Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn Transitions to Marriott's Found Hotels in Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn Becomes FOUND Hotels

In an exciting development for travelers and locals alike, the iconic Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn in Santa Barbara has recently transitioned to FOUND Hotels, now known as FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott. The change, officially announced on March 24, 2026, marks a significant upgrade for this long-established hotel, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and prime location.

This recent transformation brings a host of benefits to guests, including the opportunity to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and enhanced guest services, solidifying its status as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Located strategically on Upper State Street, the 150-room hotel offers a calming, garden-like atmosphere enhanced with picturesque courtyards and two outdoor pools. Its close proximity to downtown Santa Barbara, the waterfront, and celebrated local beaches allows easy access to the vibrant dining scene and the nearby Santa Ynez Valley wine country, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore this beautiful region.

As part of the Series by Marriott™, FOUND Santa Barbara incorporates a relaxed charm that is ingrained in the history of the property while leveraging the trusted hospitality associated with the Marriott brand. Guests can expect spacious accommodations designed to cater to a diverse array of visitors—from vacationers and families to corporate guests and small groups.

Skylar Gustavson, General Manager of FOUND Hotels Santa Barbara, expressed the team's commitment to enhancing the guest experience while respecting the legacy of this beloved landmark. Gustavson stated, "By joining the Marriott platform while maintaining the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere guests have always loved, we're able to offer travelers the best of both worlds - trusted hospitality paired with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy."

The newly branded hotel positions itself as a fantastic venue for corporate retreats, social gatherings, and weddings, offering versatility and a central location perfect for events and celebrations. Elisa Stumpf, Director of Sales, highlighted Santa Barbara's growing reputation as a sought-after destination for weddings and small group events. She emphasized that the hotel’s location, combined with comfortable accommodations and perks such as complimentary breakfast and parking, makes it a delightful choice for both new and returning guests.

This development is part of a broader strategic partnership formed between Hawkins Way Capital and Marriott International in September 2025, with plans to convert six properties to FOUND Hotels, Series by Marriott. The transformation of the Pepper Tree Inn into FOUND Santa Barbara marks the U.S. debut of this innovative hotel brand.

Adding to the existing narrative, Hawkins Way Capital is recognized as a fully integrated real estate firm with significant assets under management, focusing on adding value across various properties, including hospitality, multifamily, and student housing. Their commitment to repositioning underutilized properties aims to create high-performing investments while ensuring a delightful stay experience for guests.

With over 9,600 properties in its portfolio around the globe, Marriott International continues to redefine travel experiences, merging local charm with the comforts of their expansive range of services. For more details on the newly branded FOUND Santa Barbara, visit Marriott.com/SBASE.