Located two hours from Los Angeles sits the coastal city of Santa Barbara. Known as the American Riviera for its sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets, Santa Barbara is the perfect escape from LA. On December 26, 2022, the beachside city welcomed its newest hotel, the Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, a Courtyard by Marriott property. Behind the reinvented hotel is Andrew Firestone, former star of ABC’s The Bachelor and co-founder with Jess Parker of StonePark Capital. The hotel’s prime downtown location, modern and hip esthetic, and stylish, yet laid-back signature restaurant Saint Remy, makes it the perfect retreat to luxuriate and relax while enjoying all Santa Barbara has to offer.
Following a complete transformation, Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown’s spacious 122 guest rooms combine comfort with functionality and sweeping balcony views of the breathtaking Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean. The well-appointed rooms have a modern design and feature spacious guest baths, walk-in showers, and large vanities. In addition, each room includes a mini refrigerator, high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. Two-room suites are available, complete with a wet bar and conference table.
Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown features a lush pool, whirlpool, fire pit, and two large rooftop decks offering beautiful mountain and ocean views. The arrival experience allows guests to engage in technology and offers inviting, flexible seating spaces throughout the lobby for relaxation and business. Guests of the hotel also have access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, EV charging stations, valet and self-park options, and a meeting and event space.
At the core of the hotel is Saint Remy, “a restaurant of unhurried experience and authentic taste.” The hotel’s signature 50-seat restaurant features an easygoing and retro-inspired design, relaxed sensibility, and both indoor and al fresco dining options. The menu offers a Mediterranean coastal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in mouthwatering items like Fried Calamari, Pan Roasted Salmon, Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Israeli Salad, and my favorite, the Whipped Feta. Take crispy lavash, and dip it into the most delicious feta dip made with creamy feta, olive oil, lemon zest, crushed pistachio, and crunchy pomegranate seeds. Just outstanding! Breakfast highlights include Churros Pancake, Frittata, Shakshuka Benny, Nutella Crunch French Toast, and Avocado Toast. Here’s a tip, add Cured Salmon to your Avocado Toast. You can thank me later. Pair your meal with one of Saint Remy’s creative selection of beverages using locally-sourced purveyors such as Zaca Coffee; and Blind Burro Rum, Hendry’s Vodka, and Celo Rum from Black Market Spirits. The house libations offer the familiarity of classics like an Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini while introducing signature sippers, like the Earl Grey Martini or the Stevie Nicks, made with gin, grapefruit, Aperol, lime, and simple syrup. Additionally, guests can choose from a hand-selected wine list of local vintners, such as One Stone Cellars, as well as wines from Argentina, Spain, and Oregon. Complimentary on-site parking is available for dining guests, and reservations can be made on Tock. $17+; Mondays – Sundays, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown is pure perfection. From its stylish design, to its picturesque mountain views, spacious guest rooms, and heavenly restaurant Saint Remy, this hotel is EVERYTHING. $250+ (per night); 1601 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101; 805.975.0660
