The Presidio

United States , Santa Barbara Area - CA
Santa Barbara - Ca, 1620 State Street
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100 reviews shown

2/10

Poor

13 Mar 2026

Adilene

I made a same night reservation and when I showed up there was nobody in the lobby, the lights were off and the door was closed. I called the number posted on the door and nobody answered. I was stranded with no room for the night and was still charged for it. I’ve been trying to dispute it and they’ve been no help. 10/10 do not recommend!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2026

Anthony

Clean, peaceful and safe.

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2026

Carla

Room was nice. Loved the outside area for hanging out.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2026

Juanita V

Great location. Beds comfortable. Lighting can be improved. Very dim or just didn’t work. Unable to change the TV channel. Toilet running the whole time off & on.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2026

Anthony

Clean room

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Anilu

Clean

4/10

Poor

18 Jan 2026

Lawrence

This place is a really old motel with small dingy rooms that look nothing like pics shown on the Expedia website. Motel 6 would have been an upgrade! The windows of our room could not keep out the pot fumes from the smokers in the parking lot.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2026

Brittany

Very nice staff with good information about the hotel and surrounding area. Hotel is exactly what you need for a brief stay; budget friendly, no extras and limited parking but in a great location that is walkable to shops and restaurants.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2026

Azul

Very kind staff, room was clean and spacious.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Michelle

The staff was friendly and room was awesome! I loved that it had a fridge and blow dryer without me using to ask for it. It was walking distance to great places! I don’t love the key situation but that’s about it!

Leisure

2/10

Poor

09 Jan 2026

zak

This is the only bad review I've left for lodging. I was put in a room that didn't seem ready for guests. Neither front nor rear windows closed fully, letting evening air and sound in. The one window screen that was there was ancient and the wrong size. They left it just leaning against the window - defeating the purpose. But that didn't matter since the rear windows didn't have any screens and didn't actually close completely.
The cheap home depot blinds, that had already been repaired with office tape and some white plastic, were mis-sized, so they failed to provide any privacy. Anyone walking by this ground level room could easily see in. These issues combined with a slew of others made the room unacceptable.
Management never responded to my complaints. I left after a few hours for a different hotel. I requested a refund. Also no response.
They get decent reviews, so I assume the rooms that are actually ready for guests are fine.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2026

Graham

Great price and a great location.

Self

4/10

Poor

31 Dec 2025

Joe

This is a 60 year old motel in decent condition with good quality bath products, towels, and bedding. TV remote didn't work unless right up under the TV. The room had an old AC unit which worked fine. Walkable to the best part of State Street. I had previously stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott across the street which was a MUCH nicer hotel (I don't remember the price difference). Free convenient parking (not covered).

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2025

LINDA

Lady at office was nice. The place was at walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

24 Dec 2025

Shanette

The room smelled like mothballs/ bad smell when I walked in. Walls are crazy thin, you can hear everything from outside to next door and a couple doors down! The front lady staff isn’t very friendly but she gets the job done. The price for this place idk…could’ve been cheaper for what you get. It is cleaned daily, has a refrigerator and near an easily accessible shopping/restaurant area. Overall I would give this place 3/5, not bad not good just meh in the middle. If you’re looking for a cheaper place to stay, just to lay your head this place will do.

Self

4/10

Poor

15 Dec 2025

Michael

The light by the bed didn’t work. The floor heater didn’t work. The window shade wouldn’t move. And the employee was really rude when I had a very simple question about the parking. Would not stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

09 Dec 2025

Jennifer

Had to cancel plans last minute due to norovirus. Couldn’t get in touch with the hotel after multiple calls and messages. Tried hotels.com customer service and the presidio wouldn’t respond to them either. Terrible customer service all around, extremely disappointing. Not responding to calls and emails is unacceptable.

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2025

Yasmine

The staff was friendly, the room was clean and it was in a quiet area. The hotel is within walking distance to downtown. The hotel is older and modest, but it has wifi and parking!

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2025

Robert

The room was clean and comfortable but the interior could use some freshening up, paint.

2/10

Poor

26 Nov 2025

Emerald

The front desk attendee was quite rude, like…shockingly rude. The shower had one setting - scaldingly hot. The room is no frills but fine. Great location, though.

