Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

The room was large, extremely comfortable and very clean. We enjoyed dinner that evening and breakfast the following morning at the hotel’s restaurant, The Bear and Star

Hotel was lovely, cozy in a great location. Everything was perfect and we would go back again or recommend it to others.

We were mostly pleased. We were not aware that the inn is housed in two facilities across the street from each other. This should be known when selecting rooms. We were “across the street” from the main building which felt disconnected.

Do you remember when good hotels regularly offered nightly turn-down service and left chocolates on the pillow? Many of the larger luxury chains have foregone these amenities. The Fess Parker Inn has maintained traditional standards. The room decor is also traditional, but almost plush in its furniture, linens, decoration. My evening here was one of the most relaxing I have spent in a hotel in many years.

Perfect location. Within walking distance to tasting rooms, shopping. Loved complimentary breakfast. The homemade granola was delicious. Very relaxing and fun environment.

The Fess Parker is a lovely hotel in a picturesque setting. Most things about it were wonderful, particularly the very friendly and helpful staff. It is, though, in my opinion, very over priced! I realize that I was there during a peak time period, grape harvest, but even with that taken into account, my suite was not worth the VERY steep rate. It was quite large but lacked the finishes you would expect at that price. The bed was uncomfortable; the mattress, however new, already had sunken spots and lacked support. The bedding also did not reflect the luxury price, with fairly rough sheets and a motley assortment of pillows, none of which lent itself to a good night's sleep. The bathroom shower doors had some rust on the bottom hinges and the baseboard moldings were fairly dinged up with paint missing and wood showing through. The ceiling fan was noisy, as were the vehicles that traveled down the main road in front of the hotel, even when the windows were closed. Also, if you have any mobility issues, the "spa section" of the property, which is across the street from the main hotel, has no elevator. The stairs to the second floor are fairly long and steep.

So I assumed that we'd be staying at an actual vineyard in Santa Barbara for this reservation,however, the Inn was located in the town of Los Olivos along with shops. Inn had 19 rooms, with some rooms in a separate bldg across the street from the Main Inn. We were assigned a room "across the street" and not offered any assistance. On opening the door, a malodorous, musty scent overpowered the room and we returned to Reception to report the unpleasant air. They were most helpful in reassigning another room, this time to the 2nd flr, Main Bldg. We again schlepped our things across the street and upstairs using an elevator. Decor and room finishings were lovely, bed was very comfortable and the bathroom luxurious. Keurig coffee maker and water were great in room. Music and noises from a Chef's Table dinner hosted that evening for their "Special Guests" carried into our room until late into the night...we were directly above the Dining Room. Fireplace in room did not work. Next morning, went down for Brkfst, included with reservation and found wait staff very disorganized and unprofessional. Our older waitress addressed us as "kiddies"! BTW, we are in our Senior years so found the attitude and tone disrespectful and unnecessary. It took an hour to get our meal and when we finished at 10:30, we were advised by Reception that check out was at 11:00 am. We left before 11:30 feeling less relaxed than expected. Overpriced for mediocre service and food. Lovely setting/decor.

Nice place however expected more of a pleasant welcoming. Wednesday Sept 13 at approx 4PM, young woman at Front Desk was borderline rude. Expected much more from a hotel of this caliber.

Rooms were great and located in a very quaint, quiet town! Close to so many wineries. Tasting rooms all within walking distance, but close st 5 or 6pm. Vineyards are all driving distance. Beautiful patio with fireplace and fountain and plenty of seating. Parking easily available. Restaurant has limited menu, food is delicious.

Two restful nights for recharging between busy touring days