Name: Historic Santa Maria Inn
Address: 801 South Broadway, Santa Maria, California, United States of America, Santa Maria, California, US
Price range: $105–$133 per night
Rating: 7.95

What guests think

At the Historic Santa Maria Inn, guests praise the nostalgic charm, spacious grounds, and generally friendly staff, yet many note aging rooms, musty odors, worn carpets, and recurring maintenance issues.

The location is convenient for downtown dining and highways, with ample parking. Common areas, gardens, and a large pool stand out, while on-site dining and bars are appreciated but can be closed on some days or feel inconsistent. Room quality differs between the historic wing and the tower, with reports of noise, limited outlets, Wi-Fi issues, and very small bathrooms in some units. Expect character and value over uniform modernity.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Historic common areas, gardens, and the pool are highlights, with an on-site bar/restaurant and ample free parking (including a garage). Some guests report pool cleanliness lapses, elevator and key-card issues, and a basic gym/jacuzzi experience.

Related guest reviews

10

Christina

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice stay, close to everything. Original part is old, new section is nicer obviously, but has a pool, and laundry room, and bar if you want to stay close and drink. No free breakfast but restaurants are across the street or you can drive a few blocks and get donuts and coffee before you leave

8

Robert

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is really two hotel properties: the original ranch-style reception, lounge and restaurant with an attached two-story hotel, and a rather anodyne modern 'tower' building with small businesses on the first floor and an adjoining multi-story parking garage. Our room was, by choice, in the older original portion of the complex. The grounds around it are lovely and well-maintained. The building, hallways and rooms show their age. They are tidy and in reasonably good order, but expect squeaky floors, sticky doors, and creature comforts that were added long after the motel opened in 1917. We paid extra for the balcony and never stepped out onto it; it was dusty and not very inviting. The pool and surrounding landscaping was spectacular and this alone would prompt a repeat visit. How often do you find a truly DEEP hotel pool these days? The water was clean and the backdrop of the old rambler-style hotel and royal palms was really beautiful. All in all, a quirky but memorable place to spend the night, and the rates were reasonable.

4

Carmen

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The electronic keys didn't work so we had to have security let us into our room every time. They got the keys fixed, then they broke again. I called the front desk and security came out and the guy was rude, when I asked if this was going to continue to be a problem, he didn't even get off his phone, he turned and walked away from me. The pictures on the website are deceiving. The rooms are very small. They need updating...which can be done and stay "historic". The people working in the restaurant were very nice.

10

Jennifer

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Pros- Our room in the tower was large. There were two sinks. Beds were comfortable. There was a lot of parking spaces in the parking garage. The hotel is beautiful and filled with interesting decor and furnishings. They have a spinning workable door. Cons- The elevator stopped and would not move for me. The next time i got on it, the doors shut on me after they had just opened. They ran out of towels. They were completely booked due to a birthday party. We asked for towels about 4 times a day but they could only give me one or two when I asked. We had 4 people in our room. The fire alarm kept going off through the night. I talked to the maintanace guy while we were headed up to our room. He said it was supposed to be on the third floor but then it started going off on the third. I said, "ghosts"? He said, "maybe?"

10

Larry

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room toilet water reservoir wouldn’t refill unless I tapped the plunger. The in-room A/C was noisy. The window screen was broken. There was no A/C in the gym nor were there any wipes to use on the equipment. I had my own wipes and it was disgusting how dirty the equipment is. The jacuzzi blows air and not water…it’s noisy and ineffective.

8

Dorothy

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great value and space in the room for the price. The property itself needs an upgrade but overall is still a great option in the area. The pool area was particularly clean and enjoyable as well.

10

RUTH

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

They have a small bar onsite. We don’t do Those on a regular basis. And the one on the property is very small, clean, safe and Very convenient.

2

Adrian

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

When we arrived to the hotel card maker was not working so they had to escort us to our room so they can open the door. A big inconvenience

6

Julian

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pool was dirty, kids could not get in

8

David

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms were nice and spacious. Basic amenities. Pool and Spa were fantastic. Lobby smelled terrible.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness feedback is mixed: while some rooms are reported clean, many reviews note musty odors, stained or worn carpets, dust, and occasional mold or smoke smells in halls and rooms.

