All too often expensive inns and hotels offer attractive common areas with mediocre rooms and furnishings. This inn has the attractive common areas but also offers rooms and suites with high quality furnishings, including the first gas fireplaces that you turn on and off with a light switch (yes, they are real burning gas fireplaces, not the schlocky ones with rotaing light bulbs. Although the original building was old, it has been upgraded so well that you would never know it; the rooms are quiet, the furnishings tasteful and comfortable. The bathrooms are exceptionally well designed, with the first showers we have seen with multiple showerheads mounted vertically that was your entire body.

Breakfast at the inn's Greek restaurant is included in the price. Don't let the "Greek" part put you off, this is an excellent restaurant, with warm, friendly service.

It really seems that everything Fess Parker touched was first-rate. We have stayed at his hotel in Santa Barbara, which we liked, although we like this one better, perhaps because (it is said) his wife designed this one. He also ownd a vineyard near Los Olivos (fre passes for wine tasting are provided for inn guests) that is known for producing excellent wines.

Across Grand Street from the inn is a small handicapped access facility offering equally nice rooms. To the right of it, behind a gate that your inn room key will open, is zero edge swimming pool. A great place on a warm day.

SUGGESTION #1: Take a left on Grand Street that fronts the inn, and go about a mile out of town until you come to a wonderful lavender farm. Smells to die for.

SUGGESTION #2: If you're driving north on U.S. Route 101, stop off at the Laetitian Winery tasting room just before you get to Santa Maria. We really liked every wine we sampled, and ended up buying six different ones.

We typically don't like to spend more than $200 a night on a hotel because either we are out most of the time, or find it just isn't worth it. Fess Parker's is certainly an exception. The pace in Los Olivos is pleasantly slow and relaxing and one can spend only so much of the day out wine tasting. There is time to just hang out, and the Inn is the perfect place to do it. The entire place (except the lobby restrooms) has been recently renovated and they really did it right. The rooms are beautifully decorated with all the amenities you could want and lots of attention to detail. All the modern conveniences, yet still very warm and inviting. The cost of the room includes tastings at the Fess Parker Winery just north of town, two wineries in town owned by the Parker Family (Epiphany and E&T) and the shop located in the hotel. It also includes breakfast at their Petros Restaurant, one of the best breakfasts we've had. When one considers that the tastings and the breakfast for two are at least a $100 value, the cost of the room isn't as much as it seems.

Here's a good itinerary for an overnight stay. Arrive early, and even if your room isn't ready, get your voucher for the complimentary tastings. Go a block up to the Los Olivos General Store and get a picnic lunch to go at Panino (great sandwiches). Drive out to the Fess Parker Winery and have your lunch on the grounds while doing your tasting. Head back into town and do more tasting at Epiphany or E&T. Then, enjoy the late afternoon at the Inn's new pool area before dinner at Petros (or one of the very good restaurants in town like the Los Olivos Cafe or Brothers). Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast (served til 11:00 am) and do some more tasting before heading out.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay and the staff were all terrific. The quality is high-end, but the atmosphere is very comfortable....will definitely be back.

This is the second time I have stayed here and can't wait to come back. Rooms are fabulous, stayed in #17, breakfast is deeeeelicious, love the pool, spa and staff. I cannot say enough good things about this place, it is spot on!!! Great value for the money!

Last time we visited Santa Ynez we stayed in Santa Barbara at the Biltmore and drove up for the day. It was just too far and we spent too much time in the car. After doing some searches, it became clear that Fess Parker was probably the only option other than motels in Solvang/Buellton, so we made a reservation.

Initial impressions were very favorable. The reception area is quite charming with staves from wine barrels used as flooring. The decoration was charming and the employee at reception was helpful and friendly.

We stayed in the addition across the street from the main lodge (we were next to the pool area). Our "spa" room was quite spacious and the space was almost oversized (e.g., in the bathroom). I did notice that the room was designed to be accessible for a disabled-person, however, and didn't see any other rooms. In other words, I don't know whether all the "spa" rooms were similarly designed or whether ours was unique for that purpose.

The room had a fireplace, a nice-sized desk, a sitting area, and a very nice king-sized bed. Linens were quite nice and the bed was very comfortable. The room was well-decorated and had attractive shutters that framed windows which looked onto a side street, presenting a peaceful and relaxing setting.

After getting settled, we did some wine tasting, and then walked to dinner at Sides. The next morning we had a good breakfast (included) at the restaurant.

My general impression of the property was very good. While I only saw our room in the addition, things were very well-maintained and clean. This is not an ultra-luxe property, but it is definitely in the tier just below (and the prices are appropriate); it is also a good fit for Los Olivos.

My only negative impression came from using the lobby bathroom. It was a bit shabby and dated. I'm surprised since its appearance was inconsistent with the rest of the property (but that is easily fixed).

We travel a lot and stay in some very nice properties. While Fess Parker is not a "five star" hotel, it is definitely a five star Tripadvisor experience. Will definitely visit again when we are back in Santa Ynez.