Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort Santa Barbara

Location was outstanding! Right across the street from Cabrillo Beach! Our room was on the ground floor and we could sit on our patio and enjoy the view while eating or just relaxing. Wish that the WiFi would have been included but other than that our room, the grounds and the laocation were AWESOME! Service was also A-Plus.

To say this is an ocean front resort is a stretch, very few rooms actually have a view of the ocean. As such I would say the place is a bit over priced. Per information at the hotel, the property was originally a railroad roundhouse and yard. That makes sense given the proximity to the railroad tracks. But with that said, the location is great, just across the street from the beach and just a couple of blocks from the wharf. The rooms were nice and clean, and the hotel was in good shape. Some other reviews on other sites complained about the train noise. I had a room very close to the tracks, and it wasn't bad at all. We heard a couple of whistles right as we were going to bed, but they weren't loud. I would actually call this a quiet place, most hotels located near freeways or airports have much more ambient noise than this hotel did. Bottom line, the train tracks were not an issue, despite what others have said about them.

We spent 2 nights on a fall girls getaway weekend in a deluxe ocean view room. The room was huge and we had a private lanai. Upon arrival we were greeted by a team of door men who never let us open the huge lobby doors. The check in took less than 5 minutes and we were treated to warm cookies. The room was spotless and when we called for more towels we received them in less than 5 minutes. The room service delivered 2 great pots of coffee within 5 minutes of our asking. There was a wedding party in the main building where we stayed and we could hear the guests coming and going in their inebriated celebration. I would suggest to request an ocean view room that is away from the main building so it would be more quiet - then you could keep the lanai door open and listen to the sound of the waves on the beautiful beach right across the street. If you request a mountain or garden view room you need to keep the door closed because the train tracks run close to the hotel property. We spent a relaxing afternoon at the pool and jacuzzi. There were plenty of fresh towels and lounge chairs - it would have been nice to have the pool bar open and the jacuzzi could be a bit larger. But even with that we had a great time.

The room had a small patio which was nice to sit and relax on.

This place is wonderful, my wife and kids were in la la land. I didn't mind the wedding reception banter late into the night because the rest of the time the mood and surroundings were beyond compare. Two slight observations, and one little hiccup... a.) No bottle opener, and getting one took two calls to room service, and one trip to the concierge, I did receive two follow-up calls, but still no can opener, one did eventually arrive. b.) there was some existing damage to a drawer, (a hinge), that my son thought he did. Fifteen dollars a night to decline valet service. I prefer that no one else drives my vehicle, why should I be charged to park my own car. I thought that took away from the classiness on the way in, but after all the money I spent this weekend, the thirty dollars was marginal. Over all, it was everything I expected and more; we will be returning. John H. Smith, Simi Valley, CA

When we checked in we decided we didn't want a mountain view room by the railroad tracks. We upgraded to a garden view room, but still heard the train all hours of day and night.The door to our hallway kept banging against the frame very often, and was VERY annoying. There was no ventilating fan in the bathroom, so it was not "fresh". The hotel was ok, but the price was too much for what you get. The garden was pretty, but the hotel is pet friendly, and no one used the waste bags after their dogs got done doing their business. Next time, I will pick another hotel to stay at. The parking lot is in need to be resurfaced because there were MANY potholes to try and avoid. There was no fridge and the coffee maker was not very good. I brought my own thank goodness.

Although the pool is big, there aren't enough lounge chairs to fit everyone who wants to enjoy it. If you don't get there by 11am, you won't find a place to sit. The location of this hotel is awesome however and the grounds are beautiful. It is across the street from the beach and plenty of walking paths or biking paths to go to the zoo, wharf, restaurants (state street), and parks. Definitely consider going during the first week of August when it is Spanish Days!!

We stayed here for three night. Its a big resort (equals a lot of people) but the rooms are well spread out and each seems to have a balcony or patio area. There is also a big pool, although gettinga seat near it after 10:30 involves a bit of a battle!

This hotel is right across from the beach, and has lots of green grass areas to walk your dog. The front desk even gives you a goodie bag for your pet when you check in. The hotel staff was very friendly to us and our dog, bringing treats and water while we enjoyed cocktails on the outdoor patio for the bar. The only bad part was that the hotel restaurants did not have outdoor patios that allowed your dog while you ate.

great concierge service, housekeeping,& check-in. they gave us late checkout for only $75.00 more.i GOT A PORTA CRIB FOR MY CRAZY BABY. The spa has great service. [...] was wonderful and therapist '[...]' was INCREDIBLE! I am a massage therapist and that was the best massage..hands down.(All pun intended)Rodney's restaurant was good too. Overall the stay is pricey.. but you only live once people.Enjoy. Across from beach and they have a bike rental there..oh no did i give a great secret away? Have fun and see you soon!