Exploring California’s Most Exciting New Luxury Hotel
The Dinogo Perspective
In 2004, the iconic wine film Sideways premiered, bringing the pinot noir of northern Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast into the global spotlight. This region, part of California's wine country, offers a different experience than Napa or Sonoma to the north. Following the film's success, tourism in the Santa Ynez Valley—its filming location—flourished, leading to a surge in pinot producers.
Fast forward nearly two decades: the region now boasts seven recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and over 280 wineries. A new wave of chefs and vintners has invigorated the area, launching trendy restaurants and charming tasting rooms in Los Olivos, Los Alamos, and Santa Ynez. However, until recently, lodging options were limited to a few roadside motels, inns, and B&Bs. This changed in February 2023 when Auberge Hotels & Resorts unveiled the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a luxurious resort housed in a refurbished stagecoach stop and tavern, right in the heart of Los Olivos.
As with many Auberge properties worldwide, the architecture, interior design, and dining at Mattei’s are exceptional, reflecting the essence of the surrounding locale. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the poolside platters of seasonal produce served on Jono Pandolfi ceramics to the antique horseshoes adorning the tavern walls and the in-room Stetson hats and Pendleton blankets. A focus on heritage, handmade, and small-batch items takes center stage here. The resort embodies a distinctly Californian sense of style, seamlessly blending with the local landscape and embracing indoor-outdoor living: Eucalyptus branches adorn the yoga room, while olive trees embrace the pool area in a scene reminiscent of Provence.
Image courtesy of the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Who is it for?
Auberge Hotels & Resorts enthusiasts, couples seeking a culinary and wine-filled getaway, friends on a shared adventure, families with young children, LGBTQ travelers, and Californians (or California admirers) eager to explore or reconnect with a new area of the state. Pet owners are welcome too: the resort accommodates up to two dogs of any size per room for a fee of $150.
The setting
Nestled 125 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Los Olivos is a quaint—and upscale—town just off Highway 101. Surrounded by oak-dotted hills, horse pastures, cattle ranches, and vineyards, it has attracted camera-shy Hollywood stars for decades. The area is marked by swaying, ancient palm trees.
The accommodations
Crafted by AvroKO and Auberge’s design director Nicole Campion, the resort features 67 guest rooms and cottages that embody a luxurious modern farmhouse aesthetic. The four historic cottages, dating back to the 1910s, are set on the 6.5-acre property, while the remaining accommodations are housed in new structures designed to harmonize with the region's architectural style (think wooden barns with white exteriors). The spacious bathrooms are adorned with zellige tiles and brass fixtures, and TVs in both bedrooms and living rooms of the suites are discreetly hidden behind roll-down canvas shades positioned above fireplaces. In-room amenities include Nespresso machines, Felt + Fat mugs, St. George Spirits gin, kilim-covered window seats, and private patios or decks. I was so inspired by the design that I captured photos of everything for my own craftsman home renovation.
A strong connection to the surrounding landscape fosters a true celebration of indoor-outdoor living.
The culinary experience
Since its inception in 1886, Mattei’s has been a vibrant gathering place for both locals and travelers. Although the building and grounds have undergone extensive renovations and expansions, the atmosphere remains warm and inviting for both residents and hotel visitors. There are several dining options on-site: the Tavern restaurant, the Bar, the poolside bar, and Felix Feed & Coffee, a spot for pastries, toast, and coffee named after Felix Mattei, the hotel’s original founder.
Currently, executive chef Rhoda Magbitang leads all food and beverage operations at the hotel. She brings a wealth of experience from her time working with culinary icons such as José Andrés and Suzanne Goin, as well as at two renowned Los Angeles hotels, the Chateau Marmont and Petit Ermitage. Her cuisine is both hearty and sophisticated, drawing inspiration from regional ranch cooking, with a menu featuring an array of wood-fired fish and meats.
Image courtesy of the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
Equally delectable are the vegetable offerings, including crispy cauliflower drizzled with tahini and dukkah, as well as hickory-smoked Okinawan sweet potatoes accompanied by black garlic and yuzu aioli. The wine list boasts local selections like Stolpman, Storm, and Foxen. Be sure to try the Painted Saddle cocktail, a refreshing blend of pink peppercorn-infused gin, fino sherry, dry vermouth, and bay laurel. On the night we dined in the tavern, I spotted two actors. This establishment strives to ensure that everyone—celebrities included—can enjoy their Negronis in tranquility.
Staff and service
Staff members across the property—from the front desk to the dining areas—are welcoming, courteous, discreet, and eager to offer personalized recommendations for local activities. Upon arrival at reception, guests are greeted with an Arnold Palmer (available in both spiked and nonalcoholic versions) from a charming vintage bar cart, a delightful touch on a warm summer day.
Image courtesy of the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
Accessibility
Most of the resort’s communal areas (registration, dining venues, meeting spaces, and the swimming pool) are located on the ground floor and easily accessible from the hotel’s main entrance. Service animals are welcome, and braille and tactile signage is available for permanent rooms and spaces. For further information, check out the hotel’s accessibility page.
Family-friendly luxuries
This resort stands out as a unique wine country destination that embraces children. The “pequeños” menu at the Tavern and the Bar features options like rice bowls, potato gnocchi, and spaghetti Bolognese. Sweet treats like the banana split and chocolate soufflé in the Tavern are a must-try for little dessert lovers (and their guardians). Our fantastic server Aimee recommended two family-friendly wineries nearby: Vega in Buellton and Folded Hills in Santa Ynez, both working farms where families can enjoy interacting with animals. The resort also organizes personalized experiences for guests; my kids and I had a blast visiting Zaca Creek Ranch, a working cattle ranch home to llamas, alpacas, and an 800-pound pig named Walker.
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Evaluation :
5/5