Terrace/patio

Reviews of Babbling Brook Inn

3 out of 5
Babbling Brook Inn
1025 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 549 out of 963 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 185 out of 963 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 104 out of 963 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 963 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 963 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Mary Ann

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pictures are very different from what the actual room is like. They are not any where near as nice as the pictures. I would not recomend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Apr 19, 2024
We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, Mary Ann. We strive to accurately represent our rooms through photos, and we apologize if there was a discrepancy between the images and the actual room. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we will use it to improve our services. We appreciate your honesty and hope to have the opportunity to better serve you in the future.

2/10 Terrible

hung

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No soap, no on site assistance.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Apr 9, 2024
Thank you for your feedback, Hung!. We apologize for the inconvenience regarding the lack of soap and on-site assistance. We will address these issues promptly to ensure a better experience for future guests.

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great forrest vibe! Feels like a little Smurf cottage!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Apr 8, 2024
Thank you for your review, Brandi! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the forest vibe and that our cottage reminded you of a little Smurf cottage. We strive to create a cozy and unique experience for our guests, and it's wonderful to know that you appreciated it. We hope to welcome you back soon for another enchanting stay!

10/10 Excellent

Katrina

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Apr 22, 2024
Thank you for your 5-star rating, Katrina! We're delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Niko

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was very happy with my stay. Beautiful grounds. Quiet and relaxing stay. I will definitely be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Mar 27, 2024
Thank you, Niko for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a relaxing and enjoyable stay with us. It's great to know that you appreciated our beautiful grounds and the peaceful environment. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful stay in the future!

6/10 Okay

liliya

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Mar 27, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to rate your experience with us, Liliya. We always strive to provide the best possible service to our guests, and your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve. If there's anything specific you'd like to share with us about your stay, please feel free to reach out. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and exceed your expectations.

8/10 Good

Ashli, West Sacramento

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cute storybook-esque inn. Our key was not in the lockbox, but staff was quick to arrive and provide us a key. Great customer service!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Feb 20, 2024
Thank you for your feedback, Ashli! We're glad you enjoyed the quaint charm of our inn and that our staff could quickly assist you. We hope to welcome you back soon!

8/10 Good

Marnie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was our second stay. Location and layout is still charming, but we missed the lovely breakfast they used to serve. Check in was through key box so zero interface with staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Feb 15, 2024
Thank you for choosing to stay with us again, Marnie. We're delighted you enjoyed our charming location and layout. We apologize for any inconvenience regarding the breakfast change and the key box check-in. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another stay soon.

6/10 Okay

Sahra

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The front desk isn’t staffed except perhaps briefly in the morning, so you call someone to help. The place is sadly neglected and a bit damp and smelly, but has tons of potential and charm if someone sold just renovate it. Location is cute and the grounds are nice. In the phone the staff were helpful. It’s a unique property that is a bit rundown.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jan 3, 2024
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback, Sahra. We really appreciate the insights you've provided. We're truly sorry to hear that you faced some challenges during your stay. Your comments mean a lot to us. It's great to hear that our staff was helpful when you reached out over the phone and that you enjoyed the location and beautiful surroundings. We have taken note of your thoughts on the propertys potential and charm. We will definitely consider them as we continue making improvements.We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. We genuinely hope that we will have another opportunity to welcome you back in the future providing an enjoyable experience.

8/10 Good

Katelynn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A wonderfully charming property! Doesn’t have “all the bells and whistles” — would be nice to have a fridge in the room, for example. However, the staff were very nice and the environment is gorgeous. Feels a bit like a village in a fantasy novel. My husband and I would stay there again, and definitely recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jan 3, 2024
Thank you much for your review, Katelynn! We're truly grateful, for your words about our property, friendly staff and the stunning surroundings. We have taken note of your suggestion regarding the inclusion of a refrigerator, in the rooms. We are thrilled to hear that you would choose to stay with us. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you back!

