ForFriends Inn

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Lisa
a month ago
We absolutely love staying here! It's our "go to" each time we come to Santa Ynez! Everyone is so helpful and accommodating- it's our home away from home! The rooms are impeccable, so comfortable and just beautiful! The grounds are always maintained and gorgeous! The service is outstanding and the happy hour is fun and inviting! Breakfast is always delicious! Sandra is an amazing cook! We can't wait to come back in a couple months!! Dave and Katie are the best hosts!! Thank you everyone at For Friends!

  Guy Ballard
a month ago
Always a great stay with Dave and staff. Always clean and friendly!! Location is great, right in the heart of wine country. We have been coming up to the area for the last 30 years, and by far this is the best B&B around!! Right to when you get there, friendly and make you feel welcome, and very quite and relaxing area. Spencer was great to talk to during there happy hour of wine and food AND live music from the owner Dave! HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!

  Jim Rogers
3 months ago
Great place. Friendly and involved staff. Yes, that's the owner playing guitar at happy hour and greeting everyone. Centrally located - everything in downtown Santa Ynez, while a very small town, a quick walk. Quiet, comfortable, well maintained. Cozy lobby w fireplace. Complimentary breakfast in the morning, wine at happy hour, and hot chocolate, dessert wine, and cookies in the evening. A word of caution: we were in the Sunstone Tower, a charming two story suite. The staircase is a bit of a chore -- steep and twisty, needs caution. Other than that, everything was great.

  Morgan Young
a month ago
Went up for a quick weekend trip- had no clue the amazing time I was about to experience. The staff was so helpful and personable, other visitors were very friendly, enjoyed live music and wine, and wonderful sweet and savory breakfast dishes delivered to the bungalow- along with a pot of fantastic coffee for the win. Wonderful location where you can walk around town, super close to other cute towns and vineyards. I would definitely recommend!

  elisa monroy
4 months ago
Wow!! Just wow! Truly a special place with lovely customer service and personal care! We stayed one night in a bungalow and loved every second. The bungalows are private, super cute and functional. Blown away by everything from the room to the lobby and customer service. Tesla charger at every bungalow as well as at the tower by the main inn.Enjoyed a nice dinner at The Willows at Chumash, night cap at the walking distance Maverick Saloon and breakfast at the main inn was great. After breakfast we strolled through town and grabbed coffee at Pony Espresso.We plan on coming back! Thank you David and team for the wonderful hospitality and experience.

  Joe Curd
2 months ago
This is the first place we choose to stay when coming to Santa Inez. The rooms are cozy. The live music during happy hour is wonderful. But most of all, Dave, the host proprietor, is very gracious, and you feel very welcome and relaxed.Walkability: The best restaurants and shops in Santa Ynez are a short walk from the Inn.

  Susan Haines
4 months ago
We love our stays at For Friends Inn!!!The Demetria room very inviting and super comfortable. The staff is top notch .. warm, welcoming, accommodating. Everyone here is so open and caring . You truly feel like family. The evening happy hours, delicious wine, hors d oeuvres, and visits with others makes it a delight! The owner Dave adds to the ambience by sharing his singing and guitar talents. Truly makes for a super fun evening! We look forward to returning to our home away from home.

  Teresa Tims
a month ago
Wonderful stay - great location close to everything!! I was surprised how much I liked it here the breakfast are made to order it s not just a continental breakfast. It s a full breakfast and the evening wine and hors d oeuvres was wonderful. I loved meeting people from all over and the staff was fantastic so gracious and helpful and I loved it. I loved everything about my stay here.

  Tom Myers
6 months ago
Our stay in one of the bungalows was wonderful. It exceeded our expectations. The place was immaculate; the attention to detail, exceptional. Happy hour at the Inn also exceeded any expectations. The appetizers, the wine, the ambience, and the music were outstanding. The morning breakfast we had on the bungalow porch was delicious. Our stay was top notch! My wife and I are from Arizona, and we re already planning our next visit to California wine country and staying at ForFriends!

