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A boutique hotel ripped from the pages of an exclusive travel magazine awaits in a Santa Ynez Valley enclave, 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. In Solvang, California, travelers explore a traditional Danish village brimming with bakeries and windmills alongside with the valley’s best wineries. After sampling the culinary delights of the region, guests of The Landsby escape to a property that seamlessly blends Old Danish architecture with modern Danish interiors.
Where to Stay in Solvang with Kids or Without
Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, a few minutes outside of Santa Barbara, The Landsby offers guests a traditional Danish boutique hotel. On a street lined with mature oak trees and locally-owned shops in Solvang, California, I found a modern, yet homey, boutique hotel. Catering to guests and locals alike, The Landsby is where to stay in Solvang with kids, or even without.
What I loved at The Landsby
- The Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- The mix of Danish modern design with traditional Danish architecture
What I wanted at The Landsby
- An in-room safe for my laptop
- A pool
The Landsby
In a 50-room boutique property completely renovated in 2015, the exterior pays homage to its Danish roots with divided-light windows, exposed timbers, and a stucco exterior. Behind the front door, enter a world where Danish modern gets cozy with a mix of rich textures and a palette of pleasing neutrals.
As I walked into the lobby, the happy hum of people mingling and nibbling in small groups greeted me. As a nearly nightly routine, The Landsby hosts a popular happy hour with craft cocktails and wines from the region along with small plates.
For Fall 2017, The Landsby will open an additional block of rooms centered around a courtyard large enough for live music performances. On a recent visit, I toured one of the new suites that included a reading loft, perfect for kids.
My Room at The Landsby
In a spacious king room overlooking the courtyard, it’s the art that welcomed me first. Created by a local artist, the resident Yak nudges me to appreciate the mix of natural fibers in my room, like the knitted throw on my bed.
In a room that showcases modern Danish design, the texture of the textiles creates a cozy home base to explore Little Denmark. With modern furniture pieces, like the bench at the foot of the bed and the pair of chairs with an accompanying table, the wood grain makes a design statement.
The wooden wingback headboard dominates the room and the white cotton linens keep it fresh. The yellow accent pillow along with a knitted throw, add pops of color. Though my favorite detail, a tiny lavender sachet printed with good night sat in the middle of the pillows.
On the console, I found a Keurig coffee maker and the 47-inch flat-screen TV is mounted above it. Inside the mini-refrigerator, I found coffee creamers and complimentary water.
My room featured a wall of windows outfitted with wood shutters to allow for light or privacy. In addition, my room offered a balcony overlooking the courtyard where I found a couple of chairs and a table. A perfect place to sit for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening.
Additionally, I had a closet with plenty of space. I even found a live plant in my room.
My Bathroom at The Landsby
In a room covered in white, the marble vanity and brushed brass accents create a functional room with a nod to design. With vertically laid subway tile and a floor of white penny tile, the modern Danish aesthetic continues throughout the space.
Stocked with fluffy white towels and toiletries from L’Occitane, turn a daily routine into a moment of refinement.
Dining at The Landsby
Wander into the Mad & Vin (Danish for food and wine) to sample the bounty of the central California Coast. With a breakfast menu stacked with California classics, I started my culinary expedition steps from my room door.
The Mad & Vin features a dinner menu with entrees like Flat Iron Steaks or Lamb Porterhouse. Though I found several vegetarian options as well.
As I perused their menu, ice cream caught my eye. The Landsby offers its guests spoon service, pints of locally made McConnell’s Ice Cream.
A complimentary coffee station serves up freshly brewed each morning in the lobby.
Happy Hour at The Landsby
The Landsby’s happy hour (most days from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) lures locals into the lobby along with travelers. With cocktails, local wines along with batch made beer, and a small plates menu, I found portions large enough to satisfy a dinner appetite.
I toasted my journey with a glass of locally produced Lucas and Lewellen Santa Barbara County Brut. Moments later a cheese board arrived with seasonal selections made by the chef of Mad & Vin.
I sampled local cheese and dry-aged ham accompanied with local honey, shaved radishes, green olives and dried fruit including sultanas, cranberries, and plums. Paired with pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts, I savored the flavors of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Letting the bubbles of my champagne work their magic, I ordered my favorite guilty pleasure. Without a second thought, a plate of Duck Fat Fries arrived at my table moments later.
Golden potatoes fried to perfection and sprinkled with flecks of sea salt and the finale? A satisfying crunch. Maybe the second glass of champagne made me woozy, but I ate my plate of fries like carbs don’t count.
Relaxing at The Landsby
Sit by the fire pit and read a book while sipping on a glass of local wine. Or enjoy the lights glitter across the quaint Danish village, like I did from the balcony of my room.
During my visit to Solvang, I toured the Danish arts and culture museums and walked to the Old Mission Santa Inés. Shopping topped my list too and I bought red Danish-made clogs and traditional Danish Christmas ornaments. I even saw a theatre production at the Solvang Festival Theater. Don’t forget the traditional Danish bakeries, restaurants and close to 20 tasting rooms to sample the bounty of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Getting to The Landsby
Located about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara and minutes from U.S. 101, The Landsby sits in the center of Solvang. Located at 1576 Mission Drive, The Landsby offers complimentary parking.
Looking to decompress from the constant driving demands of southern California? Take the train to Solvang instead. With a bus connection from the historic 1905 Santa Barbara Train Station, hop aboard an Amtrak train. Both the Coast Starlight or the Pacific Surfliner stop in Santa Barbara.
Tips for a TravelingMom:
- Solvang slips into a slumber at 8 p.m. each night as most shops and restaurants close.
- Parking is free across Solvang.
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Behind Closed doors: Inside a Hotel Room with Kids
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