Santa Ynez Valley, CaliforniaSolvang
Hotel Ynez
Bohemian roadside motor lodge
Solvang Santa Ynez Valley, California
Renovated
2021
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
NomadaBohemian roadside motor lodge
This mid-century roadside motel runs at an easy California rhythm, built around communal firepits, bocce games, and evening cookouts.
“The grounds of former motel Hotel Ynez have firepits, hammocks, and a heated pool.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Limestone patios with hand-crocheted Amazonian hammocks replace the original motorcourt parking stalls.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
hotelier Kimberly Walker has transformed a disused 22-room motor lodge into the Hotel Ynez, returning a mid-century gem to something that matches — or even surpasses — its former sheen.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Solvang's Danish windmills sit just down Mission Drive, and Santa Ynez tasting rooms spread across the surrounding hills.
The rooms
Whitewashed timber ceilings rise over rattan headboards and Italian linens, and select patio suites add private outdoor soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated 1950s pool is lined with wooden loungers beneath fringed blue umbrellas and a wall of terracotta planters.
At the table
The lobby lounge sets out house-blend coffee each morning, with breakfast boxes of pastries and fruit to take outside.
Santa Ynez Valley
More like this
Skyview Los Alamos
“Mid-century hilltop outpost”
The Landsby
“Scandinavian wine-country lodgings”
Wine Valley Inn & Cottages
“Danish-style village lodge”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.