  Andy Abramson
6 months ago
This hotel is great. The bungalows are one room of paradise. Quiet, I got a great sleep. Roomy, I feel like I could live here for a month and enjoy the place. Walking distance to many fun spots (but all which close too early on a Saturday night) Outstanding FRIENDLY staff, who know what s going on, and provide excellent advice. Clean showers and bathrooms. I can t say enough GREAT things about this place. And the cookies dropped off are tasty.

  andromeda313
3 months ago
This was our second time staying in the Sunstone Tower, and we just love it at the ForFriends Inn! The location is fantastic, the owners and staff are kind and friendly, we enjoy the personal touches - nightly wine and charcuterie for the adults, cookies and hot cocoa cart for the kids, and delicious breakfast. Highly recommend it! We will be back for sure!!

  Molly Roberts
7 months ago
We had a lovely stay at ForFriends! Great, convenient location. Charming building with beautiful grounds. Enjoyed the delicious breakfast on the deck each morning, and happy hour in the garden in the evening, including owner Dave s live guitar music and singing such a treat! So much detail given to each guests stay and experience, and Dave and all staff could not have been warmer and friendlier. We will be back for sure!

  Stephanie Moseska
8 months ago
We absolutely LOVED our stay at ForFriends Inn! We were a party of six and each stayed in one of the beautiful, clean and roomy bungalows. Dave and his team welcomed us and made us feel right at home. The property is beautiful and the service was terrific! We loved our homemade breakfast and afternoon wine, cheese and music on the patio. The hotel absolutely exceeded our expectations and we can't wait to return very soon!Rooms: The rooms are clean, beautiful and have THE most comfortable beds!Nearby activities: The hotel is a very easy drive to Solvang and to Los Olivos.Walkability: The hotel is located in the center of Santa Ynez......we walked to local shops and to dinner both nights.Food & drinks: Wonderful breakfast and coffee in the morning! And such a delightful wine and cheese table in the afternoon.

  A Junco
7 months ago
We stayed for the Labor Day weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality, accommodation, and owners who are amazing people and give this place a warmth and personal family feel too everyone who stays here.They have a wonderful little happy hour, with good wine, a charcuterie plate, and an amazing in-house made crustinis.The owners socialize and make you feel like part of the family and wonderful, helpful, and super nice people.If you're in the mood for a getaway that is not too far away but feels like a world away, this is a great place. Try it out, winter spring summer or fall.All the rooms are very home like, they even have bungalows that are new and inviting. They would be great to rent when you want a more private feel, but it can all be rented as a group for events, reunions, or small corporate retreats.Try this place, you'll like it.Rooms: Nice home like rooms, ample space, very clean, each with thier own a/c, baths, ect...Nearby activities: There is a little shopping area and a few restaurants within a few feet from this bed and breakfast. Solvang is 2.8 miles away, and it is all very good. The Chumash casino is about a mile away also.Walkability: See above, but there are a few things worth walking too.Noteworthy details: See review.

  steve wolf
a year ago
We have stayed at ForFriends at least half dozen times and each time it just gets better. This visit we stayed in one of the new bungalows Meadowvale and it was truly a unique experience.A very large room accommodation, very quiet and the room was stocked full of nice features and goodies to our liking. Dave, Kate, Sandra, Ben, the entire staff are very welcoming to all of the guests. The home-cooked breakfast each morning and the afternoon wine and cheese adds to the wonderful experience of visiting ForFriends.Dave will make outstanding recommendations for restaurants and the Friendship Pass gets you nice 2:1 wine tastings at many wineries and tasting rooms. We ll definitely be staying again on our next visit to the Santa Ynez wine country. Steve & Judy.

