1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, California, United States | (888) 708-2081
Historic property with garden grounds in the middle of town
Quaint bungalows and cottages with private patios
Additional Victorian B&B "Country House" with cozy rooms
Restaurant serves Californian comfort food
Afternoon wine and evening cookies included in rates
Free breakfast
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Small standard rooms
No spa, pool, or hot tub
No gym
The Upham Hotel & Country House is
the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. It's
actually two sister properties: the boutique Upham comprised of
small bungalows and elegant cottages surrounded by green space, and
the Country House, a restored Victorian building that operates
like a traditional bed and breakfast. Both share amenities and offer wine and
refreshments throughout the day, though Country House serves a more
full-fledged breakfast. Rooms are all individually decorated, varying
widely depending on the building, but even the tiny standard bungalows have private
patios.
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Scene
Historic hotel and Victorian B&B combined
The Upham Hotel is a collection of
single- and two-story buildings and cottages set on an acre of garden
grounds, with the original building dating back to 1871. They're
all connected by pathways surrounding cozy porches and redwood verandas. A
central lawn dressed with white Adirondack chairs forms the core of the
property. The Upham's main building has a cozy lobby with a fireplace and a little sun room. The old Country House B&B is just down the
street and shares the same facilities.
Location
Downtown Santa Barbara, near an array of attractions and with easy access to beach
The Upham Hotel & Country House is
centrally located in a quiet neighborhood. Both properties are within
walking distance of Santa Barbara's affluent downtown shopping and
historic district. Since the area is home to five colleges and universities, there's also a
vibrant nightlife scene on State Street two blocks northeast. Santa Barbara
Mission and the historical park are a few minutes away by car, while getting
to beaches like Hendry's or Leadbetter takes less than a 10-minute drive. Those
who love organic produce can access Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, five to
10 minutes northwest by car. Expect a 20-minute drive west to Santa Barbara
Airport.
Rooms
Mix of bungalows, suites, and country B&B rooms
Individually decorated and varying from
country quaint to country modern in their decor, the 50 rooms and suites at
the The Upham Hotel are spread out among several bungalows and cottages,
some of which have fireplaces and private patios. White shuttered windows and natural
wood furniture give spaces a classic look, though some of the bland gray carpets
show wear. Standard bungalows are cramped, but most have private patios
to make up for it. The smallest rooms have small tables with wicker
chairs, while there are writing desks and larger sitting areas in the bigger cottages.
White-tiled bathrooms have basic shower/tub combos, with suites adding rainfall
showers and separate soaking tubs. Mini-fridges and coffeemakers are generally
absent save in suites, which also have wet bars. The B&B part of the property
down the street has an additional eight rooms, all with different but elegant
furnishings that include four-poster beds, French doors, and wood-burning
fireplaces.
Features
Free breakfast and afternoon wine, as well as independently run Louie's restaurant
Other
than its lovely garden atmosphere and historic pedigree, the homey food service
shared at The Upham Hotel & Country House is a main attraction.
The hotel includes a simple continental breakfast, while a more involved morning repast is served hot at the Country House. Both properties have free wine
and cheese in the afternoons and milk and cookies in the evenings. There's also
the independently run Louie's, which serves New American cuisine and
California-influenced comfort food like grilled meat loaf with garlic
mashed potatoes in a Cabernet sauce. Events can be held in the gardens,
and the hotel has three different meeting rooms. The Country House can also be
privately booked for events holding up to 60 people.
