The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Not worth the cost. When you check into a Ritz Carlton you expect at least a greeting and politeness. However, at check in all I got was show me your ID by someone who I could barely understand. Since I had 2 rooms I also gave her my husband’s ID but she said she didn’t need it and then 1 minute later asked me for the ID. Incompetence at the hotel check in.

Terrible customer service. The weekend manager is not helpful at all and not willing to go the extra mile. I have been staying at the Ritz for a long time and hundreds of nights with Marriott. I would not recommend staying at this hotel and honestly, I am giving up on the Ritz and Marriott due to the way they treat there elite members. Never again.

Overall, not worth the ~$1,000 price point. The property is lovely, but my room was dated and had peeling wallpaper. The people were nice. Schedule your bellhop ahead of time. I waited too long on my way out and after 10 minutes I just lugged my stuff myself - but it’s a big hilly property. On day one, I was waiting on a room / was exploring and the bellhop left the luggage in the room, but left cards on my luggage and my backpack and just triggered some tip fatigue in me. One card would be fine. The property is a true expansive resort on the water. 20 minutes from downtown. About 40$ taxi from the airport, a bit less with a ride share. I see there are plans to renovate. Maybe then the price will match the room, but for now you’re paying for the property and the name.

It is a rather beat room that requires updating. The maid service was very good but the rest of the front desk or restaurants were inattentive and not interested in offering their services. I was treated as if I didn’t exist. No extra effort was offered during my stay. It was unbelievable. For example I ordered my lunch and the waitress said she was going on her 30 minute break but the food will be out shortly. It wasn’t. At my dinners I would have like liked another drink but there was no help to make that happen. I wanted to order another sushi roll but I had to wait. The restaurant wasn’t that busy at all. I called the hotel prior to stay to get a 2pm checkout as a Bonvoy member. When I reminded the front desk of the arrangement he questioned me like I was a liar. He asked who did I spoke with and when did I call, etc. I asked for a 1:30pm checkout and he told me his compromise was 12:30. I checked out at 12 noon but I was really disappointed with his response and approach. I was told that this hotel is an upscale hotel and they are not offered often. It is an expensive place to stay and normally all Marriotts are very good but this one doesn’t shine at all.

The hotel is pretty , like a little village with a beautiful view on the beach. BUT : the fridge in the room is EMPTY ! No fresh drinks at all ! I'm not use to this, especialy when you pay a lot of money. I don't understand why not putting drinks and little snack , even if with have to pay this in extra. We only stay for 1 night so i can not judge about the service. The hotel become a little old, it needs a refreshment.