Staff Picks Series: Justin’s Santa Barbara Recommendations

Here at Hotel Santa Barbara we take pride in our Santa Barbara recommendations. Knowing the best spots in town for our guests to get an authentic Santa Barbara experience is an important part of our job.

Being conveniently located in the heart of Downtown means our guests have easy access to a wealth of great restaurants, sights, activities and cultural attractions. But that means our staff does too! So we went straight to the source and interviewed our staff to get their insider scoop of what to do, taste and see here in SB.

Justin, Valet Manager
Years at Hotel Santa Barbara: 5

What is your favorite part about working at a hotel in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara?

On Tuesday afternoons we have the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market right outside our front door on State Street.

What is your ideal restaurant in Santa Barbara for nice dinner out?

For a nice dinner out, the Palace Grill is a great experience. The Crawfish Stuffed Blackened Steak is my favorite entrée there. Also on the weekend they have live jazz music!

What do you like to do in Santa Barbara on your days off?

A round of golf at one of Santa Barbara’s many golf courses is always a fun way to spend a day off.

Favorite wine tasting room or brewery in the area?

The best place to have drink and relax is SB Wine Therapy on State Street. It’s a 2 block walk from the hotel. Their extensive wine and beer list satisfies a variety of tastes.

What is your favorite place to shop in Santa Barbara?

Paseo Nuevo is the only place I can shop and not feel claustrophobic. A great outdoor mall where you can relax outside while your significant other shops.

How would you describe Santa Barbara in one word?

Fabulous

Check back every couple of weeks as we feature a different staff member and their favorite SB spots. Have questions about our Santa Barbara recommendations? Call 1-800-549-9869.