Santa Ynez Inn in Santa Barbar? Is it decent?
Aug 14th, 2003, 12:15 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Santa Ynez Inn in Santa Barbar? Is it decent?
My husband and I are planning to visit the Santa Barbara wine country late October. We thought that the Santa Ynez Inn would be a nice place to stay. Money is not a concern. Is this place a decent place to stay. What accomodations should we look for. If not Santa Ynez Inn, where else should we stay?
Aug 14th, 2003, 05:12 PM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Come on everybody--doesn't anyone know anything about the Santa Barbara wine country area. I like the looks of the Santa Ynez inn, but I like the Simpson house inn also, but wonder if it is worth the money.
Aug 15th, 2003, 05:39 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also looked at the exact same 2 properties for this area of CA. Simpson House has gotten great reviews, but the rooms seem TINY and the prices HUGE!
Santa Ynez Inn looks great, is new, and has also gotten great reviews. The rooms look much, much larger on the web site.
I hope someone "in the know" comes forward to comment!!
Santa Ynez Inn looks great, is new, and has also gotten great reviews. The rooms look much, much larger on the web site.
I hope someone "in the know" comes forward to comment!!
Aug 15th, 2003, 08:41 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hart, do you realize that the Santa Ynez Inn is not in Santa Barbara? It is about 30 minutes north of SB in the town of Santa Ynez. If you're visiting the area primarily to see the wineries, you might find it inconvenient and unecessary to drive back and forth each day.
Aug 16th, 2003, 07:59 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am totally confused. I thought most of the wineries were in the Santa Ynez valley. And yes, I do realize that the Santa Ynez Inn is not in Santa Barbara, that is why I thought it might be an ideal location. Please help!
Aug 16th, 2003, 10:42 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, the Santa Ynez Inn is stunning and you won't find better in the area. Book it! While in the area, make sure to eat at Chef Rick's and don't miss Gainey, Brander, Zaca Mesa, Foxen and Fess Parkers wineries! You are in for a treat! When you check in, they'll give you the wine brochure for the Foxen Wine Trail and you'll be on your way! When are you coming? Do you have any other specific questions about the area?
Aug 16th, 2003, 10:47 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ooops, other "must tastes" are Bridlewood, Sanford, Mosby which are technically om the Santa Ynez Wine Trail. (You can google on both Santa Ynez Wne trail and Foxen Canyon Wine Trail to get specifics.) Also, most of the wineries have their own websites with pictures. The most beautiful to visit would be Bridlewood and Gainey, imho.
Aug 16th, 2003, 02:07 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Hart,
I just returned to Michigan last night after a two-week vacation in beautiful California. I managed to do a day-visit to the Santa Ynez Valley (and Solvang) and thought the area was quite magnificent. I walked through the Santa Ynez Inn and checked it out. I looked at one of the rooms, and yes - they are quite large. Everything looks very new. I also looked at the small workout facility. It is located in the basement, where they also offer massage and other spa treatments. {This area is also next to the laundry room.}
The Inn looks very nice. Stay in a fireplace room and I think you will be quite comfortable.
We chanced lunch at the Red Barn and it was very good. It certainly is the local hangout. The owners of Fess Parker were there for lunch, as well as other local 'Celebes.' They certainly live by the coyboy/cowgirl look and attire. The Red Barn is directly across the street from Chef Rick's - which is itself getting great reviews in the local papers. It appears more of an international foodie dining experience: very nice.
If you drive through the mountains, might I recommend a visit along the Old Stagecoach Trail to the Cold Spring Tavern? It is an historic and rustic stagecoach stop off of Highway 154. They serve lunch and dinner (maybe breakfast) and have an all-local wine list along with cold beer and sodas. Quite the interesting place, if even just for a short stop.
I stopped at the Gainey Winery and it is a beautiful place. I was not impressed with their wine steward's dry personality, however. $5.00 Tasting fee allows you to 'keep the glass.' (? ...okay)
Have a wonderful time in the area. Don't forget that Reagan's ranch is in the area. I was told how to get there and found the route rather spectacular. His library is also in the area. (Just don't forget to vote Democrat in the next election! LOL)
Have a fantastic trip; I'm sure you will love the area. And don't forget to visit the beach too!
Paul
I just returned to Michigan last night after a two-week vacation in beautiful California. I managed to do a day-visit to the Santa Ynez Valley (and Solvang) and thought the area was quite magnificent. I walked through the Santa Ynez Inn and checked it out. I looked at one of the rooms, and yes - they are quite large. Everything looks very new. I also looked at the small workout facility. It is located in the basement, where they also offer massage and other spa treatments. {This area is also next to the laundry room.}
The Inn looks very nice. Stay in a fireplace room and I think you will be quite comfortable.
