Villa Rosa Inn

Villa Rosa Inn sits in a Spanish colonial revival building that was built in 1931 and opened as a hotel in 1982. It’s a homey place that attracts mostly couples for its intimate atmosphere and convenient location. Inside, there’s an old-fashioned vibe to the place thanks to a lobby and breakfast room with tiled floors, antique wooden furniture, floral-patterned couches and chairs, wood-slated ceilings, and a set of odds and ends as decorative elements. The outdoor courtyard is quite attractive with plenty of potted plants, a palm tree, wrought iron tables and chairs, and a swimming pool and hot tub. Though this boutique property is charming in a homey sense, it does have drawbacks like limited front desk hours and a resort fee (instituted in 2017) which seems a little out of place as this isn't a resort. 

This property has a convenient location. It's a block from East Beach in Santa Barbara and just an eight-minute walk from Stearns Wharf. Santa Barbara Zoo is a six-minute drive, while the University of California, Santa Barbara is a 14-minute drive away. Santa Barbara City College is a 16-minute walk from the property. There’s a decent selection of restaurants and bars on surrounding streets, and an Amtrak stop that’s a four-minute walk away. It takes 15 minutes to reach the Santa Barbara Airport by car. 

Rooms at Villa Rosa Inn are individually designed and decorated with homey furnishings, antique wooden furniture, and warm tones. Though the overall look is inviting, it’s an old-fashioned design that evokes thoughts of “grandmother’s house.” Some guests have noted aging carpet and furniture. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms have balconies and fireplaces, and some are equipped with small kitchenettes that include sinks, microwaves, stoves, ovens, and mini-fridges. Air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars are not provided. Bathrooms are more modern looking than the rooms, and come with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Features are plentiful for an inn, but some guests don't appreciate paying a resort fee. Villa Rosa Inn has a lovely courtyard filled with trees and potted plants that complement an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. There are also cushioned sun loungers for guests to use. Each morning, a free breakfast buffet is provided to guests that includes a continental spread of mostly cold items like fruit and yogurt, though sometimes there are waffles. In the evening, a free wine and cheese hour is offered that includes cheese, wine, charcuterie, and crackers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there's a small meeting room that holds up to 16 people. There’s limited free on-site parking in a small lot, and street parking is available on surrounding streets.