Wonderful 3 day stay filled with adventure and friendly people . The pros : very friendly staff that is willing to help at any task specially wranglers that are wonderful partners for day long horse escapades Amazing location specially if you book cabin with the pasture views Easy to park behind the cabin , fully stocked very clean and upgraded bathrooms . Great library building that helps you relax by the fire , don't forget to stop by gaming room and jacuzzi. Absolutely fantastic horse experience that beats all we have done before and we did lots of trails in the past :) Cons: food in general was average , breakfast options very limited , the half day brunch ride sandwiches were really not that fresh and the bun was basically size of loaf of bread ( make them fresh and use smaller bread options) . Some of the new front desk staff was clueless while checking us in and informing about packages ... Tips : Buy the breakfast horse ride Buy the lunch half day horse ride - the best experience insanely amazing views Bring your kids they have special activities for them Pack horse riding shoes and hat plus sunscreen- believe me you will burn your skin during the rides Special thank you to LIA BARTH our front office manager for really over the top friendliness and all the warm advices plus printing out all our itineraries. Best front desk person I've met in years and that comes from hospitality company owner . I would literally steal her to our hotels ! read more

Alisal Ranch - Half day lunch ride at Alisal ranch - Resorts Near Me - Solvang, California

Beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Food is excellent as is the service. Great place to connect parents and little kids with some romantic hideouts, if you look! read more

Our close friends are getting married here and we were pressured into getting a room way in advance. We were worried about it though because we have a 4 yr old who was only 3 1/2 then and I told them we didn't know and they said we could cancel 30 days ahead of time for a full refund. Which is something else super annoying about this place, they made us pay the entire amount of the reservation upfront! Anyway when we decided we weren't comfortable leaving our 4 yr old for the weekend and called to cancel they charged us a "transaction fee" of $150. What a bunch of BS. I would never consider staying with them the way they conduct business and treat people. read more

The Alisal Guest Ranch is truly a one of a kind place. From the moment we drove onto the property, we felt different. It was a version of relaxed that we hadn't experienced for quite some time. The staff was friendly and accommodating -- all of them! Even the animals are friendly. I'm not kidding. While hiking on the property, we realized there were some horses in the same field we were hiking through. At first, we thought maybe we had entered a space where we weren't supposed to be. Then the horses came up to us as if to say hello and then went on their way. It was a magical moment, only one of many. The rooms were so unique and beautiful. Ours had been recently remodeled and was so tastefully done. The food we enjoyed on the property was so fresh and good. Chef Endy and his staff are certainly doing something right. I sent the picture below to some friends with the caption, "Just taking my wife out for breakfast." And it was true, we rode horses to get breakfast. Another magical time. It honestly felt as if all the staff were conspiring to make our three days at Alisal AMAZING! And they succeeded. read more

Alisal Ranch - Our anniversary dinner. - Resorts Near Me - Solvang, California

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Love this place! Been coming here for years. Lots to do and the staff is so accommodating. (Horseback riding, fishing, wine tasting, hiking trails and incredible restaurants throughout the surrounding area). The following pics were taken during my very first visit, to the Alisal Ranch. read more

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Made a booking a few months ago and needed to cancel recently due to Coronavirus. It's been nearly 30 days since my request and still no refund. Had to call back more than once - just been a hassle for something that should be really straightforward. Additionally, I was disappointed with their overall tone during discussions from booking to follow ups. While professional, the staff seems to take a very condescending tone with customers in general. Wish I could review the property itself. read more

You like to stay at a resort such as this because he would hope that when you leave or turn your back to your pair of sunglasses that they will still be there when you return. I left my pair of sunglasses on table 11 the other night and they did not appear. Granted the glasses are not even 10% of my stay in terms of value here but it's the principle that bothers me the most. I wish they had honest staff.. Lastly who runs out of pina colada mix at 2:00 Saturday? read more

Answer To General Manager We had a stolen 1150.00 designer scarf, 2 expensive gold rings, Purses rifled thru that had no cash in them so technically nothing was taken. I left the scarf on the dresser, went to dinner, returned and it was gone. The turndown service had been done. We know the person that ran the golf tournament 2 weeks prior to our wedding. He told us about the rolex watches that were stolen and cash from players wallets. The ranch throws money at you to keep your mouth shut, but that is not enough. They do nothing to fix the problem. At our event I dealt with our point person only and our wedding planner. I loved the point person, but it was out of her control the way the staff behaved. We made no one cry because we didn't deal directly with anyone but these two people and the wedding planner was our person. We are not misguided. They cannot admit they have major problems. It is a shame. The buck always stops at the top-The General Manager and she only wants to throw money at the issue and not change a thing. We truly hope they figure this out. It is a beautiful place, but the aggravation was not worth it. read more

