Pulling up to the Biltmore, you quickly realize what is in store for you: the driveway is bordered by immaculate landscaping and fronts an unimpeded view of the ocean. Although we arrived around noon, well before official check-in, our room was already cleaned and waiting for us. But, we didn't want to waste any time indoors on such a beautiful day so we went to explore the grounds. There really is no reason to ever leave the hotel -- available for guests are a restaurant and bar facing the ocean (with very good though pricey food and drinks), tennis courts, croquet, a putting green and, just next door, the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, a private club available only to members and Biltmore guests. You can also hit the small beach just across the street (where we saw 3 seals playing in the waves).But, there is just too much to do in California's Central Coast not to leave the grounds. The Biltmore is within a short walking distance from the small main street area of Montecito, filled with boutiques and a few restaurants, and a short drive to downtown Santa Barbara. The Biltmore is a great base to explore both areas.
We split the two days in Santa Barbara between shopping and relaxing -- one day walking around Santa Barbara and Montecito, eating, drinking and shopping in the many boutiques and national stores (Shout out to Yogurtland! We need to find a way to bring a franchise to DC.) and one day playing tennis and basking in the sun at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. The Biltmore has 3 tennis courts, which may be reserved ahead of time, tennis balls and loaner racquets all free of charge. But, the highlight was having access to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. It boasts the largest hotel pool in the world (50m long and several lanes wide), comfortable chaise lounges, two restaurants with views of the beach, and attentive staff. We only wished we could have extended our stay just to have more time by the pool!
As would be expected from a resort that attracts celebrities on a regular basis, the service was top-notch. The concierge desk was knowledgeable and helpful, check-in was quick and easy and the service in the bar and restaurants seemed to always be at your beck and call. Although we only had the standard room, it provided us with more than enough space and was conveniently located in the main building with the bar, restaurant and business center. Perhaps the next time we'll step it up and check in to one of the many suites/cottages that border the windy paths through the grounds. My only complaint is that the Biltmore does not offer internet access in the guestrooms. Wireless is available in the main lobby area but costs $10 for spotty service. It really does not make sense to nickel and dime the guests by charging for subpar internet service available only in a small part of the resort.
Unfortunately, the two days we stayed there did not allow us enough time to enjoy any of the neighboring areas or vineyards. As we checked out of the Biltmore and headed up the PCH to Napa, I found myself wishing that I lived in LA just so I could make a habit of weekend trips up to the absolutely beautiful Biltmore and Calfornia's Central Coast.
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