Fess Parker*s Wine Country Inn, Los Olivos

Very disappointed that the rate we were quoted on the phone was not honored at the front desk (I had names and dates to verify discussion). The place is nice enough but not worth the money in these leaner times. Everyone but the front desk staff was very pleasant and the rooms are nice.

We were in California in early August and stopped by what used to be our favorite bed and breakfast. We were shocked to find that all of the things that made it wonderful had been ripped out. The sitting room, piano mementos etc...were all gone. The place looked like an IKEA store. We won't be back.

The cost per room was absolutely rediculous for the accomodations. This was absolutely not a Four Star Inn. The restaurant is across the street and actually was decent. Location, Location, Location...

Be careful if you are a returning visitor! We have stayed at Fess Parker for both weekend and midweek breaks before, and our recent visit had a few surprises in store. On previous visits, both breakfast and dinner were included in the room rate; now only breakfast is included and it is no longer buffet-style, it is strictly a la carte with a very restrictive menu. Another glass of orange juice? $2. A side of bacon? an additional $2.50, thank you very much. Given the room rate, it feels unnecessarily penny-pinching. There also used to be a complimentary wine and cheese tasting each afternoon; this has also been discontinued. Dinner is no longer included. We were not advised of these changes when we made our reservations, which was disappointing. We were given a room in the "West Wing" for this visit, which should more honestly be called "The Other Building Across The Street". The rooms here were neither as comfortable nor as well-appointed as those in the hotel proper, and noise insulation from the other rooms is a major problem - we knew when our neighbors were using their bathroom, shower or even their hairdryer. Our washbasin also backed up when the room upstairs took a shower. For a nightly rate in the region of $375, this is totally unacceptable. Our room wasn't turned down on our third night of our stay. It feels that the owners are resting on their laurels to some extent - being one of the few hotels in the area, and certainly the most well-regarded, it feels a little like they've decided they need make very little effort to provide for their guests. The staff, almost without exception, make you feel extremely welcome and this is a major plus for the hotel. The running of the restaurant is shortly being taken over and run by The Wine Cask, a facilities management company who plan to extend the menu and the opening hours, and also provide a wine bar/bistro menu also, so there will be major changes in this area. We have eaten at their restaurant in Santa Barbara, and if the quality of the food matches our experience there, it will be a definite improvement. On the whole we felt disappointed by our experience in spite of the very friendly staff. I think we'll be looking elsewhere on our next visit to the area.

Not sure why san diego didnt like it. The service was great, the food ( breafast and dinner were included) was very good. Our room was clean and we loved the cookies at turn down. price a little steep but worth it for special occasions. My anniversary