In the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, just minutes from Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang, Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table delivers an award-winning Ballard, California wine country experience by combining warm and inviting accommodations, attentive staff, and gourmet cuisine.
Set against the quaint and scenic vineyards and orchards in the heart of the Santa Barbara County's renowned wine country-our AAA four diamond rated Ballard, California wine country inn is the perfect weekend getaway or business retreat.Featuring wine country inspired cuisine and delectable local vintages-The Gathering Table serves an award-winning and sophisticated dining experience.
Set against the quaint and scenic vineyards and orchards in the heart of the Santa Barbara County's renowned wine country-our AAA four diamond rated Ballard, California wine country inn is the perfect weekend getaway or business retreat.Featuring wine country inspired cuisine and delectable local vintages-The Gathering Table serves an award-winning and sophisticated dining experience.
Services
Find the perfect place in your search for hotels near Los Olivos and Solvang, CA. The Ballard Inn is the most comprehensive Ballard bed and breakfast in the entire Santa Ynez Valley. Our uniquely decorated, 15 guest rooms are designed to capture aspects of the Santa Ynez Valley's beauty and rich history.
Among the most exceptional and sophisticated Ballard, California restaurants is The Gathering Table. With its captivating and comfortable atmosphere, The Gathering Table is the perfect place for friends and family to come together for a warm, social dining experience celebrating the bounty of the Santa Barbara wine country - wonderful wine and delicious food!
Reviews (29)
Dennis & Krystal Kabuye
Jan 02, 2022
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We had such a relaxing and welcoming stay. From the moment we walked in we were welcomed by the new owners, which made us feel like we were staying at a friends house. We checked in right at wine and cheese hour and sat by the many seating areas by the fireplace on the main floor. There is also a restaurant (The Gathering Table) which made it convenient to walk downstairs and have dinner and dessert. We had the risotto and chicken, everything was delicious. The room was cozy with music playing once we walked in. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. You definitely notice all the little
Supriya S.
Dec 29, 2021
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Ballard Inn is in Ballard, California in/near Santa Ynez Valley. I stayed 2 nights right after Christmas and am just so happy I got to visit and stay at the Ballard Inn. First of all, every person was so incredibly kind but not that typical "good customer service" type of kind that places, such as hotels or B&Bs typically have, there was a genuine kindness with everyone I interacted with and ya'll, I definitely prefer that type of communication but the past few years have proven just basic communication to be a struggle!!! So I just felt so welcomed and actually grateful that
Joseph G.
Dec 12, 2021
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I must say, these people really are trying hard. I bemoaned the lack of cookies at our door as was the practice for years. After mentioning that to the management, we had delicious cookies I n our door tha second night. Breakfast was not yet up to past standards but superb pastries saved the day! A severe shortage of staff is the problem. The gathering remains superb. We c hope that in the spring things are the usual stellar fun and deliciousness.
Sarah Wauters
Dec 03, 2021
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Ballard Inn is a lovely place to spend a restful and aesthetically pleasing weekend. From the minute we arrived, during cheese and wine happy hour, we were made to feel welcome. The staff was extremely courteous and helpful. The interior design is chic as well as welcoming. There are two sitting rooms that are beautifully furnished both with a large fireplace crackling.
Our room was also beautiful and restful, with excellent linens and a large table and comfortable leather chairs for sitting, eating, and/or playing games.
The town is tiny (only two places of business) but is very close to both
Our room was also beautiful and restful, with excellent linens and a large table and comfortable leather chairs for sitting, eating, and/or playing games.
The town is tiny (only two places of business) but is very close to both
Renata Viner
Nov 04, 2021
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Staff was very friendly and accommodating, going above and beyond for their guests! We visited during Halloween which was a big event in Ballard & the Inn participated by having a haunted house onsite, staff made sure to extend themselves greatly for the comfort of their guests, especially management! The room was very clean & cozy with a comfortable mattress. Also, the onsite restaurant The Gathering Table is excellent, must try! The location is ideal as it’s near the town of Los Olivos and many wineries. We’ve stayed before and will definitely be back!