2/10 Terrible

Scott

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A complete scam! Do not recommend
This place is riding of the coattails of what used to be. I’ve stayed here previously in 2019 and it was amazing. The rooms were old but it was all upkept very well. Staff was friendly and the free breakfast was nice. My husband and I just had an overnight stay, and it was quite literally one of the worst experiences we’ve had at a hotel. First, we got an email saying our room was ready but when we arrived to check in we were told it was not ready and we needed to wait. Took about 45 minutes of waiting till we got to the room. Then they put us in a room that we did NOT book. We booked the Tennyson but when we asked the front desk about it, all she said was that they no longer use that room at all and that apparently it’s broken down and gross. Whatever I guess, but later I found out that the room does exist and someone is staying in it. The woman in the room told us that she stays the overnight cause she’s part of the staff. Sure makes sense, but if the room wasn’t gonna be available why didn’t the hotel contact us ahead of time? And why did the front desk lady give me a total BS lie? Makes no sense. Lastly, the room itself was HORRIBLE. Not at all what they are advertising with pictures on here. Do NOT be fooled. They put us in artist retreat, and it was gross and none of the antique furniture from the pics were present. Just a dirty couch that looked like it was found in a free yard giveaway. Photo of room attached for reference. Compare it to the ads.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Nov 16, 2023
Thank you Scott, for the review! We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced during your recent stay with us. Your feedback is invaluable, and we regret falling short of your expectations. We are investigating the discrepancies you've mentioned, particularly regarding the room assignment and the miscommunication at the front desk.We are committed to addressing these issues promptly to ensure a better experience for our guests. Your concerns will be shared with our team for immediate improvement. Please know that this does not reflect our usual standard, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope for the opportunity to make amends and regain your trust.

4/10 Poor

Nikolaus

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was a rather relaxing stay, the pictures make it look bigger than what it is in the rooms, but the elegance make up for it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Oct 17, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Nikolaus. We're glad to hear you found your stay relaxing and appreciated the elegant ambiance. We'll take your note on room size into consideration. We hope to welcome you back soon.

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Oct 16, 2023
Thank you, Robert, for taking the time to leave a rating of 4 out of 5. We appreciate your feedback and hope you had an enjoyable experience during your stay. If you have any specific comments or suggestions in the future, please feel free to share them with us. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Sep 26, 2023
Hi Jonathan, thank you for your feedback and for rating us an 8 out of 10! We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with us. We're always striving to make your stay even better, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.

6/10 Okay

Juliet

Traveled with family
When we arrived, there was no one at the property and we had gotten an email about how to access the key in the lock box, but the key to the gate was missing, and when I called to ask for someone to come help the person who responded was not very welcoming and made it seem that I was inconveniencing her by asking for the key. Finally, someone came and let us in, but when I called back to ask if they were going to bring us a key so that we’d be able to get it later she once again was very dismissive of my request. We never actually got a key to the front gate. They just left it open. In addition there were stains on the carpet in the room. Also, there were no bedside tables next to the bed so you had to put things on the floor if you wanted to be able to access them at night. I would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Sep 25, 2023
We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you experienced during your stay. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we're sorry for the issues with the key and gate access. We will address this with our team to ensure a more welcoming and accommodating experience for our guests.We also apologize for the stains on the carpet and the lack of bedside tables. Your comments will help us make necessary improvements for future guests. We appreciate your input and hope you'll consider giving us another chance in the future.

4/10 Poor

Suzanne

Traveled with group
The room wasn’t anything like the picture on the website. It smelled like mildew, the rug was wet in places, and there were many bugs on the bed. Not bedbugs, looked more like termites. The beds weren’t made the next day and the TV didn’t work. There wasn’t an Innkeeper to talk to. All in all, a huge disappointment. I spent more than $150 more per night than another nice place to experience luxury. Didn’t happen.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Aug 28, 2023
We're truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience during your stay with us, Suzanne. It must have been frustrating to encounter discrepancies between the room and the website portrayal, as well as the issues with the smell, dampness, and bugs. Your comfort is of utmost importance to us, and we understand how this fell short of your expectations.We want to extend my sincere apologies for the inconveniences you faced with the beds not being made and the TV not working properly. I'm glad to hear that one of our staff was able to assist with the TV situation, but we acknowledge that these challenges still affected your overall enjoyment of your stay.Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we're committed to addressing these concerns to prevent similar issues in the future. We truly wish we could have provided the luxury experience you were looking forward to. If there's anything more you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you!