The staff was friendly, and the groundskeepers do a great job of keeping the landscaping neat and well-maintained. But this just isn't my kinda place. Our company had the run of the resort, and, while the grounds were beautiful and serene, the buildings and cabins could really use some REAL updates. Other ranch resorts I've visited in Colorado know how to do this right: staying rustic in theme but keeping a very fresh, clean, and truly updated feel. This place had a lot of lipstick on their pigs, and it felt and smelled stale and dated. As for the food, they did a good job with the charcuterie and cheese set up for one of our events. Unfortunately, the rest of the meals were actually sub-par, overall. Other than the sausages at breakfast, nothing from the three meals each day stood out as flavorful or memorable. In fact, the ribs were not tender, and the burgers were overdone. ...gorgeous and expansive real estate alone presents lots of potential for a truly amazing ranch resort experience, but it would take a lot of work. read more

Magical place that is so beautiful. We stayed in a large creekside room, comfortable, great staff, loved playing with the animals in the barn. The buffet dinner was wonderful. Yummy so many selections, musician singing was nice touch. We enjoyed going to the library while we waited fir our room. The breakfast was wonderful too the next morning, so many selections. My husbands favorite part of the trip was the horseback ride. It was beautiful and he loved his horse Angus, my horse Manny was a little bratty and tried to nip a few times, but I understood his frustration and we got a long well. Our guides were wonderful and so entertaining. Wonderful and amazing getaway with my husband. read more

I have done a lot of traveling and stayed at well above 5 star resorts all over the world and this one by far not only deserves a YELP but a 5 star review! The staff was so extremely nice and caring. The food was that of a 5 star restaurant, while the property was stunning and the beds surpassed my expectation (I am a bed snob.) Seriously, the bed in our room was a huge King with what felt like a brand new, memory foam mattress. We were surprised at every corner- from the staff giving us a free bottle of wine, to the concierge (Clint,) making sure he could arrange new horseback rides so we could get into the fun, (after learning we needed to have made reservations for those upon arrival and them being sold out.) We were treated like royalty and I cannot wait to go back again but next time, with my son! If you are looking for an epic resort that puts all others in California to shame, look no further! This place is exactly what it advertises: a diamond in the rough! Kirsten read more

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Our family has been coming here for decades in the winter. It is a wonderful family tradition and a wonderful spot to have concentrated family time in one of the more beautiful settings in California. The place is known for the familiar and comfort. However, it seems they are beginning to reduce some of the traditions that make it so special. A couple of examples. During the winter, they used to have a Christmas Tree, a winter toy train around the fireplace, a Wrangler walking around to greet people, and Ginger bread house display and now they are all gone! If you want to create a place the family comes back to year in and year to create shared memories it seems to me you should continue providing the environment that fosters it. We as a family really hope you do not clean out all the character that makes a dude ranch authentic, for the whims of one-off big group meeting and wedding planners. We love the Alisal! read more

Nice enough place. Food at the dinner/breakfast Hall is really good. But I'm no 5 start chef as some of the reviewers who didn't like the food seem to be. But DO Not, understand any circumstances come during the hot months. They have no air conditioning. We're usually here around September and it's been pretty bearable this far. But the days are getting hotter. It was an unprecedented 100 degrees this time. And the room was unbearable. They need to at least put some small wall units in the rooms. It would be a HUGE improvement and wouldn't cost that much (they should be able to afford it with the all the price increases). Unfortunately we can only get our whole party together around the warmer months so I guess we won't be staying here anymore. Aside from losing customers, the heat presents a real health hazard. There are a lot of older people that stay here. It will be just a matter of time before someone suffers some kind of health issue due to it, if not worse. RE A/C Untit: Kathleen, I spoke to the front desk and they said the had them but they're reserved for elderly and disabled guests. But that she'd try to get me one. We did receive it and it's made a big difference in the comfort level. Thanks for the tip. However, everyone should be made aware of the option to have one of these units. When we checked in, all we got was a piece of paper that had suggestions for how to keep your room cool. Requesting an air-conditioning unit was not on the list. read more

