Hidden Gems Convivo and Santa Barbara Inn are Staycation-Worthy

The Santa Barbara Inn is one of those classic gems in town. Like your favorite high-quality cashmere blouse or comfortable all-purpose pair of shoes, it’s always a hit, and we’d be remiss to take it for granted. It’s been around for over 65 years, so I decided I would go in for a recent staycation, to make sure that it still lived up to its oceanside setting. I brought my parents along with me so I could get their perspective as visitors on an actual vacation. Spoiler alert: we were both utterly charmed.

From the moment we checked in, the service was friendly, the tall breezy palm trees, ocean views, and regal Spanish Mediterranean looking duomo-topped hotel welcomed us in with a spirit of both ease and excitement.

Undergoing a renovation in 2016, the light and bright Inn feels as fresh as ever, with a stately class that never goes out of style. As we took the elevator up to our wildly spacious suite complete with a couch, cozy seats, large TV and much larger jacuzzi bathtub, two plush queen beds and a large yet intimate balcony complete with an outdoor firepit and couches, we felt as if we had entered our own personal palace.

The 70 guest rooms and suites almost all have views of the Pacific, while others face the pristine Santa Ynez Mountains. These natural wonders are two defining markers of SB’s landscape and are rightfully showcased throughout the Inn. If the natural beauty isn’t enough, the paintings of boats, sea turtles and other tropical art feels thoughtful and decidedly not-cookie-cutter, something to look for in a boutique hotel.

While I was ready to crack open the complimentary Riviera Rose and stare out at the piercingly blue ocean on our balcony, our tummies were rumbling, and we realized we could do just that, but with beautifully prepared local food at the Inn’s restaurant, Convivo.

I’m just going to say this from the start – Convivo is a restaurant destination in and of itself, and one that many SB locals know and frequent. Maybe it’s the ocean breeze still blowing through my hair or the taste of tender lamb meatballs in savory harissa sauce on my lips, but I’m willing to say it’s actually the best hotel restaurant I’ve ever been to.

The day we visited was a sunny, balmy spring afternoon, and the bougainvillea branches seemed to wave us in gently, the poolside and coastal views transporting us to a tropical oasis, far away from any cares, even though it was a Monday.

A highlight of our meal was the spit roasted chicken, a generous portion of perfectly tender meat served with the vibrant accompaniments of harissa, chermoula, olive, almonds, succulent golden raisins and cauliflower. It’s ideal for sharing along with one of their bright and fresh salads.

Chef and Owner Pete McKnee is a disciple of the farmer’s market and his ingredients sing the praises of all things local. The wine list features both European and fabulous Central Coast local offerings, like Stolpman’s tasty red blend, La Cuadrilla. Convivo is the kind of place you want to come back to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thankfully, whether you’re a guest or not, you can.

The bartender Devyn even remembered my dad when we swung through after dinner. He had been eyeing a gluten-free beer from Validation since they’re hard to come by. Devyn sweetly welcomed us back about five hours later with a thoughtful, “Ready for your beer, Tim?”

Along with Chef McKnee’s commitment to SB produce, the Inn prides itself on other eco-friendly practices, offering extra savings for those guests who go carless during their visit. Their location, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, Funk Zone, and Harbor, makes walking not only the cheaper option, but the more fun one to boot, with stunning views to cushion each step.  The hotel and restaurant recycle over 60% of the total waste and have put in place a number of water-saving plans.

For our final breakfast, I had to start with the luxurious double-cappuccino, which features coffee beans from Malibu-based Cafe Luxxe. With thick foam and chocolatey espresso flavor, Convio’s cappuccino skills might just make them my new favorite coffeehouse as well. I hadn’t had an Italian flatbread or Piadiana since I lived in Italy during college and was thrilled to see one on their menu. I wondered if it would live up to my fresh, doughy memories of enjoying the unique carbohydrate abroad – wrapping everything from prosciutto to Nutella in its fluffy wings. I have to say – this one was even better than the ones I had in Siena. Packed with a hearty chorizo scramble and bursting with bright red peppers and fontina cheese, this breakfast seriously satisfied.

The word “convivo” translates roughly to “feast” in Latin and “togetherness” in Italian. That defines what made this restaurant and our stay at the Santa Barbara Inn so special. The relaxing environment, warm service, and offerings of something for everyone make togetherness easy, feasting more than enjoyable, and planning our next visit, imminent. I could use any romance language in the world, but I’ll let your stay inspire that. To put it plainly, staying at the Santa Barbara Inn just feels right.