2/10 Terrible

Sue

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was no staff to greet us. I received a voicemail with brief instructions on how to check in. Room looked nothing like the photos. As soon as I went in, the room had a strong musty smell. There are chips and stains all along the walls and blinds. We decided to still stay the night since the room was expensive. I realized there were several areas in the room and bathroom that had black mold. I read a review that the guest’s sheets were stained. We decided to check our blankets and sure enough, there were a couple of odd stains. Everything was just so bad that we decided not to stay the night. It was $300 down the drain but we feel incredibly misled and cheated by the photos. Please read the most recent reviews and you’ll see that we were not the only ones who had this kind of experience.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Sep 25, 2023
We're truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. This is not the standard we aim for, and we apologize for the issues with your check-in and the condition of the room. Your feedback is important, and we will take immediate steps to address these concerns and improve our guest experience.We understand your frustration and regret the inconvenience you faced. We appreciate your input and will thoroughly review recent reviews to make necessary improvements.

2/10 Terrible

rod

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
This is the 2nd summer in a row we’ve stayed here. Last year we stayed in a different room and like it. This year we stayed in The Garden king size room. It smelled stuffy they had windows open the room had a slant kinda crooked floor and you feel it the Bed was so hard and uncomfortable. It was just so different from the other room. We always get in around 5 or 6 because we are at the beach. The service when I call to tell them and know what to do to check in when they are gone OMG both summers soooo Rude when I called I couldn’t believe this girl had a job there!?!? Anyway I probably will not stay next summer I think we will go somewhere new!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Aug 14, 2023
We're sorry to hear about your experience during your recent stay, Rod. We truly value your loyalty and feedback. It's disappointing to know that your stay in The Garden king size room didn't meet your expectations and that you encountered issues with the room's condition and the service you received. Your comfort is important to us, and we apologize for any inconvenience you faced. We'll make sure to address these concerns and strive to improve. Thank you for considering us in the past, and we hope you might give us another chance in the future.

8/10 Good

Elza

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Sep 25, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to rate your stay at our hotel with 4 out of 5 stars. We're delighted to see that you had a positive experience during your visit. If you ever decide to share more details or feedback about your stay, please feel free to reach out. We hope to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an even more enjoyable stay.

8/10 Good

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jul 18, 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay at our hotel and for taking the time to share your feedback, Nathan. We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience overall. We strive to provide exceptional service and a comfortable stay for all our guests, and your feedback encourages us to keep up the good work.If there's anything specific you feel we could improve upon, please don't hesitate to let us know. We value your insights and suggestions as they help us enhance our guests' experiences.We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable stay!

6/10 Okay

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Not what we expected disappointed guests
Upon arrival there is no one to personally greet you. I requested a ground floor room due to mobility limits for my husband. You must climb stairs to go anywhere on the property. There isn’t a elevator on site, this needs to be plainly mentioned on the website. This property cannot accommodate people with disabilities. My room was nicely decorated. My Son and his family’s room was terrible, it was musty and decorated nothing like photos on website. It was quite depressing so they spent most of their time in my room whenever we were at the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jul 12, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback on your hotel stay. We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced upon arrival and the lack of a personal greeting. We understand the importance of accessibility, and we apologize for any difficulties you faced due to the absence of an elevator. We will take your suggestion to clearly mention this on our website to ensure future guests are well-informed.We are glad to hear that your room was nicely decorated and met your expectations. However, we apologize for the discrepancy in your son's room compared to the website photos. We strive to provide consistent experiences for all our guests, and we apologize for falling short in this regard. We appreciate your understanding and are pleased that your family could spend time together in your room.Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and we will use your feedback to improve our services and ensure a better experience for all our guests.

4/10 Poor

Janet Davidson

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
There was no Wi-Fi and the staff could not make it work. Our room was minute with no tables or lighting by the bed. It was charming and the little patio was nice but overall it was not a great stay. Wi-Fi was very important to us and the inn was advertised as having Wi-Fi. We should have been compensated for that lack.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jul 3, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Janet. We're truly sorry to hear about the issues you experienced during your stay. Providing a reliable Wi-Fi connection is important, and we apologize for the inconvenience this caused. We understand how crucial it is for guests to have internet access, and we will definitely work on improving this aspect to ensure a better experience for future guests. Your concerns are valuable to us, and we appreciate your understanding. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an improved experience. Thank you.

10/10 Excellent

aaron

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Aug 14, 2023
Thank you for your wonderful 5 out of 5 rating, Aaron! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay. Your feedback is valuable to us. Next time, please share your thoughts on your experience. We can't wait to welcome you back!

