Spanish Garden Inn- Santa Barbara, CA
While I do prefer historic hotels, if a place has sufficient character I will overlook youth. After all, my problem with most modern hotels isn’t so much age, but lack of architectural details, and uninspired interior design. Indeed, uniformity is the selling point of branded hotels- you know exactly what to expect; the same template used from coast to coast. Fortunately independent hotels can still be found, and most proudly showcase their sense of place. A perfect example is the Spanish Garden Inn; though less than 20 years old, it is reminiscent of Old California. A collection of low slung buildings, set around a breezy courtyard, it is the essence of Southern California itself.
Set on a leafy street a short walk from the beach and the Mission, the inn’s location is ideal. Originally, the site was home to the Santa Barbara School of the Arts, which was founded in 1920. At the time, Santa Barbara was an important artist colony, attracting creative types drawn to the area’s natural beauty. While the school thrived for several years, it struggled during the depression, and ultimately closed in 1938. The land was purchased by a wealthy student, and shockingly remained undeveloped until 1997.
By that time, the only building that remained from the old school was the bronze sculpture studio. It had been converted to a residence in the 1940s, then later used as a stained glass workshop. It was vacant by the time the property was purchased for the Spanish Garden Inn. Although not incorporated into the hotel design, it was moved intact, and relocated to 414 De la Vina Street, a little more than a mile from its original location. It is once again used as studio space.
After the studio was moved, construction started on the hotel; what emerged from the ashes of the art school was a low slung, graceful Spanish Revival, with white washed walls, red roof tiles, and a magnificent sun drenched courtyard. Centered around a fountain, it brings to mind European plazas and Mexican markets. Strung with lights, it is a beautiful location, day and night.
The graceful lines continue inside the rooms, with arched ceilings and inset niches. The gas fireplace is perfect for cool evenings. Most rooms have balconies or patios. However, as lovely as the room is, you will be drawn to the communal courtyard. In the morning, it is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast; later, the perfect location for a glass of Pinot Gris. While the hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, they do offer local wine and appetizers. Order a bottle of the Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc, and sit by the fountain; you are on vacation after all, and there are several excellent restaurants in close walking distance.
Make sure to wake up early, and walk over to the 1929 Santa Barbara County Courthouse; the views from the clock tower are just stunning, and among the best in town. It is particularly atmospheric in the morning, when coastal fog gets hung up in the mountains. Later, walk over to the Old Mission, which truly is Old California. Beautiful all around.
Everything at the inn is relaxing, pleasant, and well designed. So while it may not be a historic hotel, it has an old soul, and that is enough. I dream about that courtyard, and look forward to returning one day.
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