Amy Risley

The Wayfarer

  • Where:
  • Why:Girls Trip
  • When:February 2015
  • Who:Me, Nicole Esposito, Molly Raney + Birthday Girl Amy Hoban
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The Wayfarer The crisp, clean tiled look of the bathroom with efficient use of space.

The crisp, clean tiled look of the bathroom with efficient use of space.

The Wayfarer Our queen bed with a stately wood frame that has a

Our queen bed with a stately wood frame that has a "but wait...there's more" surprise...

The Wayfarer What the what...drop the top to reveal a comfy loft bed. How genius is that?

What the what...drop the top to reveal a comfy loft bed. How genius is that?

The Wayfarer Bad ass beach cruisers for trolling the Funk Zone.

Bad ass beach cruisers for trolling the Funk Zone.

The Wayfarer Bunk beds in one of the unisex dorm rooms. For rates as low as double digits per night, you can claim a spot to share with buds or strangers.

Bunk beds in one of the unisex dorm rooms. For rates as low as double digits per night, you can claim a spot to share with buds or strangers.

The Wayfarer Color blocked books and a giant Connect Four add to the vivid personality of the lobby.

Color blocked books and a giant Connect Four add to the vivid personality of the lobby.

The Wayfarer They're about fun & games here, people.

They're about fun & games here, people.

The Wayfarer Points for unexpected cuteness...yet no matter how much she flirted he still wouldn't carry her bags to the room.

Points for unexpected cuteness...yet no matter how much she flirted he still wouldn't carry her bags to the room.

The Wayfarer The spacious, open kitchen opposite the front desk is open for all guests to use, and features cute little lockers to store your own food.

The spacious, open kitchen opposite the front desk is open for all guests to use, and features cute little lockers to store your own food.

The Wayfarer These lads illuminate the lounge area and up the quirk factor.

These lads illuminate the lounge area and up the quirk factor.

The Wayfarer Love a pop of color by the pool.

Love a pop of color by the pool.

The Wayfarer Signage with a sense of humor.

Signage with a sense of humor.

The Wayfarer Swimming in a sea of mermaid wallpaper. The baroque-ish frame around the flat screen is a nice touch.

Swimming in a sea of mermaid wallpaper. The baroque-ish frame around the flat screen is a nice touch.

The Wayfarer The inviting exterior against a post-stormy Santa Barbara sky.

The inviting exterior against a post-stormy Santa Barbara sky.

Highs & Lows

  • Personality. The Wayfarer is unique in both concept & design and stands out as the coolest crash pad in Santa Barbara.

  • Value. Let's face it- where else can you rest your head for under $100/night that isn't, well, jail.

  • Vibe. The hostel concept makes for a communal feeling that encourages guests to meet & mingle.

  • The only low is that we only stayed for one night! I could see spending a week there and making friends with lots of fellow travelers, not to mention a few more wine tastings.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Boutique Hostel

  • Vibe

    A quirky boutique that makes backpacking chic.

  • Location

    In the heart of Santa Barbara's way-cool and walkable Funk Zone, part of the Urban Wine Trail which houses over 20 tasting rooms, great restaurants and art galleries.

  • Rooms

    33

  • Music

    Mellow, current sounds in the lobby and common area.

  • Year Opened

    2014

  • Designed By

    Pacifica Hotels

  • Health & Wellness

    Year round heated pool. No gym, but they do have beach cruiser bikes and offer surf lessons.

  • Restaurant

    None, but walking distance to Funk Zone favorites, and they offer free coffee & fresh pastries for breakfast.

  • Bar

    None, but walking distance to the Urban Wine Trail's many tasting rooms.

  • Minibar

    No, but the kitchen has individual lockers for guests to store food.

  • Children

    Yes.

  • Price

    The "dorm rooms" are a complete steal, often less than $100 per night. Single rooms are reasonably priced in the $2-300 range; well worth the comfort, style & convenience.

Eat at The Lark

Eat at The Lark

The Lark, Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Drink at Kunin

Drink at Kunin

Kunin Wines, Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Shop at Mate Gallery

Shop at Mate Gallery

Mate Gallery, Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA, United States

The Wayfarer

The Wayfarer

12 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA

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