Franciscan Inn

I stayed here in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA on 12÷18÷15 for one night, while on a road trip throughout California. The hotel is clean and well maintained. I did not have advance reservations, but they had plenty of vacancies as this was near Christmas and the hotel was not even half full, according to the receptionist. We were warmly greeted. Later we found that the room and bed were comfortable. The property is aging a bit and some construction was going on in the main lobby. They did not offer breakfast at this time, but gave us two $ 10 coupons to use at Sambo’s restaurant down the street. Well worth it!
This hotel is an easy walk to the harbor, beach and other restaurants. I agree with others that the bathroom was clean and there was plenty of hot water.
I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel. Total for one night’s stay with tax was: $ 176.22

I had a good experience at this little Inn. The rooms are comfortable, the staff were very kind and helpful when I had questions about SB. Also the tempting fresh cookies everyday are a nice perk. There is a pool, hot tub, ice, machine, and you the vibe of the inn is very nice.

I stayed here a couple of weeks ago when I was in Santa Barbara for a friend’s wedding. The location was perfect for me in terms of being within walking distance from the Amtrak station and a couple of blocks from the Harbor/​beach. It was an easy walk to shops and restaurants on State Street, too. My room was great with an awesome king bed that was extremely comfortable. The front desk staff was kind and personable, and I enjoyed the breakfast and the cookies in the afternoon. It was an easy Lyft or Über ride to the wedding festivities. This is definitely a «hidden gem» in Santa Barbara for a fairly reasonable price for the area. While not a luxury resort, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the location can’t be beat. I would definitely stay here again.

Great location and friendly staff. Was the perfect end to a camping road trip. Enjoyed the extra space that came with the suite. Would stay there again.

A friend and I were road tripping up the CA coast and decided to make a reservation here for a night. We only made the reservation a few weeks in advance, and Franciscan Inn was one of our only options due to the fact that it was a weekend and most places were either booked or had a 2+ night policy.
This inn is a hidden gem — just a few blocks down from the beach, it seems to be in a safe and quiet neighborhood. Christian, the staff person who helped us, was very kind to answer all of our questions in a friendly manner. The room was clean, and it really felt like we were at a bed and breakfast somewhere in the mediterranean. There were a lot of families out using the pool, and the ranch-​like layout served as a welcoming environment. Parking was easy (at least for our small car), and I appreciated the fact that they seemed to keep track of who’s car was who. We had a room on the first floor, which made it wonderful in regards to carrying luggage in and out. As weary travelers, it felt great to get to a place where we felt safe, didn’t have to worry about cleanliness, and could wash up and hit the hay before another long day on the road. We felt rested and ready to go the next day, which I think is a sign that we enjoyed our stay :-)
I would stay at the Franciscan Inn, and recommend it to anyone looking to take a weekend trip to SB, or simply stay a night like we did.

Lovely and very well located hotel in Santa Barbara near the beach! The parking is free. The wifi is free. The breakfast is included (although not very generous but that’s the only negative thing). The room is clean, I had a studio with a living room, a fridge, a kitchen… Very lovely. I will come back!

This is a clean and cozy inn conveniently located just a few blocks from the harbor. Was able to get a day-​of great rate on a private bedroom + living room/​sofa bed with kitchenette which is exactly what I needed for my family and in-​laws our one night in SB. While the stove was a little outdated, everything else particularly the bathroom seemed newly remodeled and everything was clean and in order. We also were delighted to find a generous selection at the continental breakfast in the very homey main lounge area. Also, great hospitality at the front desk. The only thing I didn’t like was when I was paying my bill at check out, the attendant initially couldn’t find my information and checked with the other attendant on duty, who replied, «Check again. Maybe he got his room # wrong.» It says the room # on the key I just turned in and I can read dude. Perhaps I’m being over-​sensitive. But overall, I enjoyed my short yet pleasant stay and would consider staying there again. Maybe I’ll try their pool next time if I remember to bring my trunks.