Related guest reviews

4

Sandy

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was really old and smelled old as well . The furniture is old … not vintage looking just old . The smell overtook the rooms

4

Isaac

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unpleasant stay! There is a musty smell all over the hotel, especially in the room we stayed. The room is in need of renovation ASAP. The "air conditioner' is an old appliance. There is a ceiling fan with lights but the only way to turn off the fan was by turning the switch off, which meant no light in the room other then the table lamp. One of the pulling switch from the ceiling fan was broken so no way to just turn the fan part off. The carpet looked filthy. They have an old couch outside our room and we had people out there chatting loudly after midnight!! It's just an old dirty hotel!! Wouldn't recommend especially for families.

10

Faustina

Oct 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean and comfortable room. Spacious!

2

Ramiro

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms cards did not work we asked for new cards. The sink in the restroom did not have hot water just cold water. The hotel in general was super dirty, the carpet was dirty the towels were dirty. Horrible hotel to stay at, super super dirty and I all around horrible smell in the hotel as soon as we walked in. I would Never recommend as a place to stay.

4

Christopher

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Food crumbs on the floor, stains on practically every furnishing with a cushion, somebody elses pants left in the closet, bathroom fan was caked in dust/filter hadnt been changed in months. Not great for the "updated" tower rooms. The lobby upon check in smelled like a mixture of smoke and sewage. Only stayed 1 night but will not be staying again due to cleanliness

4

Steve

Oct 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very dated, rooms smell of mold or dead rats

2

CAROL

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There was a bad smell in the room. When I ran the water the sink smelled. The cable tv didn’t work. The shower has mold.

4

Karina

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was a lot smaller and dirtier than imagined. The shower drain was moldy and definitely not unkept. There was a weird smell in some parts of the lobby and in the room as well. Not the worst hotel, but could definitely needs to be updated.

2

Matthew

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Old. Dirty. Hair in shower. Apparent blood stains on comforter. Hallways smell awful.

6

Pamela

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was a funky smell throughout the hotel

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Rooms

Room experiences vary widely: suites and tower rooms can be spacious with comfortable beds, but many find decor dated, bathrooms small in the historic wing, limited bedside outlets, noise from street or events, and occasional Wi-Fi or maintenance issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Timothy

Sep 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very large room in Executive Tower (make sure you get this and not the original rooms). Fridge but no microwave. Big bay window with cushion and view of mountains in distance. Pretty landscaping around pool. Cookies on arrival, free popcorn in tap bar.

6

Gurprit

Jul 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a solid budget friendly hotel, I really liked the pool area and the sitting areas were interesting. My room (in new tower) was spacious but I had to double ask if we were in new or old tower because everything was dated. We were in new tower and all the rooms/hallway had a musky smell. That being said the bed was comfortable and room was big. Furniture in room was clearly very old, kind of like staging in someone’s house who owned it for 50 years. It is clean but looks worn and old like you wouldn’t want to sit on the floor. Lastly, my 3 year old kid said their are ghosts as soon as we got in lobby to check in, they didn’t see anything on new side when walking to room but in evening when we went to sitting area they said it again and specifically mentioned “people” around the piano’s. Was kind of weird and we just went back to the room. Also no microwave in room

4

Arnab

Jun 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No wi-fi connection during the stay. Smelly room, with very old carpet.

6

Debbie

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Definitely needs upgrading. No vanity in bathroom to put toiletries on safely. My curing iron kept falling in sink. Hot rollers was clear across the room because there was no where to place it in the bathroom. No mirror to use at the desk where I had to place them. No outlets on or around nightstands. Had a cpap machine that needed to be plugged. Outlets were old. Had to make sure cords stayed plugged in. Towels supplies were slim. Only 1 wash cloth for two people so had to call for more towels. Asked for a different room that was updated but non was available. Asked if I could get a discounted rate for the inconveniences and was told by desk person that I’d have to take it up with the third party (Expedia) quite rudely. Will never stay here again. Coming into the Inn it smelled like sewer. Yes it’s a historical inn and the smell of old is quite different from sewage.

4

Jack

Dec 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

First, you need to understand that Santa Maria is filled with immature "adults" with loud cars and loud mufflers for which there seems to be no enforcement. These autos run up and down Broadway and probably other streets showing off their noise-making features until 3 to 4 AM. If your room is facing Broadway, sleeping will be difficult if not impossible. The racket starts up again around 7 AM because these people go to work early. If you stay at SM Inn, insist on a room facing the back of the building, and you may be fine. Otherwise, stay at a place away from the main streets if you want some sleep.

