A Stay at Casa Iglesia
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Casa Iglesia’s Transformation from Church to Hotel in Downtown Santa Barbara.
By Nathalie Tovar
Having lived in Santa Barbara for a few years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring downtown, yet I still find myself discovering places hidden in plain sight. It’s how I end up standing before Casa Iglesia’s historic double-door entrance, a weekender bag in hand and a curiosity about what awaits inside.
Originally constructed in 1924, Casa Iglesia stands on Chapala Street and has a unique backstory; What was once a preserved historic church has now been transformed into a 37-key boutique hotel featuring a collection of styled accommodations and a seamless, contactless hospitality experience. “My vision for Casa Iglesia was to preserve the character of the old church while creating something warm, calm, and timeless,” shares Shaliz Nakashima, hotel designer and wife of founder, Arvand Sabetian. With a Mediterranean-inspired silhouette and blush-colored façade, the three-story building retains its historic architectural identity and original character while welcoming a touch of modern hospitality.
My experience began with a check-in process that is entirely contactless, which seemed daunting at first, but I found it surprisingly simple without taking away from the hospitality. Rather, it provided a chance to enjoy a more subtle stay at my own pace. The interior of the hotel was bathed in natural light, with sunlight flooding in from the windows and illuminating the building’s simple, classic architectural details. As I found my way to the third floor, I couldn’t help but notice the greenery placed about the corridors, the bright leaves adding a contrast to the cream-white walls. My room was adjacent to the open-air atrium at the center of the hotel, and the spacious layout inside felt just as serene as the outside areas. With high ceilings and a muted green and beige color palette, a sense of calm welcomed me in quickly. I placed my bag down and exchanged the clothes I had on for something more comfortable, settling into the room after a long day of being out and about. The studio itself included a soft memory foam bed, full kitchenette, and a spa-like bathroom, making the room feel less like a temporary place and more like an intentional retreat.
After a bit, I made my way back outside into the downtown area in search of somewhere to eat. Luckily, the hotel is a short walk away from several of my favorite spots, so I picked up takeout to bring back with me. By the time I returned, the sun had begun to set, making it perfect timing to enjoy the most anticipated part of Casa Iglesia: the atrium. Where the bright light was seeping through earlier now let in an orangish glow, draping the tables, couches, and palm trees with a warm golden light. Looking up, I noticed the beams of the original church, a reminder of the longstanding history of this gathering place. As the day came to a close, I spent the rest of the evening sitting on one of the chairs outside before heading back in and calling it a night.
The next morning I departed Casa Iglesia bright and early, with another long day ahead of me, taking one last look at the building and reflecting on the tranquility it offered from the moment I arrived to the time I was leaving. My time at Casa Iglesia proved that even in a familiar city, there’s always something new to discover, even in the places you’d least expect.
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