The Montecito Inn

The Montecito Inn, originally uploaded by briggsiesblog.

Built in 1928 by cinema legend Charlie Chaplin, the Inn was originally meant as an escape to paradise for Mr. Chaplin's closest friends.
Today, its a charming hotel that has retained the elegance of a bygone era. It still boasts its original Otis lift built in 1928 and has fan based ceilings for air conditioning.

The decision to keep the fans rather than put in noisy a/c is a rare treat in modern America. It does mean the rooms are a little on the toasty side in summer but during the evening when it is cooler they are are very sufficient. I am not a great sleeper in the heat but was able to sleep very well in the extremely comfortable beds.

There are a couple of fantastic Mexican resturants literally over the road from the Inn and staggering distance back! If you are here go to Cave and Los Arroyos. We had lunch at Cave when we arrived from Santa Monica--superb Mango Margaritas and authentic steak tacos with soft corn tacos and had dinner at Los Arroyos on our last evening.

Neighbours in Montecito include Oprah Winfrey and Steven Speilberg both seemed out when we called round.