2/10 Terrible

Lilia

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Oct 16, 2023
Thank you, Lilia, for taking the time to provide feedback. We're sorry to see that you rated your experience with us as 1 out of 5. We value your input and would greatly appreciate any additional comments you may have regarding your stay. This will help us understand how we can improve and ensure a better experience for our guests in the future.Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back.

4/10 Poor

MJ

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Misleading on the web
Our room appeared to be in the middle of a renovation. All artwork and decoration was removed from the walls. The carpet had bleach stains, the screen in the only opening window didn’t quite fit, and although it was actually clean, it felt grubby. The jacuzzi tub did work which was it’s saving grace. The front desk attendant was nice enough but had to go back and ask what was wrong with the Wi-Fi; their preprinted cards have the wrong password on them.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 27, 2023
We're sorry to hear about your experience with the room, MJ. It sounds like there were several issues with the condition and cleanliness, which can be disappointing. The functioning jacuzzi tub was a positive aspect, though. It's also unfortunate that there was a mix-up with the Wi-Fi password. Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and we apologize for the inconveniences caused. We appreciate your feedback and will address these issues to ensure a better stay for future guests.

8/10 Good

Kathleen R

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This was a cute and charming little room. Comfortable bed. The shower worked well but was in a tub, so hard to step in for old folks. Also many stairs to navigate with bags and no help. The manager was only available by phone or text. Attentive, but the only person we saw was the maid. She was helpful and pleasant however. There was a window that we couldn't close. It was a chilly night and the heater didn't work. We could hear the babbling brook which was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 26, 2023
Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent stay, Kathleen R. We appreciate your kind words about the charm and comfort of our room, as well as the helpfulness and pleasantness of our maid. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the shower in the tub and the lack of assistance with your bags. We also apologize for the window issue and the heater not working properly, especially on a chilly night. We take your comments seriously and will address these concerns promptly. We're glad you enjoyed the soothing sound of the babbling brook. Thank you for choosing our hotel, and we hope to welcome you back in the future for an improved experience.

2/10 Terrible

Cindra

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We didn’t stay at the inn. Arrived, no one on property. Note at entrance said instructions had been emailed but the only thing sent was a QR code for Wi-Fi. Called # on note and waited about 30 minutes for return call to tell us how to open lockbox and get room key. Room was very musty and not at all as pictured. It was bare except for few pieces of furniture. I think we were the only guests and it felt creepy so we decided to go somewhere else. Grounds were pretty though and neighborhood good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 26, 2023
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced during your recent visit to our inn, Cindra. We deeply regret that you were unable to access the necessary instructions upon your arrival and that the room did not meet your expectations. Your feedback is important to us, and we will take immediate steps to address these issues to ensure a better experience for our guests in the future.Thank you for acknowledging the beauty of our grounds and the quality of our neighborhood. We appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more enjoyable stay in the future.

8/10 Good

Eleanor

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
We love the atmosphere and surroundings at Babbling Brook. Although it needs a little more love and care we love the brook, the trees, and the secluded quaint tree-filled feel. Not like a stuffy chain hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 21, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Eleanor. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere and surroundings of Babbling Brook. We appreciate your comment about the need for some additional attention, and we will definitely take it into consideration. We strive to provide a unique and charming experience that sets us apart from traditional chain hotels. Your appreciation of the brook, trees, and secluded ambiance is truly valued. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

4/10 Poor

Patricia

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not recommended!
The room was nothing like the example shown in the advertisement. There is nomination of the 50+ old wood stairs you have to climb up and down to get to and from your room. the floor in our room was so uneven so as to be a real danger. The step as you enter the room is a terrific hazard. The furnishings were old, ugly, sparse, and uninviting. The carpet was old, worn, and stained. The bathroom was newer and adequate. The one positive was the housekeeper, Yolanda. When she was there she was very kind and helpful. There was no other attendant on the property so we were left to our on unitive should we need anything.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 20, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent stay with us, Patricia. We apologize for any inconveniences you experienced regarding the disparity between the advertised room and the actual room you received. We understand the importance of accurate representations.We are sorry to hear about the condition of the stairs and the uneven flooring in your room. Your safety is of utmost importance to us, and we will address these concerns immediately. Additionally, we appreciate your feedback regarding the furnishings and carpet, and we will take it into consideration for future improvements.We are glad to hear that Yolanda, the housekeeper, provided you with excellent service. We value our staff and their dedication to ensuring a positive guest experience.Please note that we take your comments seriously, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the lack of an additional attendant. We will make sure to improve our communication and availability for guest assistance.Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and we hope to have another opportunity to exceed your expectations in the future.