First time for us to the Alisal despite being born and raised in Santa Barbara. It won't be our last! Excellent customer service with a special shout out to Adriana who was both at the front desk in the morning and later in the restaurant. Adriana is as good as it gets and embodies both the attentiveness to detail and the charm befitting a world class resort. read more

117 degrees outside, $1100 per night after taxes and fees and there isn't even ac in the rooms!!! You've got to be kidding me. I can't believe any even average hotel in the 21st century doesn't have ac.... this place costs 1100 per night!! Total misery. read more

Alisal Ranch - Temperature inside the room at an 1100 per night hotel at 5pm. - Resorts Near Me - Solvang, California

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I have always wanted to go to this place. Over the years I've heard about it. So my husband and I stayed two nights this week. Here's the rundown: Expensive Feels like a Holiday Inn--tired small rooms, plastic cups, no A/C No horseback riding available ! Whaa? No wifi--only Verizon No daily cleaning No spa treatments available Lots and lots of flies! We will never come back. But, glad we came to find out. My choice for a real ranch is in Montana. read more

Amazing here great memories! Put your phone away and just enjoy the family time. We love this place so much. Horse back riding...the scenery everything. read more

This is a lovely place for a family vacation. The grounds are beautiful and make you feel relaxed the moment you arrive. The staff was all so helpful and accommodating, and the food was delicious. We went there with young children and two other families, and everyone (including the grown-ups) enjoyed the activities and gatherings. We are definitely coming back. read more

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Be forewarned - you're gonna pay the piper on this one. It is pricey. Like "I'm a plastic surgeon and vacation here" expensive. I'm no plastic surgeon, but it comes down to this - You Get What You Pay For. Honestly, I experienced some sticker shock when the wifey booked a week here in October 2012. Yeah, it's been that long. Shoulda wrote a review sooner but I figured vacationing plastic surgeons probably don't Yelp. Anyways, this place is very nice. We took three kids and a grandma. The kids (at the time ages 9, 6, and 3) had a blast. In fact, they still talk about "the ranch" and how much fun it was. Went horseback riding just about every day...it will cost you, but well worth it. Breakfast and dinner are included and the food is fantastic. Cudos to the chefs here. Dinner is a semi formal affair with collared shirts and jackets for men required. Breakfast is casual. Again, honestly with three little kids, I was a bit skeptical about a semi formal dinner. Parents, you know what I mean. But, you know what? it was great. The grounds and surrounding area are beautiful. The horseback riding is good for all levels of riders. We even went fishing at their private lake. Kids had a great time catching bluegill. Solvang is nearby and makes for good half day of entertainment and walking around. All in all, I had my doubts at first given the high price. But, I am sold. If you can swing the price, I would definitely recommend this place. On a side note, I am somewhat surprised there are only 15 reviews here. I guess my theory about vacationing surgeons may be correct. read more

We stay here every year in the Fall, my entire family (25-30 people). We usually reserved the entire cottage row in the entry to the Ranch. We've been doing this vacation for as long as I can remember and couldn't imagine not doing it each and every year! They truly have something for everyone, golfing (2 courses), fishing, horseback riding, archery, pool & spa, fitness center and full service spa! The list goes on and on... They've got a ton of menu items in the dining room each night and the food is usually pretty good. We usually bring our own wine because we are really geeky about our wine, but they do have a good selection of local wines too! The breakfast is awesome too, but the breakfast hayride is even better! Don't miss this, it's really fun and you get the true ranch style breakfast ride. I have so many great memories of this place and they still haven't disappointed. I will try to write a separate review about the golf course too! MY GO-TO DISH: California Omelette with extra salsa for breakfast and usually the steak or lamb for dinner read more

Alisal Ranch - View from the lane entrance at the ranch - Resorts Near Me - Solvang, California

