The American Riviera Welcomes a Historical Gem

By Aashna

Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera, an upscale charming, art-inspired paradise amidst pristine beaches, soaring mountains, and breathtaking vineyards.

Visitors relish this extraordinary paradise filled with exhilarating recreational adventures from hiking endless trails in the Los Palos National Forest with glistening ocean and coastal city views to surfing on waves that travel for up to half a mile at Rincon Point.

Nature lovers can enjoy sea kayaking through caves with Captain Jack’s Tours or spend the day exploring the Channel Islands’ rugged national treasures. Sailing lessons, paddle boarding, and whale-watching cruises are easily accessible and popular attractions for many visitors.

Angelenos craving relaxation can spend the day on several sun-drenched beaches, discover boundless art at one of the many local museums, and shop until their hearts’ content at an eclectic array of boutiques. Alternatively, just a short drive away, visitors can stroll through botanic gardens, golf at some of the most spectacular courses in the country, and sip world-class cool-climate wines at tranquil vineyards.

Brimming with awe-inspiring hotels and resorts, Santa Barbara welcomes the exquisitely renovated historical gem, Mar Monte Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Built-in 1931, this stunning smoke-free beachfront resort blends opulent Spanish Colonial architecture, a fusion of historical and contemporary furniture and decor paired with state-of-the-art amenities.

The developers paid attention to every detail, from the intricate tile work on the ceilings, floors, and stairs to archways, lighting fixtures, and furniture. Historical photographs dotted throughout the hotel preserve the experience visitors had in the 1930s, taking hotel guests on a trip through its celebrated past.

Mar Monte Hotel is an ideal destination for couples desiring a luxurious intimate escape, for families wanting a laid-back getaway within walkable distance to Santa Barbara’s well-known attractions, and for business professionals looking to host exceptional corporate events.

Guests are greeted with five-star service when they arrive with valet and self-parking options and welcoming front desk staff in Mar Monte Hotel’s decorative lobby. For convenience, there are contactless check-in and check-out options available.

The 176 newly renovated and impeccably appointed guest rooms offer sweeping views of East Beach, where guests can rest peacefully to the sounds of ocean waves. Choose from room views of awe-inspiring mountains or the Mar Monte’s serene heated pool and enjoy the beautiful sunsets Santa Barbara offers each evening.

Indulge in an assortment of accommodations like the extravagant 721 square-foot King Deluxe Ocean View Suite boasting a plush king bed, separate living room, and a spacious bath featuring a deep-soaking tub and separate shower. Alternatively, relish in the 300 square-foot room with two queen beds and a private balcony with unobstructed ocean views. Guest rooms are also available in the Palmoro House, just minutes from the main portion of the hotel, with various options, including a Hospitality Suite equipped with a separate living room and a spacious bathroom with a shower and deep-soaking tub.

Every room includes a 55″ flat-screen HDTV, fresh bathrobes, complimentary WiFi, individually-controlled heating and air conditioning, a refrigerator, an in-room safe, and a Keurig for flavorful coffee first thing in the morning. Adjoining rooms are available for guests traveling with their families. Moreover, guest rooms are pet-friendly, so no one has to leave their furry friends behind.

Santa Barbara boasts an endless list of dining options, ranging from casual cafes, ethnically inspired cuisine, mom-and-pop restaurants, burger joints, and five-star dining. With more than 450 options, guests of all tastes will be elated. There are two fabulous restaurants to choose from for guests who prefer to explore dining at Mar Monte Hotel.

The property’s signature restaurant, Costa Kitchen & Bar, blends Old World coastal Italian cuisine with southern Californian flair. Richly decorated, this exceptional restaurant boasts a decadent menu with something for everyone. Designed tasting courses paired with wine and sumptuous desserts are available for those looking for an adventurous culinary experience.

