Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For further information, please see our cookie policy.

Cheshire Cat Inn

Cheshire Cat Inn

Set across two large Victorian houses surrounded by lovingly-tended gardens, an elegant coach house and a series of early Californian craftsmen cottages, the Cheshire Cat Inn is a delightful place to stay. The rooms are carefully styled to provide a sense of the charm and history of these period properties but also to include all modern comforts and are matched by friendly and attentive service and great attention to detail.

The 14 guest rooms and four cottages are all individually and tastefully furnished with English antique furniture, oak floors and fine fabrics. Some are larger split-level junior suites with private balconies, while others have in-room Jacuzzi baths and original fireplaces. The cottages are more contemporary and feature Oriental rugs, pine furniture and down comforters.

A gourmet breakfast is served each morning with a wide range of fresh produce and homemade dishes. In the afternoons you can join a Californian wine tasting in the garden and enjoy freshly made cookies and brownies with hot drinks at bedtime.

The inn is just one block from Santa Barbara’s main shopping and restaurant area, with its attractive courtyards and alleys so there are plenty of options for dinner, while the beach and Old Mission are easily accessible.

Our rating: Medium

Speak to someone
who's been there

Audley Travel specialist Alex

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our California specialists

Jump to:

Rooms

The inn has 14 rooms spread across two large old Victorian houses and an elegant coach house, as well as four early California craftsmen cottages dating to the 1940s, each with two bedrooms. The decor is elegantly refined with muted tones, fine floral fabrics, antique furniture, oak floors and fresh flowers. The split-level junior suites have private balconies with views of the garden or mountains, while other rooms have original fireplaces or a Jacuzzi bath. The self-contained cottages, which are just across the street from the main house, have their own living rooms with fireplace, a full kitchen and private decks and their decor is a little more contemporary with pine furniture and bright rugs. All rooms have private bathrooms and complimentary WiFi.  

Location

Conveniently located for access to central Santa Barbara, the Cheshire Cat Inn is just a short walk from the main shopping and restaurant area with its attractive courtyards and alleys. A five minute trolley ride from the beach and an easy 20 minute walk to the Old Mission, it makes a very central base for exploring the area.

Food and Drink

Breakfast is a highlight of a stay with fresh fruit and yogurt served alongside homemade pastries and granola, vegetarian quiche, Mexican casserole and a sweet potato and spinach frittata. The inn's afternoon wine hour pairs local wines with hors d’oeuvres such as curried eggs and warm stuffed mushroom caps, and is served in the gardens. Staff are happy to recommend a variety of restaurants just a short walk away for dinner and on your return, homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies are available along with tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

Our opinion

We love the period charm and attention to detail in the rooms at the Cheshire Cat Inn. The friendly hosts, great food and convenient location make it a great option in central Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara itinerary suggestions

Nearby accommodation

Nearby places

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    • Belmond El Encanto

      Belmond El Encanto

      Deluxe

      A historic property set in generous grounds filled with exotic plants, the Belmond El Encanto offers 1920s period glamour alongside classically elegant but contemporary styling and excellent service and food.

    • Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn, Santa Barbara

      Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

      Medium

      A short drive from downtown Santa Barbara, the Pepper Tree Inn is a relaxed and unassuming place to stay during your visit. Rooms are spacious and balconies and terraces look out over a lovely garden courtyard.

    • Harbor View Inn

      Harbor View Inn

      First Class

      Easy access to the beach, a heated outdoor pool and spacious rooms make the Harbor View Inn a good option in Santa Barbara. Most local attractions can be reached on foot and the service is friendly yet professional

    • Inn by the Harbor, Santa Barbara

      Inn by the Harbor

      Simple

      Offering a restful retreat, this Art Deco-inspired hotel makes an ideal base for visitors to Santa Barbara.

    • Kimpton Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara

      Kimpton Canary Hotel

      First Class

      The Kimpton Canary Hotel is located a short distance from the main street of Santa Barbara. It is a beautiful property with a rooftop pool and stunning décor, but it’s the service of this hotel that really makes it stand out.