The Ballard Inn

Options were limited, but well prepared; simple presented on the long table. It was not clear where to leave used plates, bowls, mugs, utensil.

The lighting in the bedroom (Gaviota) was garish; the bare light bulbs are stylish, but hard on the eyes when they are the only lighting. We fashioned lampshades from the brown paper wrappers from the drinking glasses and cloth napkins from the dining room (white would have worked better). Dinner menu was interesting, though the appetizer options and main course options were grouped together. Love the fireplace and candles on tables; overhead lighting seem a bit harsh.

The inn is very nice and the gal working the front desk was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was a disappointment. We stayed two nights. The first breakfast was a chiorizo omelette which was dry and lacked any pizazz. Also, the server asked if we wanted any condiments or salt and pepper to which we said we did. None ever came. The second day breakfast was a breakfast sandwich. It was okay but not much different than getting a sandwich at Burger King. The service on the second day was much better though. Overall, this is a nice inn but it feels overpriced to me.

The location was perfect for our planned activities. The Inn was as advertised and very quaint. The on duty manager was very friendly and helpful.

I shared my concerns regarding the latent noise. Sounds transmitted to our room due hard surface flooring in the hallways and dining room below especially late at night or early in the morning when the staff where busy clearing or setting the dining room up. My recommendations would be to have staff where shoes that are comfortable and softer material (i.e. tennis shoes) as you can hear every footstep of someone with hard sole shoes walking in the dining room. Also consider a carpet runner in the upstairs hallway.

Quaint, comfortable, cozy place run by some of the friendliest staff we've encountered in a very long time. The moment we checked in we felt like family. The rooms don't have tv or phone but the free wifi makes up for any loss of connectivity/entertainment. The complementary wine and charcuterie platter were beautifully arranged and set the tone for our visit. The location was perfect to explore Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos for the perfect central coast wine/rustic experience. The charm of the main streets alone was reason enough to visit. We plan to visit the Ballard again and again!

There acoustics of the lobby shoots sound almost directly into the rooms. Although the kitchen was being renovated (ironically to soundproof) their next project should be to soundproof the room door in order to cut down on sound fron the reception waking guests up too early. The beds are so comfy, let them sleep in a bit, eh?

The accommodations were very nice. We enjoyed the happy hour and the breakfast. We were so fortunate because the did have a room available. Despite having a confirmation from Booking.com, The Ballard Inn did not show us as having a reservation. The quickly and cheerfully took our information and set us up with a room.

There was limited parking. When we returned from dinner Saturday night the parking lot was full.

Common areas were cozy and beautiful, met friends for breakfast. The scones were delicious. Felt so homey as if we were in someone’s living room enjoying our coffee & breakfast. Another nice touch was having filtered water in our room at all times and cookies appeared on our bed in the evening!

No complaints

The setting in the countryside of Santa Ynez/Los Olivos is ideal for a long weekend getaway. The rooms are very quiet and comfortable with a luxurious bed. Wi-GI is free. A full breakfast is provided as well as gourmet cookies on your pillow at night. Room service from the five star Gathering Table restaurant is available as well. Although bathrooms are small with a bath/shower combination (make sure the shower curtain is inside the tub), Ballard Inn is a lovely experience altogether.

No elevator, mini-frig, in-room coffee maker or in-room TV but turned out to be not a problem at all. In fact, made the stay more restful. And the staff will bring you coffee or anything whenever you want it.

the rooms need to be updated badly. Especially the bathrooms. There is considerable rust on the hardware, etc.The exterior is a work in progress and should really get done asap. Wish the restaurant was still open.

Rooms and location were great.

Bathrooms are outdated but shower still felt good. The pop up restuarant is a strange concept and the menu we had to choose from was not appealing after wine tasting.

This is our 3rd time staying at Ballard Inn and we always leave very much in love with the place. The setting, the neighborhood, the food (both in the restaurant and the amazing free breakfast!), and the staff are all top notch.

The only thing that lacked for me a little this time was our room. We stayed in the Windmill room. It was a little less nice than the other rooms we've stayed in. It was bigger, but it had one of those showers with no lip so the water goes everywhere (great if you need that, but not great if you don't), and it just felt a bit dingier than I'm used to when we stay there.