Santa Barbara Sleeper

Some of the stodgier spots in Santa Barbara make you feel like an intruder if you're wearing the wrong shoes, sport facial hair (ahem) or speak louder than a whisper. No need to name names. Contrarily, the Hotel Oceana, just across Cabrillo Blvd. from the Pacific Pond, has that Cheers-like familiarity to it, the staff greeting you like you were a long-lost millionaire uncle. Tea, coffee and fresh fruit next to a roaring lobby fire complete the picture. And the continental breakfast even has an omelette station on weekends -- nice touch, that.

But it's when you get to your room that you truly feel like you might be at home --or at least in somebody's very tastefully appointed digs! Hardwood floors, colorful rugs and whimsical pastel accents invite you in, the big thread-count Egyptian sheets finish the weary traveler off in style. A recent renovation means everything is newly minted, from the flatscreen tv's to the two cabana-lined pools. Spa services are delivered to your room, everything from Reiki to Reflexology, haircuts to Hatha Yoga. This is Santa Barbara, after all.

There are always some quite reasonable packages available, including an upcoming Valentine's Day special for you and your significant otra. The Oceana also works with Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours to whisk you away for a day-long tour of the surrounding wine country. They drive, you drink -- works for me. I highly recommend this happy hideaway -- dock your iPod, swing open the sliding door and breathe that seaside air and take in the capacious view. Beaucoup Euro-tourists swear by this spot, always a good sign. Willkommen!