Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Loved, loved, loved this place. Homey feel, close to the Funk Zone & just adorable rooms. I withheld five stars for only one reason: no robes. However there were other touches such as blankets for your outdoor deck. I love my room on a top floor but not suitable for those with mobility issues. This hotel fit my personality as a cross between an Airbnb & a hotel. I will definitely revisit this place. Very cozy & a great find in the many options in SB.

Splurging for my birthday, I rented the king suite with a fireplace, mountain view, and patio.

The Pros:

The room and view were nice, the property’s location is a short driving distance from everything, and the receptionist was friendly and offered good recommendations for the area.

The Cons:

- The biggest con was that one of the shades covering the French doors to the patio was poorly constructed and did not fully cover the glass portion of the door, leaving a generous sliver of visibility to anyone that happened to be on the porch (which is accessible to anyone) ; in fact, my sister inadvertently made eye contact (through the sliver) with someone who was cleaning the porch area. We had to be careful when not fully dressed and even when I was dressed, I was always mindful of that sliver (it became a distraction). It helped that we were all the way up on the third floor, but still, this was not what I had in mind when I paid extra money for a room with a “view” and they should have done better than this. I’ve included pictures.

-Unlike other staircases on the property, the stairs to our 3rd floor unit had no weather strips on the steps to help protect against a slip. Also, there were no mats on either side of our door, to help catch the moisture from our shoes and umbrellas. It rained for a portion of our stay and so these missing safety touches were more noticeable than usual to us.

-Pulling out of the property’s driveway must be done with great care, as there are tall bushes that block your view of oncoming traffic and you run the risk of pulling up too far (in order to see), putting you into the first lane of traffic before you can even see what’s approaching. You have to know to hang further back and look through a gap between the property and bushes to gauge the traffic before you advance to the edge of the driveway, or you may be sorry. It would be good if they had a mirror to help you see the oncoming traffic (or if they cut the bushes down some). We got used to it after a few trips and fortunately there were no accidents or close calls.

Other Notes:

While the property is a short driving distance away from most popular destinations, I would not recommend trying to walk to locations like State Street. The path is not straightforward and takes you under a busy and dark freeway underpass.

The breakfast selection was underwhelming but the food was still good (e.g, the veggie burrito). Note that meat is not included in the offerings. The dining area is very attractive and cozy, with great natural light coming in.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Santa Barbara but for what I paid for the room I would probably try a different property for my next trip to the area.

Really felt the pictures misled the real appearance- common areas are nice but our first room (# 3) was bleak- noisy and no dresser for storage. It was well overpriced. Second room (# 9) was much nicer and spacious, but still overpriced. Hotel is not “walking distance “ from the beach as sidewalks are non existent. Positive is the staff who couldn’t have been more accommodating

I wish I would have listened to my gut and canceled this reservation.
First, this is not a 4-star property as advertised. This rating is definitely inaccurate. The nightly price is in the range of a legitimate 4-star property, however, the property condition and service are not.
The property was originally a poorly constructed women's housing facility that has been remodeled and turned into a hotel. While waiting for our room keys, we could hear every footstep and voice from the room above the reception area. The rooms all have hardwood floors and thin walls and based on the sounds we heard while checking in, any normal use of the room can be heard very clearly.
The staff informed us of their quiet time policy from 10 pm to 7 am which my guest and I had no problem with and adhered to.
The room I stayed in was number 9 on the top floor. The room was clean and sufficient for a brief one-night stay. The room had damage to the walls in multiple areas and some of the furniture was stained. Not a huge deal except that the hotel is trying to masquerade itself as a 4-star property, so damage like that should be repaired.
We checked out by 11 and I went to the front desk to inform them. The front desk employee thanked me for staying with them and wished me well and that the folio would be emailed to me.
The breakdown of charges included a $55.50 noise complaint charge. I called the hotel and told the employee that I will not be paying this erroneous charge. The employee told me that there was a noise complaint made against me and that a text message was sent to me. I told the employee that I was not making any excessive noise and I did not receive a text message and nothing was mentioned to me upon checkout. The employee placed me on hold while she called her manager. The manager's response (as relayed through a reception employee) was that I can feel free to dispute the charge with my credit card company. I asked to speak to the manager and was told I cannot. I asked when the manager will be on the property and was told that the manager is never on the property. Employee gave me the manager's email address and hung up on me.
Pass on this location. I definitely do not recommend staying here.

