The Biltmore
Hotel Name: Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Number Rooms: 207
Location: On 22 acres adjacent to Butterfly Beach, a ten-minute walk from Monecito and four miles from downtown Santa Barbara.
A storied property overlooking Butterfly Beach, Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara is the epitome of Spanish colonial grandeur. Opened in 1927, the property maintains much of its original charm -- meandering red-brick pathways and mature gardens give way to hidden courtyards and dotted with trickling fountains and terracotta-roofed cottages. Interiors are replete with Spanish colonial details, like wrought-iron headboards, Otomi print pillows, and hand-painted tile bathrooms. Amenities abound at the Four Seasons; families take advantage of the Coral Casino beach club, couples indulge in sophisticated spa treatments, and locals gather around the bar at the buzzy Ty Lounge.
What We Loved: The Bungalow Suites with Plunge Pools are, in a word, “epic.” Plus, keep your eye out for murals by Fred William Stringer, a Hollywood scenic painter who worked on movie lots and theater sets as well as the Biltmore’s interiors.
What We Didn’t Love: The Pacific Surfliner runs right up the coast and can be heard from some rooms, though the front desk will happily provide ear plugs for sensitive sleepers.
Right For: Couples and families who want to time travel back to the golden glamour of Old Hollywood on vacation; those looking for a full-service taste of the Mediterranean without leaving the US; Instagrammers who use the hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors.
Wrong For: While the rooms and bungalows are intimate, this is still a sprawling resort; those seeking a cozy boutique might be better served elsewhere.
Best Time to Visit: April-December
TLF Tip: Guests have access to the neighboring Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, a members-only, perfectly maintained Art Deco gem. Cocktails at the Coral Reef Bar – an oval-shaped, sea water aquarium bar containing a living coral reef – are a must.