The Inn at Zaca Creek

We stayed four nights, and the staff checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. The room was very comfortable and there was plenty of good coffee. The location worked perfectly as a home base for exploring Solvang, Los Olivos and the region. Having the Tavern right there was a big bonus. We had a wonderful dinner outside in the garden and were lucky to get one of the warming flame tables. The bar is well stocked, and they know how to make excellent cocktails if you like spirits. We also went back for happy hour on another night. The Tavern staff are so friendly. Really enjoyed our stay.

The room was enormous, with a huge bathroom, bathtub and large walk-in shower. Its cave-like feel was still elegant, and little touches made it cozy and homey. I only wish there’d been a rug, since the stone floor was pretty cold. There are fewer than 10 rooms at this unique Inn, which is off the beaten path but still close to the freeway. That meant a bit of noise late at night. We arrived late and didn’t know where to check in, since there’s no official office. You go into The Tavern and check in at a kiosk. The Tavern looked really nice inside, with an enclosed patio, tables and firetables. We didn’t eat there, and they don’t serve breakfast, so we checked out and ate in Solvang.

The bed was comfortable, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were cute, with thoughtful amenities like oral hygiene kits, shave kits, good coffee and tea. Still, the layout was odd. We had a large suite with no table, so we ate standing up, and later wondered if we’d been put in an ADA room without being told. We stopped around 8:00 PM on a road trip without a reservation, hoping for a comfortable night and a good meal. The tavern stops serving food at 7:30 PM, which was a major letdown and left us scrambling for somewhere else to eat late. The artificial fragrance in the room was so strong we could taste it. We opened the windows and asked staff to remove a fragrance oil wall plug hidden behind a dresser. Nothing else about the stay justified the cost. Knowing what we do now, we’d choose a less expensive, more convenient place.

The room was really beautiful and the service was great. Staff took excellent care of us. We had too many plans for our short stay to enjoy the Tavern, and wish we’d stayed Wednesday through Sunday so we could have had that chance.