Is Fabulous Downtown Living pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Fabulous Downtown Living located?

Located in Oak Park, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara Public Market, and Alameda Park. Santa Barbara Conference & Visitor's Bureau & Film Commission and Granada Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Santa Barbara Station is 27 minutes by foot.

Fabulous Downtown Living Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wally P.

Sep 16, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Michelterena Duplex

Very clean with high-end finishes and furniture, great location just off State Street, easy walk to restaurants, museums, and bars, quick bike ride to the beach, owner lives at the back of the property, providing attentive responses to any requests.

Stayed 43 nights in Aug 2024

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter D., Minneapolis, MN

Apr 15, 2015

Superb hosts; Fabulous home

My partner and I can't say enough good things about our stay. The house and patio were perfect for us. Our hosts were warm, knowledgeable and friendly. The location in town was great - close to everything but away enough to be quiet.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jul 30, 2014

Amazing spot - highly recommend

This is such a killer vacation spot - unbeatable location and amazing home. The home was beautifully restored in the original craftsman style. We enjoyed coffee on the porch every morning and then took an easy 1 block walk to State Street. The property owner was amazingly gracious and gave us tips on good beaches to hit up as well as lots of great info about the property.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C., Florida

Aug 13, 2015

Recent stay in Santa Barbara

This was my first trip to Santa Barbara and it was a great weekend trip! We recently stayed in the casita and it suited our needs perfectly. Very close to State Street and many restaurants in a nice neighborhood. Caron and Doug were very gracious hosts and couldn't have been nicer. We will definitely stay there again whenever we're in the area!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Oakland, CA

Jul 14, 2014

You can't go wrong at Casita de Colores

One word - AWESOME! This unit is stellar - great location, wonderful owners, beautiful decor/garden. I couldn't believe my luck finding this place to stay for my first visit to Santa Barbara. If you want a quiet, charming, relaxing home away from home, look no further!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Don B., Peoria,IL

Feb 25, 2011

Film Festival Fun

We spent 12 days here during the local film festival and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location was excellent, 1 block from State St. The decor was colorful and attractive,the courtyard was peaceful and inviting and Doug and Caron were the perfect hosts. They made us feel like old friends.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Josh A.

Jan 15, 2015

Super charming and perfect location

My fiancee and I stayed at Casita de Colores for a long weekend to kick off the year. The property is so charming, clean and well located. We enjoyed walking and biking (bikes provided!) along state street to dinner or even down to the beach. Caron provided great recommendations for food, and she and her husband clearly love the area and exploring all the new restaurants, etc. It's like having an expert concierge without any intrusion into your beautiful little home for the weekend. Great experience and lovely accommodations at a reasonable value.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Adam C.

Jul 29, 2016

Terrific Santa Barbara Getaway

This is the second time my wife and I have stayed here. We came back a second time because we love it. It's a block away from State Street, so we ended up not driving all 4 days we stayed. The unit is appointed very well. If you like color, warmth, quaintness, and want to live for a little while in a bit of historic coastal California, then this is the place for you. I hope to return.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jun 26, 2013

Summer Solstice Weekend

This was our third year staying here for the Solstice weekend and it couldn't have been better. Caron has updated the unit with some new carpeting and it was clean as a whistle. We stayed in the middle unit and having access to the courtyard is just great for sitting outdoors and enjoying the weather. Starbucks is only 3 blocks away and Main street one block away. The beach is a 15 minute leisurely walk. As in the past Caron and Doug couldn't have been more gracious or helpful.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T., Orange County CA

Sep 14, 2012

Perfect!

I'd rather keep this a secret but THIS WAS A FIND! :) Ditto on all the 5 stars below. What a wonderful stay we had in this delightful guest house. Just look at the photos closely and you can see all the wonderful details and thought that was put into this adorable cottage. The talents of Caron and Doug are just amazing. They really did create the perfect place to stay in Santa Barbara. Bootsie ...we loved you too! Oh and can't wait to see the new unit! Thank you Caron and Doug!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wayne & Cynthia M., Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Mar 8, 2015

Casita de Colores es muy bien!

A month in paradise! My husband and my visit to Santa Barbara and Casita de Colores was beyond compare! Caron, Doug and Bootsie invited us, like a warm embrace, into their little bit of heaven and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to experience Santa Barbara than this way. The attention to detail was exquisite (down to a sewing machine that I was in need of!), the welcoming spirit of the space, and the comforts of “home” were beyond comparison. We walked (although bikes were available) and explored every inch and food establishment of the town from this perfectly located place. Thank you! We hope to see you (all!) again soon!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

May 27, 2013

More than a vacation rental

Casita de Colores became my home for six weeks whilst I escaped the grey, English winter. I was grateful for a sunny welcome when Caron picked me up from the airport bus after 24 bedraggled hours of international travel. Arriving at this immaculate home, with its pretty garden and all home comforts, I knew I had made a good choice. Located at little over a block away from all the action on State Street - shopping, eating, theatres, cinemas, historical sites - I was easily able to explore evrything on foot or by jumping on a bus at the convenient, nearby stops. The accommodation was of the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort and everything I needed was provided. Caron and Doug were very welcoming and their local knowledge and "concierge services" made my first trip to Santa Barbara such a memorable and enjoyable one.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Caroline G., New York, NY USA

