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Santa Barbara’s Inn of the Spanish GardenWhere Modern Day Amenities Meld With Old World CharmBy Jane Cassie
Since opening its doors September 8, 2001, many luxury-loving couples have been lured by the inn’s exquisitely appointed interiors, impeccable service and revival of the past. Although conveniently located just steps from the bustling hub of State Street, where upscale shopping and fine dining can be found, once over the enchanting threshold, guests soon escape the modern day throngs and revel in an era gone by.
Guests will find ultimate seclusion in any one of these sanctuaries that extend down the tiled entryways and up winding staircases. Each haven boasts well-appointed furnishings and original watercolors that blend pleasingly with restored antiques. Crisp Frette linens drape heavenly beds to generate romantic aspirations, while divinely deep tubs promise a soothing soak. All host private sun-splashed decks or patios that overlook the glorious gardens, and gas fireplaces that warm the refined interiors. There are TVs, VCRs with complimentary videos, and high speed internet connections for those mixing business with pleasure. And every pampering nuance has been considered, right down to in-room spa treatments, Molton Brown bath amenities, Brazilian chocolates, and French press coffee. Yes, it’s all in the details and all are delicious! “The inn incorporates Santa Barbara’s romance and history with intrigue, glamour and modern day luxuries,” reveals Shanda, one of the veteran receptionists. “And although relatively new, it’s been designed to fit in with the surrounding architecture.” The service at Inn of the Spanish Garden is precisely what you’d expect from a pedigreed institution. The hospitality is gracious, the ambience is genteel and, as well as having the city at their finger tips, guests celebrate the man-made luxury that delightfully pays tribute to Santa Barbara’s legendary beauty and history. Inn of the Spanish Garden is the brainchild of founder Larry Broughton, who was the former vice-president of the prestigious Joie de Vivre Hospitality in San Francisco and is now owner of the Broughton Hospitality Group. General manager is Rebecca Johnson Inn of the Spanish Garden Getting to Santa Barbara: Horizon Air links the Pacific Northwest to Santa Barbara by offering its daily nonstop service on their 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 jet from Seattle and Portland. Read more about it:
http://newsroom.horizonair.com and Jane and Brent freelance for a number of publications Jane is president of BC Association Of Travel Writers http://www.bctravelwriters.com and is a standing member of TMAC (Travel Media Assoc. of Canada) The Cassies can be contacted at janecassie@telus.net Images by Brent Cassie |
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The Inn Of The Spanish Garden divinely
integrates into the heart of old town Santa Barbara and, although it
authentically replicates the region’s 18th century Spanish- colonial
architecture, it is actually one of the newer kids on the block. 
Terra cotta tiles lead beyond the
unpretentious exterior, that presents more like a family estate, to the
inn’s relaxed surroundings where ornate ironwork and adobe archways create a
romantic ambience throughout. A fireplace warms the cozy reception lounge
and casts a glow over hand trawled faux finishes and the Spanish
Mediterranean décor. After the sun sets, it unites with the incandescence
from the trail of tiny tea lights to provide an inviting night-time
welcome. 
Adjacent is the informal dining room and
outdoor patio where a breakfast buffet is served each morning. Fresh fruit,
homemade granola and a variety of baked goods may be followed by a piece or
two of quiche and topped off with a specialty coffee. Throughout the day,
hot and cold beverages are available, and during the pre-dining hour, some
may return here to mingle once more. This time, it’s over a glass of
Chardonnay, Chablis or another impressive vintage that is available from the
Inn’s wine cellar. 
Umbrellaed tables overlook the manicured
gardens that boast a trickling fountain and profusion of hibiscus and
bougainvillea blooms. Feathery palms unite with silver-green olive trees to
throw shade over the courtyard's open air fitness room and glistening pool.
And Pueblo-style buildings, hosting twenty-three heavenly hacienda
hideaways, are topped with red tiled roofs to depict Santa Barbara’s Spanish
heritage to a tee. 