Famous as the Danish Capital of America, Solvang is a picture-perfect town to revel in European nostalgia while exploring the splendors of the California wine country.
Nestled in the heart of the spellbinding Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a charming town steeped in Danish culture, traditions and heritage.
The atmosphere is always thick with the scintillating aroma of freshly baked goods as the town is a treasure trove of Danish patisseries and bakeries. Travelers can explore an abundance of quaint stores and hip boutiques while taking a wander around the post-card pretty architecture and the city is especially special during the Christmas holidays.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, Solvang will leave you spoiled for choice. From upscale boutique establishments to quaint inns and private cottages overlooking the serene wine country, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Solvang, California (in no particular order)…
1. Hotel Ynez – one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Solvang with trendy rustic-chic decor
Nestled at the junction of Solvang and the serene Santa Ynez Mountains, Hotel Ynez is erected within an idyllic estate sprawling over two acres of private property. The architecture radiates serenity and charm with its verdant gardens, a rustic chic outdoor pavilion and a pool.
Hotel Ynez offers 18 tastefully appointed guest rooms, designed with a rustic countryside aesthetic and furnished with lavish Mascioni bedding and bespoke furniture.
The guest rooms feature a combination of tech-savvy and vintage amenities, including large TV screens and antique vanities.
Guests can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and lush scenery while lounging on the private patios or spend a balmy night under the stars by the bonfire pits.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Ynez
2. Hotel Corque – a chic, charming and modern boutique hotel close to local attractions
Hotel Corque is one of the finest boutique hotels to revel in the splendors of Solvang’s luxuriant wine country while enjoying modern comforts in lavishly decorated guest rooms.
The hotel is ideally located to enjoy proximity to popular landmarks and attractions, including the Bethania Lutheran Church, Nojoqui Falls Park, and Hans Christian Andersen Park.
The spacious guest rooms are beautifully designed with traditional accents that mirror the outdoorsy beauty of the surrounding wine country. Guests have access to a wide range of amenities, including refrigerators, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi.
The onsite restaurant offers a delightful fine dining space with an unpretentious ambience, and guests enjoy lounging by the outdoor pool.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Corque
3. Wine Valley Inn – a unique pet-friendly inn that offers a charming retreat not just for Christmas
The Wine Valley Inn is an intensely charming getaway for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of the verdant scenery and Solvang’s Danish heritage.
This picturesque and antiquated chateau invites travelers to revel in its old-world charm with private cottages and a taste of authentic Danish hospitality.
Wine Valley Inn is drenched in Danish and Dutch traditions, from the interiors and décor to the dining experiences and hospitality. Travelers can book a variety of accommodations, including comfortable lofts, quaint cottages and sprawling chateaus.
Guests cannot stop raving about the Inn’s complimentary breakfast, a sumptuous spread of traditional Danish and Solvang delicacies.
- To book, check prices or availability for Wine Valley Inn
4. The Winston Solvang – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Solvang
The Winston Solvang is one-of-its-kind accommodation that sets itself apart with a unique, “hands-off” approach to serving its guests. Winston believes in “invisible service,” using secretive access codes and guest-only honor bars to offer travelers ample privacy and hassle-free check-in processes.
Travelers who detest the sight of staff hovering around them will find the Winston an extraordinary accommodation to enjoy home-like comforts and seclusion.
The hotel offers 14 elegantly designed guest rooms with vibrant interiors, equipped with fine linens, modern appliances and luxury bedding.
The Clock Tower Suite is the Winston’s finest accommodation, featuring exquisite antique glass inserts, opulent furniture, a variety of tasteful linens and throws, and an extensive selection of books.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Winston Solvang
5. Vinland Hotel and Lounge – a cool, trendy and creative hotel located in the Danish Town of Solvang
The Vinland Hotel and Lounge is a splendid destination to revel in modern comforts while exploring the breathtaking charm of the Santa Ynez Valley. Nestled in the heart of Solvang, this luxury accommodation offers proximity to popular destinations.
Travelers staying at Vinland enjoy walking distance to posh restaurants, boutiques, and major wineries, including Gainey, Firestone, and Buttonwood.
The hotel rooms are curated with an abundance of modern and traditional comforts, decked with flat-screen TVs, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, and well-organized workstations. Guests can explore pet-friendly rooms to snuggle with their furry friends.
The onsite hotel is famous for serving traditional Danish cuisine with a Californian twist.
- To book, check prices or availability for Vinland Hotel and Lounge
6. New Haven Inn – a modern cute boutique hotel that offers great amenities
The New Haven Inn beckons honeymooners and couples with its intensely romantic setting, elegantly designed guest rooms and delightfully scenic location.
This boutique hotel underwent extensive remodeling in 2015, refurbishing all accommodations with state-of-the-art amenities and modern furnishings.
Guests can explore a wide range of rooms and suites that align with their budget and housing needs, including deluxe two-bedroom suites and double rooms with private patios and fire pits.
