Pros

  • Boutique Spanish colonial style hotel with stylish interiors
  • Beautiful, spacious rooms feature four-poster beds, hardwood floors, and bathrooms with Spanish tile
  • Rooftop pool attached to a large patio with pretty views
  • Attractive restaurant focuses on local produce and regional wines
  • All rooms have flat-screen TVs and iPod docks; even some bathrooms have TVs
  • Free nightly wine hour, as well as free coffee and tea in the lobby
  • Free access to the gym next door, including workout classes
  • Pets allowed; no fees or size limits apply
  • Free Wi-Fi for Kimpton Karma Members (membership is free)
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Cons

  • No on-site fitness center or spa (but in-room spa services are available)
  • Rooftop pool is small
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Bottom Line

The 97-room Canary, a Kimpton Hotel is an upscale boutique property occupying a central Santa Barbara location off of State Street. Mediterranean style mixes with a cool California aesthetic in these stylish interiors, and rooms have four-poster beds, bathrooms with beautiful Spanish tile, and Wi-Fi (though it’s free only for Kimpton Karma members). The hotel's plentiful features include meeting rooms, a restaurant serving locally sourced fare, a small rooftop pool with gorgeous views, and freebies including a nightly wine hour. The hotel does not have a spa or fitness center, however, but in-room spa treatments and free access to the gym next door help compensate. Though it’s a short walk from several attractions, Stearns Wharf and the beach are a bit of a trek; most guests will opt to drive or take the trolley. Travelers seeking something closer to the beach might want to consider the Harbor View Inn, which also has a spa.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton Canary Hotel

Scene

Stylish boutique hotel with Mediterranean inspired interiors 

The Canary has been a notable upscale property in Santa Barbara for a number of years, and its purchase by the boutique Kimpton Hotel brand in early 2012 has only increased its appeal. The beautiful Spanish-style property mixes Mediterranean style and Old World elements with a contemporary, California aesthetic, and is full of stylish and atmospheric details like hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron accents, and warm, earthy colors accented by pops of vibrant hues. The cheerful lobby is awash in sunny yellow hues with pale canary-colored walls and tiled floors, as well as rich patterns courtesy of rugs and decorative tiles, with lots of cozy seating nooks furnished with leather couches. Bold bursts of color like hot pink accent pillows and a turquoise coffee table add a lively touch. A large staircase adorned in wrought-iron balustrades presides at the center of the space, descending down to more seating. The hotel’s restaurant is similarly styled, with lots of wood and leather furnishings paired with framed photographs on the walls and a patterned, earth-toned rug.

The hotel has a true boutique feel not only for its size but for its many thoughtful freebies, all hallmarks of the Kimpton brand: free wine hours, free stays for pets, and free morning coffee and tea. 

See More Scene

Location

Central location, within walking distance of State Street attractions

The Canary is centrally located just off of State Street, known for popular shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and is a short drive to both the wharf and harbor, where guests will find whale watching, sailing, and the beach. An electric shuttle regularly runs between downtown and the waterfront. Santa Barbara is an affluent community in Santa Barbara County, home to five colleges and universities, as well as a large yachting population. Swaddled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this charming town is known for its Spanish-style architecture, surfing, and the nightlife dotting State Street.

  • Five-minute walk to Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  • Five- to 10-minute walk to shopping and dining along State Street
  • 20-minute walk or three-minute drive to Stearns Wharf and the beach
  • 13-minute drive to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
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Rooms

Stylish rooms and suites with lovely, large bathrooms; some with private balconies and living rooms

Stylish, spacious rooms and suites have a homey, contemporary Californian meets Mediterranean style with soft colors, colorful accent pillows and throws, dark wood furniture, hardwood floors, patterned rugs, and lots of natural light. Large four-poster beds are topped in luxurious Italian linens and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, well stocked minibars, iPod docks, and yoga mats -- plus some have lovely private balconies or terraces. Some suites have wet bars and dining areas, and all have sitting areas or separate living rooms. For groups or families, three-bedroom Nesting Suites with rooms connected by private hallways are available. Smaller families may appreciate the King Suites with sleeper sofas or the Premier Double Double Rooms. Even standard Deluxe King Rooms start at a generous 300 square feet. Large bathrooms typically feature patterned wallpaper and colorful decorative tiling details around the soaking tubs and walk-in showers, as well as small TVs, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and animal print robes. Wi-Fi is available and is free for Kimpton Karma members (there's no cost to join the loyalty program). 

