El Prado Inn Now Days Inn

Though the circumstances surrounding the change remain a mystery as of press time, it appears El Prado Inn—a 40-plus-year staple of State Street—is now under the control of national motel chain Days Inn. Manager Victor Rodriguez didn’t return messages seeking comment, yet all evidence indicates the property was recently sold: There’s a new sign in front of the 68-room hotel and employees answer the phone with a greeting that refers to the location as the “former El Prado Inn.” Calls to the Days Inn corporate office went unreturned and employees at Santa Barbara’s other Days Inn—located at 116 Castillo Street—wouldn’t speak on the matter.