The Bath Street Inn, located close to the heart of old Santa Barbara, offers the traditional warmth and hospitality of a European Bed and Breakfast Inn. This Queen Anne Victorian home, built over one hundred years ago, was a fiftieth wedding anniversary gift from Richard Hails to his wife, Abigail. It is the same warm hospitality created by the Hails in those early years that former innkeeper Susan Brown wanted to rekindle when she opened the Inn in 1981. Susan's vision was of a special place to relax and renew the spirit, and the current innkeepers are pleased and privileged to continue her good work.

The eight guest rooms in the main three-story house are a charming mixture of nooks and crannies revealed during the renovation with the luxury and comfort of added modern amenities. The four rooms in the Summer House, a newer structure designed to complement the original 1890's home, offer additional pleasures of combinations of gas fireplaces, Jacuzzi bathtubs, and televisions with VCRs. Each room has its own attraction -- from a view through tree branches to a balcony overlooking the hills. There are beds you will look forward to sleeping in, lights in all the right places, and space to put everything.

In the morning, you can come down for an early cup of coffee in the kitchen, then wander out to the sunny courtyard and anticipate your real breakfast. Each day starts with fresh California fruits and nutty homemade granola and a menu which varies daily. Delight with such fare as English scones with a cheese and egg frittata, fresh blueberry pancakes, or perhaps peach/cheese French toast. Breakfast is served family-style in the dining room or on small tables in the living room or courtyard.

After a leisurely meal, relax and enjoy the Santa Barbara Riviera-style weather, the flowers, and the hummingbirds. You can find a cozy reading spot or walk to town to enjoy the delights of downtown Santa Barbara.

The Bath Street Inn's at-home atmosphere is enhanced by the fragrance of freshly baked cookies, and if you're feeling sociable, stop by the kitchen for a chat with the innkeeper. When it is baking time, cookies are served hot off the sheet. Later in the afternoon, a light tea will be served, and guests often gather to share experiences of their day.

At dinner time, enjoy a glass of wine with cheese and crackers served in the parlor. Your innkeepers are always happy to share their knowledge of the city and to assist you with reservations to one of the many fine and casual restaurants in the area. Santa Barbara is not only a beautiful beach town, but also offers theater, galleries, musical events, and sporting activities.