The 'Secret Spot' with an Artistic Mediterranean Tropical Feel

• GREAT STAY!

  GREAT STAY!

  • Guest dylan
  • Date of stay 11/09/12
  • Review Submitted 11/14/12
  The location was wonderful, as was the house and yard - Owners went out of their way to accommodate a last minute request. I will be back again

  Recommended for: Pet owners, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Best Home Away From Home in Santa Barbara

  Best Home Away From Home in Santa Barbara

  • Guest heidi m.
  • Date of stay 09/14/12
  • Review Submitted 09/24/12
  Sunset picnics at the Douglas Family Preserve, a jog on the shore to Hendry's beach, and candle lit moments were wonderfully enjoyed at this lofty getaway, a perfect home in paradise. This cottage is tucked away, quiet, private and feels like you are on a remote Hawaiian island. The hosts are respectful of your privacy and yet extraordinarily attentive to the details such as the fresh foliage upon arrival and proper tire pressure in the complementry cruisers. It is also the little things that set this oasis apart from the rest: Soft linen, a perfect mattress, remote controlled ceiling fan, exquisite artwork, dual rain shower heads, hand laid tile work, and daily attention to the landscaping. The location is quite a bonus as there is beach access just 2 blocks away - 241 steps get you to your paradise and the walk back up gives your body a workout. We genuinely fret putting this review up as we know it will certainly limit availability when we head back down to our new favorite spot in SB.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Not all that thrilled

  Not all that thrilled

  • Guest Theresa
  • Date of stay 12/18/11
  • Review Submitted 02/14/12
  Overall the place was nice, eclectic, etc. However, the listing was inaccurate. It neglected to say that this was an UPPER unit. My husband is disabled, I'm physically challenged and we have a crippled up old dog so the stairs were difficult. When we talked with the owner the only recourse we were offered was to move to the lower unit. This was two days before we had to leave. After spending over $2k, that wasn't enough. Very disappointed!! Not for old folks, folks with old dogs, folks with little ones...etc.

  Owner response: In our listing, it states that our rental is two-story unit, implying that it has stairs. Also, in the pictures there is evidence of stairs (railing leading up to the loft bed). Had the tenants mentioned prior to arrival about their disabilities, we would have suggested the lower unit that does not have stairs. Also, had they mentioned the problem at the beginning of their stay and not two days prior to leaving, we would have offered the lower unit sooner.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/10

• Fantastic retreat!

  Fantastic retreat!

  • Guest FW
  • Date of stay 08/27/10
  • Review Submitted 02/20/11
  My husband and I stayed at the Secret Spot back in August 2010. We also brought our little dog with us. We were so pleased with what we had found! There were so many beautiful details in the space, from art work to plants, games and books for enjoying while we lounged around and just took in the serenity of the cottage. We found the cottage spotless, and very comfortable. Our dog had a great time too and the beach is so close we had many walks on it. We will definitely be back - highly recommended!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing, age 55+, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

• Better than a picture can show

  Better than a picture can show

  • Guest Michelle Bell
  • Date of stay 07/23/10
  • Review Submitted 08/03/10
  No matter what kind of day you've had, when you arrive at "The Hidden Cove" you will be relaxed instantly by the soothing sounds of the fountain which is nestled back in a true Cove. When I arrived the key was awaiting me in a designated place with a warm welcome. Once I walked in I was in awe. Such a peaceful decor and The Hidden Cove was much larger than shown online. It was roomy, spacious, and provided a nice relaxing area to stretch out and plan your next move. The Hidden Cove is equip. with a full functioning kitchen, a nice restroom, a jacuzzi tub, a breakfast area, a private bedroom, and a small separate desk in the bedroom which I used as an office while I was there. Indeed it is a short walk to the beach. In less than 2 minutes I was there; however, the web site fails to mention one must be in good health for the four hundred flights of stairs that await you. Ok, maybe not that many stairs, but coming back up from the beach; which is truly a beautiful site and well worth the burn in the legs- it will seem like four hundred steps. The Hidden Cove is perfect for all ages. I feel even more-so maybe for us in our late 30's who sometimes can break away with 2-3 of our old girlfriends from high school and do a girls weekend, or it's perfect for the business traveler needing to get work done as I did, but it is equally perfect for a couple just wanting to get away, relax and just be still together. The Hidden Cove seemed to offer a peaceful soothing enviroment maybe even a touch of romance. It's so close to everything-you can go and enjoy Santa Barbara with ease. I would recommend The Hidden Cove to my friends and my family; actually, I hope to return to The Hidden Cove very soon when necessary for work. Michelle Texas 07/23/10

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Fees:

• Pet Deposit (Per Pet-Refundable): $50
• Refundable Damage Deposit: $200
• Clean out: $75
• Taxes Not included

Cancellation policy:

Cancellations: Notice of cancellation must be received at least 60 days prior to check-in to receive a deposit refund, less $50 processing fee per unit. All monies will be forfeited if cancellation is received with less than 60 days notice, unless the room can be re-booked. There are no refunds for early departure unless we are able to re-book the room. Trip Cancellation Insurance: Given the many possibilities for travel interruption, we strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available through a variety of different companies.

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.