4/10 Poor

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jul 12, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your rating, Robert. We appreciate your feedback and value your opinion. We would love to understand more about your experience so that we can address any concerns you may have had during your stay. Please feel free to provide us with additional details, as we are committed to continually improving our services. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an exceptional experience.

10/10 Excellent

DEBRA, FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jul 12, 2023
Thank you for choosing our hotel for your stay and for rating us 5 out of 5, Debra. We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us. If you have any specific feedback or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

4/10 Poor

Mark

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Room seems fine. When we arrived we were given the key and directed to room by someone who I think was a housekeeper. There was Wi-Fi instructions, but the network was not available in our room. No one in office and house keeper could not help. The was a phone number, but no one answered and voicemail was full. After 4 hours someone answered, but she said she was not in town but would try to get someone to fix it. Now 8:30, still no Wi-Fi, and the office was locked up. Sort of spooky staying in a hotel with no one on site.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 19, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Mark. We apologize for the inconvenience you faced regarding the Wi-Fi availability in your room. We understand how frustrating it can be to encounter technical difficulties while traveling. It must have been unsettling to find no one available on-site to address your concerns.We truly value your feedback, and we assure you that we will take immediate action to rectify the Wi-Fi issue and improve our communication channels. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we appreciate your patience.If there's anything else we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to let us know. We hope to have another opportunity to provide you with a much-improved experience in the future.

6/10 Okay

Jehan, Houston

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Babbling Brook still offers the same cozy rooms with fireplaces as before the pandemic and the gardens around the rooms remain as relaxing as before. We were very disappointed to see that the hotel has discontinued the delicious hot breakfasts and the afternoon wine and cheese that made the place magical.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 19, 2023
Thank you, Jehan for sharing your feedback on The Babbling Brook Inn. We appreciate your kind words about the cozy rooms and the relaxing gardens. We understand your disappointment regarding the discontinuation of the hot breakfasts and afternoon wine and cheese. We'll make sure to take your feedback into consideration for future improvements. We value your support and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for an even better experience.

4/10 Poor

Alexander

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Dont Be Fooled
I dont usually write reviews, but in this instance I feel it is necessary. Clearly something has happened in the last couple of years, possibly a change in ownership during COVID, as this beautiful location has gone seriously downhill. I visited this hotel back in 2018 and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Check in was very friendly and informative and offered complimentary cookies along with wine and cheese in the evening. The room was beautifuly decorated and clean, bed very comfortable. Impressive complimentary breakfast in the morning. All of this is expected at this high price point. Now it is barely more than a low-tier Airbnb. Ive had better customer service at cheap motels. Upon arrival there is a lockbox which says to check your email for check in instructions, which I never received. Front desk is practically nonexistent, instead you are supposed to call a number for a random person who I’m guessing is the manager or owner. Our room was very barren with mismatched furniture, broken window blinds, and the wifi name and password on the room card both were wrong. We were texted a blurry picture with the wifi username and password, which worked but was VERY slow. This hotel has become a scam, riding on its former reputation as one of Santa Cruz’s luxury hotels, with the price unchanged. We were seriously disappointed. I would stay anywhere else.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 15, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, Alexander. We want to start by expressing my sincere apologies for the disappointing experience you had during your recent stay. It's disheartening to hear that our hotel did not live up to the standards you experienced during your previous visit.We completely understand your frustration regarding the changes you noticed in our hotel. We did undergo a change in ownership during the challenging times of COVID, which may have had an impact on the overall experience. However, please know that we take your concerns seriously, and we are actively working to address and improve upon the issues you mentioned.We apologize for the confusion with the check-in process and the lack of clear instructions. Your feedback regarding the condition of the room, including the mismatched furniture, broken blinds, and incorrect Wi-Fi information, is deeply appreciated. Rest assured, we will investigate and rectify these issues promptly.It's truly disappointing to hear that we have fallen short of your expectations, and we understand your sentiment of this not being worth the price. We value your loyalty and want to regain your trust. If you reconsider staying with us in the future, we would be more than willing to make it up to you and provide a much-improved experience.Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for bringing these matters to our attention. Your feedback helps us identify areas for improvement, and we are committed to restoring your faith in our hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay!
We came for our 20th anniversary. We had been here before and enjoyed it. This time, we initially had a problem with the fireplace but that was quickly rectified. However, when I injured myself and could not get up the stairs to our room, they offered to move us to a first floor room and move all our belongings while I was at the emergency room! They are great! Also, the rooms are comfortable and quiet. All are decorated differently.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 15, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience, Deborah! It's wonderful to hear that despite the initial hiccup with the fireplace, the staff promptly resolved the issue. Their gesture of moving you to a first-floor room and handling your belongings while you were at the emergency room shows great care and attentiveness. We're glad you found the rooms comfortable and enjoyed the unique decorations. Here's to a memorable 20th anniversary!

