Bachelor Star, Andrew Firestone Opens First Hotel in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara just welcomed its newest hotel, Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and Saint Remy restaurant. Behind the reinvented hotel is Andrew Firestone, former star of ABC’s The Bachelor and co-founder with Jess Parker of StonePark Capital, a Santa Barbara-based hospitality development company. 

Following a complete transformation, the 122-room modern, coastal hotel is located in the heart of everything the American Riviera has to offer. Saint Remy will join the local dining scene, featuring a laid-back retro-inspired design and offering Mediterranean coastal cuisine with a locally-sourced menu. The property is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform focused primarily on lifestyle hotels and resorts.

"As Santa Barbara natives, Jess and I are thrilled to re-introduce this classic downtown hotel with timeless mid-century architecture and style,” says Andrew Firestone, co-founder of StonePark Capital. “We are also proud to partner with Azul Hospitality to bring to life the first Marriott branded hotel to the city of Santa Barbara." 

The hotel’s spacious guest rooms combine comfort with functionality and sweeping balcony views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The well-appointed rooms have a modern design and feature spacious guest baths, walk-in showers, and large vanities. Each room includes a mini refrigerator, high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. There are also two-room suites available, complete with a wet bar and conference table. 

Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown features a lush pool, whirlpool, fire pit, and two large rooftop decks, both offering sweeping mountain and ocean views. The arrival experience allows guests to engage in technology and offers inviting, flexible seating spaces throughout the lobby for relaxation and business. Guests of the hotel also have access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, EV charging stations, both valet and self-park options, and a meeting and event space. 

State Street’s stylish newcomer, Saint Remy is a 50-seat restaurant featuring the freshest locally-sourced ingredients delivered with a Mediterranean coastal twist. The space boasts an easygoing and retro-inspired design with a relaxed sensibility and palate that is uniquely Santa Barbara. 

Menu highlights include shakshuka benedict on the breakfast menu and the burrata & grilled peach salad and crispy short rib hummus on the dinner menu. The menu will also have a creative selection of beverages using locally-sourced purveyors such as Zaca Coffee; and Blind Burro Rum, Hendry’s Vodka, and Celo Rum from Black Market Spirits. The cocktail menu offers the familiarity of classics like the Old Fashioned while introducing signature sippers, like Bad Entropy. 

Additionally, a hand-selected wine list of local vintners such as One Stone Cellars, a winemaker that gives back to local and global organizations; as well as wines from Argentina, Spain, and Oregon. Both indoor and al fresco dining options are available. Complimentary on-site parking is available for dining guests. Reservations for Saint Remy can be made on Tock.

Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, nine miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and two miles from the Amtrak Train Station. Its prime downtown location is walkable to all that Santa Barbara has to offer, including the Old Mission, Museums, Santa Barbara Harbor, The Funk Zone, Sterns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Zoo. 

Average daily rates start at $250 per night. Reservations can be made by calling 805.975.0660. 

1501 State Street in Santa Barbara.