We chanced lunch at the Red Barn and it was very good. It certainly is the local hangout. The owners of Fess Parker were there for lunch, as well as other local 'Celebes.' They certainly live by the coyboy/cowgirl look and attire. The Red Barn is directly across the street from Chef Rick's - which is itself getting great reviews in the local papers. It appears more of an international foodie dining experience: very nice.
If you drive through the mountains, might I recommend a visit along the Old Stagecoach Trail to the Cold Spring Tavern? It is an historic and rustic stagecoach stop off of Highway 154. They serve lunch and dinner (maybe breakfast) and have an all-local wine list along with cold beer and sodas. Quite the interesting place, if even just for a short stop.
I stopped at the Gainey Winery and it is a beautiful place. I was not impressed with their wine steward's dry personality, however. $5.00 Tasting fee allows you to 'keep the glass.' (? ...okay)
Have a wonderful time in the area. Don't forget that Reagan's ranch is in the area. I was told how to get there and found the route rather spectacular. His library is also in the area. (Just don't forget to vote Democrat in the next election! LOL)
Have a fantastic trip; I'm sure you will love the area. And don't forget to visit the beach too!
Paul
May 7th, 2004, 04:04 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ttt, as requested for Allison.
Hey Allison - enjoy your trip to the area - it truly is beautiful. The Regan Ranch is worth a drive by if you have plenty of time. BTW - their website is:
http://www.reaganranch.org/ranch/rancho.htm
Don't waste your time at the Casino (IMHO). My 20-minutes there were more than enough - and I blame that wasted time on my traveling companion.
In retrospect, I loved the Red Barn restaurant for lunch - even though my typical tastes would run toward the more 'upscale' place across the street. It really was an obvious town's favorite with great food. Yes, the rich and locally famous dined theer as well. While we we dining at a late lunch, there was a birthday party for an elderly local lady at one of the tables. So interesting!
There is a really neat gift shop near the Red Barn where I picked up a couple of very unique Western Themed gifts. Wish I could remember the name for you. Certainly worth the stop. It may have been walking distance, or almost walking distance from the above mentioned restaurants. I believe the store sat on the same side of the road as the Red Barn Restaurant, just a block or so closer to 'town.'
Personally, for me, there would not be enough in the area to keep my interest to spend the night... but definately worth a good long day trip. However, I'm sure there are many who might enjoy a night in the sleepy towns. They are so very quiet and peaceful. The night sky is surely beautiful.
The couple of hours we spent in neighboring Solvang were interesting - but really just tons of shopping is all we saw in our short visit (antiques, fudge, touristy stuff, a few motels, etc.).
Have a wonderful trip!
Paul
Hey Allison - enjoy your trip to the area - it truly is beautiful. The Regan Ranch is worth a drive by if you have plenty of time. BTW - their website is:
http://www.reaganranch.org/ranch/rancho.htm
Don't waste your time at the Casino (IMHO). My 20-minutes there were more than enough - and I blame that wasted time on my traveling companion.
In retrospect, I loved the Red Barn restaurant for lunch - even though my typical tastes would run toward the more 'upscale' place across the street. It really was an obvious town's favorite with great food. Yes, the rich and locally famous dined theer as well. While we we dining at a late lunch, there was a birthday party for an elderly local lady at one of the tables. So interesting!
There is a really neat gift shop near the Red Barn where I picked up a couple of very unique Western Themed gifts. Wish I could remember the name for you. Certainly worth the stop. It may have been walking distance, or almost walking distance from the above mentioned restaurants. I believe the store sat on the same side of the road as the Red Barn Restaurant, just a block or so closer to 'town.'
Personally, for me, there would not be enough in the area to keep my interest to spend the night... but definately worth a good long day trip. However, I'm sure there are many who might enjoy a night in the sleepy towns. They are so very quiet and peaceful. The night sky is surely beautiful.
The couple of hours we spent in neighboring Solvang were interesting - but really just tons of shopping is all we saw in our short visit (antiques, fudge, touristy stuff, a few motels, etc.).
Have a wonderful trip!
Paul
May 7th, 2004, 10:14 AM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We love this uncrowded wine country area and need to get back. Santa Ynez Inn looks fab. How's their restaurant, The Vineyard House? Besides Chef Rick's, do you like Brother's at Mattei's Tavern and how about the restaurant at Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn these days? We've enjoyed staying there in the past. Thanks!
Aug 8th, 2004, 03:32 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, I'm replying months later... haven't hadmuch time on Fodor's due to the birth of my third beautiful baby boy! Yes, Brother's is wonderful... haven't been to Fess Parker's for dinner. Come back soon!