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We just returned from the most Ah-Mazing staycation at The Alisal Guest Ranch! I have visited the property many times but haven't had the pleasure of staying. I have to say it was above and beyond my expectations! Because it should be mentioned, the C19 safety adaptations that they have made for guests and team safety are extensive. Our room was tagged before entry for having been sanitized, all major room amenities were bagged and sealed for sanitization as well as friendly reminders of "ground rules" for everyone's safety. The staff and overall hospitality is TOP SHELF, being in hospitality, my standards are high. It was my birthday and I was wished happy birthday by many of them. The food is insane, Chef Endy knocked it out of the park every time. The most tender of meats, fresh seafood, including lobster tail, fresh salads and grilled veggies. Their custom label wine is made by well known, top local producers. The grounds are beautiful and the ranch has SO much to do, we hiked twice and enjoyed a morning ride but we mainly relaxed at the pool which is just what the doctor ordered. We had planned to SUP or kayak on the lake but it was triple digits and we just didn't get to it early enough. We don't golf or play tennis but that is an option as well. Their texting communication was super responsive and made it easy to ask questions. I have recommended The Alisal to many over the years but now having stayed, I can speak on it so much more. Thank you Alisal and team for making my birthday most memorable, delicious, and relaxing. I won't ding you for the extra pounds I'm sure I brought home...! Take good care and we'll see you again soon... read more

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We had heard about the Alisal Ranch for many years, but finally went up there to celebrate a good friend's birthday who had gone there 6 previous times. Little did we know what we had been missing. This is an absolutely fabulous resort from every perspective. Every staff member we met from Toni at reception, to Joanne and Judi at the fitness center, to the meal staff, horse back riding staff, landscapers and housekeeping all seemed to enjoy working there. This created such a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere which is just what we needed for those magical 5 days. We signed up for the Round Up Vacation package which was one of the most comprehensive and amazing values we have experienced. It included breakfast and dinner (more to come on this), as well as all our favorite activities including unlimited golf at their two great courses, horseback riding including a fabulous breakfast ride, numerous activities including air rifle, archery, yoga, and on and on. There are terrific tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball, shuffleboard, billiards and ping pong, and a very nice heated pool, as well as a playground area for the kids, and activity room and library. The Fitness Center is terrific. This is the only resort that shows on its website when there are more children and families present vs. quieter adult times for visits which is a unique and very courteous touch. There are no TV's or phones in the nicely appointed rooms and suites, so you can truly feel like you have escaped for some badly needed R&R. Then there is the magnificent food. The breakfasts and dinners were absolutely delicious, and the selections thoughtful and diverse. The four of us agreed the Eggs Benedict were some of the best we've ever had with thick Canadian bacon, nice poached eggs and a perfect Hollandaise. The gravy on the biscuits and gravy were impossibly rich, and the other dishes of the highest quality. Dinners were incredible with vegetarian selections, pristinely prepared seafood dishes including a delicious sea bass and on another night a red curry seafood vol au vent. We had excellent rib eye, skirt steak, lamb, and decadent desserts. One night I couldn't decide between the savory duck and a seafood dish, so they served me Botha! Remember that breakfast and dinners are included in the RUV package. Cocktails, beer and wine are the only extras you need to pay extra for. Then there is the horseback riding. We've never had such gentle horses. The breakfast ride is memorable, and our friends rode everyday. The staff is very respectful of your riding ability and helps you find the right horse. There is a petting zoo which has such cute animals that both children and adults will enjoy. My wife and I now have the Alisal Ranch at the top of our list for repeat visits, and we now know why families and couples in the know have returned here year after year and even generation after generation. We tip our Stetsons to the Alisal. read more

Loved our family stay there this past weekend. I heard it was fully booked while we were there, but with the number of different activities or just to relax, it never felt crowded. It may not be for all, but I really liked the simple quaintness of the rooms. Big enough to have your own privacy, but not trying to be too fancy. Great kudos to the professional, friendly staff which really made our stay so much better. I can see why some people come back year after year. We will definitely be back. read more

Alisal Ranch - Horses at the breakfast ride, by the adobe house - Resorts Near Me - Solvang, California

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Nothing but hospitable, even the wildlife was courteous. The minute we arrived my worries left me. Our room was across from golf course and what a perfect location for serenity and porch sitting . Loved our room and bathroom and our real wood burning fireplace, stocked with plenty of wood. The meals were on point and the Saturday evening barbecue was so much fun . The band was great and their music selection perfect. As we sit by our fire I'm almost sad to leave tomorrow, the grounds and surrounding rolling hills just calm you. Being able to go see the horses anytime of day was quite special, Alisal staff were just giving and above and beyond accomodating...thank you Clint and we won't forget you Jack read more

