While the names of some properties can overpromise or mislead, the recently opened Hideaway Santa Barbara, in Santa Barbara, Calif., is exactly what its name implies. Housed in a 1908 California craftsman and converted carriage house, the recently opened nine-room boutique hotel feels intimate and secluded — hidden away, even though it’s just a few short blocks from Santa Barbara’s hip and happening Funk Zone neighborhood.
Hideaway is owned by the Kirkwood Collection, an up-and-coming hotel company that specializes in converting unique California properties into modern upscale inns. It’s a boutique property meant for comfort as well as luxury. The hotel consists of deluxe guestrooms and spacious suites with views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Checking in for a recent weekend stay, my wife and I were immediately treated to freshly baked strawberry cookies and champagne. Our room — a large king upstairs at the back corner of the property — was private, comfortable and modern, with a vaulted ceiling, a fireplace and a cozy reading nook. Furnishings were a mix of brushed iron, bleached wood and rattan; the wood floors were covered with a soft sisal rug. Two white rattan chairs just outside the unit offered a comfortable spot for relaxing on the porch. The vibe could be described as laid-back coastal luxury — everything felt fresh and sun-bleached.
Guestrooms are casually elegant, with all the latest technology.
Credit: 2019 Kirkwood Collection
All the requisite amenities were included, and then some. Kirkwood prides itself on its dedication to technology, and every unit comes with Apple TV and reliable Wi-Fi access. Guestrooms also feature high-end French products, luxury linens and a dual-zone wine cooler minifridge — a thoughtful touch for those looking to enjoy a bottle or two of the region’s much-lauded varietals.
Hideaway has one fully accessible room, and there’s also a wheelchair lift near the front of the inn.
The hotel’s public space is made up of a small lobby — with the check-in desk and a sitting area — and a sun-drenched breakfast room with two walls of triple-height windows. Here a cooked-to-order breakfast is served every morning, along with homemade baked goods, fresh fruit and juices. On our visit, we enjoyed soft-poached eggs on lightly crisped polenta.
One of the property’s best assets is its location. Within walking distance to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, the Funk Zone, Harbor area and State Street shopping, it’s a great place to stay with or without a car.
The Funk Zone is known for its many small wine-tasting rooms and microbreweries located in converted warehouses near the Santa Barbara harbor. It’s part of the Urban Wine Trail, a self-guided route of more than 20 tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines. Plus, the area has some of the best restaurants in the city, giving guests of the Hideaway more options than they could ever possibly sample. When they need a break from the food and wine, there’s also a hiking trail near the property that leads guests directly to the beach.
Ultimately, Hideaway combines the homey residential feel of an urban bed-and-breakfast, while maintaining the privacy and independence of an upscale modern boutique hotel. With such an appealing combination, there’s no doubt this hideaway won’t be a secret for long.
The Details
Hideaway Santa Barbara
www.hideawaysantabarbara.com
