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Apartment

Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary

Photo gallery for Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary

Cozy digs in the heart of downtown. Brand new mattress.
View from trundle bed to living room and kitchen.
Kitchen with TV, Microwave, fridge, dishwasher, oven, coffee station and sink.
Your private patio
Bathroom sink.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 458.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Place, Moreton Bay Fig Tree
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary

Summary:
Sweet cocoon in the heart of fun, steps to beach, Funk Zone and restaurants. Mama Dux is on the ground floor with large private patio, fenced deck, large bedroom with king bed, attached living room with comfortable couch bed, a fully stocked kitchen, 2 HDTVs, High Speed WiFI, washer, dryer, bathroom with shower that has incredible pressure, AC, Heater, on-site free parking for one car. The apartment covers 630 square feet (60 square meters).

The Space:
Classy digs on the urban wine trail, In the heart of the entertainment district. Mama Dux is the ground floor apartment in The Dux, a three apartment hotel on the urban wine trail. Experience enveloping luxury in this designer apartment in a classic craftsman house one block from the center of town and five walking blocks to the beach. Shopping, music, dance and excellent restaurants are just steps away.

Mama Dux comes with a large fenced private patio with seating and patio furniture and BBQ, a private deck leads into a large apartment with a bedroom and adjoining living room separated by curtains, a fully stocked kitchen with dishwasher, a bathroom with very good water pressure, a washer and dryer and High Speed WiFi for those video calls. The main room has a king size bed with a large TV and the adjoining living room has a comfortable couch bed with another TV. The bedroom is separated from the living room with a curtain. If you are looking for a bedroom with more privacy, then Papa Dux is a better fit for you.

The house is on landscaped property with fruit trees, flowers fountains and off street parking. Pick fresh fruit (oranges, plums and pineapple kiwi in season) and ride the free bicycles for a relaxing stay in the heart of Santa Barbara.

This is one of three apartments in an old home so please understand that this is not a good choice for loud late night partying. Check out the other two apartments: Baby Dux (studio apartment) and Papa Dux (one bedroom).

Coronavirus alert: Be assured that our staff are fully isolated and we are going to great lengths to sterilize all bedding and all surfaces between reservations. Safe travels, stay well!

Guest Access:
Digital keypad access.
Free on-site parking.
Fully private apartment with exclusive use of the fenced patio and deck with BBQ.
Other gardens and pathways around the house are shared.

The Neighborhood:
On the urban wine trail; in the entertainment district, 4 blocks up from the wharf and beach, one block from State Street, the beautiful main artery of Santa Barbara lined with restaurants, museums, shopping and entertainment. The leafy streets of Lower State are lined with trendy eateries serving New American, Mexican, and pan-Asian fare, plus craft breweries and winery tasting rooms. National fashion chains cluster in the courtyards of the Paseo Nuevo shopping center, and buskers play amid stalls selling organic produce and flowers at the weekly Santa Barbara Farmers Market. The kid-friendly MOXI museum has interactive science exhibits.

Getting Around:
Super easy. Wonderfully situated for car-free vacationing. Free bicycles. The town's main street is a block away with free tram service.

Other Things to Note:
This is one of three apartments in an old home so please understand that this is not a good choice for loud late night partying.
Check out the other two apartments: Baby Dux (studio apartment) and Papa Dux (one bedroom).

Interaction with Guests:
All the privacy you want and all the help you need.
Debbie is the concierge.
Please call with any concerns.
CONCIERGE: Debbie Garven (805) 680-4304

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$1,000 fine if there is detectable tobacco or mari
Quiet time is from 10 pm to 10 am. Please respect

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 62468

Frequently asked questions

Is Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary?

As of 6 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary on 19 June 2026 start from NZ$778, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mama Dux - A Sumptuous Urban Sanctuary located?

Located in Lower State, this apartment building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Antioch University and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Reagan Ranch Center and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation are also within 10 minutes. Santa Barbara Station is 7 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 107 out of 124 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 124 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 124 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 124 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 124 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location. Private outside area.

Second time at this location. Great stay. Great communication with owner. Always clean and we love location close to state street and the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing gem

Enjoyed stay
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Canada S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another wonderful stay!

This is our third stay at this property. We wouldn't stay in any other while visiting Santa Barbara. It is cozy, comfortable, fully stocked, the owners who we had the chance to meet are great. The location couldn't be more perfect - 5+ stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carmen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location walk everywhere

Beautiful quiet garden . So clean and comfy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
We're so pleased you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for the lovely review!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

gwen g.