2/10

Poor

24 Nov 2025

Isabelle

Actually I couldn’t get to the hotel because of an emergency. Even though I tried to reach them my message to let them know that I wouldn’t checked in, I got charged for the whole trip (2 nights) instead of the one night penalty for not coming! Now I am trying to get my money back and the nightmare starts to get it back!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

madison

clean room, friendly staff, ac worked great. there’s also free parking which wasn’t gated off but i felt safe leaving my car there overnight.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2025

Maria

Park was ok, clean room. But wifi slowly. Shops nearby excellent.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2025

Zachary

This property is a quaint motel within just a few minutes of downtown and the Santa Barbara Bowl. Great location and accommodations with convenient parking, and sun deck to enjoy the weather.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

12 Oct 2025

Paul

Limited parking. Was told the vacant lot adjacent to the motel (yes, it’s a motel, not a hotel) was “park at your own risk.” I had to park on the street.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

11 Oct 2025

Elia

Toilet was half ass cleaned.
Bed had pubes but sheets were cleaned . Went to target for my own bedding to cover on top and bought a blanket. Didnt complaint to staff bc i mean i guess what so i expect at an lower priced inn? You get what u pay for unfortunately

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Karen

Easy parking, great location and room were very clean.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

05 Oct 2025

Caroline

I’m not sure how this place got so many rave reviews. The hotel is very run down. The room was very dark and stuffy. I didn’t sleep the first night because there were so many noisy air conditioners running. We didn’t use ours because when we turned it on it seemed to just start circulating allergens. The bed was quite comfortable but the shower wasn’t great. The location is good. Front desk person was very nice.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Sofia

Special place

8/10

Excellent

24 Sep 2025

Jonathan

Good place to stay for a quick trip

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Dorothy

Not a well thought out shower. The shower is eight feet high! No way to reach to adjust the angle. Your hair will get wet if you don’t use a shower cap which is not provided. The water temperature is less than body temperature - tepid at best. Disappointing.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2025

Randy

Room was clean and quiet. Staff was nice and helpful. Hotel was close to many shops and places to eat

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

05 Sep 2025

Yoram

Trying... but not succesfully

This is a chair in room #2. The bed seemed clean. And they are trying... but not that hard

Business

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Victoria

Perfect place to sleep! Walkable from the Bowl & State Street!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

katrina

Stayed two nights. Check in was easy. Bed was comfortable. Said it was a queen bed but seemed more like a full. The staff was friendly and helpful. Overall we had a great stay and would definitely stay here again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2025

Valeria

The front desk employee was very nice. Property well maintained

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

01 Jul 2025

samira

Small room no fan for bathroom
Terrible bed
No air conditioner

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

19 Jun 2025

Yana

We left after one night . Beds are horribly uncomfortable. Closer in the bathroom. No safe in the room. Some of the electrical outlets did not work neither did A/C

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2025

Edgardo

Nice location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2025

Gustavo

Quiet and cozy place

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2025

Nancy

Thought this property was perfect until we were awaken by people fight and being loud in the parking lot. Then a man yelling kept walking by our room

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2025

Pamela

Cute and convenient

In SB for a concert.
Very convenient location (walking distance to Arlington Theater).
Cute old school motor inn.
Clean and comfortable.
A bit noisy though due to older windows.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2025

Matthew

Old school cool on the upper end of State Street!

Old school cool on the upper end of State Street! The price is competitive, and the employees are all quite nice & hospitable. It is definitely a \"no frills\" experience in a great location near the SB Mission.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2025

Tera

Super cute!

Our room was super cute. The a/c was a little loud but at least they had a/c. Clean and the staff was very nice.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2025

Timothy

Clean and comfy.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

Don

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2025

Leaha

The friendlyness

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2025

Carole or Thomas

Simple Motel great location

Nice little motel. Very clean. Large room. Bikes to borrow on a first come basis ( we did not use but good to know) Close to Granada theater and all the restaurants and shops on State st. A little under 2 mile easy walk to pier and beach. Down side no coffee in room and sound carries to the extreme.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

Kathryn E

loved the quiet comfy room---but did miss not having a coffee maker in the room, tho:( There is a fridge, tho---and the room is very spacious. Loved the upper deck for sitting out on---we'll likely be back. There are breakfast and other eateries close by---and it is a Good value for the money.

Business Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2025

Verified traveler

It was a good place. Loved the neighborhood and the hotel itself. I just was not there long enough to truly enjoy it. I would definitely return.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Needs Improving.

