HotelChatter

Why choose the Santa Ynez Valley’s version of a W Hotel? First of all, it’s not a B&B, which so many of the options up around Routes 246 and 154—the main arteries through wine country—are, though the Hadsten House is a former motel, so the rooms are all on exterior hallways.

Secondly, the chic black-and-white décor gives the feeling of staying in a sophisticated big city with touches like Dell flatscreen TV’s, spa tubs, free WiFi in all the rooms, a pool and outdoor spa area with fireplaces, free breakfast in the morning, and a great little restaurant with inventive cuisine. Only the Hadsten House is a fraction of the price you’d pay anywhere else, with room rates starting at $178, not including a 2-nights-for-the-price-of-one midweek special they are having from December-April this year. That means you can get a room for as little as $99.50 a night!

The town of Solvang itself looks a little like the Denmark portion of the “It’s A Small World After All” ride at Disneyland, but relax into the quirky Scandinavian charm and savor the vintages of the region at tasting rooms like Taste of the Valleys, and definitely try the humongous Danish crepe-like pancakes at Paula’s Pancake House a few blocks away.

And finally, like any high-class establishment, the friendly staff sends you a personalized thank-you note after your stay. Add in a few great bottles of wine, and you have the makings of a world-class experience.