Fess Parker Double Tree hotel closes for four days to control termites

The Fess Parker Double Tree by Hilton Resort has closed for four days on the Santa Barbara waterfront to control termites.

The site has been a landmark along Cabrillo Boulevard since it was built in 1986 by the late actor, developer and local resident Fess Parker who died in 2010.

Manager Neil Poisson says some employees are taking some days off and others are working at other sites until Friday when guests return.

The fumigation is only for termites. Poisson says other daily sanitation and pest control is handled on a routine basis. The locally based O’Conner Pest Control Company has a long term account with the hotel and has been doing pest control for 54 years in Santa Barbara.

A massive blue and orange cover is over every building including the routunda. There are 360 rooms at the site, along with large scale meeting space and break out rooms.

In the last few days, food items have been moved out and the final restaurant meals were served Sunday.

“It is never a good time to do this and this was the greatest opportunity we had and that is why we are taking advantage of it right now,” Poisson said. “When you do the whole thing at once you can get it done at once and if you do it in sections then guests have a different idea, a different viewpoint on what you are doing and what you are accomplishing.”

The tarps will come down Thursday and a clearance to reoccupy the hotel is expected that afternoon. Staff members will put everything back into its place Thursday evening and begin checking in guests the next morning.

Holiday events have been scheduled throughout the month and more are on the books for this weekend.