The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern assessment

Having pushed three hours from Los Angeles, I half anticipated to see horses as we drove over crunchy gravel to a farmhouse with a rocking chair-studded entrance porch and noticed a person in a white cowboy hat, dungarees and a seersucker shirt. After we stepped contained in the constructing, nonetheless, we had been met with a classy, timber-floored foyer, front room and normal retailer that includes furry throws, burlap window therapies and a deerskin rug. It shortly grew to become very clear that any animals, horses or in any other case, could be saved elsewhere and that the aforementioned man’s function was dealing with suitcases, not stallions.

Although it solely opened as The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Assortment in 2023, this property is the alternative of recent. Its 6 1/2 acres proper within the charming city of Los Olivos have been a peaceable refuge for road-weary vacationers for the reason that Eighties, when it was a tavern and inn taking in of us arriving on the railroad terminal throughout the way in which who wanted to relaxation earlier than hopping on their stagecoach. The water tower is the place hard-working horses had been led to drink. This sense of historical past is palpable even because the remaining buildings have been totally elevated to the twenty first century, with all of the luxurious trappings one may want for.

This is what it is like to remain at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a Los Olivos oasis.

Associated: Footloose and fancy-free in Fort Price: Bowie Home, Auberge Resorts Assortment

What’s The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern?

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Assortment started its life as Central Lodge, a spot for stagecoach vacationers to eat and sleep. Together with the now-iconic white water tower, it was constructed by the Swiss American couple Lucie and Felix Mattei in 1886. Although the property hadn’t operated as a lodge for a while, the unique tavern has had varied lives over the many years (I bear in mind eating on the vintage watering gap greater than 10 years in the past) and stays the real coronary heart and soul of the property sitting quietly proper off the freeway, which was previously the railroad.

As we speak, the tony reimagined lodge contains newly constructed two-story white clapboard guesthouses that maintain rooms and suites in an array of layouts, plus a few new cottages and 4 unique bungalows. The latter date to 1886 and had been fastidiously restored all the way down to their wood flooring and clawfoot tubs. The identical painstaking consideration to element and authenticity appears to have been given to the general public constructions, which embrace the unique restaurant and bar, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a poolside bar, and an alfresco eatery. Surrounding all of it are old-growth palm timber and hearty drought-resistant native vegetation.

As with all of the Auberge Resorts Assortment properties I’ve skilled, this one is thoughtfully curated and feels splendidly boutique-y, even with 67 lodging. Your entire place is — delightfully — smoke-free, and pets are allowed in sure studio rooms. Children are welcomed with open arms, but not essentially catered to (e.g., no children membership), and there is a decidedly romantic vibe within the air that makes it really feel like an idyllic vacation spot good for honeymoons, anniversaries, engagements and babymoons. To me, a former Angeleno, it appeared lots of the visitors had been from main California cities in search of a calming and sunny escape.

The right way to guide The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

One of the best ways to guide any of the 67 lodging at this lodge is immediately on the property’s web site, the place you may preserve an eye fixed out for seasonal charges and specials (you too can verify Auberge Resorts Assortment’s web site for related kinds of provides). On the time of publishing this assessment, the nightly charge at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern begins at round $845.

Auberge Resorts Assortment doesn’t have its personal hotely loyalty program, however this property is a part of American Categorical’ Fantastic Inns + Resorts, so when you have The Platinum Card® from American Categorical or The Enterprise Platinum Card® from American Categorical, you may make a reserving via the FHR platform and obtain perks like potential upgrades, as much as a $100 credit score to make use of on the property throughout your keep, complimentary each day breakfast for 2 and assured late checkout.

The lodge is a block off the principle road of Los Olivos, making it very walkable

If wining, eating, procuring and savoring the quaintness of a small Western village courting again to 1861 is the mission, this lodge’s location cannot be beat. It is proper within the midst of the place 2004’s “Sideways” was filmed.

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is just some minutes on foot from unbelievable eating places, cafes, sweets retailers, boutiques and, most significantly, tasting rooms. The vast majority of visitors drive themselves — there are eight electrical automobile chargers plus complimentary valet parking and self-parking, too — and the lodge isn’t far by automobile to pick-your-own berry farms, farm stands, and olive and lavender farms, in addition to greater than 150 locations for wine, akin to Lincourt Vineyards, Beckmen Vineyards and Firestone Winery.

