Fess Parker's Doubletree Report By Hilton Santa Barbara

This is a really nice hotel with an amazing view of the ocean. It is within walking distance to the pier and restaurants. My room was super nice and luxurious! Plus you get a free cookie at check in - haha more

We stayed there four nights for our wedding in March 2007. I was disappointed with the loud train noice that ran twice a night. Also, the Mexican staff seem to stay in two or three trailers in the back of the resort--kind of a disheartening feeling. Also, my husband is a lawyer, and they have a separate doggie section that he absolutely detested and actually filed a complaint, because two of them almost escaped from their unit. The staff that was in events planning was the worst of all: i called weeks ahead of time trying to get pricing, etc for our wedding, held off site and not related to the Fess Parker Resort, and ten times they said ""Can I call you back,"" of which they never did. I wound up calling them back. I am from the area and ate there a few times, and thought it would be nice to stay there for my wedding, and we flew in all the way from DC. I wish we picked another hotel. We told them it was our wedding when we checked in and they didn't even give us a freebe or anything special.\r \r In terms of the spa, or beauty parlor, don't even get me started---completely avoid. By the time they responded, I did.\r \r The location was nice, right across from the beach----BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT THE UPSCALE RESORT I THOUGHT IT WAS!!!! Pros: Beach location, walking distance to everything, facility fairly well kept Cons: loud train noice twice nightly, doggie section, too many Mexicans more

First thing you need to know about this property is that aside from the vast, poorly landscaped asphalt parking lot which surrounds most this class B- hotels ""mountain view"" rooms, you then have to look beyond the very active Amtrak line which appears to run adjacent to and all along most of the property's eastern boundary. But then you also have to overlook the industrial rock mining facility right on the other side of the rail line! To the staffs general credit they were indeed pleasant and responsive in relocating my guest and I to a garden view room. I suppose I could have been fairly well placated except that I immediately noticed this new room (121) happened to be located directly across the hall from a stank little circa 1970 workout room with a single closet turned ""massage room"". Yup, what should have been one of the most active areas of the building was indeed just as quiet as could be at least until the boisterous yakking of morning housekeeping detail got started in the interior hallways, but I?m quite astonished that Hilton/Doubletree has the audacity to include either ?resort? or ?spa? in the name of this property. Don?t be fooled by the pictures on Expedia or the hotel website either! Granted, the recently refurbished rooms are indeed large, attractive and comfortable (definitely avoid the mountain view rooms though) but the public spaces are all very, very tired, poorly lit and truly in need of a major renovation. Overall, even at $150/night this place would have been highly disappointing. Pros: Nicely appointed rooms Cons: Poor location, Amtrack rail and rock mining facility adjacent to the east, very tired public spaces, no real spa to speak of more

We just stayed at the Fess Parker for a mid-week getaway and found it horribly overpriced for what it was. The room was falling apart and in horrible condition (i.e., the toilet seat was stained yellow and its paint was bubling and peeling off), it was next to impossible to get a seat or a drink at the pool, and the bed had no mattress cover--just a simple sheet which moved when you slept causing us, unwittingly, to have our heads resting on a bare mattress. I have had better accomodations at a hostel. Additionally, if you're looking for a relaxing vacation--don't come here. It is all families with little kids. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Pros: grounds are beautiful, nice tennis courts more

The Doubletree is located in a prime location - right across the beach, and close to the main strip. The grounds are beautiful, and has lots of amenities, including a pool, gym, etc. Ask for a room with a view. I would highly recommend this hotel. more

Fess Parker's Resort is literally across the street from the beach where you can rent bikes, walk on the strand or simply sink your feet into the sand. For those of you who don't know, this resort is pet friendly for all dog sizes. Although I didn't bring my dog, I noticed several cute dogs in the beautifully designed lobby and asked if dogs where allowed. They replied that all dogs, regardless of size were permitted to stay at the resort. Needless to say, I'll be bringing along my dog the next time I'm in Santa Barbara. Pros: Beach, Pool, Service more

The Fess Parker doubletree is an excellent hotel to say in when you are in Santa Barbara if you want a very nice place to stay. The resort is right across the road from the beach and if you look the other way you can see the mountains. The service is excellent as well - the staff work very hard to please you and also to remember your name. more