Monica Khemsurov

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

  • Where:
  • Why:A mini getaway from my winter sojourn in L.A. — and my first-ever visit to Santa Barbara.
  • When:February 2017
  • Who:Me and my L.A. roommate Chrysanthe, a Santa Barbara aficionado.
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Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The front of the Hotel Milo, which faces the ocean and was named after Milo Potter, the city’s OG hotelier.

The front of the Hotel Milo, which faces the ocean and was named after Milo Potter, the city’s OG hotelier.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The Milo’s plant-filled courtyard, which also has fire pits for hanging out at night.

The Milo’s plant-filled courtyard, which also has fire pits for hanging out at night.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara A bottle of local Napa wine greeted us in our room. The hotel is part of a Santa Barbara neighborhood that bears the unfortunate nickname “Funk Zone,” but is known for hosting more than 20 top tasting rooms.

A bottle of local Napa wine greeted us in our room. The hotel is part of a Santa Barbara neighborhood that bears the unfortunate nickname “Funk Zone,” but is known for hosting more than 20 top tasting rooms.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara Our room had a breezy-chic décor and a super-cozy gas fireplace.

Our room had a breezy-chic décor and a super-cozy gas fireplace.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The view from our room — though try to picture it on a sunny, summery day.

The view from our room — though try to picture it on a sunny, summery day.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara Luckily the hotel has not only two pools, but also a hot tub, which we bee-lined for shortly after our arrival.

Luckily the hotel has not only two pools, but also a hot tub, which we bee-lined for shortly after our arrival.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara Me (left) hot-tubbing with Chrysanthe (right) just before the rain set in.

Me (left) hot-tubbing with Chrysanthe (right) just before the rain set in.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The hotel was completely remodeled a few years ago, but the two pool areas still felt a bit motel-like to us — that said, the cabanas helped make them seem a little more chic.

The hotel was completely remodeled a few years ago, but the two pool areas still felt a bit motel-like to us — that said, the cabanas helped make them seem a little more chic.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara Plus, of course, the towering palm trees that flanked them.

Plus, of course, the towering palm trees that flanked them.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The hotel actually comprises of five separate buildings, all of which have serious Spanish Colonial vibes.

The hotel actually comprises of five separate buildings, all of which have serious Spanish Colonial vibes.

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara The M&Ms in our minibar didn’t last long — we came home after drinking margaritas in town all night and devoured every last one.

The M&Ms in our minibar didn’t last long — we came home after drinking margaritas in town all night and devoured every last one.

Highs & Lows

  • The location is perfect — across from the beach, but near SB’s best shops, bars, and restaurants.

  • Its chilled-out, fireplace-equipped, plant-filled vibe was the perfect complement to our Santa Barbara experience.

  • Super-helpful staff and manager — if you see Barry, high-five him for us.

  • The hotel’s five buildings are oriented around an alley that you walk through to get to the pool and gym — it could use some more plants and trees to feel less alley-like.

  • The pools could also use some love as they feel a bit barren, but then again, you should probably be at the beach instead.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 43/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Relaxed beach retreat.

  • Vibe

    Laid-back, private, and quiet, with extra-helpful front desk staff ready to play tour guide — it’s really meant as a cozy place to unwind after spending all day exploring Santa Barbara.

  • Location

    In prime, walk-able Santa Barbara, across the street from the harbor.

  • Rooms

    122

  • Music

    We didn’t hear any.

  • Year Opened

    It was rebranded as Hotel Milo in 2014.

  • Designed By

    IdeaWork Studios

  • Health & Wellness

    Two pools, a hot tub, and a gym that has a priceless view straight onto the beach and harbor across the street.

  • Restaurant

    There’s a breakfast room, but no restaurant, because how could it compete with the amazing insanity that is Santa Barbara’s foodie scene?

  • Bar

    Just that wine selection in the lobby.

  • Minibar

    Adorable. Snacks, drinks, sunscreen, phone chargers, and Harry's razors, plus a huge selection of wine bottles for sale in the lobby.

  • Children

    We didn’t see any.

  • Price

    Affordable, with rooms in February for under $200.

Be a foodie

Be a foodie

131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Go to the Santa Barbara Salt Cave

Go to the Santa Barbara Salt Cave

740 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

Go to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Go to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

Hotel Milo Santa Barbara

202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

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