Fodor's Expert Review Mar Monte Hotel

A complex of five buildings on 3 landscaped acres across from East Beach, the Mar Monte, part of the Hyatt family of properties, is an appealing lodging option, where the historic main building (circa 1931) reflects old Santa Barbara—Spanish tiles, wrought-iron chandeliers, and vintage black-and-white photos. All rooms and baths have down comforters, flat-screen high-definition TVs, contemporary furnishings, and refrigerators; some deluxe and ocean-view rooms have private balconies or patios.