Before I publish a full review of the property, I thought it would be important to mention that the Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara recently rebranded as the Mar Monte Hotel, returning to its original name. The hotel is now part of The Unbound Collection from Hyatt.
Mar Monte Hotel, Part of The Unbound Collection From Hyatt
The Unbound Collection is described as unique hotels within the Hyatt portfolio:
“Maintain your independence and individuality with The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, an exclusive portfolio of upper-upscale properties designed to captivate travelers seeking distinctive experiences with the reassurance of Hyatt.”
Not sure what “upper-upscale” means, but The Unbound Collection allows many historic properties to maintain unique elements while still remaining under the Hyatt brand.
In the case of the Mar Monte, the hotel has reverted back to its original name. First opened in 1931, the hotel has been a fixture of Santa Barbara for nearly 90 years (an interesting history of the property here). Hyatt took over the property in 2011, then still called Mar Monte, and transformed it to the Hyatt Santa Barbara. The hotel was later added to the Hyatt Centric portfolio, branded as Hyatt’s modern boutique chain. That really didn’t fit, as the hotel is neither modern nor particularly boutique (the hotel has 200 rooms).
I’ve been a regular guest at this hotel over the years and always enjoyed the beautiful and convenient location, though not the rooms. Mind you, I didn’t mind the rooms, but found them (and the hotel itself) to be rather tired. Here are some pictures:
Last year (stretching into last month), the Hyatt underwent a renovation in which each guest room and the common areas were refreshed. Each room now has air conditioning, a remodeled bathroom, new carpet, fresh paint, and a more modern look:
The hotel remains a Category 4 property, making it one of the best uses for your free anniversary night from the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase. My family escaped from the heat and smoke of LA to enjoy a couple days here last weekend. I’ll shortly publish a detailed review.
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Looking forward to reading your review Matthew. I booked 2 nights coming up here 2 weeks from now. I’ve heard good things about the renovation and can’t wait to stay. I’m a Globalist and heard the Globalist recognition is good here so can’t wait to check it out.
Definitely an improvement, but some of rooms remind of the phrase “put lipstick on a pig.” This still looks like higher-end 3 star hotel, although I think the building is cool and is obviously historical.
Please include in your review the building that they have across the street that is basically converted condominiums — I got placed there once at check in and complained to be moved. It was the same drab, older rooms but with no view and across the street from the property’s amenities. I think it is called the Palmoro house. Readers beware – it is not an upgrade!
The room decorations are screaming to be included in the next episode of HGTV remodeling project show. It’s a do and a don’t at the same time.
Just returned from this property today. The lobby area is well done but the rooms feel very dated. Feels like something my grandma would design.
Nice to have the beach across the street.
I think it looks much more modern now than before. Not exactly my style, but still more modern.