We recently stayed at The Steward, Santa Barbara, and overall, it was a lovely experience. The property is beautifully designed, with a relaxed, boutique vibe and lush landscaping that gives it a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, tastefully decorated, and thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities. We especially loved the comfortable bed and stylish furnishings.
The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the location is great - both a short drive to both the beach and downtown Santa Barbara while still feeling tucked away.
However, we did encounter a significant issue with the air conditioning in our room. The unit was unbelievably loud — loud enough to make sleep nearly impossible. We were told this is a known issue with the newer systems, but unfortunately, there was no real solution offered aside from earplugs or a white noise machine. Since no alternate rooms were available, we had to turn the unit off and deal with the heat, which made for some uncomfortable nights.
It’s disappointing that such a well-designed and otherwise high-end property would overlook something so critical to guest comfort. That said, we still enjoyed our stay and appreciate the overall experience. If they can resolve the A/C issue, this hotel would easily be a five-star rating.