Most the reviews I have read are TRUE. They are cutting costs by provide not well informed front desk employees. Positive was that parking was close. The housekeeping lady was talking on her phone for an hour right above my window in Spanish around 9am. Most of the staff looked unhappy which reflected their attitudes.

The stairs in the room really ruined our experience here. It was quite dangerous for certain age groups. They should reconsider getting rid of stairs in the rooms.

The pictures of rooms were very inaccurate. Every furniture showed wear and tear. The smell of pine sol or some sort of chemical cleaning agent was a major turn off. We were coughing a bit.

Overall, the price is not worth it for what you get. There is a reason why it is called The Hideaway.

Others have said it already but don’t overpay expecting a 4 star hotel. This is a converted apartment building that realistically has the feel and service of a 3 star on its best day.

When I inquired about their 4 star, the front desk did not know who awarded this hotel the rating. When I was instructed to ask the manager via email, this is the response I received.
“Our 4 star rating is based on statistical data collected through various sites”

I’ve attached some photos of the damages in my room upon check in.

I found someone’s old bandaid or medical tape behind the headboard.

You be the judge. It’s not all bad, just don’t be fooled by the business photos.

Service is terrible, front desk receptionist tells me I have to talk to her manager from hereon whom I have to communicate through email. Still waiting on a refund.

My fiancée and I had a horrible experience here. First off, we were promised a covered parking spot. Well, the place had no parking spaces available whatsoever. The person at the front desk told me to park in the handicap spot. I told her that's against the law, and she was adamant I do it and the company will pay if issues arise. Talk a out unprofessional.

The entire staff is Hispanic and English is not their first language. When ordering breakfast they literally couldn't describe what they were serving us. We have food allergies. So the language barrier prevented us from the promised homemade breakfast.

The room was tinier than advertised and after speaking with the front desk, we were able to get a $200 refund. However, she refused to let me talk with the manager or owner. She said he only comes by once a month or so.

This "boutique" hotel is a hard pass. Stick with a Marriott and you'll be much better off.

Incredible hospitality from the most amazing group of ladies I’ve had the ability to interact with, special shout out to Dom! Clean, beyond friendly, and a great location. You won’t regret booking it.

Overall completely overpriced $600 for a basic motel room there is small dirty carpet room number to check my booking.com input as well.
On top… location was between a railway track the motorway and a very high-passing road.if I would’ve paid $100 I could have excepted it….

Everything was perfect except the breakfast.
Took tooooooooooooooo long to get one breakfast plate.
Only one car parking per the reservation.

Fabulous all around. The lady that checked us in was kind and helpful. The staff during the day were so sweet. The room was stunning and breakfast was delicious. Overall, would definitely stay here again. Loved every moment of this great place.

Expectations. When you pay $800 a night, see 4 star and the photos, you just expect a lot more. When you get there, it's obvious they have done everything they can to hide that it's essentially converted apartments next door to a parking lot. As soon as we saw the room, we booked another hotel, and I went to let them know we weren't staying. No outburst, no anger, just letting them know it wasn't our scene. That would normally be the part when the staff asks 'why' or 'what can I do', but the person on duty was not up to the challenge. She called someone else (who never asked to speak to me) and that was it.

I'm not saying you can't enjoy this hotel, or that they aren't doing the best with what they have, but it is not 4 stars, just too many hits against it, and it's clear they were gouging because it was mothers day weekend. This is a $200-300 a night place for couples.

Where do I begin? I can understand what everyone has said about not being very spacious but to be honest, what is made with the space given outshines that! Between the fireplace, very clean room, lovely decor, I felt very comfortable. I did not want to leave and breakfast was delicious! From the beginning one of the staff members Alejandra was very friendly and accommodating compared to any other place I have stayed at. Although a tight fit for parking, staff was able to find a space for our ridiculously big truck haha! The location of The Hideaway is very convenient and within area of restaurants and nearby the beach.
I would stay here again and recommend to any friend or family member!