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 9, 2023
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your perfect rating! We're thrilled to know that you had a fantastic experience at our hotel. We hope to welcome you back soon!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Not good
This is hotel I’ve stayed multiple times at over the years. It’s very charming and the bones are all there. Unfortunately the property has gone completely downhill. The host at the desk seemed irritated I was there to check in, not to mention she was essentially wearing pajamas. The room was not very clean and essentially half of its functionality was broken. The girl handed me an info sheet with Wi-Fi password and fireplace info but neither worked. There was a light bulb flickering in the room, one entire window would not open (the handle was jammed / falling off). The bathroom was missing a bar of soap. The property needs a lot of repairs and attention, and the prior host needs to return and relieve her teenage employee from the job she clearly despises. For the price, it was completely unacceptable and I will not return until after some work has been done.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 7, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent stay at our hotel. We sincerely apologize for the disappointing experience you had, and we understand your concerns about the property's condition.We deeply regret that our staff's attitude did not meet your expectations, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cleanliness issues in your room. It is unacceptable that essential amenities were missing or not functioning properly, including the Wi-Fi, fireplace, light bulb, and window handle.We appreciate your valuable comments regarding the need for repairs and attention to the property. Rest assured, we take your feedback seriously, and we will address these issues promptly to improve our guests' experiences.Please know that your comments regarding the host have been duly noted, and we will take appropriate steps to ensure a more positive and professional guest interaction in the future.We genuinely value your loyalty as a repeat guest, and we apologize for not meeting your expectations on this occasion. Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us, and we hope you will consider giving us another opportunity to provide you with the exceptional stay you deserve.Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.

6/10 Okay

Dawn

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 26, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback and rating our service, Dawn! We appreciate your input and strive to improve based on our guests' experiences. If there are any specific areas where we can enhance your satisfaction in the future, please let us know. We hope to have another opportunity to exceed your expectations. Thank you.

2/10 Terrible

Janet

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 5, 2023
I'm sorry to hear that you rated our hotel as a 1 out of 5, Janet. We value your feedback and we'll do our best to improve. If there's anything specific you'd like us to address, please let us know. We appreciate your input and hope to have the opportunity to exceed your expectations in the future.

4/10 Poor

Sara

Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Jun 20, 2023
Thank you for choosing our establishment for your stay, Sara. We appreciate your feedback, although we are sorry to hear that you did not provide any specific comments during your visit. We strive to create an exceptional experience for all our guests and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice escape
Super cute hotel and is a nice escape within the city. For someone who likes to sleep with a fan on, they had one in the room. Amazing! Internet was out and it did not get good cell reception.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 30, 2023
Thank you so much, Jessica for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're thrilled to hear that you found our hotel super cute and enjoyed the tranquil escape it offers within the city. It's great to know that the presence of a fan in the room catered to your personal preference for sleeping. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the internet outage and the poor cell reception. We understand how important it is to stay connected, especially during your stay. We'll certainly look into improving these aspects to ensure a seamless experience for our guests in the future.Thank you once again for choosing our hotel, and we hope to welcome you back for another delightful stay soon.

