Rebecca Horrigan
The Hotel Californian, a 121-room Spanish Colonial beacon straddling the lines of State Street and the Waterfront, opened in 2017 and since then has meshed gracefully into the Funk Zone frivolity.
Although it’s a pretty penny to stay for a night, local Santa Barbarans do not have to have celebrity status in order to enjoy the luxuries of this architectural wonder.
Below are a few fun seasonal offerings to help you revel in the amenities of this Moroccan oasis without the price tag of a full sleepover.
Sunset Sessions
I hesitate to even write about this evening rooftop party since it feels like a lovely little unearthed gem glowing in the heart of SB, undisturbed by overpopulation, but then again, this event is too good not to share.
As the sun begins to fade over the Santa Ynez mountains, the music turns up on the top of the Hotel Californian’s Mirador roof. Every Sunday from 5:00 – 9:00 through September 1, talented DJ’s spin immensely groovable sets to the backdrop of 360 degree mountain, ocean, and city views.
I’ve always marveled at the dramatic beauty of SB’s close proximity of mountains to ocean. With the stunning Hotel bathed in the pink and orange glow of the setting sun, the ocean sparkling and mountains lit up, attending this event feels like being smothered in Santa Barbara beauty. Drinks like their refreshing Guava Margarita or Margerum Riviera Rose are the perfect accompaniment to the sounds and sights. Tasty snacks are also available if you work up an appetite with all the dancing and chatting.
The evening I was there, we were treated to a set by David Hohne, and the lineup for the rest of summer is sure to keep the immaculate vibes running through Labor Day.
With just a few more months before the nights start growing shorter, Sunset Sessions are the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to celebrate just how lucky we are to be present in this magical place.
Saturday Sessions
For another rooftop outing, this time in the fitness sphere, check out the Majorelle Saturday Sessions. Classes range from Mat Pilates to Full Body Burn, and the instructors are all accomplished fitness professionals. The best part about it is that all of these classes are free. You simply sign up on the website to secure your spot.
The morning I walked up the stairs to the beautiful Serena rooftop for a Mindfulness Yoga class, it was slightly overcast – perfect for working up a light sweat but not sweltering. The salty sea air, ocean views, and light breeze added an extra element of tranquility to the grounding vinyasa class.
Our instructor Maddie was kind and professional, her voice and calm yet powerful demeanor led our class of all levels through a dynamic and well thought out flow. By the end, lying in savasana and looking up at the clouds and palm trees in the sky, all of my worries no longer loomed so large, but gently melted away with each breath.
Reenergized for the day, I rolled up my mat, and couldn’t wait to check the schedule to see what was offered the following week. Saturday Sessions occur year-round on Instagram Live and are offered in person on the Serena rooftop through October.
So although summer may be fading away, the Hotel Californian is keeping opportunities for wellness and fun at the forefront.
With no mention of the old Lei Lani Room, a bar way back when that I believe was in the Californian. I’ll guess it was eaten up for space in the new Californian. Just a small bar that had an entrance on the Mason Street side of the Californian. I’ll guess yes, but never really knew if there was a hotel lobby entrance to this bar. Never read or heard of anyone write of problems at this place. Would often read about hotels closet to either side of the railroad tracks on State Street often occupied by winos and others that continually created problems.