Mar 29, 2015

Loved this adorable house in downtown SB

Two of us stayed for a month in this house and we had an amazing time here. The location is fantastic -- we didn't even rent a car, because we could walk everywhere in downtown Santa Barbara and if we needed to go farther we took an Uber. Loved walking to the Public Market, tons of amazing restaurants, McConnell's for ice cream, movie theaters, even the beach if you want a longer walk. The house itself is incredibly charming. Original Craftsman cabinets in the dining room and the kitchen, comfy furniture, lots of pots and pans if you want to cook, great little garden out front. Many of our daytime hours were spent working -- one of us at the dining room table, and the other at the little table on the porch -- so it was big enough for 2 of us to not be on top of each other while we had things to do. We also did a lot of sitting on the porch and watching the world go by. Caron and Doug were around to answer all kinds of questions and generally make things easier. I wish we had stayed another month! And I hope we can plan our work schedules so we can do another month next year in this same lovely house.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mar 1, 2013

Exceeded our very high expectations!

This is, hands down, the best holiday rental we've ever had. We spent a fabulous month here (celebrating a 65th birthday) and never felt cramped.The unit looked small in the photos but we found it had ample space and storage for our needs, The cottage unit is cosy, charming, colourful, comfortable and tres chic -- a wonderful home away from home, furnished with Caron's irrepressible creativity and design flair, and equipped with very good quality furnishings, accessories, kitchen equipment, electronics and linens. We wanted for nothing. Caron and Doug anticipated our every need and desire, and made us feel spoiled and indulged. We did a lot of cooking during our stay. If we had the occasional need for something beyond the usual, Caron either let us borrow her own equipment or promptly acquired it for our unit. The location could not have been better -- very safe, and very quiet at night, within easy walking distance of so many attractions, charming neighbourhoods, parks, restaurants, shops, services and the waterfront. It also offered easy routes to highways if we wanted to take the car for an adventure in the surrounding wine country, Very thoughtful amenities, which are very important for those who are staying for more than a few days: the eating bar in the kitchen included a small extension area where we set up our netbook, speakers, etc for communications, recharging station and on-line entertainment. We loved the free, secure internet access via the private network Caron has provided. There's an excellent DVD player and programmable PVR so you can record movies etc for later viewing. We made frequent use of clean, well equipped laundry room attached to the house and really appreciated this free amenity, as we tend to pack light. Finally, there is the intimate, sheltered courtyard garden and "lizard lounge" with cushioned seating, succulents, flowering shrubs and wonderfully eccentric garden decor (love it!!) Here we spent many happy, sunny hours reading and having nibblies, sometimes with our warm and generous hosts, Caron, Doug and Bootsie the Queen Dog (who loves attention once she gets to know you). Thanks and big hugs, Caron and Doug. You are THE BEST hosts. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

8/10 Good

Diana A.

Apr 27, 2019

Wonderful location for visiting Santa Barbara

Ideal location for cycling and walking downtown and to the beach. Bicycles are available and for your pleasure . Well planned cozy space and great outdoor patio for relaxing and dining. Street parking is easy with pass provided.

Stayed 46 nights in Mar 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelliann M.

Jul 27, 2017

Perfect bungalow walking distance to downtown SB

If you're reading this and even considering staying here...STOP READING & BOOK IT! I only had about a week notice prior to having to move to SB for 5 weeks for an emergency medicine clinical rotation & I completely lucked out with finding this place! Caron & Doug were the best hosts & so accommodating to my odd emergency room hours when it came to being quiet and scheduling the cleaning fairies. They even helped me carry my luggage in when I arrived because I was on crutches. The detail and love they put into their units (I stayed in the middle unit - highly recommend) is easy to see and made me feel like I had my own home for the 5 weeks I was there. I didn't want to leave! A couple quick points people usually have questions on that were big pluses to me: - It's your own separate unit - Kitchen stocked with everything you need - Great bathroom with soaking tub - There's a shared laundry room - Very short walking distance to downtown - Parking is never an issue (you get a visitor parking pass & there is always parking on the street out front or very close by) - French doors that open into a beautiful little courtyard - Cleaning fairies come in once a week and change sheets, towels, clean up - Yummy banana bread on arrival :) This place really has it all. I loved talking with Caron & Doug when I got the chance to - they really know the area, and have plenty of great recommendations! I miss SB so much already & know when I return I will be booking with Caron & Doug!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jan 18, 2017

Cozy Winter Weekend

The location could not be prettier or more convenient! All the convenience of being in the heart of downtown with the feeling of being secluded in your own private sanctuary. Everything was beautiful and immaculate. Such a fabulous weekend for my husband's birthday! Thanks so much Caron and Doug!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Muge D., CA, USA

Jan 14, 2017

Wonderful!

Loved our stay here. Clean, well-stocked house, and wonderful hosts. Special arrival gift in the form of a delicious walnut cake. Thank you for making our stay special!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nicke R.

