ForFriends Inn

ForFriends Inn

Holiday spirit when entering the hotel. We come up every year after Christmas and we enjoy the relaxation and hospitality after the craziness of the holidays.
Traveler (197)
Consilience
Room & Suite (62)
Fresh Rosemary Popovers
Dining (28)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Avg. $348 /night, 2/18 - 2/19
$668
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$508
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$348
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About

#1 of 1 B&B in Santa Ynez
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.9
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Located in downtown Santa Ynez, CA, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country: Minutes from Solvang, Los Olivos and all the wonderful wineries. ForFriends Inn is a luxurious eight-room B&B where you arrive as guests and leave as friends. Your stay includes:• Daily three-course breakfast• Daily Happy Hour with wine, hors d'oeurves and socializing, and our Friendship Pass with over $300 in complementary wine tasting and local restaurant discounts.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Electric vehicle charging station
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Private check-in / check-out
Secured parking
Wifi
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Vending machine
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish

Location

1121 Edison St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460-9651
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles427 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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ForFriends Inn receives accolades for its enchanting atmosphere and cozy charm, complete with personal touches that delight many guests. The Inn's spotless cleanliness, with its pristine rooms and quality linens, earns high praise. Nestled in a prime location, the Inn is an ideal base for exploring surrounding attractions. Guests are consistently impressed with the spacious and comfortable rooms that offer a touch of luxury. Reviewers also highlight the excellent value, thanks to the complimentary perks and top-notch amenities. The service at ForFriends Inn is often described as attentive and personalized, contributing to an exceptional stay.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Excellent
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant

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Detailed Reviews
Liz R wrote a review Jan 2024
Villa Park, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The For Friends Inn always exceeds our expectations and we've been coming here for years. We like staying in the Brick Barn room because it has its own, separate entry. The room is spacious for 2 people and the bathroom is more than accommodating. You can't beat the location for being able to walk to great restaurants after enjoying a great happy hour with wine, charcuterie, and many times, entertainment. The breakfasts are great and plentiful, enough so that you may not need lunch. Can't recommend this place enough.
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Date of stay: January 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Look at all the rooms before selecting the right one for you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Jan 26, 2024
Hi Liz. Such a pleasure to have you and Doug back at ForFriends for your 5th stay. Thank you for the nice review and kind words. Looking forward to seeing you both again when next in wine country. Best, Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gardenmomof2 wrote a review Oct 2023
Mission Viejo, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We just returned from our second stay at the inn and it was just as wonderful as the first. The hospitality was wonderful! If you are looking for a place with charm, great service and hospitality, and wonderful breakfast this is the place to stay. They have a wonderful happy hour that has live music on the weekends. Dave the owner is often there greeting guests and he is also a talented musician. You don't want to miss afternoon happy hours or an amazing breakfast with a special red or white wine reduction served with fresh popovers. Yummy!! The location is within walking distance of all the wonderful restaurants in Santa Ynez and makes for an easy stroll to dinner and back.
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Date of stay: October 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Do not miss breakfast or happy hour. They have very detailed room descriptions so you know...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Jan 26, 2024
Christy, thank you for the kind review. We enjoy having you and Guy here at ForFriends and look forward to your next stay. Best, Dave
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A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
Niki wrote a review Jan 2025
Long Beach, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
And yet again another great stay at For Friends Inn. We have been guests (feels like great friends) of the inn for several years and we come back to visit Dave, Katie, Spencer, Carolyn, and Vanessa at least twice a year. There has not been a more welcoming and RELAXING experience that we have ever had in our various travels than For Friends Inn. You are welcomed when entering the warm reception area, you are greeted with kindness and hospitality when checking in. The rooms ( we’ve stayed in several of them) as well as the bungalow's each have their own nuances and we’ve enjoyed each one. From the very fun daily Happy Hour especially fun when Dave is there to sing, to the amazing breakfasts from Sandra and Vanessa ( who are so kind), and the enjoyment of wine country with excellent food choices within walking distance. The review is long but there is so much to say about enjoying a non-corporate hotel chain who appreciates their patrons. For Friends Inn creates such a special experience for each of their guests and is welcoming to all. I highly recommend you stay. Once you do you will be back.
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Date of stay: December 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Jan 12, 2025
Hi Niki, always a pleasure to have you, Steve, your friends and your family here at ForFriends. Thank for you being such good 'Friends of the Inn'. Peace and love to all of you in 2025. Dave
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Dcontino wrote a review Apr 2024
Ladera Ranch, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We love ForFriends Inn and have stayed here several times when visiting Santa Ynez. From the moment you arrive you are treated like a special friend. In the morning you will enjoy a lovely, homemade breakfast and at the end of the day return to wine and charcuterie on the beautiful relaxing porch on the Inn. Wonderful beds, robes and the softest towels make you feel pampered during your stay. Dave, the proprieter and his wonderful staff cater to your every need to make your stay comfortable and oh so memorable. ForFriends Inn is definitely one the friendliest places we have ever stayed and we hope you will consider them on your next trip to Santa Ynez wine country. Donna C.
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Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron M wrote a review Jan 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at this charming B&B last weekend with a big group of friends. The staff was excellent in assisting us in setting up our rooms, the evening reception with live music by the owners was great and the breakfast was delicious. We all had an amazing time and will stay here again on our next visit!
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Jan 26, 2024
Ron, thank you for bringing your group of friends to ForFriends. We enjoyed having everyone at the Inn. And your idea for private line dancing lessons at The Maverick was brilliant. Looked like everyone had a great time. Thank you also for the kind review. We look forward to your next visit. Best, Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia S wrote a review Jan 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our absolute favorite place to stay! The team at ForFriends Inn has thought of everything to make you feel special. From the live music, played by Dave, one of the property owners, to Sandra and her daughter, preparing delicious homemade breakfast options in the morning. Happy Hour is lovely, we always meet people and kick off the night with sipping local wines. Spencer will gladly share the town's hot places to shop and dine. He's cute too. And details, did I mention they are thoughtful??? :) Chocolates in the room, warm cookies in the evening...

