Located at the edge of Santa Barbara’s busiest downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown is the perfect choice for discerning travellers who are looking to combine convenience with style.
Marriott Courtyard is not a hotel that would typically appeal to the upscale traveler. However, this outpost in the Marriott moderate brand has a motor-lodge style with a chic and modern twist.
What you should know about Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown. Find out what’s it like to stay, how to get a complimentary stay, and if it is worth the money.
The Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The property is retro. It was remodeled to include sleek modern bathrooms, a restaurant with a menu that will appeal to locals, and the bones of an old 1959 motor inn. The reopening was in December 2022, with an updated look that retains the mid-century style.
Design
(Photo taken by Sally French).
This hotel is a departure from the Spanish Colonial Revival style that dominates most of Santa Barbara. It has opted for a mid-century modern design. The exterior walls of this hotel are mostly painted white, but with geometric patterns and pops or color.
In the hotel lobby, there are couches for relaxation and work and a market just beyond the check-in counter.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
High ceilings, tall windows and a spacious courtyard at the center of this hotel are its visual highlights.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The landlubbers can choose from a variety of lounge chairs to enjoy the warm, sunny weather in Santa Barbara. In the event that it becomes chilly there is a fire pit and hot tub.
Accommodations
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The rooms are small, minimalistic, and the cheapest standard room is 250 square feet. (Maximum occupancy: two adults). Other options include larger rooms, like a 375 square foot king room with sofa bed (accommodates four adults), and suites.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The kitchenette, which includes a mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker, is a good example of how space can be efficiently used. The rooms also have flat-screen televisions and USB ports.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The bathrooms are modern and sleek, with a makeup mirror that is lighted.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
In all Courtyard Marriott hotels (as well as other Marriott brands such as SpringHill Suites and Fairfield By Marriott), you won’t find tiny bottles for shampoo, conditioner, or bath gel. The rooms instead feature larger, environmentally-friendly bottles with pump tops.
Amenities
(Photo taken by Sally French).
A heated pool with a hot tub is the Courtyard Santa Barbara’s most popular amenity. A fitness center is also available, with free weights and cardio machines. There is free Wi-Fi, but that’s a standard feature these days.
This is not the place for you if you want to enjoy maximum resort amenities. Santa Barbara Marriott fans should consider The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara instead, with its three pools, six dining options, a spa measuring 42,000 square feet, and tennis courts.
Dining at Courtyard Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown
(Photo taken by Sally French).
Saint Remy is an exception to the rule. It’s not often that you get excited about a hotel dining experience, but Saint Remy does. Saint Remy is open for breakfast, dinner and happy hour (plus the retro design of the hotel). The restaurant’s cuisine is described as having a Mediterranean coastal twist, with options such as lamb meatballs, chicken shawarma, and fig burgers.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
The breakfast menu includes classics such as eggs, French toast and shakshuka. There are also meals with a Mediterranean flare like shakshuka egg Benedict.
Ingredients are of high quality across the board. Breakfast sandwiches are served in a brioche that is fluffy, while other dishes also have elevated ingredients. The avocado toast is adorned with edible flowers and oatmeal served with agave.
(Photo taken by Sally French).
Churro Pancakes are the star of this menu. They’re infused with cinnamon, sugar and dulche de lache and then covered with dark chocolate sauce, churro crumbs and dark chocolate drizzle.
Saint Remy’s does not offer a free breakfast, but your meal may be partially covered. If you are a Marriott Elite member, then your meal may be partially covered.
If you have Marriott Platinum Elite status, or higher you are entitled to $10 in food and drink credit for each night you stay with one guest. This is true even if the other person does not hold Marriott Platinum status. If you are traveling with someone else, that’s $20. The credits don’t carry over so you cannot skip a day to get double.
How to reach the Courtyard Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown
(Photo taken by Sally French).
It is a short drive (15 minutes) to the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and only a 5-minute drive (30-minute walk), from Santa Barbara Amtrak Station.