The king-sized rooms are a feast of opulent interiors and five-star amenities, designed with walk-in showers, vaulted ceilings, and exquisite chandeliers.
The New Haven Inn guarantees a comfortable experience with its courteous staff, creature comforts, and exclusive brand of finesse.
- To book, check prices or availability for The New Haven Inn
7. The M Solvang – a rustic- chic inn surrounded by beautiful English style gardens
The M stands tall and proud with its old-fashioned Danish charm, nestled in the heart of the Solvang village. This elegant establishment is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and some of the best attractions for an authentic Solvang experience.
You simply have to step outside the hotel to explore amazing restaurants, artisanal stores, boutiques, and wine tasting rooms located within walking distance.
The hotel has a charming village-like ambience with picturesque gardens laden with fragrant blooms and fruit-bearing trees. Guests can explore an extensive range of mid-sized and spacious suites with sweeping views of the garden and the verdant rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.
- To book, check prices or availability for The M Solvang
8. Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant – a quirky-chic boutique inn set in a half-timbered building that features uniquely furnished European rooms
The Mirabelle Inn is a lavish boutique hotel popular for its home-like atmosphere, contemporary comforts, highly trained staff and picturesque setting of the Santa Ynez Valley.
This hotel sets itself apart with its traditional hospitality, European-inspired interiors, and classic countryside cuisine.
Travelers can explore 13 opulently appointed guest rooms featuring luxurious amenities, cozy fireplaces, and cutting-edge appliances.
Guests can rely on the ever-attentive concierge and residential sommelier to enrich their itinerary with wine tastings, cultural tours and lesser-known attractions.
The onsite restaurant, First & Oak, is a Michelin Plate-winning fine dining establishment with an inventive seasonal menu and award-winning wine collection.
- To book, check prices or availability for Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant
9. WorldMark Solvang – a relaxed all-suite resort within walking distance of the Danish-inspired shops of downtown
The WorldMark is nestled in the center of Santa Barbara County, surrounded by over 18,000 acres of vineyards against a backdrop of verdant rolling hills.
This luxury hotel allows travelers to carve out intimacy and privacy with a wide selection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites.
The guest rooms and suites have a resort-like ambiance, perfect for families and large groups who want the independence of maintaining their own kitchens and separate bedrooms. The suites are equipped with tech-savvy appliances, including TV screens, washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.
Travelers can opt for suites with balconies or terraces to enjoy BBQs and starry nights without being disturbed.
- To book, check prices or availability for WorldMark Solvang
10. Atterdag Inn – a contemporary inn that provides free bikes and parking
The Atterdag Inn is a homely and vibrant address that reinvents Danish hospitality with a chic contemporary flair. The hotel is home to 8 tastefully elegant guest rooms decorated with bright and vibrant shades creating an eclectic mix of hues and textures.
The rooms offer access to a private courtyard, while the second-level accommodations feature lofted ceilings and lovely views of the Solvang village. Travelers who desire independence prefer the deluxe rooms that include private kitchenettes with modern appliances.
The hotel is tucked a stone’s throw away from Solvang’s iconic Danish patisseries, bakeries, restaurants and wine-tasting establishments. The Atterdag Inn offers a scenic setting for a romantic getaway or relaxing countryside vacation.
- To book, check prices or availability for Atterdag Inn
11. Kronborg Inn – an upscale boutique inn that features a European style design
The Kronborg Inn takes pride in recreating a quintessential European experience in the heart of the California wine country. This European-inspired boutique hotel has a splendid layout and floor concept inspired by luxury hotels in Paris, Milan and Prague.
This luxurious Inn combines European decorum with a quaint nostalgia-inducing setting that is intensely relaxing with its unique interiors and tranquil atmosphere. The proximity to leading tourist attractions helps travelers save on commuting expenses and enjoy walking distance to the best destinations in town.
Guests can choose from a wide variety of well-appointed guest rooms and suites – each decorated uniquely with tasteful accents. Travelers have access to designated workstations, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and luxury bathrooms with jet tubs.
- To book, check prices or availability for Kronborg Inn
12. The Hamlet Inn – a cozy, unique and charming inn that features Danish-inspired rooms and quirky decor
Nestled in the heart of all the action and entertainment in downtown Solvang, the Hamlet Inn combines a central location with contemporary comforts and exceptional hospitality.
Most travelers looking for an action-packed vacation situate themselves in downtown, and the Hamlet Inn is one of the finest establishments in this quarter.
The Inn is home to 15 elegant and fully air-conditioned rooms featuring tech-savvy upgrades, like remote-control color TVs, direct dial phones, and free WiFi. The hotel premises offer various recreational activities, including bocce ball courts and a charming gazebo.
Vacationers staying at the Hamlet Inn enjoy easy access to the Chumash Casino, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the PCPA Theaterfest, and innumerable award-winning wineries.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Hamlet Inn
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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