Leslie, Debbie (the Sisters), and I, Patricia (the 3rd pea in the pod), wish you an amazing time at ForFriends Inn and Village
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Date of stay: January 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Cozy and lovely location to stay and close to Los Olivos, Solvang and Chumash, in case you enjoy...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Jan 26, 2024
Patricia, Leslie, and Debbie, you three are great to have around! Always look forward to your stays. Can't believe this is the first time you've been here for live music. Seems like we're always strumming a guitar here. And we all agree - Spencer is 'all-that'. Looking forward to seeing all of you again soon. Best, Dave
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MoorparkTravelor wrote a review Aug 2024
moorpark
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is not our first nor will it be our last stay at ForFriends. We have experienced most of the rooms at this establishment over the past few years. Each room in the main house has charming features and modern bathroom appointments. The bungalows are great if you’d like additional room to spread out in. They have a light charcuterie with expansive wine selections from the local vineyards in the afternoon and tasty breakfasts to start your day. And you will be greeted warmly by management upon check in and provided helpful information on places to go and things to do.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise B wrote a review Mar 2022
Palos Verdes Estates, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This little Inn is located in the heart of town, walking to great restaurants and shops.
From the minute you step through through the door you feel immediately welcomed.
It's like walking into a home. Our room was up the stairs and it was charming.
There is happy hour in the early evening and a wonderful breakfast is included.
Everyone is friendly and accommodating . It's a very special place.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer EE wrote a review Sep 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I visited ForFriends Inn for the second time with a dear friend; first time was pre-Covid last year.
This is my favorite place to go in Santa Ynez wine country and I am so glad I went! I wasn’t sure what to anticipate,
as I haven’t traveled anywhere aside from work since the pandemic struck and I was a teeny bit nervous.

I felt very secure while there and I appreciate all the precautions the innkeepers take to make their guests feel safe. It’s very easy to check in, everything is ready for you and no need to hang around waiting. We arrived in the late afternoon/early evening.
The place is immaculate (as it was on last trip). Aside from requiring masks (not in room or when dining), having hand sanitizer placed strategically all over, and no housekeeping service during stay (they leave plenty of towels and supplies so it’s no issue), they do the following to ensure guests have a wonderful time:

—The 3 course breakfast is served outside at socially distanced tables on the veranda and everything is set up for you right before seating, with a few seating time options. (Guests for breakfast used to sit at a communal table). The food is absolutely delicious with fresh fruit, yogurt and homemade granola, herb popovers just out of the oven with butter and jelly made from rosé wine, and an egg dish (quiche, egg casserole, or scrambled egg-you have your choice), along with a meat, like sausage with homemade rub, or bacon. And fresh juice and coffee. Heavenly! The breakfast is so satisfying and tasty, I skipped lunch everyday for 3 days!