Second time staying at The Alisal. It's my favorite place. The property is breathtaking, the staff are wonderful, the food can't be beat and there's so many fun activities for every age. We just returned from our stay this time during the Pandemic. Alisal was the perfect getaway during this time and we felt perfectly safe and so relaxed! Alisal staff did such an amazing job accommodating all the necessary changes. It's not easy for a hotel to suddenly need to switch to outdoor dining only, sanitizing everything, keeping guests spaced, safe, and happy during this awkward time....what a toll that must take on the staff so They deserve recognition for pulling it all off and going above and beyond. The room was sparkling clean with many things wrapped in plastic to assure it has been sanitized. They left hand sanitizer and a gift in the room too. For horseback riding I watched them sanitize every Saddle and reins thoroughly for each rider and the outdoor dining was extraordinary! I love it even more than the dining room! We enjoyed fresh lobster, steak, homemade desserts and so much more out on the lawn watching the sunset. It was perfect! They now include all beverages for free even wine, beer and cocktails! The pool was well maintained and not crowded because they manage the occupancy. They clean every chair between guests. They couldn't do anything more to help us feel safe, comfortable, and happy at all times. I can see the staff working constantly to cover all the bases. Thank you for all your hard work. read more

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I would give this resort more than 5 stars if I could, in every aspect except the food at dinner. Other than that, everything was exceptional! The staff were all incredibly friendly, going above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect. The property is absolutely beautiful, the rooms are spacious and clean, and the various outdoor activities are fun. We had the most relaxing 2 days here, and we really didn't want to leave. I would call this place a perfectly serene slice of heaven, and would recommend it to absolutely everyone! The rooms are inside little cottage style buildings, each with its own private patio area, surrounded by gardens and lush green lawns. Our Junior Suite came with a King bed in the bedroom, 2 twin beds disguised as sofas in the living room, 1 and a half bathrooms, a walk in closet, and a wood burning fireplace. The Old West decor gave it a fun, homey, comfortable feel. There are no TVs in the rooms, providing guests with a tech-free environment, but there IS Wifi if you want it. The housekeeping staff are great too. The room was spotlessly clean. We went on 2 horseback rides, one afternoon group ride and 1 breakfast ride. The group ride was a nice 2 hours, pleasantly walking along winding hillside paths, next to cow pastures, through small wooded areas, and around the gorgeous lake. Our trail guides, Dustin and Savannah, were so nice, and my horse, Gus, was a big sweetheart! The breakfast ride was cool too. We rode over much the same trails, but ended up at a small outdoor kitchen and seating area. The pancakes were awesome! There was also a nice selection of other hot anf cold items. During breakfast, a cowboy guitarist played and sang, then another cowboy recited some poetry, including one about pancakes. It was a thoroughly great time! We didn't play golf or tennis, but we did go visit the lake. You can fish (catch and release), but we just sat and enjoyed the serenity of the water and the surrounding hills. There's a bald eagle nest around the lake, and even though we couldn't see the nest from the vantage point of the dock, one of the adult eagles flew over just across the lake from us and perched in a tree, so we got the thrill of watching it for awhile. Jeremy and Mitch, the lake staff, were very nice and knowledgable, teaching us some bird facts, and helping the others fish. Back near the barn, we also spent some time in the barnyard petting their managerie of animals. Make sure you ask to hand feed the chickens and the troop of guinea pigs, you'll have the best time! The breakfast food, both on the ride and in the dining room, was quite good, as were the desserts at dinner, especially the cheeseckae and creme brulee. However, as mentioned before, the actually dinner food was disappointing, 2 stars on its own. Everything was either too sour or too salty, sometimes both. My salmon the 1st night gave me, in the half portion I could choke down, my entire salt intake for the week. The tamale I ordered the 2nd night was actually inedible, so hard and rubbery, and filled with orange cheese that looked like a week old Kraft Single. Fortunately, the waiter we had, Juan, offered to have the kitchen make something special, since the tamale was the only vegetarian menu option, and the tofu and grilled veggies he brought me was better. The prices to stay here are a little hefty, with the smallest room starting at around $550 per night, dependng on the time of year and the package. If you can afford it though, the stay is well worth the splurge! I was extremely lucky and won a 2 night stay here, from a raffle at a Travel Show I went to. My package included breakfasts, dinners, and activities. This type of package is available for booking anytime except during their busy summer months, otherwise all the extras are a la carte. This is by far the best prize I've ever won, and I'm very thankful to have been given the chance to enjoy this little slice of heaven in the Santa Ynez Valley. If you can manage it, I highly recommend staying here, for at least 2 nights, at least once in your life. We left feeling so calm, so refreshed, and so privileged for having experienced it. We would go back every year if we could. Thank you, everyone at Alisal Guest Ranch, for providing us with 2 memorable days in your little paradise! read more

