Best Western Beachside Inn

Built in 1953, the Best Western Beachside Inn shows its age, but the trees and potted succulents throughout the mostly outdoor property keep it looking fresh. Dolphins figures accompany anthropomorphic suns and crescent moon wall hangings across the exterior, while the small interior lobby has been given a contemporary update, with a handful of beachy, upholstered armchairs and sofas near the window. The front desk is covered in blue glass tiles amid the brown hues of familiar big-chain decor, and the friendly staff are on a first-name basis with the hotel's many repeat guests. The pool deck and sun patio are concrete and basic, topped with woven, vintage-style loungers. The hotel is popular with families and older couples, alike.

Across from the Santa Barbara Harbor and beach, the Best Western Beachside Inn is set on thoroughfare with rather heavy waterfront traffic. Pershing Park, with its baseball diamonds and tennis courts, is located directly across the other street. Numerous restaurants -- such as Endless Summer Bar-Café and Waterfront Bar & Grill -- are located within easy walking distance from the inn. The popular Stearns Wharf, with its candy stores, local shops and cafes, is located less than a mile away. There's a trolley stop that will take you to State Street, which offers more shopping, sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife.

The 60 rooms and suites are decorated according to the lower-mid-range brand, with neutral decor of gray carpets and blond wood furniture that, while clean and functional, could use some style updating. Furniture includes armchairs with ottomans and work desks with ergonomic roller chairs. Rooms come in king, queen, or two queen varieties with harbor, park, or pool views. Note that the potentially more desirable harbor and park views also come with views overlooking busy streets. Each room has a small private balcony and the suites add separate bedrooms as well as sofa beds. The bathrooms vary widely in layout and vanity space, but all have shower/tub combinations. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel's central courtyard has a small, heated outdoor pool with a little sun deck, surrounded by planters and hedges. There's more outdoor space on a small patio above the pool area, with sun loungers and an umbrella-shaded table. A deluxe continental breakfast is served in a room off the lobby, with various cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, coffee, and tea. There's also a water cooler in the lobby filled with strawberries and lemon slices, next to a large candy bowl, both of which are up for grabs anytime. A business corner next to the front desk provides a single computer and a printer. Parking is available for a nominal daily fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.