Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carpinteria

We stayed at 3 different hotels during our trip to California in late February/early March, and Holiday Inn Express in Carpinteria was hands-down the best hotel for our family. We stayed in the Studio Suite with 2 Queen Beds, non-smoking, and specifically requested a non-pet-friendly room to hopefully minimize the allergy exposure from previous guests. We had no problems for our two-night stay. The entire first floor was in the midst of a remodel so we stayed on the second floor which was newly renovated. The decor was fresh and pleasing, and still smelled slightly of new paint. The beds were very comfortable, just the right level of softness. The sofabed, as a sofa, was firm and comfortable. We did not use it as a bed. Originally the AC/heater unit was not responding to the thermostat, but hotel staff were able to correct it and we were very comfortable after that. The refrigerator and microwave were in great condition. The TV programming offered several family-friendly channels including Disney Channel, and even programming from Brigham Young University. In the morning, the Breakfast Buffet was accompanied by family-friendly TV programming, instead of news, which we appreciated. There were a few nice touches in our room, such as a coat rack with hooks just inside the entrance, an open frame closet with easily moveable hangers, and a hook in the bathroom in addition to towel bar. Definitely a great place to stay while in the Santa Barbara area.

The only real dissappointment was the morning breakfast, started late and the quality was okay.

Part of the hotel was in the middle of a remodel. We were fortunate enough to have one of the remodeled rooms but unfortunately the frig was not working nor was the coffee maker. That was a big disappointment. Otherwise the room was spacious, the hotel staff was extremely nice and the free breakfast was very good. I would stay again once the remodel is complete.

i would recommend this hotel. the breakfast is better than most whom offer it, and very kid friendly with cereals, bagels, oatmeal. plus the kids really enjoyed the automated pancake on demand maker. they had coffee, tea, milk and oj, cinnamon rolls, bacon and eggs one day, sausage and mini cheese egg omelets the next. plus biscuits and toast. the room was big enough for the 5 of us, and the floor was not as dirty as we though it might be. the bathroom door is VERY awkward, and was sort of a pain. the bathroom itself was plenty big. i think my only real complaint was that the water pressure was literally(not kidding) a trickle from the faucet and there was no way to give the kids a bath in the nice bath tub, so they showered. they did not mind though. staff was nice, and it was close to everything. one could have walked everywhere if you really wanted to . overall we would definitely stay there again.

Hotel served its purpose for us to lie our head for the night, but other than that I was disappointed. Room bathroom was not as clean as I think hotel should be. T.V. needed repairs. Pull out couch was broken. Had to set up crib ourselves. Just not a lot of warm and fuzzies. Night time staff seemed bored too.

A well-positioned clean & comfortable hotel.

Comfortable, easy access to local attractions and the freeway.

The Hotel is in the middle of remodeling and we got one of the new rooms. It was well done and very comfortable. The morning breakfast was on the better side of what you usually get. Fresh eggs, bacon, pancakes and lots of coffee and toast. I would definitely stay here again.