"Interiors guru Martyn Lawerence Bullard used more than one million tiles in 27 different designs, transporting all the color and texture of Marrakech to the Cali Coast"

 "With its Spanish Mission architecture and Moorish- and Moroccan-inspired interiors by AD100 designer Martyn Lawerence Bullard, the Hotel Californian strikes a decidedly upscale note - goosing traditional Santa Barbara style with a shot of Bullardian glamour and élan."

"Whereas other beach hotels might feature a swell of rattan pieces, sea-blue art, and white linens, Hotel Californian favors graphic wallpapers, gold snake sconces, and emerald green club chairs."

"After the inevtiable wine- and cheese-heavy night in the Funk Zone, a few hours in the Majorelle Spa - essentially a Californian interpretaiton of a Moroccan hammam - with its steamy chambers, hot and cold circulation-boosting treatments, and skin-polishing, aromatic scrubs."

"The opening event for the giant Santa Barbara property drew in the likes of Michael Keaton, Nicollette Sheridan, Jane Lynch, Bo Derek and John Corbett, who came out to dance, imbibe and enjoy an hourlong acoustic set from John Mayer."

"Unlike most properties, the Hotel Californian is not hidden behind walls or a formidable facade, but is a one-of-a-kind presence that anchors three of the four corners at Mason & State Streets and allows guests to engage with the beauty and vitality of Santa Barbara."

"The 121-room hotel is an oh-so-Santa-Barbara kind of place, with beautiful facades and decor, cushy rooms, sweeping views and fine restaurants..."

"Martyn Bullard's talents - whose attention to detail elevates it from mere hotel to bespoke luxury residence, copmlete with an exclusive rooftop infinity pool - is behind the first true five-star to open in Santa Barbara for some time."

"The exterior of the hotel honors Santa Barbara with timeless Spanish architecture, however, a plethora of eye-catching Moroccan tiles, lavish modern seating, and vibrant colors illuminate the interior - think Gatsby with a Turkish twist."

"The lobby alone is a graphic international experience with Moroccan tiles, Indian screens, and tables from Spain and Portugal."

"Celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard leaned into the property's Mediterranean ethos, creating a dream world of intricate wood screens, midcentury Italian furnishings, and a black and white palette punctuated by saffron and Turkish red."

"Forgo the beach for a swim in the rooftop pool - that is, if you can pull yourself away from the countless photo ops. There is not a bad angle in this place."