Santa Barbara is a scenic 40-minute drive southeast for much more issues to do, see and eat.

The rooms and cottages mix cowboy tradition with enduring magnificence

There are a lot of methods a lodge set in the course of cowboy nation and the land of countless vineyards may veer kitschy — quick. However with its structure and inside design, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern manages to not solely keep away from feeling like a cliche but additionally create an genuine atmosphere that’s as elegant as they arrive.

We had been led down a dust path lined by acceptable dry-climate shrubs and vegetation, plus white clapboard guesthouses, to our ground-floor room, full with a coated out of doors mudroom in entrance — good for parking our child’s stroller.

My first impression getting into the high-ceilinged room was that it felt crisp but additionally cozy, with woven textiles and four-poster beds, petite panorama work, wainscoting, uncovered beams and woolen rugs. All rooms have a spot to sit down out within the contemporary air — akin to a terrace, patio or porch swing — in addition to some hearth component, whether or not a fireplace pit or fire, the mantels of that are created from rustic railroad ties from the unique prepare tracks apart the lodge.

Our room, a Backyard Terrace Two Queen Studio, featured each, with the non-public out of doors area proving tremendous entertaining to our 3-year-old daughter, who cherished taking part in with the pebbles between pavers. For me the spotlight was slightly extra refined: the hearth pit, which was tremendous straightforward to activate with a timer knob — and the hands-down best s’extra I made there one night after texting Visitor Companies to request the fixings. Upon arrival I might realized the lodge provides s’mores kits free of charge, and belief me, you don’t want to overlook out on this perk. About 25 minutes later the setup — together with an extended wood stick, the basic Hershey’s milk chocolate rectangles, two marshmallows and crispy crunchy selfmade graham cookies — was hand-delivered by a younger man with a smile. My solely remorse was that I did not ask for extra. (For these with out a non-public hearth pit, there are communal ones dotted across the property.)

As I’ve come to anticipate at Auberge properties, there have been loads of considerate touches, akin to an Audio Professional speaker, wi-fi telephone charger, cool bathrobes, a cute tote bag and a Pendleton wool blanket with leather-based strap service to be used throughout our keep. The latter felt like an invite to cozy up outdoors on an Adirondack chair because the temperature dropped. The minibar cabinets featured not solely a tempting curation of savory and candy snacks and libations but additionally espresso desk books, fascinating glassware and, after all, a Nespresso machine and electrical kettle.

The beautiful tiled lavatory was distinctive with its lengthy farmhouse sink and fantastic-smelling customized toiletries.

Even higher than that had been the beds, the definition of dreamy. I do not assume I moved in any respect as soon as I laid down and sank into the layers of bedding concurrently so silky and comfortable. The turndown treats made it even sweeter. There have been melt-in-your-mouth bourbon caramels by Jessica Foster Confections the primary evening — a tackle the custom of bourbon after a day of journey — and the following, aromatic sachets of soothing lavender to tuck beneath our pillows.

Lovely because the room was, we skilled just some points with the espresso maker and in addition air con; nonetheless, once I referred to as in regards to the latter a technician got here inside 5 minutes and bought it working instantly. The little keycard scanner the place we swiped our leather-based fringed key fobs fell off (possibly even melted off as there was a little bit of a warmth wave). It wasn’t repaired throughout our keep, however the lock operated simply advantageous. And housekeeping oddly left our used, seemingly rinsed however not washed wine glasses and occasional cups the wrong way up on the lavatory self-importance and did not change them.

The Tavern is the star of the present

Throughout the board, all eating shops supply from the bountiful Central Coast’s farmers, fishers and ranchers, so I felt assured we might be consuming effectively. However even with “tavern” within the very title of the lodge, I did not anticipate to savor so many standout dishes in a single meal. My household — together with my husband, toddler and 6-month-old child — snagged an early-bird particular reservation (we had been in good firm with two different younger households) at The Tavern and sat apart the lengthy open kitchen for the reason that climate was too scorching to benefit from the massive out of doors patio with a vine-wrapped trellis.

