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Hidden in the golden hills of California’s Santa Ynez Valley—just 36 miles northeast of Santa Barbara sits the legendary Alisal Ranch. Surrounded by mountains, meandering across 10,500 sweeping acres, this family-owned property has embraced the spirit and nature of the American West for nearly a century. As stewards of the land, the ranch honors its rich heritage by providing authentic western hospitality and luxury ranch living in an experience suited for today’s most savvy travelers. This is a rare opportunity to immerse in California’s abundant, wild nature; to stargaze free of light pollution; to learn the secrets of barbecue from the country’s top chefs; to fly fish, canoe, or kayak on a 100-acre, spring-fed lake; to share stories with family around a crackling fire pit; or enjoy a massage after a long day on horseback.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We absolutely love going to Alisal Ranch, and we've been doing it for 24 years now. Our children back then are now adults with children of their own, and it's a wonderful spot for couples, or a family gathering. The beauty of having our own table ready for us at breakfast and dinner without having to make reservations is one of the many highlights of this location. They also have wonderful golf, a large pool, tennis, hiking, horseback riding at all levels on beautiful scenic trails, a sand volleyball court, an activity room for kids, a petting farm, and wood-burning fireplaces in every room. The rate is steep, but well worth the cost for what you get. Breakfast, dinner and complimentary beverages, wines, beer and well drinks are included. It's a tradition my sister's family and my own hope to continue for many years.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Jan 26, 2024
Thank you so much for your review. And for your amazing loyalty. We look forward to your next visit.
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My husband and I had our wedding at Alisal and I can't express enough how amazing the experience was! And that was after having to change the ceremony and reception location days prior to the wedding, from all outdoors to indoors due to rain. Initially I was so disappointed to have to move the location my heart was originally set on, however it ended up being even better than I could have imagined, and is by far the most amazing and memorable experience for me, and for my guests. All my guests the whole night kept saying how beautiful everything was, how delicious and food and desserts were (OMG the bread pudding!), how organized and attentive all of the staff were. I worked with Rebecca Cianciulli throughout the process and my husband and I fell in love with her - talk about someone who shows so much thought and care, detail oriented, PATIENT : ) , understanding and all around a dream to work with! A lot of my guests stayed at the rooms there, and everyone really liked their space, restaurant, and the location overall in general. The grounds were extremely well manicured and clean, and the rooms were spotless. I am a complete germophobe and always take my own sheets and towels when I travel (I know, super weird) and the rooms and bathrooms were SO clean, it was so nice not to have to use them, and I felt so safe and comfortable there.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Aug 19, 2020
I remember your wedding here in January. It was truly beautiful and we appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience and our fantastic staff. We hope you will come back each year to celebrate! Kathleen Cochran
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Alisal is wonderful place to spend with family and friends. It's a guest ranch where you can ride horses, eat wonderful meals, and catch up. We went with another family, family friends for thirty years, and our families had a terrific time.
The Room:
We opted for a townhouse type room with a living room a loft master bedroom on the second floor. Room was immaculate. Carpeting looked brand new. Tasteful, Pendleton blanket as wall hanging.
Horseback Riding:
We opted for the breakfast ride. You ride for about 30 minutes through rolling hills to a location where they serve you breakfast outdoors, buffet style, and then you ride back. Horses are well-cared for, which is important to us. Jen was our guide, and she was terrific!
Meals:
We did our dinners at the main restaurant. Everyone dresses up as their is a dress code where men are required to wear jackets. Food is wonderful. There were eight of us, and some of us had steak, others fish, another chicken, and another the pork. Everyone was very happy with their dishes.
Tennis:
Tennis courts are terrific, surfaced well. Beautiful Tropitone chairs to sit in between games.
Overall, we highly recommend Alisal for a family and friends gathering.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Jan 8, 2022
Thank you for your amazing feedback and review! We are thrilled you were able to enjoy all that Alisal has to offer. We hope to see you back at the ranch again soon.