8/10 Good

Jorge

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 30, 2023
Thank you, Jorge for taking the time to rate your stay with us. We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you had a positive experience overall, reflected in your rating of 8 out of 10. We strive to create memorable experiences for our guests, and your feedback motivates us to continue improving.If you have any specific comments or suggestions that could help us enhance your future visits, please feel free to share them with us. We value your input and would love to make your next stay even better.Thank you once again for choosing our hotel, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property is absolutely magical and enchanting. We love the location. The room was quiet and the sound of the brook was very relaxing. We stayed in the garden room near the front office. The room was adorable and well sized. There was a slight smell of mildew, but leaving the windows open for the day cleared most of it out and it was not as noticeable the next day. The staff was super friendly. We are excited to come back and try some of the different rooms as each looked uniquely charming from what we could see. Parking was easy and generally available.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 22, 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review, Tamara! We're delighted to hear that you found our property to be magical and enchanting. It's great to know that you enjoyed the location and found the sound of the brook to be relaxing. We're glad you had a peaceful stay in the garden room near the front office, and we appreciate your feedback regarding the slight smell of mildew. Rest assured, we'll take measures to address this issue. We're thrilled that our staff provided friendly service, and we look forward to welcoming you back to try out our other uniquely charming rooms. Parking is always made easy and available for your convenience.Thank you once again for sharing your feedback, and we can't wait to have you back as our guest.

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place. I would stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 19, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jason! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. It would be our pleasure to welcome you back in the future. If there's anything else we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to let us know.

10/10 Excellent

Audra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is truly a gem. If you are looking for something unique and special this is definitely your spot. I cant wait to make it out there again just so we can stay here once more!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 15, 2023
Great to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us, Audra! We're thrilled that you found our property unique and special. We appreciate your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience. Thank you for choosing to stay with us!

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful getaway… I’ve already booked my next stay!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 8, 2023
That's fantastic to hear, Stephen! We're thrilled that you had such a great time and enjoyed your getaway. It's always wonderful to have guests who appreciate and enjoy their experience. Thank you for choosing us as your destination, and we can't wait to welcome you back for your next stay!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Improvements Needed
I have stayed at the beautiful property in the past, and I must admit that things have really changed. The location is beautiful and I love the themed rooms, but the room and furniture need a lot of upgrades. They used to walk you to your room, but this time I was given a very small laminated map that I couldn’t read. The curtains were gone and the shower curtain was ripped. The charm is gone, and that was so appealing before. Housekeeping knocked on my door at 8:30am on the day I was checking out, which was strange. I tried to leave my key at the front desk, and no one was there. When I called the number that was posted it went to a mobile home park. I called a second time and was give a code for a lockbox to drop off the key. They never checked my ID and I didn’t sign anything. As a single traveler, it also concerned me that there was no chain to lock on the inside. I’ve stayed at this property 3 other times and loved it, so I hope they can improve. The jacuzzi tub and fireplace are amazing and is great for relaxing.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 2, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are sorry to hear that your recent stay did not meet your expectations and that you encountered several issues during your stay. We apologize for any inconvenience these issues may have caused you.Please know that we take your feedback seriously and we will be addressing the issues you have mentioned with our team. We are committed to providing our guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay, and we will use your comments to make improvements where necessary.We appreciate your loyalty to our property and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for a much-improved experience.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 22, 2023
Thank you for choosing our hotel for your recent stay, Catherine! We greatly appreciate your feedback and rating. We're glad to hear that you had a positive experience with us.If there's anything specific you'd like to share about your stay or any suggestions for improvement, please don't hesitate to let us know. We always value our guests' opinions and strive to provide exceptional service. Thank you again!We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon for another enjoyable stay!

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is beautiful and it’s close to everything I wanted to enjoy about Santa cruz. The staff is friendly and good about giving you your space. I will go again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on May 2, 2023
Thank you, Aaron for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at our property and that our location, beautiful property, and friendly staff helped make your visit to Santa Cruz a memorable one.We take pride in providing our guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay, and we are happy to hear that we met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great stay soon.

4/10 Poor

Claudia

Disliked: Staff & service
I was unable to reach ANYone for 2 1/2 days! despite a ridiculous phone message saying the office is open (it isn't) "from 8 AM to 10 PM. Consequently, ater I paid $560 for two rooms -- I really needed to talk with some staffer about where (and if!) to place an elder with mobility problems.....in a NICE (not dark/dungeon oriented) room. One of our rooms was great, but the one that mattered - that for the elder - was incredibly dark, poorly furnished and with a super questionable bathroom. I complained with I got to the property (the office totally dark/closed in mid-afternoon), and found a young woman walking about -- if not rude, then utterly unconcerned on any level with my experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Careen H. - Babbling Brook Inn on Apr 28, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, Claudia and we're sorry to hear about the difficulties you encountered during your stay. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our office hours and communication channels. We appreciate your comments and will work to improve our service. Please know that we take your concerns seriously and will take steps to address them. We hope that you'll consider staying with us again in the future.