Cheshire Cat Inn

Two 1894 Queen Anne Victorians joined by gardens and connecting cottages — twenty-one Alice-in-Wonderland-themed rooms, a few blocks from Santa Barbara's State Street. The Cheshire Cat is the smaller, less expensive sibling to Simpson House up the street: still a Victorian B&B, less Forbes-rated, more theme-friendly.

The Alice motif runs through the property at varying levels of commitment — some rooms lean lightly into it (a name, an art print), others are full Wonderland. If you don't want to stay in a room called "the White Rabbit," book carefully. If that's exactly the appeal, this is your hotel.

The setting

The Cheshire Cat sits on Valerio Street near State, in central Santa Barbara, a few blocks east of the State Street commercial corridor and walking distance to the Mission, the Courthouse, and the historic core. It's the same neighborhood as Simpson House, similar walkability, similar setting.

State Street's restaurants and shops are five minutes on foot. The Mission is a ten-minute walk uphill. The Funk Zone wineries are fifteen minutes south. Stearns Wharf and East Beach are ten by car.

The building

Two 1894 Queen Anne Victorians — turreted, gabled, painted-lady detailing, joined by gardens and a couple of small connecting cottages. The aesthetic outside is classic Santa Barbara Victorian. Inside the main houses, the period frame is preserved (wide-plank floors, working fireplaces, ornate moldings) and the Alice theme is layered on top.

Public rooms include parlors in each house, a small library, the breakfast room, and gardens connecting the buildings. The aesthetic leans Neo-Victoriana with the thematic overlay.

The rooms

Twenty-one rooms across the two main houses, the connecting cottage rooms, and a couple of detached spaces. Each is named (and often themed) — the Tweedledee/Tweedledum, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit. Some rooms have fireplaces; some have whirlpool tubs; some have private patios. The cottage rooms are the most private. Bathrooms have been kept up. Beds are king or queen.

Rates from $295 in shoulder, climbing for peak weekends.

Food & drink

A full breakfast is included — served in the breakfast room or in the garden. Afternoon hors d'oeuvres and wine, plus evening dessert, are also included for guests. No on-site restaurant. State Street is a short walk.

On the property

The connecting gardens between the houses are the program — small landscaped paths, a hot tub tucked into a private corner, a few seating areas. There's a small fitness room. Massage can be arranged. No pool.

• Full breakfast included
• Afternoon hors d'oeuvres and wine, evening dessert
• Garden hot tub
• Walking distance to State Street
• Open year-round

Who it's for

• Couples who like a thematic Victorian B&B and don't mind committing to it
• Travelers wanting Santa Barbara walkability at a sub-Simpson-House rate
• Anyone whose idea of a long weekend includes a parlor with a fireplace and a glass of wine in the afternoon
• Repeat Santa Barbara visitors looking for an alternative to the bigger hotels

Who it's not for

• Travelers who prefer modern, minimalist, or contemporary design
• Anyone not interested in the Alice in Wonderland thematic layer
• Families with young kids — the property runs as an adult-leaning B&B

Nearby

State Street and the State Street/Funk Zone restaurants are walkable. The Santa Barbara Mission is ten minutes' walk uphill. The Courthouse with its tower view is five minutes. Stearns Wharf, East Beach, and the harbor are short drives. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is fifteen minutes north. Montecito and Butterfly Beach are ten minutes south.