293 ALISAL ROAD
SOLVANG, CA 93463

Phone:805 688-4404
Fax:805 688-9975
Web Site: http://www.solvangardens.com
 
Price: $179 per nite + tax
 
Review by Elmer Dills
 


Whenever I have out of town visitors who plan to spend a week or so in southern California, I always recommend that they visit Solvang, the charming Danish village just two or three hours from LA.

Because there’s so much to do and see in Solvang and the surrounding countryside, I also recommend that they make it a two day excursion rather than trying to do it all in one day. That way they can visit the wineries, enjoy the wine tasting opportunities, shop in the many little stores and boutiques, sample the Danish pastries, wander through Mission Santa Inez and explore the countryside.

To make this two day visit special, I’ve put together a new package at the delightful Solvang Gardens Lodge, a quaint and quiet country inn right in the heart of Solvang.

As you approach the lodge you’ll find it surrounded by a profusion of colorful plants and flowers. It puts you in the right mood before you even check in.

Upon check in you and to keep you in that good mood, you’ll find a bottle of Mission Meadows wine in your room to be enjoyed at your leisure. You’re off to a good start.

You’ll overnight in one of the lodge’s newly remodeled rooms for two with marble bathrooms and French doors leading to the English gardens. Subject to availability on check in, an upgrade to a King room or Fireplace Suite.

That night you’ll enjoy dinner at what I consider to be the only first-class restaurant in Solvang, Jacques and Diane Toulet’s Cabernet Bistro where you’ll order a three course meal from a special menu that Jacques and I put together. Jacques' specialty is duck prepared a variety of ways but you’ll also find chicken, seafood, pork, and vegetarian entrées on this selective menu.

The next morning you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast of freshly baked Danish pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Breakfast can be served either in the breakfast room or, weather permitting, in the relaxing gardens.

You’ll have a $20 credit for lunch for two at the beautiful Alisal River Grill overlooking the Alisal Golf Course. Choose from salads, sandwiches, soups and hot entrees.

My package also includes the following complimentary activities:

Wine tasting at the nearby Mission Meadows Winery.

A piece of chocolate from Ingeborg’s. Solvang’s premier candy store.

Tours of the Old Mission Santa Ynez and the Elverhoj Museum.

You’ll also have special 10% discount coupons for a number of Solvang's best local stores and shops.

Options include massages, golf and theater.

The value of my package is $250 to $335 but you’ll pay only $179 for two plus the 10% Solvang bed tax and gratuities at the Cabernet Bistro. The package is valid Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Extra week day evenings $59 for accommodations only. Holiday periods excluded.