The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotels
•
Tribute Portfolio
7.8 (293 reviews)
5490 Hollister Avenue , Santa Barbara , us

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Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful, well-maintained grounds
Historic/southern plantation-style architecture
Pleasant decor and spacious rooms
Yoga class and engaging outdoor activities
Complimentary hot cocoa; appealing gym
Restaurant rated very good
Cons:
Last-minute booking cancellations and indifferent staff
Noisy due to proximity to freeway and early yard work
Uncomfortable couch in at least one room
Thin floors/noise from guests above
Morning coffee noted as not tasty

Categories

Cleanliness
7.8
Standard quality for this hotel tier
Service
5.5
Multiple guests reported last-minute cancellations and staff who did not accommodate changes; service perceived as indifferent in at least one stay.
Location
7
Grounds and historic southern/plantation-style setting are highly praised, but proximity to a freeway and morning yard work/leaf blowers cause noticeable noise issues.
Room Quality
6.5
Rooms described as spacious and comfortable by some, but specific issues noted (very uncomfortable couch in one room, noise from above/floor-level rooms).
Amenities
9.5
Well-maintained indoor and outdoor areas, yoga class, complimentary hot cocoa at night and an appealing gym—amenities seen as interactive and a highlight.
Value for Money
7.8
Standard quality for this hotel tier
Food and Beverage
8.3
Restaurant receives strong praise ('very good'), though morning coffee was frequently mentioned as not tasty.
Overall Experience
10
Many guests call it a lovely, well-kept hidden gem with strong attention to detail and express desire to return despite occasional service and noise drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-07-04 06:14

Property Description

Garden Oasis with Modern Comforts
Nestled in a lush grove off Highway 101, The Steward, Santa Barbara offers a serene escape with an outdoor pool and hot tub. Each suite boasts free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a cozy sofa bed.

Convenience at Your Fingertips
Enjoy amenities like a work desk, refrigerator, and complimentary tea/coffee facilities. The hotel also provides a business center and 24-hour reception for all your needs.

Explore Santa Barbara's Best
Located just minutes from the airport and top attractions, including shopping and dining in Central Santa Barbara. Don't miss out on the nearby golf course and easy access to the Amtrak station.

Experience luxury and convenience at The Steward - book your stay now!

Important information:

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SBA

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs USD 32 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.8
Based on 293 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.8
Service: 5.5
Location: 7
Room Quality: 6.5
Amenities: 9.5
Value for Money: 7.8
Food and Beverage: 8.3
Overall Experience: 10
W
Wendy • couple • us
9
Love the garden and feeling of the site.
Pros:

The landscape, the quaintness

Cons:

The air conditioning was very loud in our room, the pillows were awful, they were too full , my neck and head couldn’t get support. Handicap ramp is need at the building where room 114/115 etc.

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
N
Nichole • extended_group • us
10
Very nice experience.
Pros:

The property was beautiful and clean.

Cons:

We had to pay for parking

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
Y
Yogendra • extended_group • us
9
Awesome
Pros:

Awesome set up, nice facilities, very good to enjoy green and outside areas.

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
N
Nicola • couple • gb
5
2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
B
Bárbara • extended_group • cl
10
2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
M
Maria Joao • extended_group • gb
8
2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jimmy • extended_group • us
1
Careful booking here as they will cancel on you Last Minute, the staff had no regards to accomodate and we ended up book
Pros:

Nothing

2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
J
Jeremy • couple • us
10
Perfect
Pros:

Home

Cons:

N/a

2026-03-31 • via Nuitee
P
Parra Journey • extended_group • us
9
Attention to detail, property is a hidden gem, historic southern design.
Pros:

Pleasantly surprised by the grounds of the property. Very southern plantation style architecture made it feel historical. Loved the upkeep of the indoor and outdoor areas. There was a yoga class going on outside which made the experience feel very interactive and alive. I can't wait to return.

Cons:

Can't think of anything. Keep it up.

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
N
Niki • couple • us
6
It was nice
Pros:

I like the looks and the grounds

Cons:

The couch was very uncomfortable in the room I was in and don’t get the ground level if someone is above you . You can hear everything

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
Z
Zena • family_with_children • us
10
2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
B
Betina • couple • us
9
All in all, a lovely experience that makes you forget you are up against a freeway.
Pros:

Darling decor, beautiful grounds, well maintained, rooms are spacious and comfortable. Nice amenities like hot cocoa at night and coffee in the morning. Restaurant was very good!

Cons:

Right in the freeway— noisy even on the “quiet” side of the street; yard work and leaf blowers started at 8 am which disrupted sleep. Coffee was not tasty sadly. Gym is cute and nicely laid out.

2026-02-24 • via Nuitee
Y
Yi • couple • tw
9
2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
A
Ammie • extended_group • us
10
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • couple • us
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
E
Ernst • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Overall lovely rooms and clean

The staff was very helpful and friendly

Cons:

The sun beds were all stained
There was a sewage smell coming from the sink
The pullout sleeper sofas needed a mattress topper which was provided

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
A
ANTOINE • family_with_children • fr
3
Très mauvaise expérience
Pros:

Le cadre général qui laisse supposer un endroit calme et agréable

Cons:

Le rapport qualité prix inacceptable
Le bruit dans les chambres ((impossible de dormir avec la climatisation et la route) la literie du sofa pour enfant, la propreté (peignoir sal / canettes de bière sur la terrasse)

2025-12-31 • via Nuitee
M
Maya • family_with_children • us
3
Disappointing Stay – Not Worth the High Price
Pros:

The property has potential and a cute, stylish design, but overall the experience did not justify the high price

Cons:

From the moment we arrived, there was a strong, unpleasant odor in the hallway carpets, likely caused by flooding or a sewage issue. The pool and hot tub were poorly maintained, and a woman who appeared to be homeless entered the pool and began washing her hair while we were there with our children. Despite notifying staff, the situation was not addressed.

Breakfast was limited, with many menu items unavailable due to the holiday. Overall, the experience did not justify the high price, and we left very disappointed.

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
A
ADITYA • couple • us
10
2025-12-06 • via Nuitee
C
Chen • couple • us
3
Overprice
Pros:

Good location, nice staff

Cons:

All surfaces and floor has the sticky oily feeling

2025-12-03 • via Nuitee