We at the Secret Garden Inn & Cottages are committed to the health and security of our guests and staff. I've been here a few times with my husband, but this weekend was just for two of us women of a certain age'. Our suite was very comfortable, and we enjoyed the variety of art on the walls. Dominique and her staff are delightful hostesses; they make outstanding breakfasts, and encourage lingering to chat with fellow guests.
The proximity to McConnell's ice cream is a definite plus. I/we will continue to visit often! The Secret Garden Inn is truly a hidden gem in Santa Barbara - easy walking distance to restaurants and cafes, but tucked away behind mature landscaping. The proprietress is a lovely woman who provides breakfast to guests - easily the best breakfast quiche I've ever had who knew you could put green beans in breakfast quiche?!
The proximity to McConnell's ice cream is a definite plus. I/we will continue to visit often! The Secret Garden Inn is truly a hidden gem in Santa Barbara - easy walking distance to restaurants and cafes, but tucked away behind mature landscaping. The proprietress is a lovely woman who provides breakfast to guests - easily the best breakfast quiche I've ever had who knew you could put green beans in breakfast quiche?!
Services
Adjacent to Nightingale, this cozy room has built-in book shelves, queen bed and charming bay window overlooking the front garden. Hardwood floors, bright rugs and a spacious hallway entrance, which opens onto a private redwood deck with hot tub provide a romantic setting. The spacious bathroom has a tub with shower.
The Secret Garden is the perfect place for your California retreat. We invite you to come and heal your body and soul in its quiet environment with our Santa Barbara spa services. Healing massages with our licensed massage therapists, Celeste or Rich, $ 120 an hour in the privacy of your room (advance notice is required).
Reviews (22)
Yoojin K.
Jan 25, 2022
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We stayed in the Bobwhite room, which was located in the main house. Â I wanted to stay in one of the cottages, but those were all taken. Â When we arrived, we were greeted by the Innkeeper and also by the owner. Â We were given a quick tour of the grounds. Â The house was old, but it was charming. Â It had a very European feel to it. Â It reminded us of the B&B we stayed in Ireland.
They gave us a glass bottle of water for our room with a can of mints. Â They also have a refrigerator stocked with French soda for you to enjoy at any time. Â They also had cheese and wine from 5-6pm
They gave us a glass bottle of water for our room with a can of mints. Â They also have a refrigerator stocked with French soda for you to enjoy at any time. Â They also had cheese and wine from 5-6pm
Tricia G.
Jan 15, 2022
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We stayed at this quaint little inn with a sweet beachy French vibe. We stayed in the hummingbird room which had a quiet private patio attached to the room with a hot tub. The room was very clean and had everything we could need to be comfortable. There was a lovely woman that checked us in and showed us to our room. It was a quick walk through a winding garden pathway. Lots of intricately placed plants of all sorts are all over the property. You can stay in the main house but I suggest you get one of the cottages in the backyard. Very lovely.
Mighty Thor
Dec 13, 2021
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Very charming cottage run by French lady. Good service, fully equipped room despite the fact that the cottage is old but they are well maintained and very very clean. Good coffee and croissants served in the morning was very nice.
We stayed in the “Woodthrush” which we enjoyed it very much. The main house with two bed rooms are even nicer but they closed it down due to Covid.
Private parking in the back. Walking distance to downtown Santa Barbara area.
We stayed in the “Woodthrush” which we enjoyed it very much. The main house with two bed rooms are even nicer but they closed it down due to Covid.
Private parking in the back. Walking distance to downtown Santa Barbara area.
Valerie Willetts
Dec 12, 2021
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We stayed here when attending a wedding in Santa Barbara and loved everything about it. We stayed in Oriole which was in one of the cottages and it was so cozy and cute, and we loved loved the private patio with the the hot tub. We were excited to come back after the wedding and hang out. Also the bed was comfy and shower was great. Dominique was easy to communicate with and her breakfast was fantastic. I wish we could’ve stayed another night but we’ll be back!
