The Genevieve (Formerly Santa Ynez Inn)

Right in town, beautiful hotel, lovely people. Wine hour, whiskey library, breakfast. Yum!
Apr 1st, 2024

Mar 5th, 2024

Mar 3rd, 2024

My best friend from childhood (1969) was visiting from Texas and had never been to a vineyard so I planned a (very) impromptu trip to the Santa Ynez wine country. I checked every property near Santa Ynez and nothing had a room with two beds - only one queen or one king - I suppose friends never visit together? Well, we started sharing beds when we were children so it wasn't too weird for us to share a king bed. I chose the Genevieve for the location as I remembered having stayed there way before Covid. I liked it then but, according to the story, the same family still owns it but The Genevieve is managed by the wife and the excellent restaurant next door (Victors) is managed by the husband, Victor. It is now 1,000 times better! On to the important stuff. This is one of my favorite hotels of any place I've stayed in the world. The staff is awesome, the rooms are so comfortable and wonderfully appointed, and the guest is made to feel welcomed and cherished. There is a lovely breakfast included in the (very reasonable) room price as well as a happy hour (5:30 - 6:30) and a dessert table from 8 PM - 9 PM (I think). My friend and I would return from our night out, grab a dessert, ask the person at the desk if there was wine available (which he always found), and go out to the garden and enjoy the lovely grounds with twinkling lights, fire pits, and fire places. It was magical even with my best friend. I can't wait to revisit with my husband for the full romantic experience. :) Right down the street is The Tavern which offers wonderful musicians at the (weekly/monthly?) Tales From The Tavern events. They've had impressive acts such as Donovan, Joan Baez, David Crosby, Rodney Crowell, and so any more performing. Around the corner is the lovely restaurant SY Kitchen, a delicious Italian owned by the Rosti-LA group. And I could go on and on about this hotel and the offerings nearby but I'll close with: I cannot imagine anyone, anywhere, could find a more perfect place to stay in the Santa Ynez wine country. Go and enjoy!
Jan 7th, 2024

Beautiful Bed and Breakfast! Was wowed by the photos on line and the actual place did not disappoint in terms of the property and room. Room is one of the most spacious rooms in this neighborhood. They offer social hour with wine and chutercurie board, dessert hours, breakfast, library, spa and wine passport with complementary drinks. What was disappointing was the service. Coming from another bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, we were able to notice how the service was lacking. No heartfelt welcomes, tour of the place or little touches like the turn down service. Social hour drinks and chutecurie board was lacking. Cookies werent very tasty. Breakfast wasnt memorable eaither. I would rather go dine at breakfast restaurants in Solvang. If you spend a lot of time in your rooms, this may be a great option. Lux room was beautiful and spacious! However without personal touch and quality food, I dont think Ill return. Also food delivery (door dash, Uber eats etc) doesnt work well here. There arent a lot of options available. Neighborhood around the inn wasnt nice either.
Jan 3rd, 2024