A thoughtfully restored 1950s motor lodge in Solvang, featuring private hammock patios, an adult-only pool, and a sprawling oak-shaded garden.
Hotel Ynez reimagines a classic 1952 roadside motor lodge, transforming the former Meadowlark Inn into a sophisticated, bohemian-chic retreat. Located on a two-acre parcel between the towns of Solvang and Santa Ynez, the property was purchased in 2019 by the Nomada Hotel Group and completely redesigned under the creative direction of co-founder Kimberly Walker. Rather than preserving the car-centric layout of the mid-century era, Walker executed a structural shift by replacing the asphalt parking spaces directly in front of the guest rooms with private, landscaped stone patios. The original wrap-around driveway loop was converted into a winding walking path, turning the focus inward toward a quiet, pedestrian-friendly garden sanctuary. The lobby and guest lounge occupy the property's original 1952 ranch house, which was opened up with whitewashed wood-paneled ceilings, skylights, and arches adorned with reclaimed corbels to cultivate a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired sense of hygge.
The 22 guest rooms offer a refined take on vintage California style, balancing rustic elements with modern comforts. Inside, guests find whitewashed wooden ceilings, vintage vanities, bespoke club chairs, and plush beds made up with Italian Mascioni linens. Bathrooms are stocked with waffle-weave robes and custom FableRune bath products, while the in-room wet bars feature curated selections and Keurig machines stocked with Nomada House Blend coffee. Each room opens directly onto a private patio lined with dry-stacked limestone, complete with a hand-woven Bolivian hammock for outdoor relaxation. For more spacious accommodations, the Garden Suite provides 450 square feet of indoor space with skylights and an indoor wood-stove fireplace, opening onto a private, 1,000-square-foot backyard equipped with an outdoor soaking tub, lounge seating, and a personal fire pit. The Kitchen Deluxe rooms cater to longer stays, offering full kitchens with stoves, ovens, and refrigerators alongside in-room fireplaces.
The outdoor communal spaces serve as the social anchor of the property, centered around a massive, old-growth White Oak tree that shades the central lawn. At night, lanterns illuminate this garden area, which is outfitted with daybeds, picnic tables, a bocce ball court, and stone fire pits. Nearby, a heated, adult-only swimming pool, restored from the property's original 1950s footprint, is framed by terracotta pavers and lounge chairs. While the hotel does not operate a full-service restaurant, it serves complimentary morning coffee and tea, and features a small lobby market stocked with local wines, craft beers, and light bites. Guests can also order specialized Santa Maria-style BBQ kits, which include seasoned meats and seasonal vegetables delivered directly to their patios along with a portable propane grill. For exploring the quiet roads and vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, the property provides complimentary Linus bicycles, while on-site conveniences include electric vehicle charging stations and a dog-friendly policy.
Order one of the Santa Maria-style BBQ kits to your patio; the staff provides a portable propane grill and all the seasoned ingredients for an effortless outdoor dinner under the oak trees.
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