Kathi Haine
Dec 08, 2021
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I am so happy to have found such a charming hidden gem off the beaten track of Santa Barbara. The cottages are comfortably cozy with French flair, amazing breakfasts made to order for the guests and served… right to the door, and modern conveniences blended in like private hot tubs, TVs, and good internet. The continental touches like the electric tea kettles, pretty paintings on the walls as well as beautiful photos make the spaces inviting. The gardens are beyond beautiful to stroll through and take photographs. Dominique is the gracious hostess and Peanut the calico cat an unofficial
Gabriel Simion
Sep 26, 2021
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Stewart Busch
Sep 16, 2021
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Fantastic and cozy accommodations with a quaint French feel. Absolutely loved the grounds and the layout of our room. The breakfast that was served in our courtyard each morning was varied and scrumptious.
Additionally, the location is perfect with quick access to State Street, 101, and coffee shops and restaurants close by. Best of all, the rates (by Santa Barbara standards) are more than reasonable. Could not recommend this place more and hope to visit again many times.
Additionally, the location is perfect with quick access to State Street, 101, and coffee shops and restaurants close by. Best of all, the rates (by Santa Barbara standards) are more than reasonable. Could not recommend this place more and hope to visit again many times.
Jessica Castillo
Aug 18, 2021
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Had a lovely stay here at Secret Garden Inn. Everything was charming and quaint. It was perfect for a relaxing and romantic getaway weekend. Also the Hot tub was great to use in the evening after a long day sightseeing. The Inn keeper Dominique was very kind and helpful and she gave us a map of Santa Barbara since it was our first time to visit and she recommeded places to eat nearby. We also enjoyed the delicious breakfast served to our cottage in the morning. Would love to go back there again.
Debby Dunn
Aug 18, 2021
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The Secret Garden Inn & Cottages is a darling and quaint bed and breakfast. Our room was beautiful, clean, quiet and comfortable. Our hostess Dominique was helpful and accommodating. She made a delicious breakfast and catered to my dietary restrictions. It is close to the Santa Barbara bowl. I highly recommend it!
Stefan Janzen
Aug 14, 2021
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My wife and I stayed four nights at the Secret Garden Inn. We had booked the Garden Cottage because it features a private garden. We were not disappointed; everything was great: the room, the bed, the bathroom, the grounds and the private garden, and, most of all, the awesome innkeeper, Dominique. When we checked in, she asked us at what time we would like to have breakfast served and if we had any allergies or special requests. The breakfast was lovely, an egg dish (we really liked the various quiches), fruit, juice, coffee, and a freshly baked breakfast bread – we had wonderful croissants which
Margot D'Souza
Jul 22, 2021
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The owner was very accommodating. She asked us our preferences for breakfast and a convenient time-which many B&B’s do not not do. The breakfast was delicious! This location is ideal-walking distance from the downtown area where there is a wide choice of restaurants. This neighborhood is quaint, well kept and very friendly. Our bed was very comfortable, there is a little fridge in the room if you want to pick up a few snacks or drinks. We have stayed in many B&B’s over the past twenty years and we would definitely recommend this one to family and friends!! The owner is a lovely lady, with an
Jenny McKinsey
Jun 15, 2021
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What are you doing reading this review.. You should be in Santa Barbara right now loving life while staying at this adorable bed and breakfast! GO!
The Secret Garden Inn and Cottages is a welcomed slice of the French countryside in laid back Santa Barbara. The property is comprised of darling cottages with private entrances built in the early 1900s and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Dominique the owner truly cares about her guests. She accommodated my (annoying) gluten sensitivity and provided scrumptious gluten free options like gluten free toast, fruit, and quiche!
My husband and I also preferred
The Secret Garden Inn and Cottages is a welcomed slice of the French countryside in laid back Santa Barbara. The property is comprised of darling cottages with private entrances built in the early 1900s and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Dominique the owner truly cares about her guests. She accommodated my (annoying) gluten sensitivity and provided scrumptious gluten free options like gluten free toast, fruit, and quiche!
My husband and I also preferred
Cindy W.