Nice Inn, comfortable rooms and kind service. During our stay the WC clogged, they upgraded us to a nicer suite.
Only drawback — truly to be improved — the very basic breakfast served in a too informal fashion…
Because of this only 3 stars

Love~Love Franciscan Inn! We have been staying here since the late 80’s. My husband and I travel frequently and always enjoy our time here. The staff is amazing, most have been here 10+ years. Carol runs the breakfast in the lobby Monday-Friday…such a delightful person! The homemade muffins were outstanding. Dan checked us in, always a pleasure. We stayed in room 105 recently re-​modeled, very tastefully done. It’s not the largest room we’ve had, but very nice. They make you feel like you are part of the family!

A group of six ladies for a getaway trip had the best time at Franciscan Inn! We rented two of the queen rooms with a kitchenette that were side by side. The Inn is an older but VERY well kept place. We even used the hideabeds and they weren’t terrible. This is a great place for larger groups and it was nice to have a small kitchen for appetizers and cocktails. Every morning we got up early and walked the two or three blocks to the pier and then came back for coffee and breakfast. The location is great for walking everywhere you need to go at the waterfront. You do have to drive if you want to go to downtown Santa Barbara for shopping and such.
Like many reviewers have noted we did meet the breakfast monitor. It would seem that her heart just wants to serve. She does ask that you not touch anything, which I get would you want to eat something other people have pawed? But she is as sweet as can be and will give whatever you ask of her. And she had some great tips and suggestions of things to do and see. You just can’t go down to the breakfast room and be in a hurry, because she only works at one speed. Which is fine, we’re on vacation, right?
The grounds are beautiful, the neighborhood around the hotel was beautiful and very safe day and night to walk around in. We made a few trips over to the market for cocktail supplies!
I thought it was a great stay and a great value. Again a perfect type of place for families and larger groups.

Stayed here few times and never had any complaints. Friendly atmosphere and the best cookies. Great location and great place to chill.

Great little inn. Staff is excellent. Rooms are clean and quaint. Was only staying one day & decides on two. One block from beach close to everything else. Would have been great if there was a DVD player in the room but who cares you’re at the beach!

I would certainly stay here again. Rooms were clean. Parking was ok. Lots of close together spots. You’ll always find a spot, but if you’re a fancy car owner who is trying to avoid door dings, you can park out on the uncongested street or I think near the office is best on the same side as the office, but a few doors down to the left. That’s the same-​sized parking lot area as the 14x range of rooms where we stayed, but many less rooms in that area, so more parking spaces. The things that I worry about.
Bed was comfortable. AC worked fine. I preferred the ceiling fan because the outside temps were moderate. It was easy to walk everywhere in town and we felt safe in the area. I love to walk and explore towns and this location made it easy.
We got the room online from their website and put in AAA for the 10% off promotional discount. Saved us a call that I never remember to do until I wake up at 2 in the morning and then forget to do the next day, as well. Book it, Danno.

Nice place. Very Clean. We stopped by several hotels near by, but many rooms are just so stinky with some perfume. No pets allowed which keeps them from over perfuming the rooms with some chemical. Fresh and clean. Great staff. Very nice. Close to beach.
This one is clean because it’s clean.
Thanks for the great stay.

We were in town for the Harbor & Seafood Festival. We tried to book our usual Inn months in advance, but they were booked solid for that weekend. Luckily, Franciscan Inn had some vacancies. Coincidentally, they were diagonal from each other.
THE GIST:
— Walking distance to the beach, Harbor, local wineries and restaurants (about 1– blocks away).
–This Inn was bigger than anticipated and can accommodate lots of people.
–Our room was small with a comfortable and clean queen size bed, Good for 2 average size peeps.
–Clean bathrooms with nice and hot water w/​lots of pressure. I LIKE IT!
–Flat screen TV and DVD player. Plenty of channels.
–Ceiling fan and AC available.
–Spacious parking lot
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST:
Food was just ok. They had muffins, bagels, fruits, coffee, juice, tea, water.
Only the tea and crisp apples were worth mentioning.
The food area was «hosted» and «manned» by an elderly lady. Though it was a sweet gesture to have personal service, it was a bit awkward having someone watch over the items you’ve selected. Felt a bit suffocating.
CONS:
–Walls were thin and you can hear your neighbor. Our room was close to the pool, so we could hear people talking outside. Didn’t bother us though. When you’re tired, you’re tired!
–$ 1.50/day advertising fee. WTHeck!
SERVICE: Older staff, so be patient.
AMBIANCE: Quiet and more «senior» citizen like. Not, for the party animals.
All in all, a clean, convenient and comfortable place to stay. I’d stay here again if my Inn is booked up.

