This historic hotel dates back to 1916, when it opened as the Hotel Virginia. The Spanish Revival building has a quiet and relaxed boutique hotel feel. The handsome lobby features terra-cotta floors inlaid with colorful, decorative tilework, similar to the Malibu and Catalina tile on the steps and a fountain in the center of the lobby. The breakfast area is part of the lobby, and more seating is available on the second-floor terrace, which overlooks the street and is a popular spot for people-watching. Despite the communal terrace and dining area, guests tend to stick to themselves here. It’s primarily a tourist hotel, but its downtown setting also attracts business travelers.

The Holiday Inn Express is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, less than a block from bustling State Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s in a relatively quiet setting compared to State Street, but a popular microbrewery across the street generates noise on some evenings. Lots of the city’s attractions are within walking distance, but it’s a 20-minute walk to the waterfront. 

• Nine-minute walk to Santa Barbara Amtrak station 
• 13-minute walk to Santa Barbara Museum of Art
• Eight-minute drive to Stearns Wharf
• Nine-minute drive to the Santa Barbara Zoo
• 14-minute drive to the University of California, Santa Barbara
• 17-minute drive to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
• 90-minute drive to Burbank Bob Hope Airport
• Two-hour drive to Los Angeles International Airport 

These clean and well-maintained guest rooms have simple but pleasant contemporary decor. There's a combination of bright earth tones, including soft yellow walls and gray-and-rust patterned carpet, which contrasts nicely with bright, white duvets that cover beds. The matching, reddish-brown furniture includes armoires, desks with office chairs, and headboards with white leather padding. Artwork depicting California-style Spanish architecture adds subtle splashes of color, and some rooms have painted exposed brick. 

Room size and layout can vary, and those we saw were a bit small, but they're still comfortable and they have enough space for upholstered armchairs. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no microwaves or safes. Bathrooms are average in size, and have acrylic shower/tub combos, roomy, granite vanities, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

Units are generally quiet, but those facing the street can sometimes hear ambient noise from the popular microbrewery that’s across the street. Some units overlook downtown streets, while others face the hotel’s two small parking lots. 

This boutique-size hotel in downtown Santa Barbara features a free hot breakfast buffet with eggs, as well as free coffee all day in the lobby. Other freebies include loaner bicycles and Wi-Fi throughout, plus passes to a nearby gym and pool, as there are no wellness facilities on-site. 

There's no full-service restaurant or laundry facilities at the hotel, but valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered. Other amenities include a business center with two computers and a printer, vending machines, and on-site parking for a reasonable fee on two surface lots, but they can fill up at times. Limited street parking is available, and the hotel offers a valet service if the lots are full. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.