May 08, 2021
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When we pulled up to the property we were very apprehensive. The house looks like a private house on a small lot. You check in at the house and then you walk through to the back where they have cute cottages with lots of gardens. Our cottage had its own fenced in garden area with table and chairs and a bench. It was quiet,cozy and private. We are enjoying our stay here.
Kelsea B.
Jun 28, 2020
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Don't listen to the negative reviews about this cute hidden gem. People who are complaining below are dramatic and have nothing better to do with their lives but to go on yelp and Bi**h. Dominique was welcoming when I checked in. She immediately got a bottle of water for my boyfriend and I and have is a map of SB and turned on our ac and showed us around. She asked us what time we would like our tea or coffee in the morning with our breakfast. I don't understand the negative comments about her below because she's very welcoming and sweet - just direct. The cottages are super cute
Evelyn Bannon
May 28, 2020
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We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Secret Garden Inn! The beauty of Spring was everywhere in the gorgeous garden surroundings and the Woodthrush Cottage is charming and comfortable. The plentiful… breakfasts were delicious as well as the yummy evening brownies! Dominique, it is no surprise that you've managed to share this lovely experience with countless others over the years. We wish you continued success and happiness in the years to come!
Jenn G.
Nov 26, 2019
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This spot is definitely a hidden gem in SB. Gateway location, breakfast provided, clean. The property has 2 separate rooms available in the main house and there are 4 cottages around the property each with a room and some with small hot tubs on the outside patio. Very private, quiet environment.
The owner Dominque said to Contact the establishment directly for the best rates rather than going through a hotel website. We used a website and it was still cheaper than the other outrageous SB prices.
The owner Dominque said to Contact the establishment directly for the best rates rather than going through a hotel website. We used a website and it was still cheaper than the other outrageous SB prices.
Sonia Kermen McNally
Nov 15, 2019
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Annette B.
Aug 16, 2019
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We had a wonderful stay here. The French owner has thought of everything. She gave us a fresh bottle of cold water to drink in our room. There was a refrigerator in the room. There is a kitchen in the main house where she supplies wine, hot tea, hot cider and baked goods for evening snacks. I would highly recommend this place it was wonderful.
Judy Taylor
May 27, 2019
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Jisoo B.
Mar 21, 2019
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Awesome French B & B run by best french breakfast chef. The rooms that are not part of the cottage are very cozy, like staying at Grandma's. But the bathrooms were nice and big and the reading room and dining room was pretty big. The outdoor garden is a nice touch although when we went it was too cold to sit out. Loooved the brownies and hot cider they left in the afternoons. I indulged. A. Lot. Bottled Waters in the fridge was also plentiful and very useful for water hog like me.
Tamara S.
Feb 20, 2019
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My boyfriend and I had such a wonderful stay with Dominique at her establishment. Our room was amazing, comfortable and had such nice soaps etc.
the evenings she provided delicious homemade hot apple cider and little sweet snacks. She made breakfast evening morning, fresh and so filling.
The outdoor area is well maintained and we will be back to stay again!
the evenings she provided delicious homemade hot apple cider and little sweet snacks. She made breakfast evening morning, fresh and so filling.
The outdoor area is well maintained and we will be back to stay again!
Lulu H.
Nov 23, 2016
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I wanted to take my fiancé for to a special place for his birthday. There are expensive hotels, but still, they seemed so blah....
As soon as we entered the grounds of this charming bed & breakfast, I knew that I had made the perfect pick, and we would be back and become regulars...inviting our friends and family to join us. There are cottages for 26 - I've already thought of how perfect it would be to rent all the cottages for a special weekend.
The lovely owner of the Secret Garden Inn & Cottages french lady Dominique is been so warm and gracious hostess. We rented two rooms
As soon as we entered the grounds of this charming bed & breakfast, I knew that I had made the perfect pick, and we would be back and become regulars...inviting our friends and family to join us. There are cottages for 26 - I've already thought of how perfect it would be to rent all the cottages for a special weekend.
The lovely owner of the Secret Garden Inn & Cottages french lady Dominique is been so warm and gracious hostess. We rented two rooms