  Mary Ann Hubbard
2 months ago
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  Emily O'Connor
9 months ago
Where do I even begin to describe the incredible experience we had at ForFriends Inn? Even 10 stars wouldn't be enough! From the moment we started planning my 40th birthday celebration almost a year ago with Dave, he went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable event. I can confidently say that this enchanting bed and breakfast in Santa Ynez is a hidden gem that caters to every detail with unparalleled grace and charm.Dave was an absolute gem throughout the planning process. He listened attentively to my vision for the weekend and offered helpful insights and suggestions. His understanding of our desire to create a memorable experience for our party led us to buying out the entire inn for the weekend, ensuring an intimate and exclusive celebration that exceeded our wildest dreams.Dave also went above and beyond to provide recommendations for wineries, restaurants, and local vendors that could make our vision for the weekend come to life. We are frequent visitors to the area, yet discovered new vineyards thanks to Dave, which could accommodate our large group and allow us to create unforgettable experiences and memories with our friends.One highlight of my birthday celebration was the incredible dinner hosted in the inn's beautiful garden. The setting was nothing short of magical with twinkling lights, fragrant flowers, and a sense of intimacy that made the evening truly special. To our surprise, live music was provided (featuring Dave himself on the guitar!), which added an enchanting touch to the already perfect ambiance. The attentive staff ensured that every detail was taken care of, including coordinating with our mobile pizza truck, allowing us to relax and savor the moment.Our guests couldn't stop commenting on how special and magical the place felt. The combination of the stunning surroundings, impeccable service, and attention to detail left a lasting impression on everyone - I would be remiss if I didn't mention the delectable breakfast, including freshly baked pastries and mouthwatering dishes prepared with local ingredients. It truly felt like we were in a place designed specifically for hosting unforgettable events.The staff at ForFriends Inn, including Spencer, Kalin, and especially Dave and Katie, deserve a standing ovation for their exceptional service. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made this a weekend I will never forget. For years to come, my husband and I will make ForFriends our home base when visiting the area. We personally love staying in the Village bungalows, but each room is unique, comfortable, and thoughtfully appointed.If you're searching for a place to host a special event or simply seeking a serene getaway, ForFriends Inn is the ultimate destination. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

  LuAnn Davis
8 months ago
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  Amy Reeh
a year ago
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  Danielle Kerrigan
a year ago
Our one night stay was unforgettable. The only bad part is that it was only one night! The place was cute and welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The garden area and balcony were lovely to hang out in. Breakfast was excellent. The owner, Dave, was beyond friendly and helpful- he even personally delivered my daughters pacifier to the next place we were staying when they noticed we had left it behind. Spencer was also very nice and helpful from assisting with our bags to keeping our wine glasses full during wine and cheese hour! Everyone we encountered while staying here was nice. Can not wait for our return.

  Kathleen Janics
4 months ago
From the moment I first called to book our stay until the last smile and goodbye from the friendly staff, our time at For Friends Inn was so special! The Inn is beautiful and perfectly located to explore the wine country and walk the quaint town of Santa Ynez. The rooms are spacious, cozy and so comfortable! The happy hour wine and cheese, the late night cookies and dessert wine, and the most delish coffee and full breakfast! Simply wonderful! We loved our stay at For Friends Inn!

  Keith Watkins UK
a year ago
Absolutely fantastic place - welcoming staff who made it feel like you were staying at a friends home.A1 room, clean comfortable and well provided for.Immense food - fresh cookies, snacks at happy hour and breakfast of kings.Dave the owner also ran us about on his golf buggy to bars and restaurants - and set us up for the ultimate wine tasting experience day, hes a true gent.Certainly worth a look, it was a long way to go from London UK - but well worth it.Very charming little spot. Recommended, i will return.

  G Horner
8 months ago
We found For Friends by chance, a number of years ago. Came to Santa Ynez to ride bicycles. What we found was a great location, very comfortable accommodations, and wonderful people. Since our first stay, on our way to the Monterey Motorsport Week in 2019, For Friends has been our favorite "get-a-way". We Just returned home from our latest stay... and are already looking forward to our next stay.