It is located at the end of State Street, which has many restaurants and shops. It’s quieter, yet farther from most of the attractions.
The Funk Zone, a hip district of arts and culture in the city’s downtown area, is 1.5 miles away. A half-mile walk will take you to the Courthouse (a favorite wedding venue). It’s an enjoyable walk, but it may be too much for those who want to unwind and not exercise.
There are still many key Santa Barbara attractions in the area. The historic Arlington Theatre is only a 5-minute walk away, and the Santa Barbara Public Market Food Hall can be reached in just 10 minutes.
How to book with points and get a free stay
(Photo taken by Sally French).
After taxes and fees the nightly cash rate starts at around $260, assumin g a nonrefundable prepaid booking made by a Marriott Bonvoy (you can join Marriott Bonvoy for free). Expect to pay over $800 for a private balcony and pool view on a holiday weekend.
You can use Marriott Bonvoy Points to redeem for this property. The points rates are variable, but usually range between 40,000 to 66,000 per night. NerdWallet rates 1 Marriott point as 0.7 cents each. This makes redemptions of Marriott points less valuable when the cash rate is low. This property is a good redemption on nights when cash rates are high.
Marriott points can be earned by staying at Marriott Hotels, but it’s not your only option. Marriott credit cards are often a great way to get there faster. Marriott credit cards are:
-
Marriott Bonvoy (r) Boundless Credit Card: Special Offer ($95 Annual Fee)! Up to 125,000 bonus points. Spend $3,000 in the first six months after account opening to earn 75,000 bonus points. You will also receive an extra 50,000 bonus points after staying 6 nights in hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy (r) until 1/32/24. Terms and conditions apply.
-
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (650-dollar annual fee): You can earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for staying 6 nights in hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy. This offer is valid until 1/31/24. Offer ends 8/9/2023. Conditions apply.
These cards earn points for other categories of spending when they are used.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
American Express® Card
Conditions apply.
Some Marriott certificates are also given away for reaching certain spending thresholds or for celebrating your anniversary. You may be limited in the type of room you can book with some certificates (many allow only bookings up to 35 000 points). Marriott offers an option for up to 15,000 Marriott points to pay the difference in higher priced rooms. This could be useful.
Chase points are usually transferred at 1:1, so 1,000 Chase points equal 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points. NerdWallet rates a Marriott Bonvoy Point at 0.7 cents, but Chase values them at 2 to 3 cents depending on the redemption method. This is a lower than ideal value for points. This is a good option only if you need to add money to an existing Bonvoy account. American Express converts 2 Membership Reward points to 3 Marriott Points, which is slightly more than Chase, but not as good.
Does the Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown Hotel offer value for money?
It’s perfect for those who aren’t looking to spend a lot of money but still want a memorable stay. The Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown combines boutique-style with convenience and allows guests to earn points, redeem them or use their elite status.
It is located close enough to all the action of Santa Barbara, but far enough to maintain a quiet atmosphere. The hotel doesn’t have a library. The pool is a lively place depending on what time of night it is.
The rooms are simple and small, which may not suit people who want to have a lot of space. If you’re okay with sitting in the lobby or outdoor lounge, then this hotel is a great choice.
Only service animals will be allowed in the hotel. This may deter travelers who have pets but it could also attract those who do not want animals bothering them.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Downtown is a great option if you are in Santa Barbara and have Bonvoy Points to burn. Cash rates can be high on the nights that points are used. The property will appeal to those who don’t require a Ritz Carlton-class hotel but still enjoy thoughtful thematic design.
Saint Remy’s breakfast, while not free, is still a gem. If you are staying in the Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, or anywhere else on your trip to California’s beach town, make sure that you try the churro-pancakes.
(Image at top by Sally French).
How to Maximize Your Rewards
It’s essential to choose a credit card for travel that puts your priorities first. Our picks of the top travel credit cards for 2023 include those that are best suited for: