The Inn at Mattei's Tavern
Santa Ynez Valley, California
Los Olivos
Vibe
Adirondack chairs encircle Great Lawn firepits beneath the landmark wooden water tower, where evenings bring starlight, local wine, and fireside s'mores.
“Restored stagecoach outpost”
Modern farmhouse interiors blending whitewashed clapboard, exposed timber beams, zellige tiles, open fire hearths, and wide front porches.
Restored 1886 stagecoach stop featuring four original cottages, a landmark wooden water tower, and the 1886 guest ledger.
Attentive wine-country hospitality with welcome cocktails from a vintage bar cart, tailored local itineraries, and bespoke bath amenities.
In the wine town of Los Olivos, steps from tasting rooms along Grand Avenue.
“Its accommodations range from beautifully restored 19th-century cottages to rooms and suites in a handful of new buildings, designed to complement the original style.”
Rooms
Accommodations feature zellige-tiled bathrooms and private patios, while restored historic cottages add original wainscoting, timber beams, and rocking-chair front porches.
“Now, it's been given a five-star makeover with indoor-outdoor rooms and cottages with private terraces; a sun-drenched spa; ...”
Wellness
The Lavender Barn Spa delivers herbal tinctures and botanical therapies, set beside an olive-shaded heated pool, hot tub, and private cabanas.
“This is a place where everything has been thought through with meticulous attention to detail, from the poolside crudité platter…”
Backstory
Founded in 1886 by Felix Mattei as a stagecoach relay station, the property still displays its original 19th-century guest ledger.
Eat & drink
The Tavern serves wood-fired Central Coast ranch fare from an open kitchen, alongside craft cocktails in the firelit historic bar.
The neighborhood
Set in quiet Los Olivos, the grounds sit steps from Grand Avenue tasting rooms and rolling Santa Ynez Valley vineyards.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.