Remember Matthew Hofmann from the HofArc Airstream Renovation? Well, he’s recently opened an all-Airstream hotel in downtown Santa Barbara, California. Four vintage Airstream trailers from the ’50s to ’70s have all undergone interior renovations- three have completely updated modern interiors and one has been restored to its original splendor with new finishes, systems and appliances. Called the Santa Barbara Auto Camp, each trailer is available for around $120 – $150 per night. More images, background and info from HofArc below.
From HofArc:
We’ve all experienced the typical hotel stay when traveling. Some are better than others- but still, a hotel is a hotel, is a hotel. The intent behind the design of the Santa Barbara Auto Camp was to create a hip, retro, stylish and super comfy Airstream that felt more like a hotel suite than a travel trailer. The next priority was to position it within a truly local part of town for an authentic vibe. The Auto Camp is part of a 35-space RV park with full-time neighors who welcome the upgraded features this new housing experience offers.
Some of the best sushi in town and a classic Mexican bakery are across the street, Trader Joe’s and a Coffee Bean are a short five-minute walk uptown, and the historic Santa Barbara Mission is an easy 10-minute bike ride away.
29-year old Architect Matthew Hofmann has utilized all of his Architecture skills into “fit-sizing everything you need, and nothing you don’t” into these revitalized Airstream hotels. Each Airstream has been reconfigured to all-electric, clean and sustainable comforts, such as home-style bathroom, water heater, sinks, microwave, flat top glass stoves, electric wall heaters, themostatically-controlled air conditioning, and key punch pad secure entry systems. Each unit also includes a with BluRay DVD, flat screen TV, free WiFi, and your own outdoor BBQ grill.
These Airstreams are much more than retrofitting contemporary systems. The designs are a marriage of the old and the new. An ultra-high priority has been respecting and honoring Airstream’s iconic history. The sock hop era has been bred into each of these magnificent silver suites — from the polished exteriors to repurposed cabinetry, vintage lighting and decor, a couple of Huffy beach cruiser bicycles, and even a claw foot bathtub. These amenities and more all add up to an authentic ’50s feel. Just say “no” to the same ol’ hum-drum hotel and book yourself into the coolest spot in Santa Barbara. Find out for yourself what the Airstream hype is all about.
