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LASplash.com: Domestic Hotel Mar Monte Review – Transforming Guests into Santa Barbara Nobles By Natanya Steelman (Santa Barbara, CA) November 11, 2008. Many high-end hotels claim to treat their guests like royalty, but I was unable to agree with that statement until I stayed at Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara.
With its picturesque location just steps away from the Pacific Ocean, its casual yet elegant Spanish Colonial architecture from its original creation in 1931 and its true-to-word first class service, it is no wonder that guests are tickled by a sense of nobility during their stay. My boyfriend, Ryan, and I arrived early to give us time to explore, and we were immediately greeted by the parking attendants who directed us to the complimentary gated guest parking and then offered to carry our bags. The front desk staffers were equally friendly, as they accommodated our early check-in and told us about the abundance of activities that Santa Barbara offers. Though it was a little chilly outside, we opted for the scenic beachside stroll to the Sunday Art Show on Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and then head to State Street for the infinite specialty shops, museums and restaurants.
Upon returning to the hotel, we were lead to our “Ocean View California King” room, complete with a balcony overlooking the pool and a breathtaking view of the beach, its vibrant palm trees swaying in the wind along the boardwalk. All of Hotel Mar Monte’s 173 smoke-free rooms feature either this ocean view or an equally majestic view of the Santa Ynez mountains, in addition to complimentary plush terrycloth robes, a coffee maker with gourmet coffee and herbal teas, HBO, free wireless internet access and other useful amenities.
I was also excited to find that Jim Rice, the Sales Manager, left for Ryan and me, a complimentary bottle of Santa Barbara’s local 2006 Sunstone Merlot, along with a delectable cheese and fruit platter.
While on the topic of pampering guests, Spa Mar Monte offers a variety of indulgences from head down to toes. There are scalp treatments, nourishing or exfoliating facials, body wraps to reduce cellulite or promote weight loss, various massages ranging from relaxing Aromatherapy or Shiatsu to more intense Deep Tissue style, foot scrubs, paraffin treatments and waxing services. All services are reasonably prices, if not even more competitive than many LA salons and spas. The best part is that while you wait, you are treated to the most luscious chocolate truffles! I honestly couldn’t stop eating the rich hazelnut truffles with their creamy filling and full hazelnut in the center or the café mocha truffles with the perfect hint of coffee that lingered on my taste buds. Ryan and I each got Swedish massages, meant to increase oxygen flow and release toxins from our muscles, and after stuffing my face with truffles, I was in definite need of toxin removal.
My masseuse was fantastic – she adjusted the room temperature to my liking, played calming music and then turned the next 55 minutes into a blissful blur of relaxation. I left in a peaceful state of mind and calm, stress-free state of body. In fact, Ryan and I bought similar treatments at Burke Williams Spa a month prior and felt that Spa Mar Monte was equally satisfying, while costing $30 less (plus Burke didn’t offer truffles in the waiting room). For a more extensive taste bud experience, I recommend Hotel Mar Monte’s Bistro Eleven Eleven restaurant specializing in American cuisine with Californian flair. Chef Martin Valdez provides the culinary direction at Bistro Eleven Eleven, which is known for its exquisite seafood entrees, such as the Grilled Pecan Encrusted Halibut, and its decadent, homemade desserts. My personal favorite was the Shrimp Skewers, while Ryan couldn’t stop raving about the Sea Bass Risotto. To read my full review on Bistro Eleven Eleven, click here. Hotel Mar Monte knows that health and fitness are important, so guests can sweat away in
Though I’m happy that the purpose of my stay was for pure leisure, Hotel Mar Monte is extremely accommodating to those traveling for work or other gatherings. There are 10,000 square feet of meeting space among seven different business centers, all of which offer exquisite culinary selections, the latest technology, complimentary high-speed internet and can be set up as theatres, classrooms, U-shaped conference rooms or banquets. Hotel Mar Monte also specializes in hosting weddings, particularly beach ceremonies accompanied by the Catered Wedding Package. For more information, visit Hotel Mar Monte’s website: www.hotelmarmonte.com. For specific questions, contact Jim Rice: james@hotelmarmonte.com. Hotel Mar Monte 1111 East Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 963-0744
Published Nov 23, 2008 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