6

James

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

On check in I asked for a room on the quiet side. When I got to the room I noticed that the window was completely obscured with an overgrown palm. I’m not talking a palm tree in front of the window, I’m talking a palm tree trying to break through the window. Every inch of the glass was covered with palm leaves. It was dark as night. The room was small, the bathroom was tiny, you could not turn around with arms extended without bashing into a wall, shower or something else. Smallest hotel bathroom room I’ve ever seen. The room looked nothing like the pictures. VERY disappointing. Other notable things: One of the sitting areas had a sewage smell. On the upside, the staff in the restaurant were fantastic and the food was very good. It’s an old building, I get it, I’ve stayed in very old places in Europe. It just all looks a bit tired. I will never go back, and I couldn’t recommend it to anyone.

8

Lynne

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room we stayed in was older and dated. The room was very big.The bed was comfy. The bathroom was updated and clean, although there was no where to hang a wet facecloth. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion and handsoap were provided. There were a couple of areas near the windows that clearly needed repair and painting. We stayed for one night on our way to our final location. There were 2 restaurants close by that had really food food.

10

Kristen

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was a really good size and clean. But the walls were so thin we could hear neighbors thriwing up half the night, and the street noise.

10

Judy

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Incredible room, especially considering the amazing price.! 2 king beds and a separate living room with couch and two easy chairs. Living room and bedroom both had flat screen tvs. Only 30 minutes to Solvang and Pismo Beach where rooms were quite a bit more! Easy luggage cart access and the grounds and hotel itself were very nice and impressive.

6

Christine

Oct 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved the idea of staying in an iconic hotel full of history and old world glamour. However with that comes the inconvenience of all mod comes. Our Gloria Swanson suite was charming but very shabby and it felt as the historic part of the hotel needed a bit more love and care, but of course that takes money and lots of it. It didn't detract from us having a great time. The staff were professional, especially Tim in the bar who suggested great dining choices and played the best sounds.

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Service

Staff are frequently praised as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with shout-outs to front desk team members. However, several reviews cite inconsistent check-in, slow responses, key-card hassles, and occasional rudeness.

Related guest reviews

10

Kristine

Jan 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Had a great check in experience with Emma. She’s so friendly n was able to get us into a room the morning of our arrival, which was so helpful as we are seniors. Housekeeping staff always greeted us in the hallways. Good variety of restaurants w/in walking distance. Excellent staff in the bar also. Overall great stay.

6

Michelle

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The stay itself was good, but when it came to checking in they say come back in 30 minutes I return 45 minutes later and they say it’s going to be another 30 minutes.

10

Hollie

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Outstanding staff Jimmy, Chad, Lorene, and Dennis made our stay perfect and we will definitely be back!!!

2

Vanessa

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible experience at this hotel. When we checked in the guy was rude. I went to complain that someone was running in the hallway and knocking on the door. He was rude and said he couldn’t do anything about and maybe we should stay at a different hotel. I will never stay here again.

4

Carmen

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The electronic keys didn't work so we had to have security let us into our room every time. They got the keys fixed, then they broke again. I called the front desk and security came out and the guy was rude, when I asked if this was going to continue to be a problem, he didn't even get off his phone, he turned and walked away from me. The pictures on the website are deceiving. The rooms are very small. They need updating...which can be done and stay "historic". The people working in the restaurant were very nice.

6

Virginia

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk in the evening can improve. Better communication and knowledge about rooms …

2

Adrian

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

When we arrived to the hotel card maker was not working so they had to escort us to our room so they can open the door. A big inconvenience

10

Bryan

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Great hotel, very well maintained and clean, great staff, room was wonderful. Plenty of parking, nice swimming pool, restaurant and bar(s). The staff was very polite, friendly and helpful. Housekeeping was great as well! Whether it’s one night or seven, I highly recommend the Santa Maria Inn.

10

KRISTA

Nov 14, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I've stayed here many many times and each time is just as fantastic if not more than the last. Jimmy went above and beyond to accommodate my needs and we had a great stay thanks to him and the great staff.

10

Niza

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Always love staying here. Beds are comfortable, restaurant is delicious, wine cellar has a vast selection. Jimmy at the front desk was the most kindest and welcoming. Already looking forward to coming back.

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Location

Central and convenient for downtown dining and highway access, with plenty of parking. Street-facing rooms can experience traffic noise.