Oct 13, 2016

A perfect place

Staying in Santa Barbara at Caron and Doug’s place is highly recommended and an experience not to miss. Like a 3-star restaurant it is worth the trip itself:) Great location, of tourists and still close to everything. The cozy house and garden has true character and quickly brings out your inner calm. Caron and Doug are the most fantastic hosts and know every little gem and restaurant to visit in Santa Barbara. Absolutely the best house we ever rented.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dec 7, 2015

Feels like home, and amazing hosts

This is by far the best option for a comfy, trendy place to stay in or near Santa Barbara. We needed a place to stay for the first couple nights of our honeymoon, after all the craziness of the wedding and reception but before traveling off to new adventures. We really just needed a room with a comfy bed, but we got way better than that! To say that the place is furnished is an understatement: the decor is exciting, fresh, and happy, and makes you feel like you're at home instead of in between places. The bathroom is luxurious, the lighting is perfect, and best of all, Caron is amazingly sweet. At the end of the day when we were wiped and just needed to relax, she had a plate of warm cookies waiting for us. If you're going to stay anywhere in the area, I scoured postings for weeks ahead of time and I definitely recommend this place. It would be worth it for twice the price it's posted, if not more. We struck gold when we stopped by here, and I hope you will too.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nov 6, 2015

Relaxing, special, peaceful place

This is the second time my husband and I stayed on this property. First time we stayed in the bigger unit facing the front. We decided to stay in the back unit this time, and it has its own unique charm. The back unit opens up to the lovely patio, which is a relaxing garden oasis. The unit itself is bright colorful with designer finishes. The location is awesome, walking distance to delicious restaurants and downtown Santa Barbara. The kitchen is well stocked, you can easily whip up some homemade food with all the equipment provided. We loved using the bikes that are provided, biking to downtown Santa Barbara, and also easy ride to the beach and waterfront. Caron and Doug are very friendly hosts. They also give great recommendations around the area should you need it. Last year, I forgot a piece of clothing and Caron promptly mailed it back to me. We look forward to staying there again for another relaxing and magical Santa Barbara stay.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janet P.

Aug 24, 2015

Mother/Daughter Vacation

My daughter and I spent two nights in this charming home and loved it! Caron and Doug were wonderful hosts. It was nice to be greeted with hugs and home made bread and they have thought of all the little details to make you feel like you are in a "home away from home". We were in the front unit and enjoyed being able to sit on the front porch with our wine. The location too is perfect with its close proximity to State Street so we could walk everywhere and they gave us great restaurant recommendations which we enjoyed. We will definitely stay there again the next time we are in Santa Barbara.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelley N.

Aug 6, 2015

Perfectly peaceful and convenient!

One of the best trips I have had in a very long time. This home's location is perfect - we biked everywhere! The house has great character and is very well cared for. It was so nice to wake up the morning after our arrival and have a cup of coffee in the amazing garden - the coffee and creamer were there when we arrived - no frantic trip to the store or coffee shop for my morning joe. We didn't want to leave and will definitely book here next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Raul G., Oakland

Jul 11, 2015

Never wanted to leave!!

Our casita was as advertised! Colorful, charming, superbly appointed, comfortable in every respect. We were welcomed with cookies and enjoyed locally roasted coffee with cream every morning. The house was wonderfully furnished and unbelievably immaculate. What was not advertised was the incredible generosity of our hosts, Caron and Doug. We were in town for a wedding and I even had the great pleasure and fortune to be personally styled by the fabulous Caron! I wore two different hand-made wraps, both of which were stunning and perfect, and even borrowed jewelry and a handbag. Our chief regret was not having enough time to enjoy the garden; a peaceful, colorful, eclectic, fanciful and welcoming space right out our back door. We hope to be there again and until then will dream colorful dreams and do our best to keep Bootsie off the patio furniture and on one of her many fluffy beds.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janice A.

Jul 3, 2015

An Adorable, Fun Place to Stay

This is the second time my husband and I have stayed here! We couldn't resist coming back! There are two units in the casita and we stayed in the one connected to the back patio both times. If you like colorful, cosy, artistic, and fun surroundings you'll love this little casita! From the moment you walk in the front door you'll have a smile on your face. The little smiling Buddha wearing a mardi gras necklace as you walk to the front door helps set the stage for what's to come! One of our most favorite places is the sunny, colorful, and creatively decorated little patio that you get to through the French doors at the back of the casita. At night the patio is lit up with lots of little decorative hanging bulbs that gives the patio a warm and inviting glow. We enjoyed sitting in the living/TV room during the day or at night with the French doors wide open. To top it all off Caron and Doug, the proprietors, are very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. About a week after we left I received a call from Caron saying that she found a sweater in one of the dresser drawers and thought it might be mine. I said yes it was so she mailed it to my home immediately which was quite thoughtful. If you like great weather, a short walk to shopping and restaurants, a cosy, fun , and friendly place to stay, don't miss this one. You won't be sorry!!!

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Fabulous Downtown Living

Photo gallery for Fabulous Downtown Living

Reviews

Entire home

Popular amenities

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place