Kimpton Canary Hotel

In Santa Barbara the Spanish architectural style is laid on pretty thick. So it makes a certain kind of sense that the Canary Hotel is named not for a particular shade of yellow but for the Canary Islands, offering a sort of metaphorical escape from the Spanish mainland. And in a very real sense it is an escape: for all Santa Barbara’s natural charms, from the mountains to the coast and the close proximity both to LA and to the Central Coast wine country, it’s been passed over by any sort of high-end boutique lodging, a situation that the Canary is no doubt intended to remedy.

It’s owned by the Kimpton group, known for their nation-spanning stable of stylish yet accessible boutique hotels — so you’re in experienced hands. Rooms are a quite sensible mix of the Spanish/Moroccan theme that the name implies and a full complement of contemporary-luxe comforts, including four-poster beds heaped high with pillows and extras like iPod docks and yoga mats. Spa treatments are available in-room, and for further unwinding there’s a rooftop pool terrace with wraparound views of the Santa Barbara scenery. Downstairs you'll find locavore California cuisine at Finch & Fork, and beyond, the upscale shopping on State Street.