Disappointing Hyatt Globalist stay at Mar Monte - made worse by the lack of customer service follow-through. Room had broken HVAC system, with overnight temp of 77F+. Front desk never answered (3) phone calls for a fan. Text message option got a not useful reply 4 hours later (after 11 pm). Next day, the Rooms Controller emailed asking for a general experience feedback - "If any part of your stay was less than perfect, please reply to this email right away. We welcome the opportunity to make it right for you." I wrote right away to explain the problems with the room. I included both Front Officer Managers on the email. NEVER received a reply. Now 4 days later, nothing. I think their attitude toward customer service is non-existent and based on purely automated emails. Disappointing when they had a chance to make a few glitches in the stay an easy fix and to win a good review from a Hyatt Globalist.
Hotel was adequate, a bit worn, but the staff was friendly and helpful. Need to improve maintenance (e.g., lukewarm hot water, ice machines didn't work)
Great historic hotel in a great location across from the beach. Staff went out of their way to provide great service and make you feel welcome. We had a large room on the third floor with an ocean view that was very quiet, never hearing anyone from nearby rooms which sometimes happens in older historic properties. The bathroom had a large freestanding tub large enough for two. Appreciate that they are pet friendly. Will definitely stay here again when visiting Santa Barbara
Exceptional location and service at Mar Monte! We've selected Mar Monte Hotel purposefully for many stays over the years. Their location, staff and service are extraordinary!
Loved it, beautiful hotel and amazing location, right across from the beach. Room was beautiful and comfortable with a balcony and ocean view.
Wonderful long weekend stay. Complimentary bikes made it easy to travel to the downtown and explore without spending a lot of money getting to/from there. The Costa restaurant was convenient, but was not high value for the cost. They do give you a free drink token, which was a nice touch. Free beach towels and chairs make it easier to enjoy the beach across the street. Rooms were clean and staff was friendly and attentive. Even had to have some help with one of the bike locks while we were downtown, and one of the staff drove down and helped us so we could continue our trip. Wonderful service! We felt very well taken care of.
Very beautiful setting in Santa Barbara. The open air patio was luxurious and had stunning views of the Pacific. Service was great and the food was delicious. Within walking distance of the Funk Zone.
My recent business stay was, by far, the worst hotel experience I have ever had. From environmental issues to severe communication and billing failures, this property failed on almost every front. • Air Quality & Odors: The lobby and all hallways are oversaturated with an aggressive, cheap artificial fragrance that caused me persistent headaches. Worse, the rooms have a strong, underlying mold and mildew odor. • Cleanliness & Maintenance: My room was not thoroughly cleaned. To top it off, I found a roach-like bug in the bathroom. • Unannounced & Extended Power Outage: The hotel failed to notify guests of planned maintenance far in advance. While a notice stated the power would be out for 4 hours, the outage actually lasted 7 hours, turning the room into a terribly stuffy, hot box and leaving me sweating through the night. • No Hot Water: To make matters worse, the boilers failed or were improperly maintained, leaving me with no hot water on my final morning right before checkout. • Hidden Fees & Chaotic Billing: I was never informed about a $48/day valet fee during booking or at check-in. Furthermore, the billing system is broken: I was charged once for my first night, then charged separately twice for my last two nights, and I checked out without ever receiving a complete, itemized bill. Management has still not rectified these charges. A business trip is stressful enough without dealing with health hazards, unannounced blackouts, cold showers, and surprise fees. I strongly advise management to overhaul their cleaning, maintenance, and billing practices and I urge future travelers to look elsewhere.
We had a wonderful stay at Mar Monte Hotel and would happily recommend it. The location is one of the biggest highlights—you’re conveniently located near the beach, Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, and State Street, making it easy to explore Santa Barbara without needing to go far. We also really enjoyed the hotel restaurant, Coste. The happy hour was such a great experience that we ended up staying for dinner there twice during our stay. The atmosphere, food, and overall vibe made it an easy choice to return to. The entire staff was friendly, attentive, and welcoming, but I especially want to recognize Kathleen at the front desk. She was incredibly helpful when we checked in and continued to be wonderful throughout our stay. She always had a great disposition, was genuinely happy to help, and consistently went above and beyond whenever we needed anything. Kathleen truly made our stay better than expected and is a wonderful reflection of the level of service at Mar Monte. We also appreciated the thoughtful amenities, including the beach chairs and towels, and free bikes which made enjoying the beach so convenient. Overall, Mar Monte exceeded our expectations. Between the excellent location, great restaurant, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive staff—especially Kathleen—we had a fantastic stay and would definitely return.
The front desk staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Kathleen and Paulina repeatedly greeted us by name throughout our stay. Kathleen went out of her way to request room cleaning at our convenience. Paulina noted and adjusted the outdoor patio fire displays we were sitting at without our needing to even ask. We were pampered, and felt very welcomed.
Jay Kriske, General Manager at Mar Monte Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, responded to this review
Dear Laura L D, Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that you felt so welcome and pampered during your stay. Our front desk team takes great pride in delivering top-notch service. I will gladly pass along your kind words to Kathleen and Paulina. We are also thrilled you enjoyed relaxing by the fire pits on our lobby terrace patio filled with ocean breeze. We look forward to hosting you again for another excellent getaway on the Pacific Ocean. Coastal Regards, Jay Kriske General Manager
Showing 10 reviews since September 11, 2026.