What's the old saying, you get what you pay for. Heater did not work, Bed was comfortable but one pillow case had a very small blood stain. There is a chair in the room that needs to go, or be re upholstered. Slept good, plenty of blankets. No coffee, no microwave. Had a small fridge. Country store and an Ihop up the road.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2025

Anthony

First of all it was a nice place to stay. We came out for a concert and it was a walking distance away.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2025

Brenda

Quiet, friendly staff, walkable to downtown

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2025

Bobbie

Small sweet little hotel.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

16 Dec 2024

Elizabeth

I was really hoping it wouldn't be this bad based on other reviews. The first night at 2:45 am my daughter and were woken up to very loud talking/arguing coming from the room next door. This lasted about an hour. Since there is no staff at that hour we had no one to call. They must have made up because at 7:00 a.m the headboard that is on the shared wall was banging away. The toilet seat is broken/not secure. Upon taking the first shower, the shampoo and conditioner that was available were empty. The bathroom windows are old louvered and I had to get on a chair to try and close them since it's cold at night, and very much a safety issue. They do not close all the way. Paint is chipped all over the place, stains on the ceiling. Old school key with a deadbolt that also has a key from the outside! The first night I propped a chair at the handle of the door. The TV was working spioradically then not at all. The night staff knocked on our door, and came in our room and decided it was not going to work. The last item as my daughter was getting ready to take a shower as she unfolded the clean towel that was given to us by housekeeping a pair of bright yellow thong underwear fell out. At that point we packed up our bags and left! Also on expedia it says The Presidio not the Presidio \"motel\".

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2024

Evelia

Excellent

House keeping staff specifically Maria found my very expensive personal items after we left and quickly took the to office.

We were still in town when I realized I had left those items at the hotel.

Long story short I was happy to recover those items. Extremely happy to know this hotel has honest staff

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Dec 2024

SHELLY

We only had one night to stay and arrived late so not much was open nearby. One window had overlapping panes that even when closed did not keep out cold air and noise. Surprised that a motel room had a high ceiling and homey modern feel, so pleased with the room vibe.

4/10

Poor

20 Nov 2024

Marilyn

I didn’t expect the place when somebody walking outside it’s so noisy.And it’s my first time to stay at a motel🙏🙏🙏

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Nov 2024

ADOLFO

Never again.

The area was nice enough but this room was bad. The carpet, if you could call it that, felt disgusting like it had not been vacuumed in months. The mirror in the bathroom was chipped on all edges and look older that me. There was a recliner that looked like it belonged in a second hand store. This place was not worth the money we spent. The front desk lady seemed nice enough but the room was terrible. Will never go back to this hotel.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 Nov 2024

Armando

It’s a clean place to sleep with the basics. It’s overpriced being it’s a motel and they don’t offer early check in.

Partner

4/10

Poor

13 Nov 2024

Robert

Poor value. Web site gave a different style hotel.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2024

MIRIAM

Thank you

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2024

Paul

We stayed overnight here while we were travelling up the coast to SF. The staff were extremely helpful, the office manager even moved their car to enable me to get a park (as I was in a Ram) as there was only a couple of parks left and was too tight a squeeze for it. The room was great, the place quiet. The place had bikes for use so we were able to take a ride on the day we were leaving. We could happily return again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2024

Megan

Great spot to stay

Our stay was great! The room was clean as a whistle. The Presidio is advertised to be a little bigger and more luxurious than it actually is, but that’s a minor thing. The staff was super helpful at check-in as well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2024

Samantha

Reasonably priced and good location in area.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

28 Aug 2024

Raymond

The blinds on the window were broken and didn’t fit the window and you could see right into the room. Mini fridge didn’t work.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Aug 2024

Megan

Subpar hotel and service

Booked this motel for its proximity to a wedding we were attending. Check in was at 3 and the wedding was at 4. I called multiple times to ask if we could check in early and often went to voicemail. I finally spoke with someone the morning of the check in day and they said they didn’t know if I could check in early and they would call me once the room was ready. At 2pm we showed up and they were able to give us our room (but never called to let us know it was ready). Our TV didn’t work, shower was very small and the shower rod was covered in rust. The mini fridge is in the bathroom/closet. Paint was chipped throughout the room, Velcro strips were on the wall where a picture fell off. The carpet also felt very sticky when walking barefoot. The shower pressure was low and the water did not get very hot. We live two hours away, and would have rather driven home overnight then stay here for the price we paid.

Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Aug 2024

Adam

Pay at the hotel does not mean pay at the hotel, they charge the morning of before arriving. Ice machine is not available to the guests after front desk leaves for the night. A/C is zero/zero rating is not cold at all. Def not worth the money paid. The bed was the only plus very comfortable

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2024

Robert

Fun time with family.

Our stay added to the fun of the family visit.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2024

suzanne

Good location

Great location and friendly & helpful staff. We like this hotel but the mattress The air conditioning system works but it’s a little noisy.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Spacious rooms in quiet area

Very spacious room and comfortable bed. Nice quiet end of State St, but still walkable to the busier part of State St. as well as the mission. Rental bikes were very convenient to get around.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2024

it's ok for just 1 night going to a concert, bare miminum

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2024

Lynette

Staff at front desk cheerful and helpful

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2024

Kim

Conveniently located to restaurants. Easy to find.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2024

Brett

Lorenzo who checked us in - was very nice and helpful. We appreciated his dinner recommendations in the area.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2024

Kim

Great location for food and boutique shopping. Quiet neighborhood. Not far from highway. Big room; nice queen beds but needs more interior lighting.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2024

Moises

Overall quick check in

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2024

Desiree

Close to everything! Comfy bed.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2024

steven

I've stayed here at least a half dozen times over the years and it's consistently good. It's an ideal location. It's not fancy but clean and comfortable.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Mar 2024

Amy

Very overpriced for what you get. Not even any coffee in the room or lobby.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

05 Mar 2024

Karen

This property needs a facelift. Our room was clean but lacked the common things no body wash in the container tv didn't work, no iron/ironing board, two hangers, old carpet, walls are paper thin, very loud outside, very narrow parking spaces, I could go on but it would seem like piling on. It is a motel form the past that doesn't fit todays world.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2024

robert

Great place. Well located. Sitting area outside was wonderful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2024

Patrick

Absolutely great location, friendly staff and a great value. Room was clean

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Feb 2024

Euan

The pressure in the shower was very strong, almost painfully so. The lighting in the main room was poor, nothing overhead. Late checkout was only 1 hour extra and at a cost, which didn't seem very reasonable. Room did not appear as it was on the website.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2024

Aaron

I enjoy staying at the Pesidio anytime I get the chance to go visit Santa Barbara. It is my go to spot the staff is always helpful and in a bright mood and the rooms are amazing.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

25 Jan 2024

Verified traveler

Extremely friendly people at the front desk, but walls are paper thin in the rooms, the room smelled extremely strong of mildew, bathroom windows can't fully close because of their design, and room was extremely bright at night due to poor blinds. Good location walking distance to public market and Arlington theatre, but as far as the rooms go be prepared for a pretty restless night due to all the noise and brightness.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2024

John

Very clean \"motel\" in SB. Well worth the money and within walking distance of the restaurant and Granada Theatre which is why we went. I just wished the maids would not start so early. :)

Business

2/10

Poor

16 Jan 2024

Carrie

This is a low end motel. It is nothing like the description given. It is false advertising.

Leisure

2/10

Poor

13 Jan 2024

Verified traveler

Arctic stay in Santa Barbara

The room was basic but clean and the bedding was ok. But then examining the bathroom I discovered that the window was open and was unable to be closed despite it being a cold winter. Of course, I immediately stopped at reception to let them know my concern over how cold it was getting that night. The receptionist (though pleasant in general) told me it was an old building and that nothing could even be done until the next day. This wasn’t true however. The obvious solution is to move me to a room without an open window since the hotel was not sold out. This never happened, though, and no solution was given to me. I went back to my room concerned - only to discover that there was no working heater in the room. I actually considered leaving and spending more money on another hotel. Even the Orange Tree Hotel (up the street) has heating. (In fact, I lamented that I should’ve opted for it.) But, I had spent 200 on the room and stuck out the night for financial reasons. Had to stuff all the bathroom towels in front of the window to try to minimize the cold. And it did got COLD. Thank heavens for the two blankets on the beds. I wrapped myself in them to keep from freezing. It was truly a horrible and ridiculous experience which might have been solved somehow,

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2024

Bobbie

Really convenient location and very reasonable pricing for Santa Barbara. Nothing fancy but very nice. I stay here many times a year.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2023

Naoki

Good access to the downtown
Room is clean