Alisal Guest Ranch, what an incredible getaway, and on a weekend with perfect weather. We stayed in a charming split level room with a wood burning fireplace. The "River" golf course has breathtaking views to make a bad golf day unforgettable. After my son and I "golfed" we went up to their archery range, at the lake, to shoot with standard and compound bows, with instruction & guidance from seasoned archers. What a blast! Solvang is just a two minute drive up the street. Kathleen and her staff made sure we had the best experience we will not soon forget. Thank you! read more

I am only writing this review to complain about one thing. If it weren't for this one thing, I would probably give them 5 stars. I want to give this one thing 0 stars. The food was excellent, the staff was friendly, the room was comfortable (although it smelled so strongly from the fireplace, that we never used, that my luggage still smells of smoke two days later - this didn't bother me much, but annoyed my wife). The thing that bothered me is that they told me I wouldn't have to tip because they add a service charge. I imagined meals and activities. What I didn't know was that they would add a service charge of $173 to the room charge for each night. $346 extra for two nights, "for service" on top of $846 per night for the room. I would have tipped the housekeeping staff, but not $346. When I complained about this to Toni in the reception, she said, "well, you signed the paper describing this." That felt bad. I pointed out that there was lots of fine print and it certainly could have been made more explicit. She said, "That's true. You'll get a survey and should let them know." I was never given a survey - I even went into the office to ask for one and they said they don't have them - so I am doing it here. But other than that, it's a really nice place. read more

Not usually one for dessert! But the fresh air, chill vibe and crisp bite to the night - I couldn't resist. Didn't find a ton of food posts....the meals at Alisal are something extra special in themselves!!! read more

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Our company recently hosted a ~30 person leadership retreat at the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, and all attendees had incredible reviews ("best retreat ever," "beautiful resort," "excellent activities and accommodations"). The entire team was so impressed! Similar to other Yelp reviews, we also worked with Mary Friar (at Alisal), who went above and beyond to make sure our Retreat ran smoothly. We would highly recommend Alisal to any other companies looking for an opportunity to bring their team together, potentially host a meeting (we did - great meeting space!), and have some fun. Thank you, Mary, and the entire Alisal team! read more

We went there to attend a wedding on the weekend of Dec. 9, 2022 and had a very bad experience. Our room had a bad odor the entire time and we were told the previous renters had used wood etc.My son's room had stairs etc not fit for two young children. We were overcharged . When it rained and we had to attend any events the place was totally flooded and we spoiled our expensive shoes and clothes that we never be able to retrieve . The place felt like it was flooded and to get to our room we had to wade through 8 inches of water. we were two of the several families that went for the wedding , But if you missed or could not attend an event there was no food available even though it is listed as an all inclusive. When there was food available we had to pay extra for the food. At check out wrong information was given which resulted in extra expenditure . Awful experience. would never want to go back read more

What can I say! Alisal embodies every element of a dream vacation. Whether it's a week or a weekend, the Alisal embraces you in the warmth and excitement of the old west with all the comforts and epicurean delights of a 5 start resort. From horseback riding, fishing to golf, tennis, archery or lounging by the pool, the Alisal has something for everyone. The staff is warm, knowledgeable and attentive. Be prepared to leave Alisal a more relaxed, more in touch and happier person through and through! Oh and don't for get to spend time in the beautiful spa!!!! This is truly a must!!!! We Love Alisal Ranch and we will come every year......9 years so far. The Benjamin Family read more

We visited Alisal for our first time July1-4th and it was wonderful! The property is beautiful and the staff couldn't be nicer. Our grandkids loved all the activities and can't wait to go back. The precautions taken for Covid was so well done that we felt safe and secure. I have to give a special shout out to Lily who was extremely patient and helpful!! Can't wait for next year! Susan and Tom Chipman read more

