Hotel Ynez - Solvang, California

Kelly O'Brien

While this hotel is charming and clean, the pet policy could be much clearer. The website states that all dogs are welcome with a $50 cleaning fee, but it doesn’t mention that dogs cannot be left unattended in the room under any circumstances. This critical detail was only shared with us at check-in when it was too late to make alternative plans.

We had a New Year’s Eve dinner reservation that had been planned for weeks, so we carefully ensured our dog would be comfortable and stepped out briefly. Less than an hour later, we received a call stating our dog was barking and were told we needed to return within 10 minutes to avoid being charged a fee. This came as a shock, especially since our dog has stayed in hotels frequently and has never caused any issues.

We promptly returned to the hotel and there was no barking audible outside the room. We even spoke with nearby guests at the fire pit, who confirmed they hadn’t heard anything. We respectfully discussed the situation with the staff, but despite our efforts, we were charged an unexpected $75 fee after check-out.

Had we known how strict the pet policy was at booking, we would have chosen a different accommodation. I’m sharing this experience so that future guests with pets can make an informed decision before booking.

Alissa Nunley

Charming updated roadside motel/hotel! Cozy courtyard, nicely updated rooms+ bathrooms, dog friendly, slightly funny lamp/ lighting situation, decent beds but a bit hard to fall asleep, and no fridge. Overall really lovely, but would not book again at the inflated holiday weekend rates.

Isabella Doohan

This hotel fell FAR below our expectations for the very high price we paid. We expected a luxury experience and it felt like a cheap motel.

Some issues included extremely loud and outdated AC units that were so loud that with the AC noise from the next room over we couldn’t sleep with the windows open. Our water pressure periodically dropped to a trickle while showering or using the sink. The lights would flicker when we tried to turn them on. And the bedding felt cheap and not very comfortable. My family lives locally so I know that this was a cheap motel that was given a facelift with beautiful designing, but it still very much feels like a cheap motel.

This was our wedding weekend so we booked a hotel that was nearby but on par, price wise with the luxury amenities at the Ballard Inn. This fell VERY short of our expectations of a hotel that cost over $1000 dollars for two nights.

Wine2023 Chicago

Do yourself a favor, and don't stay in #22. I can't believe they rent this room which is basically in the lobby.

It is next to the lobby and they don't tell you how small it is along with its queen size bed. Not to mention it had no hot water, expensive @ $500/night, no privacy as employees walked right next to the 'private' porch in the morning while I'm enjoying my coffee.

Fortunately they switched us to their sister hotel, Skyview Los Alamos, which was awesome and was so much more our style. This is specific hotel is great (for every room but #22) but is for older people that want less modern & cool.

Stasi W

Super cute place and lovely atmosphere. Downsides are that it's a drive to the local attractions/restaurants/tasting rooms/shops, so if you're drinking, an Uber is a must. And, the service was terrible. When we arrived, no one was available to check us in, and we had to wait 30mins for someone to assist us.

Erica Rose

Hotel Ynez in Solvang is amazing! It's not just a fancy hotel with clean rooms (although they were definitely that too). This place is all about chilling out. They have beautiful neighborhoods perfect for a walk in the morning to wake yourself up.

But my favorite spot was the hammocks with all the pretty lights strung around. You can just swing back and forth and relax as the sun goes down. Super peaceful! At night, they have fire pits outside where you can hang out with other guests and look at the stars.

Plus, the location is awesome. There are tons of wineries super close by, so it's a great place to stay if you're coming for wine tasting. And if you get hungry, there are restaurants everywhere from right down the street to a short drive away, so you have all kinds of options, from fancy dinners to casual eats.

All in all, I give Hotel Ynez 5 out of 5 stars. It's relaxing, cute, and convenient, all rolled into one. I would definitely recommend it and I already want to go back!

Jean-Philippe Simonet

Motel renovated with class and elegance. Very charming, quiet. Will go back. Well located, perfect to explore wine country.

Simran Malik

Truly the best spot in the area! My boyfriend and I stayed here for 4 days and it felt like we were encapsulated in another world. The pool was beautiful, the fire pits were toasty, and the beds were so comfy. I loved taking the bikes out and exploring the town every morning. Also to add, their coffee pastries and breakfast were insane. Everyone on the staff was so sweet and we can’t wait to come back for a fall retreat.