SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – The new Mar Monte Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, emerges as Santa Barbara’s newest lifestyle boutique hotel with reimagined guest rooms, two new food and beverage concepts, and programming that reflects the distinct rhythm of the California coast. The 200-room hotel serves as a gateway to the American Riviera and is situated across the street from East Beach, just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara and the famed Funk Zone. With the addition of Mar Monte, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand – which was launched in 2016 and is known for experiences that inspire guests to create their own stories and elevated yet unscripted service –grows to 21 hotels globally.
A reincarnation of the historic 1930s Vista Mar Monte, Mar Monte Hotel has been transformed with modern amenities and design following an extensive renovation project to establish a style of contemporary Santa Barbara. Mirroring the rise of the tide, the hotel’s spaces effortlessly flow from indoors to outdoors across three acres of Spanish-influenced grounds, from the hotel lobby and living room, to meeting & event spaces, dining concepts and outdoor terraces.
“The unveiling of Mar Monte Hotel is a proud moment for our entire team. We had a vision to forge a deep connection with the local community and provide inspiration to our guests through unrivaled access to the very best of Santa Barbara,” said Ingrid Braun, general manager, Mar Monte Hotel. “Through this transformation, we’ve not only created an inspiring property and thought-provoking experiences for the spirited lifestyle traveler, but also a warm and welcoming destination for those who call Santa Barbara home.”
Los Angeles-based Beleco led the interior design of Mar Monte Hotel. Bright white walls create an airy and welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and living room. Exposed beam ceilings and arches are complemented by feature chandeliers, terracotta tiled flooring and a large-scale ceramic tile art installation behind the reception desk, bringing Spanish-style elements into the space in a muted earthy color palette.
Guestrooms
Offering mountain or ocean views, Mar Monte Hotel’s 200 guestrooms and suites are sophisticated and simply elegant with soft hues, natural textures, and textile-inspired carpeting. Accent seating provides a pop of color while vintage diver artwork above the headboard adds a hint of playfulness. Available for full buyouts, Palmoro House is a standalone retreat to relax and recharge with 24 guestrooms, located within walking distance of the main hotel.
Food & Drink
Paying homage to the stirring social scene of the historic Vista Mar Monte are two dining destinations, costa and Cafe Lido, bound together by an intuitive and personalized approach to guest service and seasonal menus under the direction of Executive Chef Nathan Lingle.
Costa is a dinner-only concept showcasing coastal Italian cuisine with hints of Eastern Mediterranean flavors and textures. The beverage program is comprised of a robust wine list centered on local Santa Barbara County and Old World wines along with a craft cocktail menu of refreshing sips for daytime and standout spirited drinks for night. A whitewashed barrel vault brick ceiling, porcelain tile flooring and 800-bottle wine display bring a refined rusticity to the dining room while floor-to-ceiling windows let natural light in and frame the picturesque ocean view.
Cafe Lido provides a relaxed setting and a soulful all-day dining experience with light, approachable California-Mediterranean plates including a variety of salads and snacks such as warm marinated olives, charred shishito peppers and housemade rosemary focaccia. The drink menu features local Spearhead Coffee, teas, fresh smoothies and vibrant cocktails perfect for poolside.
Guest Programming & Experience
From restoration to exploration, Mar Monte Hotel emphasizes connection with the local culture and community through its guest programming and amenities. Wellness at Mar Monte Hotel includes an in-house fresh-pressed juice and smoothie program; a variety of yoga classes open to guests and locals, from silent disco flow on the beach to SUP yoga, led by Divinitree Yoga; in-room yoga mats; and custom maps for running or walking. Guests are invited to participate in Mar Monte Hotel’s Golden Hour Happy Hour, a nightly sunset ritual with locally sourced cocktails and bites, to toast to another day well spent. Among other programming that provides guests with an unparalleled Santa Barbara experience are weekly wine tastings with the Santa Barbara Vintners Association; live music in the lobby and at Lido paired with favorite local wines, beers and spirits; and access to local tours and activities with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, Coastal Concierge, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and more.
Meetings & Events
Mar Monte Hotel boasts 15,000 square feet of dynamic meeting and event space with full oceanfront views of the Pacific for up to 270 guests. Indoor, outdoor and beach venues include two ballrooms within The Cabrillo Pavilion, The Yard, and The Living Room and Oceanfront Terrace.
