lockable locker & go over to the beach for a swim. Then come back & shower. The facilities were excellent. The restaurant next door is one I'd return too. I enjoyed an evening meal there & also brunch. Back to the Inn. Although there was no way of making a cup of tea in my room, I was easily able to do this in the reception area. There is a microwave available in reception along with paper plates & disposable cutlery. The outdoor area is great to relax in, eat your breakfast etc. The swimming pool is somewhere to relax & enjoy. It's a decent size too. I was able to walk down to Stearns Wharf from the Inn. There is lots to enjoy on the walk. There is a public outdoor gym in a green area on the walk to town (not noticeable if you're walking by the beach). Two supermarkets are an easy walk in the other direction from the Inn. I'm travelling by train so I absolutely loved hearing the trains toot as they passed through Santa Barbara. I hope to return (from New Zealand) & the Inn will be my choice of accommodation for sure. There wasn't anything I didn't like.

Bad

Superb

Close to beach Old rooms

I believe this property was an apartment building a really long time ago. It’s cute and it’s clean. The bed was a little bouncy but it was comfortable. There isn’t A/C but there are fans in the room. It wasn’t extremely hot and it did cool down at night so that wasn’t an issue for me. The continental breakfast is pastries, fruit and coffee that’s it. The beach is walking distance and that’s the best part…yeah I’d stay there again I liked the quaintness of the property.

Positives: 1. Location is awesome. It's a block from the beach and boardwalk and a mile from the pier. 2. The room was HUGE. More of a studio apartment with an efficiency kitchen than a standard hotel room. It was clean (though a bit dated) and suited our needs just fine. 3. Towels were clean, bed was comfy and there was a fireplace in the room Negatives: 1. No AC. It was low 80's during the day and we were out and about so not a huge deal to just open all the windows and balcony door to cool off in the evening. If you are planning on spending a lot of time in the room, it will be toasty. Our room was second story 2. Parking is $15/day as advertised but DONT pay it. There is PLENTY of street parking behind the hotel (which they don't really mention at check in). 3. "Breakfast" is bananas, apples, packaged pastries, & coffee so pretty bare bones We used the place to sleep so it was great for us. Not fancy, but does the job.

Other than the location, one block from east beach, the property is a bit of a mess. Old, not well maintained, or even very clean. The rooms have no AC, so you have to leave your windows open, "allowing" you to hear anything going on around you. would not stay here again.

Our room had direct late afternoon sun, making it extraordinarily hot. There is no air conditioning because there’s inadequate wiring. The smoke detector was open and exposed. New paint didn’t disguise dilapidated walls, flooring and amenities. The stairs are not adequately marked and dangerous to negotiate. I will never stay there again.

Exceptional

Close to beach.

Good location, walk to the beach. Only issue no AC. Walk or drive to Funk Zone or the pier, took us 40 min to walk to the pier. It is an older hotel so you will see some exposed wires in the ceiling from the room we stayed in. Pool was clean, coffee and some pastries free in the lobby.

Staff was friendly. Property was not great. We stayed one night and checked out. No air conditioning, room with kitchenette was more than disgusting. Would never stay again. It gets one star because of staff and location.

Location was fantastic, clean, no frills

Beach is really close only 1 block away. Bathtub/shower was a little strange in room 102, do not recommend for senior guests.

There was a little problem with my sink and the staff found a solution super quick. I would recommend the Hotel to friends

Poor building. Poor facility and breakfast. Good pool. Not flexible time schedule. Helpful staff. No reply to expidia message.

Exceptional

The location to the beach is great. Two of the rooms we booked had plumbing issues. One resulted in a late night room change and they never bothered to try and fix or change the 2nd room.

Location Amenities Needed some minor maintenance issues tended to