Brent Alexander
Oct 01, 2021
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We went to the Gathering Table for our 25th anniversary. We were seated promptly as there were several empty tables. Our server promptly addressed us and immediately took our order. Unfortunately, the menu was nothing like the menu they have on their website. There were only three entrees, filet mignon, cod and duck breast. There were about six appetizers. Pre-meal bread was an option for an extra $3.
There were four servers in the small restaurant and eight tables filled with 2 and 4 guests. Since we did a day of wine tasting, we only ordered an entree course. I ordered the filet and my wife
There were four servers in the small restaurant and eight tables filled with 2 and 4 guests. Since we did a day of wine tasting, we only ordered an entree course. I ordered the filet and my wife
Ana V.
Sep 27, 2021
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Yolanda Whisenand
Sep 24, 2021
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Wow we were so looking forward to our stay here. Our first visit several years ago was awesome, and still memorable over the years, but this visit was a disappointment. Perhaps it was a poor attempt at a restart after Covid but the facility and grounds simply looked neglected and tired. First off we definitely picked the wrong room (“the Fiesta Room”). The price per night with tax was over $500, we stayed for 2 nights so over $1,000.00. The room was musty smelling and very dated in not a charming way. It also faced a busy (noisy) street and was next to the outdoor dining and kitchen area which
Wendy T.
Sep 19, 2021
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We were very disappointed with our recent stay at The Ballard Inn. Despite the representation on their website that they follow strict Covid protocol, including requiring employees to wear masks in public spaces, most employees either had no mask or wore their mask only over their mouth but not their nose. Santa Barbara County Public Health rules require all people to wear a mask over their mouth and nose indoors. We felt uncomfortable and unsafe. We had not traveled during Covid and only felt safe doing so after being assured that safety rules would be followed. The restaurant servers at The Gathering
James Walters
Sep 18, 2021
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The Inn is beautifully redone. Bed very comfortable. Staff friendly and helpful. Waiters at dinner and breakfast super nice and friendly, especially Vincent at breakfast—a jewel. I don’t remember the waiter’s name at dinner, but he was very good, too. “Starters” need more work (shrimp ceviche not great) and the wine list is a bit pricey. Overall, a very nice experience.
Marissa Castro-Salvati
Sep 17, 2021
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My wife and I were disappointed with our meals (dinner and breakfast) and especially when there was no form of compensation, apology or replacement after sharing a feedback. For dinner, I ordered three starters and I was not pleased with two: 1. breading on the tempura cauliflower was too thick and not much cauliflower, and 2. the green papaya salad was the worst papaya salad I've ever had and did not touch it at all. Then breakfast, we were served spoiled fruit and after my wife told the wait staff about it, she somehow shared some conflicting information that made us think the fruit served was
Donald Derossi
Aug 28, 2021
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Melissa A.
Aug 20, 2021
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I understand this historic Inn was built in the 1980's, but there are several things that need to be corrected and updated. The carpet in the room is so old it smells musty the minute you walk in. I was afraid to be barefoot on it. The sitting area chairs were highly stained with who knows what. Like at least replace these simple things to make the rooms more pleasant. I paid a very high rate to stay here. Highly dissatisfied and disappointed and will not go back nor recommend to anyone. It simply just felt dirty and I wished I was staying back at the Fess where this has never been an issue
Hope S.
Jul 01, 2021
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Andy R.
Jun 26, 2021
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We've stayed here for my wifes birthday for about 20 years and I recommend this place highly, with some very minor reservations that i hope the staff will read. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food at the restaurant was wonderful, but did take a long time to get served. This might be a covid adjustment, but the outside seating and pop up tents seem marginal. As covid winds down, the management might want to reassess process here. Also, in past years we were able to access the ice machine and wine coolers, but now the door is locked. Once again, they might rethink this. In the
Emily W.
