Beach chic: Hotel Oceana offers beachfront chic in popular Santa Barbara.

If you're headed to Santa Barbara, check out Hotel Oceana, an unfussy beachfront property of 122 rooms created from four 1920s Mission-style bins located across from the Pacific Ocean.

The hotel is a beach chic home away from home for those wanting proximity to Santa Barbara's oceanfront activities and restaurants that range from Brophy Bros. at the Harbor to the fine Italian cuisine of Emilio's and a wealth of nearby shopping venues.

Guests also can stroll to Stearns Wharf or to Santa Barbara Winery for wine tasting.

From the California friendly staff to the cheerfully decorated guest rooms (by noted interior designer-to-the-stars Kathryn Ireland), the hotel's laid-back atmosphere includes tranquil ocean views and comfortable amenities such as king-size beds fitted with crisp Italian linens and down comforters.

Two ocean-view meeting rooms (for those who must work while they play) are ideal for groups from 10 to 50 people.

Work off your stress in the state of the art fitness center or pamper yourself with a facial or massage arranged in the on-site spa.

If the Pacific Ocean is too cold, two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, an outdoor living room, patios and lovely gardens beckon.

There's no need to wear a coat and tie here--just be sure to pack your bathing suit!

Hotel Oceana is located at 202 W. Cabrillo Blvd, beachfront in Santa Barbara. Call [phone] for reservations or book online at www.hoteloceana.com. (The hotel's sister property, all-suite Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica, offers the same casual, fun atmosphere.)