For an indoor and open-air setting poolside with ocean views, guests can enjoy Mediterranean-style small plates and creative cocktails at Café Lido. This casual cafe welcomes guests to take a dip in the outdoor heated pool. Every Saturday at 2:00 PM, guests can enjoy local artists performing at the Café Lido Pool deck. The chefs at Café Lido will pack a picnic for guests who prefer to enjoy the brilliant sunsets on the beach.

Both restaurants offer in-room dining for guests wanting a tranquil meal in their hotel room. Furthermore, room service attendants will knock on guests’ doors or ring the doorbell upon delivery to promote safety and minimize contact. No staff will enter rooms without permission to ensure maximum guest safety.

Day or night, unwind at Mar Monte Hotel’s Lobby Terrace and participate in their daily wine, coffee, and Kombucha tastings. Attend a wine class with Costa’s sommelier or engage in a cocktail demonstration with Mar Monte’s Lead Bartender. On weekends, Mar Monte welcomes guests to experience their succulent Wine & Cheese cart.

There are many options for staying in shape while vacationing at Mar Monte Hotel. The 24-hour fitness center is equipped with top-of-the-line Peloton bikes, treadmills and weights. However, since it is temporarily closed, outdoor activities are highly encouraged. Guests can explore Santa Barbara’s boardwalk on complimentary signature Mar Monte bikes or challenge themselves through nearby mountains. Every Saturday at 10:00 AM, a Vinyasa Flow class is hosted by Divintree Yoga on the beach for guests to enjoy.

Mar Monte Hotel offers business travelers 14,000 square feet of flexible and unique meeting space and the latest technology. There are 14 unique venues, from the 4,325 square foot Pacific Ballroom & Seaview ballroom accommodating 320 guests in a reception-style event to numerous intimate outdoor terraces.

The Pacific Ballroom features panoramic views of the ocean, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains with access to Costa Restaurant via a spiral staircase. Next door is Seaview with windows on three sides and a Juliet balcony. The Fireside Ballroom is located in the original hotel lobby with fully restored hand-painted ceiling beams from 1931, intricate chandeliers, and a fireplace. Perfect for a cocktail reception, The Terrace Ballroom has a wrap-around veranda and french doors. The Studio is ideal for meetings with a boardroom table, 85-inch television, audiovisual equipment, and grand windows. Mar Monte’s eclectic Living Room is filled with modern books and leads to the 1,250 square-foot Ocean Front Terrace. This charming venue has a vine-covered pergola, a Spanish tile fountain, and an expansive firepit. It can accommodate up to 80 guests in a reception-style event.

Weddings take place at the 710 square-foot Ocean Lawn, where up to 40 guests can enjoy a banquet-style affair. Furthermore, the 3500 square-foot Cabrillo Arts Pavilion ballroom is the perfect venue accommodating up to 216 guests.

Keeping guests’ well-being and safety is a priority for the Mar Monte Hotel with enhanced safety, cleaning, strict hygiene protocols, and sanitization practices for restaurants, room service, group meetings, and events.

The staff is appropriately trained and wear Personal Protective Equipment. All are required to have temperature checks when entering the hotel and separate themselves from guests with a shield upon arrival. Hand sanitizer stations and sanitizing wipes are available throughout the property, and social distancing measures are strongly encouraged. Regular cleaning and sanitization of high-traffic areas include hospital-grade disinfectants. A cross-functional panel of trusted medical and industry advisors, including Cleveland Clinic experts, help the staff fine-tune safety protocols. Currently, guests are required to wear face masks in indoor and outdoor public areas of the hotel.

Every last detail is meticulously taken care of at The Mar Monte Hotel. The stunning beachfront setting, delectable and five-star cuisine, elegant historical and modern decor are outstanding, but what unquestionably stands out is the phenomenal service. Couples wanting an intimate retreat, families seeking an activity-filled vacation, and business travelers desiring a blend of top-of-the-line corporate events combined with leisure will have an impeccable experience and are sure to return again and again.

Photography Courtesy of Mar Monte Hotel