Beautifully maintained and furnished. Super location!!

We spent a month there and plan to visit again! Laura is the best! We enjoyed ourselves! Thanks
Stayed 30 nights in Nov 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Dear Randy and Gwen, So happy you enjoyed your stay and double happy you'll be back for more beautiful Santa Barbara and the Dux. Until then...... The very best, Laura and Inga
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Canada S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Stay Ever!

This is a well stocked, tastefully decorated, cozy AND perfectly in the heart of everything. We didn’t drive anywhere during our stay, and walked State Street, funk zone, beach, everywhere we needed. Smart & Final is just 1 block away, plus eateries and bars galore! We’ll definitely stay here again next time we visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Thank you Canada. We work hard to make sure our guests are comfortable. Looking forward to your next visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherrie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute Little Apartment

Clean, nicely appointed with convenances such as lots of towels, linen, appliances and two nice size TV’s. Its well located for a walk through unique downtown areas. The rain shower is particularly lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2021
Hi Sherrie, We’re so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for the lovely review. Smiles
Verified

8/10 Good

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely clean apartment

Just as described in the listing. The apartment was equipped with everything we needed. The bed was comfortable. Location was convenient to wandering around Santa Barbara.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Raymond R.

Great Location & an Oasis in a busy beach city

Your first impression as you pull up, you get the feeling that this place will provide privacy and it did not disappoint! Great location to State Street and the beach. We walked to the beach 8-10 minutes away and State Street just a short block away. Service was outstanding and the house was clean. We relaxed those three days and hated to leave. We will be back!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Hi Raymond, So happy you were able to receive the full experience of your first impression. We love our happy guests. Do come again. Best to you, Laura and Inga
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pam R.

Awesome!

Mama Dux was everything we hoped it would be. Laura & Inga had everything set up for us, both were very nice and helpful. Close to great restaurants and shopping . Very clean and comfortable, wished we could have stayed longer. What you see in the picture is what you get! Jim & Pam Rix
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Dear Jim and Pamela, You'll just have to come again to get more. We just love return guests. There's tons more to do , see and eat in our beautiful city. Until then...😊 Best, Laura and Inga
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super Stay in Santa Barbara

This property is in an excellent, very safe location.We walked to almost everything in SB. The apartment was a perfect size for us. The bed was very comfortable & the bedroom storage was great.The house is nicely decorated. The kitchen is especially well equipped & even included lots of spices & cofffee. The outside patio is great as it is surrounded by lush green plants & a hedge that offers privacy from the street. Debbie was very good about giving information needed. It is a great place. We highly recommend it!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience!!

The Mama Dux is decorated very nice and it’s very clean. We stayed during COVID and the owner took precautions like running a ozone machine and then aired out the house before we arrived. Everything was in walking distance and we never used our car during the stay. We used the bikes that are available with house to ride along the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

David K.

A home away from home! Terrific.

The process from booking to departure was smooth, friendly, and precise. There were clear instructions on how to get to the property and how to use everything in the apartment. The apartment was clean, fantastically stocked with kitchen equipment and we cooked every day. The position was perfect for tourists looking to walk or ride to either State Street or the pier. The only thing I would change is the bed which was too soft for our taste.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Dear David and Limor, We are so pleased that you found every step of the process to be enjoyable. As for the bed, that's a tricky one. It's the Goldilocks Syndrome. (I just made that up) Anyway, thank you for the lovely review. We hope you come back again and maybe we could firm up the bed in some way. I'll have to google that possibility. We really aim to please. Kindest regards, Laura and Inga
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sumptuous velvet black-out drapes

Divine. Slept so peacefully in this quiet sanctuary with private garden, fountain and barbecue situated just blocks from cafes, Funk Zone and State Street shopping. The kitchen was stocked with a wide array of spices, all appliances and every baking/cooking pan I could need. Dishes were fun pottery and antiques, enjoyed! There was both heat and AC! Manager Debbie was just a text away and was ready to assist anyway she could. All was a friendly vacation retreat !! Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 August 2024
Thank you Jennifer!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Greg F.