From a go searching The Tavern’s bar and lounge filled with antiques and artifacts, plus a hallway of classic pictures, there is not any mistaking it is a restaurant with provenance and patina, plus a connection to horses. The nice and cozy environment was made much more so by the congenial employees and a pleasant fellow who introduced by a yummy welcome splash of Bordiga Vermouth di Torino Bianco over ice, describing it as being made with greater than 30 botanicals.

The wine listing naturally highlights California vintages and contains many wines by the glass, however we opted to attempt a few of the ultraoriginal cocktails on the listing, specifically the Greenshine with mezcal, inexperienced chartreuse, acidified celery and agave ($18) and Unusual Ol’ Gus, named for Felix Mattei’s former right-hand man, Gus Berg, and that includes Three Chord bourbon, pinot noir and home bitters ($22).

Dinner was a prettily plated procession of memorable flavors, together with scallops with roasted maitake, yuzu kosho and pickled mushrooms ($55) that my husband deemed the very best he’d ever had; fabulously hickory-smoked Okinawan candy potatoes with black garlic French dressing, yuzu aioli and crispy shallots ($14); and my juicy sweet-and-sour pork chop with garlic rice, pineapple and candy peppers ($54). The beneficiant parts by some means appeared true to the age and historical past of the place. This ranch fare with a shocking twist was courtesy of the opening Filipino chef, Rhoda Magbitang; nonetheless, a brand new chef, Auberge alum Joe Humphrey (most not too long ago at Lodge Jerome), had simply began however not but revealed his new menu.

Dessert was additionally a divine hit: a souffle with vanilla creme anglaise and selfmade butterscotch sauce dolloped liberally into the middle. It was merely to die for, so wealthy, candy and scrumptious. Our server had popped by throughout our meal to suggest we order it forward of time.

At breakfast on the patio we had a really personable server whom I correctly trusted to assist me determine between the epic-sounding sourdough French toast ($23) and blue corn hotcakes ($23).

The previous, she mentioned, makes use of Bob’s Properly bread — which persons are obsessive about — nonetheless, the latter reminds her of Jiffy, a staple again dwelling in Louisiana. As a Southerner myself, I opted for these and was handled to maybe the very best pancakes of my life, with unbelievable texture, particularly together with the toasted granola, blueberries and candy maple-tinged creme fraiche on high. My husband’s huevos rancheros ($24) had been completely composed, too.

The opposite eating shops

Felix Feed & Espresso provides a totally totally different vibe from any espresso store I have been in earlier than, with velvety partitions, vintage work, unique stained glass and that completely satisfied California mild beaming in via a sunroom eating space dubbed the Wicker Room. Subtle however not pretentious, it appeared a favourite of locals; I overheard an older couple with a canine calling the barista by title and reminding her that she makes their favourite espresso within the space. Scrumptious fresh-squeezed orange juice ($8) and from-scratch spinach feta croissants ($7) taken to the room had been my private favorites, although we may have sat down for a wide range of toasts — mushroom ($24), ricotta with strawberry jam ($19), house-smoked salmon ($19) — or a breakfast sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit ($18).

Gin’s Faucet Bar, with fully out of doors seating, is an ode to the inn’s longtime head chef (starting in 1910), Gin Lung Gin, and pays homage to his Chinese language heritage with informal Asian-influenced small plates akin to pork stomach bao buns ($21), soy braised eggplant ($14) and Sake Bloom cocktails with elderflower and absinthe ($18).

On one finish of the aquamarine pool sits The Shed, serving frozen La Paloma cocktails ($18) and aloe margaritas ($18) plus zero-proof slushy Coco Coladas ($14) to sunbathers alongside Mediterranean mezze, mild nibbles like fattoush ($19) and extra important fare akin to a lamb burger with tzatziki and roasted onion jam ($28).

The pool is the middle of exercise

Considered one of my largest gripes with lodge swimming pools is that there are sometimes so few lounge chairs that the thought of discovering a spot to sit down causes nervousness. That was removed from the case at this massive, shiny azure pool, which had two rows of sunbeds on all sides and in addition comfortable cabanas with curtains to attract for privateness. I additionally love when SPF is offered, and there have been two strengths of Venture Reef sunscreen on the towel cart.

The pool is open from sunup to sunset, although I used to be informed that technically visitors can linger effectively into the evening as there may be additionally a scorching tub with an extended hearth pit (for extra s’mores making) that makes a starlit dip fairly interesting. I seen a number of {couples} who appeared to be on their babymoon, and whereas there have been fairly just a few children and infants on the pool, by some means it nonetheless felt mellow and quiet, by no means loud or obnoxious.