—The wine and cheese hour nibbles are not buffet style as before but in a box packaged separately so you can share with your friends and family, without sharing with people you don’t know. You receive a wine of your choice delivered to you, so you know no one else has handled it, aside from your gloved server. And you enjoy the hour outside, also socially distanced.

—A sealed glass carafe of water offered in room, which is so thoughtful. And they have cookies individually wrapped each evening on the ground floor.

—Additionally Dave is so knowledgeable about all of the local restaurants and wineries, and helps one navigate through all of the Covid requirements (advance reservations always, etc).

I am so glad that I went to ForFriends Inn and look forward to my next visit. Dave and Katie are amazing hosts and not only is this such a friendly place, I can confidently say it’s a safe place too, with delicious food and friends!

Thank you!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dave Pollock, Owner at ForFriends Inn
Responded Sep 16, 2020
Elaine, We love your note. Thanks for covering so many of the topics that are near and dear to us as well. And thanks for all of your kind words. We are happy to host your getaways whenever you can swing them and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Best, Dave, Katie, Sandra, Alicia, and Angie
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nick wrote a review Apr 2024
Sicily, Italy
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our stay at ForFriends Inn was wonderful.
The Owner Dave is truly a Renaissance Man. His vision of the Inn, the accommodations, and his wonderful personality brings us back time and time again. The personal attention and the friendly accommodating staff are wonderful. There is a beautiful wine hour and if you are lucky live music by Dave himself who is an excellent guitarist.
The morning breakfast ( a beautiful picnic basket with Mimosas, coffee pastry’s and more ) can be taken in the Inn or in your room is a wonderful way to start your day.
The location is walking distance to several excellent restaurants. We have book another stay and look forward to returning.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Lorimelo2014 asked a question Jun 2017
Calabasas, California
Are there roll away beds available?
Answer from ForFriendsInn
Santa Ynez, California8 contributions
Good morning. Yes, we do have extra beds available. An extra bed can be placed only in certain rooms, however, due to size. Rooms that will accommodate a roll-away are Demetria and Artiste. On the other hand, guests that wish to place more than two people in a room often choose our Sunstone Tower which already has both a Cal King bed (downstairs) and a queen bed (upstairs). Finally, please note that the rates for all rooms, including the Sunstone Tower, are for double occupancy and that there is a $50/night charge for each additional guest. We look forward to seeing you soon in wine country. Dave, Owner, ForFriends Inn
mwygal asked a question May 2017
Oceanside, California
Does the Inn take service dogs?
Answer from ForFriendsInn
Santa Ynez, California8 contributions
Good morning. Yes, we do accept service dogs. Please know, however, that our inn can be quite crowded, especially on weekends. Our hope is that it would not make for an uncomfortable environment for the dog. We hope to see you soon. Dave, Owner, ForFriends Inn
R_Sterrett asked a question Jan 2017
Carlsbad, California12 contributions3 helpful votes
Is the In pet Friendly?
Answer from ForFriendsInn
Santa Ynez, California8 contributions
Hello. We love pets, but unfortunately, we do not allow them at the inn. Best, Dave, Owner, ForFriends Inn
Cynthia F wrote a tip Dec 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Just amazing"
Read full review
Terri S wrote a tip Aug 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Look for special rates! It's a bargain!"
Read full review
David A wrote a tip Aug 2024
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"walking distance to four great restaurants. "
Read full review
Ted M wrote a tip Apr 2024
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"1 night is never enough...try to stay for 2 nights if you can."
Read full review
Liz R wrote a tip Jan 2024
Villa Park, California40 contributions12 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Look at all the rooms before selecting the right one for you."
Read full review
…
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Santa Ynez area.
PRICE RANGE
$365 - $482 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Ynez
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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FORFRIENDS INN - Updated 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about ForFriends Inn
Which popular attractions are close to ForFriends Inn?
Nearby attractions include Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House (0.1 miles), Carr Winery Santa Ynez (0.2 miles), and CrossHatch Winery (0.08 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at ForFriends Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at ForFriends Inn?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at ForFriends Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at ForFriends Inn?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to ForFriends Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include S.Y. Kitchen, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn, and Trattoria Grappolo.
Is ForFriends Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Santa Ynez.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at ForFriends Inn?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Is ForFriends Inn accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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