Location, location plus clean, attractive and well

First the location is superb. It's one block to State Street's restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping. The beach is just minutes away and there is a grocery store within a block. The newer "funk zone" with its wineries, brew pubs and interesting restaurants is just across 101 (easy walking distance). The property is attractive and clean. There is plenty of storage space in the large closet. The kitchen is well stocked with good cooking utensils. The W/D allows for less packing. The site has walled in off street parking, which was great because the close proximity to amenities and onsite bike availability meant the car was mostly parked. Laura (owner-management/concierge) is very nice and has great suggestions when asked. Of all the VRBOs we've stayed at on the Central Coast I can honestly say this is the best.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2023
Dear Greg, We are more than pleased you and your wife were so contented in our place. You must come again and enjoy more of our beautiful city and the Mama Dux. Our very best to you, laura and Inga
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend visit

Great location, very good property
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bruce W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location

OK, this is a great location. Walk to State Street ( Santa Barbara's Main Street (dozens of shops and restaurants). One block to a full grocery store. On-site parking, great in an area that is busy during business hours. There were two of us and the unit was perfect for us. We like to cook in our rentals and this place has pots, pans and dinner settings. The unit manager was friendly, helpful and very responsive to our needs. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great unit with great location

Older house divided into 2-3 units, clean and location is fantastic. The unit has a/c which was nice and comfortable. Host is available and they take care of the "little" things that make staying comfortable. EV car charging is a big plus for those travelling in an EV.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location, near everything!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Owner is super nice and house was awesome. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Canada S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully appointed apartment, comfortable, perfect location!

My husband and I love this apartment! This is the 2nd time we’ve stayed, and we’re making reservations for a 3rd time in 2023. It is such a comfortable, clean and well appointed unit, in the most perfect location, steps from State Street, Funk Zone, beach, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Loved, loved this property! It was so comfortable and nicely decorated. The chairs were big and comfy and the bed was very comfortable. Every morning we walked 2 blocks for a great cup of coffee, fabulous shopping and restaurants, and had a walk on the pier. We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Molly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We’ll be back!

Location could not have been better at Mama Dux!! It was the perfect size for 2 people. Easy parking and check in. We enjoyed time on the patio in the sun too. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karina A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heart of SB

Adorable property in the heart of Santa Barbara. Mama Dux reflects the art and character of SB and location was perfect for access to dining, shopping, beach and Funk Zone. It rained hard during our stay which left a lot of debris but we were pleasantly surprised to find the host had swept the porch and walkways. Not ideal for pets because of fees and restrictions and dishwasher is loud. Otherwise, it is a beautiful property and I am definitely looking forward to returning. :)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rajesh R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable stay

The place was very close to downtown and we were able to walk to Stearns wharf, funk town and to State St. The place was clean and well equipped. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

About the host

Hosted by Debbie Garven

Host profile image
The 3 Dux is named in honor of the family that grew up in the house. The family home has been remodeled and converted to an ApartHotel. Inga grew up in the house with her mother, brother and grandparents. Her grandfather ran a washing machine repair business in the house. He was known to Inga and the kids of the extended family as Papa Duck. A squeaker of ears and teller of tales, he was beloved by all. The 3 DUX are so named in honor of him (Papa Dux, Mama Dux and Baby Dux). One of those kids was her cousin Laura who managed The 3 Dux with all her heart and soul. Inga and Laura have since retired and Laura's daughter, Heather is now managing guest communication and her dear friend, Debbie is the concierge onsite who will be taking care of you.

The new owner, Julietta, with the help of Heather and Debbie continues the legacy with the same high standards of hospitality, kindness, attention to detail and happiness.

Welcome to The3Dux. Welcome to downtown Santa Barbara.

Warm smiles.

Why they chose this property

Santa Barbara retains an outsized sense of community. We are all reminded of Santa Barbara’s good heartedness recently, watching the last SB Solstice Parade. It is a festival of generous smiles and kind intention… Neighbors singing, dancing and celebrating up the State Street and enjoying this beautiful coastal city.

I hope you might find some of that Santa Barbara warmth and friendliness at The Dux. State Street is a block away, the Funk Zone is two blocks away and the beach is 5 walking blocks. There is free use of bicycles which I highly recommend as the very best way to enjoy the town. Parking is on-site and the apartments are comfortable and well stocked for your comfort. We offer a clean space with high speed internet and digital tv with YourTubeTV, Showtime and STARZ.

Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara features the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor adventure. Water lovers can enjoy the beaches and some of the most scenic islands in California just a short boat ride away. Hikers will find endless trails in the Los Padres National Forest with towering views of the Pacific. Add world-class wineries, fine dining, spas, manicured gardens, and the beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture of the city, and you’ll understand why Santa Barbara is so beloved.

What makes this property unique

A beautiful well-appointed and well stocked home in a convenient location run by good people who care about hospitality. Please treat it like your own home.

Languages:

English, French, Chinese (Mandarin)

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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