Jun 18, 2021
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I stayed one night at the Ballard in mid June and had such a lovely experience that I booked another two night stay for this December, the minute I returned home. What I loved most about the Ballard Inn was its shear unpretentiousness. With such great service and such beautiful surroundings (right in the middle of one country!) it would be easy for them to go that route, but they don't. They are quietly, humbly, outstanding.
We dined at The Gathering Table (the restaurant on site) and had such a lovely evening. My friend and I paused at many moments throughout the night to just take in the experience
We dined at The Gathering Table (the restaurant on site) and had such a lovely evening. My friend and I paused at many moments throughout the night to just take in the experience
Lori R.
Jun 11, 2021
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We booked this hotel for the location and charm. When we went to our room we learned there was no TV. We were told they were an "Unplugged" resort, which is fine. However neither us or our friends were aware of that, but they did have a TV in the lobby sitting area (?). They also have no coffee available until 8am when their breakfast starts, which is very good. Bob's Well Bread across the street has great food and yummy cookies, but they don't open until 8am. The beds are very soft and there's no elevator. If you need a TV and/or coffee before 8am this is not the place
Richard R.
Jun 09, 2021
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AVIOD the Ballard Inn. I reserved a room at this hotel and had to cancel a few days ahead for personal reasons. In their fine print they have a 7-day advance cancellation requirement. The clerk told me they would try to re-book the room and that if they succeeded I wouldn't be charged. On the date of my reservation I checked their website - all rooms were booked. I called and the clerk confirmed - no availability. I asked to confirm that I wouldn't be charged and suddenly the story changed. They said they made a mistake - they had a room after all and I would be charged for my cancellation
Wendy D.
May 29, 2021
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The Ballard is charming and the rooms are spacious. The employees were friendly and accommodating.
The breakfast was OK. There were no phones in the rooms so we had to use a cell phone to reach the front desk. This was difficult because the signal was so weak. My husband found the bed uncomfortable, as did I.
After our first night our room was NOT CLEANED!! For $400. a night this was ridiculous. They gave Covid as their excuse, which was utter nonsense. Why would they only clean after the guest has left the room if they're afraid of Covid? We asked for a partial reduction in the room cost
The breakfast was OK. There were no phones in the rooms so we had to use a cell phone to reach the front desk. This was difficult because the signal was so weak. My husband found the bed uncomfortable, as did I.
After our first night our room was NOT CLEANED!! For $400. a night this was ridiculous. They gave Covid as their excuse, which was utter nonsense. Why would they only clean after the guest has left the room if they're afraid of Covid? We asked for a partial reduction in the room cost
Mike M.
Apr 22, 2021
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Phillip H.
Dec 06, 2020
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A great place to staff. Very cute and perfectly situated in the area. The staff was really friendly and very helpful. While dinning outside was not exactly a perfect experience- I hate the cold - it was not anything the staff were responsible for. The food is good and the amenities are really nice. A full breakfast is included as is nightly wine and cheese. We will definitely go back once COVID is over.
Lillian S.
Oct 28, 2020
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Ron S.
Sep 07, 2020
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Lovely inn nestled in the sleepy town of Ballard nearly midway between Los Olivos and Solvang. The public areas are well appointed (although not in use during COVID other than to walk through to the bathroom. The highpoint, by far is the excellent restaurant. Budi's food is creative, his staff is well trained so the service is first rate. He makes a point of visiting all the tables and chatting about his approach to cooking or whatever becomes the subject. Mixing an Asian flair (Korean, Japanese, Chinese and more) into his cooking along with local ingredients is a formula for a nearly
Brian B.
Aug 31, 2020
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We stayed two nights at this historic, well-run hotel, which is closer in function to a bed-and-breakfast. The rooms are spacious and very quiet. There is no TV, but it's nice to escape from that once in a while. Breakfast is included. The service was very attentive and friendly, and I would certainly stay there again! Their restaurant, The Gathering Table is spectacular! One of the best dinners I've ever had--and very fair priced.
Gabe A.
Jul 30, 2020
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Great food, great place and lovely people.