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I had really high hopes for this place so we decided to spend our Christmas holiday there. The area is beautiful and the people who work there wonderful, but I wish I knew the below:
1. The rooms are dated. Old carpet, dusty drapes, dated bathrooms like a 3 star room at best with a 5 star price. My kids have terrible allergies to dust and the the rooms were super dusty (older carpet and drapes are dust magnets) and they had a rough stay as a result (even with claritin). House keeping was just ok. They did not replen our drinks and we had dirty cups around for days. I do like things clean, so that was hard for me.
2. Our kiddos are teens, so all the activities for their age group cost extra. It was our choice to do them, but I didn't realize how expensive they would be. For example, we did an ebike mountain tour and it was $195 per person and didn't even last 2 hours. The free things are perfect for smaller children (petting farm, crafts, kids club). We loved the rifles, but again that is $100 per person. Ouch.
3. Dinners were great. Wonderful service and great food. This part was worth it for sure.
I am all about "was this trip worth the money paid?" and the answer is definitely not.
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Date of stay: December 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with family
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Jan 27, 2025
Thank you for your detailed response. I will be certain to share this with our team. All of our rooms were recently upgraded- so your room comments do not make a lot of sense to me. However, replacement of in room amenities and dirty dishes is totally unacceptable.
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We just had an incredible first family visit to Alisal Ranch. The weather in February was spectacular, clear, sunny, not too hot, a light breeze. Perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like a family hike up the canyon, beginner horseback trail ride, and archery. We loved our spacious and well appointed cabin and building cozy fires in the fireplace was an extra bonus. The food and service was wonderful, so many of the staff members have been working here for a long time and the service charge applied to the bill helps make them feel cared for. Many of the staff we spoke with expressed strong loyalty and even a sense of history with many family members who have worked for Alisal Ranch over the years. As soon as we returned home, we rebooked for the same weekend next year!
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Date of stay: February 2022
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Room Tip:Â I think all cabins are well located, convenient to dining hall, pool, gym/spa and activities.
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Jul 2, 2022
Thank you so much for your amazing review and kind comments. We are so glad you will be returning to make Alisal part of your family tradition!
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The Alisal is such an amazing getaway. The rooms are cozy with wood burning fireplaces, the food is to die for, and both the golf and horseback riding, among others, are unforgettable experiences. The staff was incredibly kind, humorous, and concierge worked overtime with me to make our engagement unforgettable (she said yes). Already planning our next visit!
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The Golf View Cottages are peaceful and plenty of room for 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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words! It sounds like you were able to enjoy all we have to offer. We hope to see you back at the ranch again soon.
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I have never visited a property where I felt more cared for, where more of a completely genuine effort was made by all staff in a warm and welcoming way to make sure all my family's needs were met, where the accomodations were cleaner and more comfortable, and where the activities available more fully satisfied 3 generations of my family with diverse interests -- from golf to rodeo and everything in between. Oh, and the food! Abundant and delicious. Alisal will not disappoint, guaranteed! It is an historic, iconic ranch property that will provide you wonderful memories.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded May 14, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind comments about your stay and our staff. It sounds like you were all able to experience all we have to offer. We have many multi-generational families that visit, and we hope you, like them, will make this part of your annual vacation plans.
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This place ought to be ashamed of itself. This has got to be the most irresponsible place I have ever stayed. I am currently staying here and the hotel had a planned power outage without telling any of its' guests. The entire hotel is pitch black, no light up exits paths etc. When you call the hotel's after hours emergency line, the mechanical operator says there is no one this line and hangs up. Not only did they not give us notice, they did not have the wherewithal to realize that some people need CPAPs to sleep. To add even more insult to unjury when I finally got a hold of the person at the front desk, he informed me that the manager on duty is unreachable due to the outage and the director is unreachable. This poor guy at the front desk wasn't told, now he's stuck apologizing to everyone calling, management is throwing him to the wolves. I'm very tempted to call the fire department because this is a fire hazard. You cannot reasonably have a gathering of people of this size without giving them any instruction in case of emergency. This is just beyond irresponsible. I have stayed at a hotel once before where they had a planned power outage. Everyone was given advance notice of when it would occur and flashlights. For those who needed to use a CPAP etc, a mini generator connected. Planned outages are not unprecedented, this place just didn't have a plan. Not nearly as infuriating is that the hotel is not full yet they place our room right next to the construction. It past midnight and I can hear drills and jackhammering. Throughout our stay there have been laughable hiccups that we just laughed off, but enough is enough.