Related guest reviews

8

Patti

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Historic property and close to the high school

10

Christina

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice stay, close to everything. Original part is old, new section is nicer obviously, but has a pool, and laundry room, and bar if you want to stay close and drink. No free breakfast but restaurants are across the street or you can drive a few blocks and get donuts and coffee before you leave

4

Jack

Dec 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

First, you need to understand that Santa Maria is filled with immature "adults" with loud cars and loud mufflers for which there seems to be no enforcement. These autos run up and down Broadway and probably other streets showing off their noise-making features until 3 to 4 AM. If your room is facing Broadway, sleeping will be difficult if not impossible. The racket starts up again around 7 AM because these people go to work early. If you stay at SM Inn, insist on a room facing the back of the building, and you may be fine. Otherwise, stay at a place away from the main streets if you want some sleep.

10

JOHN

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy to get to fair grounds

10

Aaron

Aug 20, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great property and fantastic location!

10

Jerry

Dec 29, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was located around shopping and restaurants plus ample parking.

10

Jerry

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved the location near restaurants, not far from the freeway. We have stayed there many times and never had a bad stay.

10

Catherine

Jan 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location for our plans

10

Jerry

Dec 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Santa Maria Inn was located centralized around restaurants for breakfast lunch and especially for dinner. There was plenty of parking in front of the hotel plus they have a parking structure, which was located next to the entrance to the hotel. we would stay there next time we’re in the area.

10

Roger

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great area!!! And classic decor

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Dining

Many enjoyed the on-site restaurant, bar, and happy hour; some praise breakfast and dinner. Others encountered closures on certain days, limited room service, and uneven food or drink quality.

Related guest reviews

8

Marilyn

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were planning on having dinner, the menu look great but we stayed on Sunday and the restaurant is closed on Sunday. That was our only disappointment.

10

Ken

May 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I love the Santa Maria Inn. In addition to being a really nice elegant hotel, the following are really high points for the area: convenient to tons of dining options, their own restaurant and just ordering at the bar is a great option; staff are very good ambassadors of a fine tradition; the rooms are spectacular. And Santa Maria is central to so much on the Central coast

10

Brenda

May 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy check-in, great happy hour.

8

Janet

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I only wish you could still order room service when staying less than 3 nights! Otherwise, amazingly beautiful & fun, as usual :)

10

Steve

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We have been staying at the historic Santa Maria for many years. The staff is friendly and professional as well as knowledgeable. The hotel offers a restaurant which serves delicious food and the service is amazing. The hotel is convenient to the mall and other restaurants.

10

Bryan

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Great hotel, very well maintained and clean, great staff, room was wonderful. Plenty of parking, nice swimming pool, restaurant and bar(s). The staff was very polite, friendly and helpful. Housekeeping was great as well! Whether it’s one night or seven, I highly recommend the Santa Maria Inn.

10

April

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stay here was excellent, but I don’t recommend the restaurant. Food was inadequate drinks not mixed well. But staff friendly and courteous.

8

Thomas

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were large and clean. Plus was a fridge and coffee maker. There is a restaurant but it did not open until 11am.

10

Evelyna

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was AMAZING! Everyone was soo nice. We stayed in the original wing of the hotel and our room was decent. We had breakfast at their restaurant down stairs and it was delicious.

10

Sharri

Aug 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Would love to have a shower cap and hair dryer added to the room. Can’t remember the last time I stayed in a hotel and those weren’t provided. I had a wonderful dinner in the restaurant. Lo y service.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$78
February	$78
March	$77
April	$91
May	$111
June	$108
July	$107
August	$101
September	$98
October	$96
November	$79
December	$77

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $122	17 $108	18 $132	19 $133
20 $107	21 $108	22 $107	23 $107	24 $107	25 $133	26 $133
27 $107	28 $107	29 $107	30 $108

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $108	2 $133	3 $133
4 $107	5 $107	6 $108	7 $108	8 $108	9 $133	10 $133
11 $108	12 $107	13 $108	14 $108	15 $108	16 $133	17 $133
18 $108	19 $107	20 $105	21 $107	22 $108	23 $133	24 $133
25 $107	26 $107	27 $108	28 $107	29 $107	30 $127	31 $126

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Grand Suite. 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Double Room, 2 Double Beds

Executive Room, 2 Queen Beds, Tower

Grand Suite, 1 King Bed

Master Suite

Executive Room, 1 King Bed, Tower

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Junior Suite

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Historic Santa Maria Inn

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Considering this hotel for your Santa Maria trip?

Prices for upcoming dates