The health middle is so fairly it’d make you wish to work out

In case you have time between feasting and wine tasting, the well-equipped health club with a pool view from the treadmills is a superb place to spend a while working off the guilt. There are complimentary motion lessons provided each day, which embrace totally different types of yoga flows and power coaching lessons. For an out of doors choice there are e-bikes to borrow, path rides on horseback and the multiday Cowboy Camp.

The Lavender Barn spa

Although it was not but open throughout my late summer time 2024 keep, the Lavender Barn spa has six remedy rooms plus a chilly plunge pool; it provides a full menu of physique and facial treatments starting from an 80-minute Los Olivos Scrub ($390.40, together with a 22% gratuity) to Reiki ($274.50) and an Oak Necessities Signature Soothing Facial ($244 for 50 minutes) utilizing designer Jenni Kayne’s botanical merchandise grown within the Santa Ynez Valley.

Causes The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern won’t be for you

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has an costly nightly charge, which makes it a steeply priced trip. This won’t be acceptable or doable for these with modest budgets out there for a wine nation escape. For individuals who are taking a look at it as a particular romantic vacation spot, there may very well be just a few too many younger youngsters and infants (mine had been two of them) for his or her liking. In that case, I might advise avoiding The Tavern earlier than 6:30 p.m. as a whole part was taken up by households like my very own attempting to dine earlier than their children melted down.

A lot of the employees, nonetheless genial, was pretty younger, and it did not at all times appear fairly as buttoned up as at different Auberge properties. For example, there by no means appeared to be a number manning the entrance of The Tavern, and the entrance desk staffer who walked us to our room did not know some fundamental historical past of the property, such because the 12 months it was constructed.

Accessibility

Whereas pushing a stroller round I seen the crushed-stone paths and ramps had been large sufficient for a wheelchair (however possibly not the entrance porch of the foyer farmhouse, because of the massive rocking chairs).

Solely ground-floor rooms are accessible for the reason that small two-story visitor buildings do not have elevators, and there are a number of Individuals with Disabilities Act-compliant rooms.

The pool and scorching tub each have lifts, and there may be an accessible rest room stall in every of the ladies’s and males’s locker rooms for the pool and health club. The bar and Tavern have an accessible entrance and there may be Braille signage all through.

Options to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

This area would not have a lot in the way in which of factors motels; it is extra recognized for boutique boltholes such because the 20-room Genevieve in Santa Ynez and the Fess Parker Wine Nation Inn, with 19 visitor rooms and suites additionally proper in Los Olivos. Skyview Los Alamos is an intimate reimagined motel roughly 11 miles away with a hip vibe, whereas Alisal Ranch is a storied all-inclusive 10,000-plus-acre dude ranch outdoors Solvang that is been round since 1946 and is a superb choice for equestrian fans.

Testing

Between my completely satisfied slumbers and a contented abdomen, I would not hesitate to verify in to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern once more — and once more. The lodge offered a really 360-degree expertise, with all of the little touches I might anticipate to find for the worth level however that oftentimes aren’t delivered. Having moved away from Los Angeles a few years in the past, I discovered myself taking a look at different visitors and slightly involved I wasn’t cool sufficient to be there, but everybody was pleasant and sociable — particularly the employees members who donned the sort of Cali-cool uniforms I would not thoughts sporting as my precise garments.

From the unique home windows in The Tavern to the yarn-wrapped “Do Not Disturb” horseshoes, the property felt splendidly genuine with out attempting too laborious. Nothing was contrived and it was not too fashionable, simply up to date sufficient. I really savored the clear azure sky that darkened right into a backdrop for twinkling stars, and I’m nonetheless drooling on the reminiscence of my s’extra paired with a big glass of native pinot noir.

As somebody who now travels with babies, I appreciated that they felt very welcomed, too. Except for the candy Mattei’s Tavern coloring guide and pencils within the room once we arrived, employees members routinely requested our children’ names and used them in dialog, which lent a familial and inclusive feeling to our keep. The atmosphere by some means toes the road between elevated and all the way down to earth, making it an ideal getaway for {couples}, particularly these in search of a completely singular outing in a really one-of-a-kind lodge.