Unfortunately when I was emailed my bill it included a 10% hotel fee that was undisclosed to me. So with 12% tax and 10% fee, I paid 22% over my room bill. When I called and said - hey that's not cool - you should let folks know, they just said that's the way it is. Hmm.
Unfortunately when I was emailed my bill it included a 10% hotel fee that was undisclosed to me. So with 12% tax and 10% fee, I paid 22% over my room bill. When I called and said - hey that's not cool - you should let folks know, they just said that's the way it is. Hmm.
Giannina E.
Feb 28, 2020
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I have never been treated in such a disrespectful and shameful manner as I was by the manager of this inn, Christine. I have stayed at thousands of hotels around the world during my life, hotels that run the full price spectrum, and can honestly say that I'm shocked that the people running the Ballard Inn consider themselves to be in the hospitality industry.
I had an upcoming reservation to check in at the Ballard Inn and was within the 7 day cancellation period. My partner had a medical emergency and we had to cut short our holiday. I spoke to Christine, hoping to move my reservation to
I had an upcoming reservation to check in at the Ballard Inn and was within the 7 day cancellation period. My partner had a medical emergency and we had to cut short our holiday. I spoke to Christine, hoping to move my reservation to
Pamela F.
Jul 20, 2019
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This charming country inn has adorably furnished rooms (which are admittedly tiny as are the baths) but they do have fireplaces --a plus in the chilly mountain nights.
We were in town for a family reunion and didn't get to sample the wine tasting at 5 PM, but loved the cook to order complementary breakfast--fluffy pancakes and thick, cheesy scramble. Side buffet of fresh fruit, juices and really rich coffee. Love the rustic chic ranch vibe and super friendly young desk staff.
We were in town for a family reunion and didn't get to sample the wine tasting at 5 PM, but loved the cook to order complementary breakfast--fluffy pancakes and thick, cheesy scramble. Side buffet of fresh fruit, juices and really rich coffee. Love the rustic chic ranch vibe and super friendly young desk staff.
Melineh H.
Jan 21, 2019
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Built in the 1850's, this GORGEOUS establishment is an absolute gem in all of California in my opinion.
As an interior designer, I was on sensory overload.
The Decor is excellent, whimsical and many of the pieces are antiques and priceless.
Spencer and Jaisey are so welcoming, professional yet warm. I imagine they have so many guests during the month yet they seemed so patient and friendly.
The Rooms are all unique. No room is identical.
LOVED the Beds- very comfortable, and If I am not mistaking, I smelled LAVENDER when I went to bed at night.I think they may spray it during the turn down
As an interior designer, I was on sensory overload.
The Decor is excellent, whimsical and many of the pieces are antiques and priceless.
Spencer and Jaisey are so welcoming, professional yet warm. I imagine they have so many guests during the month yet they seemed so patient and friendly.
The Rooms are all unique. No room is identical.
LOVED the Beds- very comfortable, and If I am not mistaking, I smelled LAVENDER when I went to bed at night.I think they may spray it during the turn down
Serene L.
Dec 27, 2018
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Thanksgiving dinner was spent here. The chef is Indonesian but menu that night was special, Thanksgiving meal.
We started with salad, loved the fresh vegetables. The dressing was da bomb! It was rich but light. My favorite was the toasted cauliflower soup that followed. It was so good, I cannot find words except that it was so damn freaking good! I could drink this soup all day! Bagus la chef!! For my entree, I chose the bass. I love my fish to be crispy on the outside and almost sashimi on the inside. AND IT WAAAAS! I ate and died and went to heaven. By this time I was full beyond believe but
We started with salad, loved the fresh vegetables. The dressing was da bomb! It was rich but light. My favorite was the toasted cauliflower soup that followed. It was so good, I cannot find words except that it was so damn freaking good! I could drink this soup all day! Bagus la chef!! For my entree, I chose the bass. I love my fish to be crispy on the outside and almost sashimi on the inside. AND IT WAAAAS! I ate and died and went to heaven. By this time I was full beyond believe but