It’s alright. This definitely isn’t what I’d call a «let’s stay at the hotel and chill» hotel, it’s definitely a «this is just where I sleep» kinda place. Which if that’s what you’re looking for, awesome. And you aren’t a light sleeper. We constantly heard this weird trickling noise from the plumbing upstairs. We were right on the street, but got more noise from other rooms than the street noises.
The wallpaper/​curtains kinda drove me nuts. And I usually am not the person to care or notice that sort of thing. But the matching floral wallpaper to the matching floral curtains just really made the place feel old, as did the kitchen area. And not in a retro cool way.
Overall, it may be time for this hotel to remodel a bit, but it’s a hotel by the beach so people will probably still dish out no matter what. But me and my husband stayed at the Spanish Garden inn for the same price a little more inland into Santa Barbara and were way more satisfied.

Here for the long holiday weekend. It’s convenient to everything. Has a charming boutique feel with laidback style. We would totally stay here again.

One night stay here while driving down the California coast to LA.
They were accomodating with reservations made the morning of (traveling on a whim with the family) our overnight stay in SB.
We had reserved two queens and asked for a pak n play for our youngest one.
Had a pak n play setup in the room on arrival. Room with two queen beds on 1^st floor — quaint and comfortable. The bathroom was quite a bit smaller than the usual bigger chains and just enough for one person at a time. A vanity area outside the bathroom was appreciated by my wife.
They do have free off street parking which is a plus.
The pool was somewhat heated but not quite to 82 degrees, so my 1 year old was still shivering even though she had a full wetsuit. The older ones also wore a wetsuit and managed to have a good time. There is a hot tub, but oddly it is located on the opposite side of the complex… it’s not anywhere near the swimming pool. This could be nice for the couple or those without children looking for some quiet time, but for parents looking after your kids while they are swimming — you are outta luck.
Thankful to have breakfast (7−10a) but not anything to write home about; located in the lobby of the hotel — a sweet lady named Carol serves you a selection of food such as: cinnamon rolls, croissant, orange juice, coffee, muffins, tea. They have a 2^nd unmanned table with bagels and single serving Quaker instant oatmeal of Apple & Cinnamon or Maple variety. Apples and bananas on the coffee table in the lobby.
Overall, can’t complain about the location, hospitality, and the value being so close to the beach and State street.
For a midsize family, more space for the pak n play and little ones to run around would have been nice. Perhaps, next time I will ask for their larger room. Would definitely come back again!

Stayed overnight in Standard suite — newly renovated with AC. Clean and nicely decorated. Living room has pull out sofa bed and kitchenette fully stock with utensils, pots, pan & plates. On-​site coin operated washing machine makes extended stay perfect. Service was excellent. Cost very reasonable for the area — 1 block from beach. Breakfast was disappointing (no eggs or fruit just pre-​packaged food) but we had kitchen to cook in. Price included parking and wifi (unlike some other places in area). Next time we will book full week.
Such a totally different experience from Milo Hotel just down the block whose service was horrible. Milo Hotel charged us over 2x as much for dirty room (mold in bathroom & spiderweb and cheesy jar pump attached to wall like at gym for shampoo & conditioner & lotion) about ½ size without AC and was rude to top it off.

You need to know that this is not a luxury hotel. That being said, it’s conveniently located, cute, nice service and clean. We had a comfy bed and the bonus room for the kids was great. Fresh baked cookies were yum! And my kids loved the hot chocolate with the continental breakfast. Easy walk to the harbor and we made it to the pier also (and my kids do not have a ton of walking stamina).
Since every place is crazy expensive, Franciscan inn was comparable and had enough little touches to set it apart.