Hotel Review: Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara

Birds of many feathers flock to Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara.

Families like its proximity to the beach, just one mile from the hotel. Business travelers praise its 7,300 square feet of event space. Foodies rave about its Finch & Fork Restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine in dishes such as wild mushroom flatbread and pork chops with apple/bacon chutney. 

As for me, a devout urban explorer, the hotel’s most alluring asset is its location, right in the heart of Santa Barbara’s action. During my recent stay, it provided an ideal landing place in between walkabouts in the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment district.

Up on the Roof
For all types of travelers, Canary boasts one particular selling point with universal appeal: its rooftop terrace and pool. On the first evening of my visit, its twinkling lights and fireplace extended a magical welcome. The next day, it offered brilliant views of the city, from the surrounding mountains to the sea.

Throughout my stay, the sixth-floor terrace served as a rare oasis for private swimming and soaking up Santa Barbara’s warmth. More than once up top, I saw millennials snapping Instagram-worthy photos in all directions. Meanwhile, romance travelers cuddled on poolside chaise lounges, sipping cocktails and sharing secrets.

The lofty gathering place is equally popular for groups, from weddings and receptions to social and corporate get-togethers. Clients can time their stay with one of Canary’s special rooftop events.

Timeless Touches and Modern Hospitality
The boutique hotel isn’t named for a type of bird or shade of yellow. Instead, it honors the Canary Islands in Spain. That explains the decor of its 97 guestrooms, which channel a Moroccan influence with hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron fixtures and vibrant textiles. My junior suite featured old-world touches such as arched doorways and a charming four-poster bed.

At the same time, all my contemporary needs were met in my room, with its 42-inch LCD television, DVD player, iPod docking station, speedy Wi-Fi access and round-the-clock room service.

As a Canary guest, I was treated to a long list of extras. The front desk employee poured me a free glass of wine at check-in, a hotel tradition. My closet came with a yoga mat, and I had gratis access to cruiser bikes and an adjacent athletic club. For an additional charge, clients can enjoy in-room spa treatments.

Each evening, guests are invited to a one-hour, hosted wine hour. And each morning, clients can help themselves to complimentary hot and cold-brew coffee and biscotti in the lobby. And, travelers can bring their pets to the hotel at no additional charge.

Partnerships and Personal Service
Canary exudes the sort of ambiance that Ryan Parker, Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara’s general manager, described to me as laid-back luxury.

“Luxury is evolving,” Parker said. “It’s not just about prim and proper service. It’s about high-quality, personalized experiences that capture unforgettable moments. It’s about helping curate a passion for a place that we can really bring to life for our guests.” 

Underscoring that philosophy, the hotel partners with companies in the area to give clients exclusive deals on unique local activities. 

For instance, its newest alliance offers guests high-end cruises with Santa Barbara Sailing Center. For fashionistas, it has joined forces with a downtown boutique called Diani for either in-suite styling or a personal in-store shopping experience.

Ultimately, the Kimpton brand has found its perfect perch in a city full of places to go, adventures to enjoy and tastes to savor.

“There’s a genuine Santa Barbara warmth and engagement at the Canary that you don’t necessarily find elsewhere,” Parker said. “We’ve curated a flock of talented, heart-first peers who truly want the visitor to understand just how warm the sunshine makes our spirit here.”

The Details
Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara
www.canarysantabarbara.com