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip 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.
This was my third time visiting the ranch and the second time visiting with my family. For starters, the grounds are spectacular. The ranch is really the main attraction. Right away, our family was able to actually relax from our hectic schedules. My teens utilized the pool, the hot tub, the basketball court, the air rifles, archery, the game room, and the petting zoo. It was nice to turn them loose and have them enjoy themselves without screens. Dinner and breakfast are included. The breakfast was so large, we didn’t need lunch. Horse rides are extra but well worth the cost. All the staff from the barn to housekeeping are extremely accommodating and welcoming. The property is five mins from the cute shops in Solvang. Our family of five enjoyed our time here and will return.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â The best time for adults to use the hot tub is during dinner service and after. Kids clear out of...
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.
I stayed at this resort for a couple nights as part of a business convention in January. Our group had effectively rented out the whole place during this time and it made for a perfect venue. So this review pertains specifically to large groups that rent the place out, and bear in mind this was pre-Covid.
There are multiple buildings on site that they can use for various events (group meetings, guest speakers, meals, cocktail hour, small trade shows, etc.) The main dinning room in particular was set up really well. You have one large dinning room on one end for the meal, one large dinning room on the other end for your event, and then the Oak Room bar/lounge in between. This created a very cozy yet convenient flow for the entire day and evening. As with most conventions, a steady stream of available coffee during the day and cocktails in the evening is imperative, and they succeeded on both. But this is just one of many buildings. And beyond just the good layout for large groups, the staff worked tirelessly to set up each room and event for us, sometimes multiple times a day! And on top of that they were always friendly and attentive. That was truly remarkable as they made our stay comfortable and luxurious in spite of the fact that we were there on business. They have a pool and hot tub, tennis courts, golf courses, hiking trails, petting zoo, and horseback riding among other activities to do when you're not in meetings. The horse ride is definitely worth a try even if you do not ride because it allows you to get out and really see the expanse of the property. This ranch is truly huge and while staying on the immediate property is fine, it's nice to get out and see all the rest of their rolling hills, creeks, cattle, and mountains. They also catered a luncheon at their lake for us the last day, and while a number of people in a group unfortunately did not attend, this was the highlight of the trip because the drive there is stunning. The food was fantastic and the scenery around the lake is quite impressive. For accommodations we stayed in one of their houses along the beginning of the driveway lined with sycamore trees. The view overlooks the horse pasture and sunlight in the morning and evening is stunning as it lights up the grass as you sit there with a coffee and beer respectively. The property is all very easy to traverse and nothing is too far away to walk to.
All in all this was a really convenient and comfortable place to hold a multi night business event. It is not too far out of the way as you're just down the road from Solvang. And in your free time I would encourage going to check out the cute town as well. Corporate retreats, conventions, and even just private functions would find this place to be top notch and a much more unique location than a Marriott or convention center. Would definitely recommend!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:Â The houses that overlook the horse pasture make for a beautiful view of the grass, fences,...
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 Kathleen Cochran, General Manager at Alisal Ranch
Responded Aug 13, 2020
Thank you SO much for your amazing review. Alisal is really a perfect place to gather! We hope to see you back at the ranch again soon! Kathleen Cochran, General Manager
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There are more places to choose from in the Solvang area.
PRICE RANGE
$1,015 - $1,621 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
alisal guest ranch hotel solvang, alisal guest ranch and resort, alisal hotel solvang, alisal resort solvang, alisal ranch solvang, the alisal guest ranch
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSolvang
NUMBER OF ROOMS
73
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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