  Mary Ghira
a year ago
Friendly, efficient and kind service with no request too much. We had a great stay at this perfectly located inn in Santa Ynez. It truly felt like we were friends upon arrival. The owner Dave went out of his way to make us feel welcome and was very responsive to our needs. We stayed in a bungalow that was spacious and private with a small kitchenette. The location is literally in the center of town and surrounded by the cute shops and delicious restaurants of Santa Ynez. This is a much more appealing option to the tourist trap of Solvang being more authentic and quaint. Highly recommended!

  Robin Valentine
a year ago
My husband and I stayed 3 wonderful nights in the Faraday Cottage. It was spacious, clean and quiet. The king bed was much needed after a long day of wine tasting. Included in our stay was a 3 course breakfast cooked by the delightful Sandra and her daughter Vanessa, a wine and chacuterie board happy hour beginning at 5pm and cookies with dessert wine in the evening. We met several nice people and were able to walk to a variety of excellent restaurants. During the day we went wine tasting and For Friends Inn is located in an ideal location for that.

  Earl Bradley
9 months ago
We spent another 3 wonderful days at ForFriends Inn. It's where we love to stay when we visit the Santa Ynez area. Right in downtown SY, walking distance to great restaurants and shops. A short drive to Solvang and even shorter distance to the Chumash Casino, if that's your thing. And so many great wineries and tasting rooms in the area, just a short drive away. Or venture out over to FoRooms are impecibly appoonted, staff is friendly and helpful. It's our go-to place to stay.

  M. L
3 years ago
My girlfriend surprised me with a visit to ForFriends for my birthday. You can tell it is a class act as soon as you pull in because the house and grounds are so beautiful and inviting. Our room was amazing. Very elegant, comfortable and immaculate with a huge bed, private patio, fireplace and large tiled bathroom. The house inside is extremely nice with a warmth that makes you want to stay in and relax. We enjoyed the happy hour each afternoon drinking the great wines that are provided with hors d'oeuvres and chatting with Dave and the other guests. Dave is one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet and is an outstanding host. He went above and beyond making us feel welcome and taken care of. Sandra is a genius in the kitchen. The full breakfast each morning was marvelous and the little pastries left out in the evenings were delicious.We have done other nice B&B's before and ForFriends is probably the best one yet. Every detail is top notch from the linen table cloths and elegant furniture down to the perfectly arranged little flavored creamers next to the top of the line Keurig machine. You will not be disappointed staying here.As far as the area goes... Great restaurants, numerous nice wineries and beautiful scenery everywhere you go. We rented electric bikes to explore go wine tasting (a little pricey but fun) but there is a lot to do within driving distance to make for a great a weekend.

  Mary Lawanson-NIchols
a year ago
Dave and the staff was extremely accommodating during our stay. Breakfast was wonderful with great service. Happy hour with music , wine & assortment of cheeses was relaxing. The proximity to restaurants within walking distance was an added bonus.Walkability: Area restaurants very close

  Lucille
2 years ago
We loved our one night stay at For Friends Inn ! The personal attention from Dave, the owner, was very much appreciated! Alicia s friendly welcome when we checked in was super nice. Also, she made our breakfast time special as well. The food was so yummy and the cocktail time the night before was so fun. I appreciated the wine selections and the great snacks. Lastly, the mattress in the Alma Rosa room was made in heaven!! It was super comfortable. We will definitely come back!

  Michele Warner
a year ago
A MUST STAY! This charming BnB just expanded their property to include six cottages, named the Villages. Each cottage has a beautiful front porch with rocking chairs. We made several new friends, just sitting on the porch sipping great wine!! The cottages are just ADORABLE! One of the best Inn's I've ever stayed at. Excellent location, close to many wineries, walking distance to restaurants and shops. The staff goes above and beyond (shout out to Dave). The property is beautiful and well kept. Simply can't say enough. Can't wait to return soon. Thank you for a fantastic time!