The hype
Travelers love the greenery, the pool area, and the friendly staff, but almost everyone mentions the noise.
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want a spacious suite with a pool in a lush garden setting and don't mind driving 15 minutes to downtown Santa Barbara.
Why People Love It
- All-suite layout gives families and groups breathing room
- Lush, secret-garden vibe with historic Sexton House on property
- Terra restaurant serves surprisingly excellent avocado toast and duck burgers
Quick Take: A charmingly renovated motel that tries hard to be a boutique resort, but thin walls and highway noise remind you of its roots.
Reviewed by @ctouchard: I checked into The Steward for a friend's wedding. Honestly, this suite felt smaller than my last stay and the view was just bushes, but the vibe is still fun. If you book, definitely ask for a different wing to avoid the 'jungle' view!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'boutique' aesthetic is lovely, but maintenance issues like broken ACs, slow drains, and worn outdoor furniture crop up too often for the price.
- You are visiting UCSB or have business in Goleta
- You travel with a dog (very pet-friendly grounds)
- You need a separate living room for work or kids
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally decent, but reports of missed spots and 'on request' service causing confusion.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but recurring complaints about slow drains and occasional sewage odors in sinks.
- Maintenance: A weak point—expect occasional issues with AC units, peeling paint, or worn outdoor cushions.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality; usually fresh but nothing ultra-luxe.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh and herbal; some hallways and rooms can have a musty or damp smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway 101 traffic (constant hum)
- Footsteps from upper-floor guests
- Nearby hospital sirens (Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital)
Before you book
Good to know
- There is NO daily resort fee, which is rare for the area
- Parking is $32/night for self-park
- Breakfast is not free unless you have specific Marriott elite status (Platinum+)
What to pack
- White noise machine or earplugs for highway hum
- Swimsuit for the heated pool and hot tub
- Car charger — you will be driving everywhere
Room Genie
Best picks
- Second-floor suites in buildings away from the highway (ask for 'Garden View' facing the interior)
- Building 4 is often cited as quieter and set back from the road
Rooms to avoid
- Ground-floor units (noise from above is a major complaint)
- Rooms facing Hollister Avenue or the highway
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a second-floor suite facing the interior gardens, specifically in Building 4 if possible, to minimize highway noise and avoid footstep sounds from above.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it walkable to downtown Santa Barbara?
No. It is a 10-15 minute drive or Uber ride to State Street and the Funk Zone.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated year-round, though some guests find it cooler in winter months.
Are there elevators?
No. The buildings are two stories high with exterior corridors and stairs only.
Is breakfast included?
No, it is à la carte at Terra restaurant, though Marriott Platinum/Titanium members can choose a breakfast credit as a welcome gift.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is very pet-friendly, but there is a steep $150 non-refundable pet fee per stay.
Is there a resort fee?
No, there is no destination or resort fee, just the nightly parking charge.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Marketplace' has local snacks, but there's a Trader Joe's just a 3-minute drive away on Calle Real for better value.
- ✨
Request a 'Fellow' kettle at the front desk if your room doesn't have one; they offer great local Frinj coffee pour-overs.
- ✨
The historic Sexton House on the property is open to guests—go inside to see cool local history artifacts.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'forest hideaway' is a cute marketing term for a small wooded path with a piano and some games—charming but tiny.
💡You are right next to a hospital (Goleta Valley Cottage), so ambulance sirens are a possibility.
💡The 'avocado toast' legend is real—the Sexton family (original owners of the land) were pioneers in avocado farming here.
💡Housekeeping is 'on request' for some stays, so you might need to ask specifically for daily service.
💡The bathroom sinks sometimes have a lingering sewage smell due to older plumbing issues.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located and what's nearby.