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Features

Stylish restaurant serves local fare, beautiful rooftop pool with views, in-room spa services, and event space, but no fitness center

The hotel’s Finch & Fork restaurant serves tasty, local fare with an emphasis on farmer’s market produce and fresh seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list from the region. There’s also a rooftop pool and hot tub surrounded by a sundeck with padded loungers and cabanas that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Sunscreen and aloe dispensers are a nice and attentive touch, plus there’s a fire pit and a pool bar serving cocktails and light bites. There is no fitness center on-site, but guests have access to a 24-hour one nearby and the hotel provides in-room yoga mats as well as classes once a week on the pool deck. In-room spa services are also available. The hotel hosts an evening wine hour and there’s free coffee and tea in the lobby in the mornings. Other freebies include bikes available for borrow and use of the business center, but Wi-Fi is free only for Kimpton Karma members. A variety of event space is available, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 160 guests, as well as the scenic rooftop pool area, plus the hotel provides catering. Additional services include room service and valet parking, and the hotel is pet-friendly, with no size restrictions or fees for furry friends.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton Canary Hotel

Scene

Stylish boutique hotel with Mediterranean inspired interiors 

The Canary has been a notable upscale property in Santa Barbara for a number of years, and its purchase by the boutique Kimpton Hotel brand in early 2012 has only increased its appeal. The beautiful Spanish-style property mixes Mediterranean style and Old World elements with a contemporary, California aesthetic, and is full of stylish and atmospheric details like hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron accents, and warm, earthy colors accented by pops of vibrant hues. The cheerful lobby is awash in sunny yellow hues with pale canary-colored walls and tiled floors, as well as rich patterns courtesy of rugs and decorative tiles, with lots of cozy seating nooks furnished with leather couches. Bold bursts of color like hot pink accent pillows and a turquoise coffee table add a lively touch. A large staircase adorned in wrought-iron balustrades presides at the center of the space, descending down to more seating. The hotel’s restaurant is similarly styled, with lots of wood and leather furnishings paired with framed photographs on the walls and a patterned, earth-toned rug.

The hotel has a true boutique feel not only for its size but for its many thoughtful freebies, all hallmarks of the Kimpton brand: free wine hours, free stays for pets, and free morning coffee and tea. 

See More Scene

Location

Central location, within walking distance of State Street attractions

The Canary is centrally located just off of State Street, known for popular shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and is a short drive to both the wharf and harbor, where guests will find whale watching, sailing, and the beach. An electric shuttle regularly runs between downtown and the waterfront. Santa Barbara is an affluent community in Santa Barbara County, home to five colleges and universities, as well as a large yachting population. Swaddled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this charming town is known for its Spanish-style architecture, surfing, and the nightlife dotting State Street.

  • Five-minute walk to Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  • Five- to 10-minute walk to shopping and dining along State Street
  • 20-minute walk or three-minute drive to Stearns Wharf and the beach
  • 13-minute drive to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
See More Location

Rooms

Stylish rooms and suites with lovely, large bathrooms; some with private balconies and living rooms

Stylish, spacious rooms and suites have a homey, contemporary Californian meets Mediterranean style with soft colors, colorful accent pillows and throws, dark wood furniture, hardwood floors, patterned rugs, and lots of natural light. Large four-poster beds are topped in luxurious Italian linens and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, well stocked minibars, iPod docks, and yoga mats -- plus some have lovely private balconies or terraces. Some suites have wet bars and dining areas, and all have sitting areas or separate living rooms. For groups or families, three-bedroom Nesting Suites with rooms connected by private hallways are available. Smaller families may appreciate the King Suites with sleeper sofas or the Premier Double Double Rooms. Even standard Deluxe King Rooms start at a generous 300 square feet. Large bathrooms typically feature patterned wallpaper and colorful decorative tiling details around the soaking tubs and walk-in showers, as well as small TVs, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and animal print robes. Wi-Fi is available and is free for Kimpton Karma members (there's no cost to join the loyalty program). 

See More Rooms

Features

Stylish restaurant serves local fare, beautiful rooftop pool with views, in-room spa services, and event space, but no fitness center

The hotel’s Finch & Fork restaurant serves tasty, local fare with an emphasis on farmer’s market produce and fresh seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list from the region. There’s also a rooftop pool and hot tub surrounded by a sundeck with padded loungers and cabanas that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Sunscreen and aloe dispensers are a nice and attentive touch, plus there’s a fire pit and a pool bar serving cocktails and light bites. There is no fitness center on-site, but guests have access to a 24-hour one nearby and the hotel provides in-room yoga mats as well as classes once a week on the pool deck. In-room spa services are also available. The hotel hosts an evening wine hour and there’s free coffee and tea in the lobby in the mornings. Other freebies include bikes available for borrow and use of the business center, but Wi-Fi is free only for Kimpton Karma members. A variety of event space is available, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 160 guests, as well as the scenic rooftop pool area, plus the hotel provides catering. Additional services include room service and valet parking, and the hotel is pet-friendly, with no size restrictions or fees for furry friends.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.