The exterior of Hotel Indigo. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo opened in Santa Barbara this past March, bringing a refreshingly modern vibe to the downtown waterfront district. This European-inspired boutique hotel offers affordable accommodations for style-minded guests. Located adjacent to Santa Barbara's thriving Funk Zone - a district known for its focus on art, wine and food - Hotel Indigo is perfectly positioned for a weekend getaway.

Beyond the obvious charm of Hotel Indigo's green-conscious redesign of a classic Santa Barbara building, this hotel also boasts a beautifully designed interior featuring contemporary furnishings and works by local artists. In fact, the Hotel Indigo's commitment to art is at the center of their operating principles. The hotel is home to a satellite exhibition space of the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, allowing guests to partake in openings and talks by some of the area's leading artists. There is also a cozy art library space in the hotel where guests can browse through an extensive collection of exhibition catalogs and art books.

Best of all, Hotel Indigo is a very friendly hotel. It is pet-friendly (bring Fido!), pedestrian-friendly and - perhaps most importantly - wine-friendly. The majority of the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail is within walking distance of the hotel, leaving visitors free to enjoy a little wine tasting without worrying about transportation. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, business center, rooftop lounges and free WIFI throughout the hotel.

Relax on the patio and enjoy the view. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Indigo