Wonderful place to stay and 10 min walk to the beach 15 min to Stearn Wharf. Fresh out the kitchen breakfast included. My room was perfect for my two girls and me they each had their own bed. Plan on returning in the fall.

Lovely spot. Laid back, elegant BnB with cool amenities (shower, fireplace, bed lamps, champagne, breakfast). I agree about the room size though. A tad tight. Would've love more soace for the price. Don't bring a lot of stuff.

The staff was very nice and accommodating, and instead of a phone line to call them you text. So high tech and efficient. Made our girls trip fantastic.

This review is a reply to a manager who claimed the front room was sound proof.
Sorry for my late reply, I want to start off that the staff was courteous, and kind. I appreciate that you took the time to reach out, but I would have preferred a manager reach out as the following email is going to be fairly negative of the conditions the room offered.
In regard to the manager who claims that this room is sound proof, that is not accurate in the slightest. You hear every car, you hear every conversation, and you hear every train horn. It's not a pleasent stay, especially if a manager will be arrogant enough to say to a person, who stayed in the hotel room, that the glass is sound proof. Being that it is by the road, it can be expected to have some noise, but not THAT much noise. We shut all the windows and the sound of trucks, cars, trains, staff, and other patrons is easily heard. Since I received such a prompt reply with a defensive answer, I'm going to assume this isn't the first time someone has mentioned it.
Apart from the noise, the room is in fairly good condition, except that the towels appear to have been over used and discolored. Gray stains appearing to be shoe prints on white towels made my wife assume it was dirty, and the facial towels provided were discolored, and after many many washes had become course and less soft.
This room is advertised as a 4 star hotel room, and in no way addresses "may be noisy", "towels may appear dirty", or "showering floods toilet area". As I understand the decision that this is a handicap access bathroom, and I respect that effort and access to a comfortable space for individuals who need that accomodation, but the water from the shower does not drain properly. So the solution is to provide a squeegee. Ok, no problem.
150$ is not a bargain for a room that doesn't provide a restful sleep, and is advertised as a 4 star accomodation. I get the stars are to describe services, but general public assumes, more stars=better quality which is not what we received. I could have taken by business to the Hyatt which provides rooms off street for 50$ less. I took a chance and got burned. This email response is far kinder than the aggravation my wife expressed that morning. Thankfully the 4 star hotel I booked, following this unfortunate stay, had double pained sound proof glass. I'll book a room for the manager so they can experience a room that can claim to be "sound proof".
Also because of that response from the manager, I certainly don't expect to stay at the hideaway in the future, regardless of the room. I wish you all good health during this time and happy days ahead.

Avoid dealing with this place. There are better places to stay, some for less money but most importantly with staff that understands today’s challenges with COVID and travel restrictions. If I cancel with more than 24hrs notice you can’t keep all my money. Hideaway you don’t get something for nothing.

Fabuloud B&B from the moment we walked in through the end of our stay. Warm welcome, comfortable and spotless rooms. All the Covid precautions were taken. They offer a breakfast picknic, which is mainly a vegetarian egg dish and includes a muffin and a fruit. It comes in a very cute box and it's delicious! They are doing an exceptional work during these hard times. Would love to come back and stay soon.

I stayed there earlier this month and OMG this is the cutest boutique hotel/inn I've been in. It feels just like a home when you walked into the lobby. The breakfast and baked good were amazing, just perfect, and the front desk was amazing as well. I can defiantly understand why they have reduced hours and a picnic breakfast, COVID of course. I understand how hard this must be on them because its also hard on all of us. Keep up the great work ladies, I'll be back soon to support more!

I had so much fun during my stay in santa barbara, and the Hideaway only made it better! The lady in the front recommended some good restaurants for dinner (we chose Loquita, yum!) The homemade breakfast was delicious and came in cute packages. It was a nice hidden away vacay, got to sleep like a baby for once. Can't wait for my next time I come through Santa barbara. Will be returning with my aunt and mom!