I was there for a wedding and arrived late in the evening. It was dark and raining. We had never been there before and had no idea where to go to check in. After wandering around someone heard us and welcomed us in out of the rain. After a quick check in, a kind friendly gentleman named Clint gathered our luggage and escorted us to our room. I must say he totally went out of his way to make us feel right at home. He lit our fireplace and gave us some interesting history about the ranch. We didnt see Clint again until we were checking out but we were happy to see him. Since it had been raining all weekend we didnt have a chance to take a tour of the ranch. He graciously offered to take us on a tour of the lake and up around the mountain. He truly knows his stuff. I cannot thank Clint enough for offering his time and knowledge of the ranch. He went above and beyond the call of duty. I would recommend anyone visiting to request him personally if your looking for someone to help you settle in and he will make sure you are aware of everything they have to offer and make the most of your visit there. Clint is knowledgeable, kind and extremely helpful! Thank you again Clint! read more

So much about this place and I was so excited to try it out. our room was beautiful and ready on time. there was a separate room with the door that closed for the grownups and the kids had twin beds in the living room. there are no TVs and I was worried about that but it was actually a blessing. dinner and breakfast were included and the food was phenomenal. The service at the restaurants was great and the views were amazing. The kids were able to be free and would get up from the table and play outside in front of the restaurant for most of the time. The kids made friends very easily and loves being out in nature as did we. Every chance my daughter got she would run into the barn and pets and brush and playing with the animals. She was in heaven. We all went fishing, we caught fish, we went boating, we did archery and had an amazing relaxing time. The kids were too tired so we didn't make it to bingo or line dancing but I'm excited to try that during our next stay. Randy and Mark and David who worked by the lake were amazing. They were very genuine kindness and care we give me made our trip. We felt like we were hanging out with buddies we didn't for a second feel like this was their job. read more

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What a peaceful serene place to restore your energy and rejuvenate! From restaurant to Banquets, to Front Office staff and Spa treatments - every person makes you feel like they care and will take care of you! A wonderful team, led by GM Kathleen Cochran goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and pampered. I will most certainly come to stay again - i want to try out some of the fun activities, like archery and horseback riding. Love the place!! read more

Basically this is a vacation to fill your "soul". First time coming here with my 8 year old daughter and the best word to describe our experience is "magical" From gorgeous rides on horses that feels like you have been transported to Scotland to a a lake of fishing and archery Dinner each night 5 Star!! Worth every penny! Lastly you instantly are welcomed by guests and staff alike and you feel like one big happy family. This will for sure be a yearly adventure. Only advice is go when the weather is cool. read more

Our 3-day stay was above and beyond expectation. LOVED the wood burning fire place, no TV, decor, cozy bed, welcome gifts, and views. Very clean and comfortable cabin. Wish we could have stayed longer. Every staff member was cheerful, friendly, and helpful. It seemed they all love their jobs. The pool, restaurant, animal petting area, and grounds were all lovely. Nearby towns and wineries were equally impressive. Can't wait to return for another romantic escape and then again with our whole family. This ranch has a little something for everyone. I couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate my 50th b-day. read more

One of our favorite places. Combination of rolling, green oak-covered CA hills, friendly & attentive staff, activities galore, understated decor & fine food work perfectly for me. Love the step back in time ambiance. Ginger bread houses, rodeo, breakfast rides, tennis, golf, jigsaw puzzling all in a day's work. Rebooked next Christmas before we reached Santa Barbara. Back again Christmas of 2019 w/ another couple. Same great experience. Resort even upped it's game this year. Spa merchandizing, restaurant menu examples. What we count on is alisal's consistency, it's timelessness. read more

Bad experience..for someone who grew up coming here and have had so many great memories was left with a very bad taste in my mouth..from the get go the guest services manager made us feel very unwelcomed and was using the upcharge as more of a deterrent than a yes we can tactic. Room not ready on time..the only person making us feel welcome was one of the servers and one of the office workers....was very unimpressed with the food..I ordered the risotto as an appetizer and got boiled rice in water no flavor no seasonings as described in the menu..I would be embarrassed if my kitchen staff put something out like that and tried to call it rissoto...overall was left feeling unwelcomed and not a part of the alisal family that i knew growing up..we will gladly spend less money elsewhere for a better experience read more