Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Table Of Contents
-
Recognized as a "must see" in California! On the outside, it is a gorgeous, recently-renovated 1864 Victorian nestled in the heart of wine country. On the inside, it houses six incredible theme suites featuring theme beds, in-room hot tubs, fireplaces and hidden bathrooms. Music, fragrance, handpainted murals and tiles, movies and furniture will immerse you in the fantasy of your choice - will you stay in a sheik's tent? A 50's drive-in? A pirate ship? A gypsy caravan?
Fantasy does not come at the expense of luxury or taste. Each room features impeccable decor and premium mattresses, sheets, towels and bathrobes. With our standard rates, a delicious bottle of local wine waits for you on arrival and a hot, gourmet breakfast is delivered to your suite every morning.
Come visit us in the heart of the wine country made famous by the movie, Sideways - only a short drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the U.S. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Accolades
The Victorian Mansion was selected as
- Recipient of TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Offbeat Backroads: #1 favorite
- France's "Le Guide Du Routard's" 'must see' in California
- One of Peter Guttman's "10 Most Quirky Overnights in the U.S."
- One of National Geographic Traveler's Quirky Hotels Around the Country
Each theme suite includes:
- in-suite hot breakfast for two with juice and fresh coffee (or tea)
- private (“hidden”) bath
- hot tub for two
- fireplace
- bottle of regional wine upon arrival
- luxurious bathrobes for two
- ultra-high thread count sheets
- premium, queen-size mattress
- in-room massage and spa services
- lavish bath amenities and bath soak
- hidden flat panel television for DVD viewing
- DVD player
- CD player
- games, music and DVDs that compliment the suite's theme
- hidden refrigerator
- hand-painted murals and custom tile
- remote control functionality
- central air conditioning and heating
- personal heater
- in-suite wireless Internet (laptop with wireless capability required)
- hairdryer
- two complimentary bottles of water
- complimentary parking
Fulfill your fantasy with one of these six masterfully themed suites that will transport you to distant lands or delight your senses with a hint of nostalgic adventure.
-
Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Rod Rigole for sharing his own secrets with BBOnline.com! Why do most travelers stay at your inn? Guests stay for the unique experience and personal service we provide. And of course our amazing theme suites.
What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn? Our inn is best known for its luxury theme suites and our attention to detail. Each incredible theme suite features a theme bed, in-room hot tub, fireplace and hidden bathroom. And when we say themed, we don't mean a room with varying styles of Victorian decor, we mean an immersive experience covering all the senses. Music, fragrance, hand painted murals and tiles, movies and furniture immerse the guest in the fantasy of their choice. And I know this is going to sound contrived, but what I love most about our inn are the guests – they make the love and care we put into the bed and breakfast worthwhile.
If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit? The No. 1 reason would be the Victorian Mansion itself, as there is not another lodging establishment like it. The No. 2 reason would be the great food and wine in the region (there are over 70 wine tastings rooms in the Valley featuring spectacular wines).
What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn? The best compliment we received came from a very well-traveled guest (staying at numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts throughout the world) who said that she had never felt so pampered and cared for, and that our bed and breakfast was by far the best place she had ever stayed.
What’s the best kept secret about the area? The best kept secret is the restaurant Full of Life Flatbread – which provides a great atmosphere and an amazing meal. It is a hidden gem.
If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area? If staying for 4 nights, I would recommend that the guest spend the first day wine tasting and exploring the area. The next day can be spent exploring the quaint Danish town of Solvang, which has shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries, and the town of Los Olivos which has olive oil tasting and cupcake pairings. The third day can be spent doing something adventurous such as horseback riding, hiking, a glider ride, or a hot air balloon adventure. But at least one day should be spent experiencing their suite, relaxing in their hot tub, and exploring our charming little town.
Is there anything within walking distance of your inn? Yes, there are wine tasting rooms, great restaurants (Full of Life Flatbread, Bell Street Farms, Café Quackenbush, etc.), an old western saloon, antique stores, and art galleries.
What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area? Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Valley is Full of Life Flatbread … and it is conveniently located just across the street.
Any good area guides/websites that travelers could reference? For wine tasting, I would recommend sbcountywines.com. For events and great things to do in the area, I would recommend solvangusa.com.
How many rooms does your inn have? We currently have 6 suites available.
Do you accept pets? We do not accept pets.
-
“My girlfriend and I spend a night at The Vick while on a quick trip to Santa Barbara wine country. Needless to say, we were blown away. The Vick is immaculate, and the rooms are perfect. We stayed in the Roman room. I'd never done the B&B thing before, and was a bit reluctant, but based on the reviews, we went for it. Boy am I glad that we did. I couldn't have asked for more. The staff was amazing, and they run the inn to perfection. They even showed us all the other rooms before the other guests arrived, made us want to come back again. You have no idea how many times my girlfriend said, "they thought of everything!" The breakfasts are also as advertised - simply amazing. If you are looking for a place to stay in wine country look no further. The Vick is amazing, and you will not regret it.”
Mumbai, India
“The room was amazing – the bed was super comfy and the Jacuzzi tub was a great relief after a long day of shopping and driving. The attention to detail and all the small additions to the room really made it more than just a hotel room, it was almost like a work of art. The staff was super friendly and made us feel completely welcome. The town itself very charming and very scenic.
Our stay at the Vic was totally relaxing and romantic and it was a wonderful getaway for the 2 of us and it is a trip that I know we will remember for a long, long time. We are already planning our next trip back and cannot wait to check out the other rooms and both of us have recommended this place to everyone that we know. Thanks so much for the great memories!!!”
Calgary, Canada
“We had a fantastic time!!! Truly memorable. We went to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Hoping for an unforgettable weekend - we got just that. We stayed in 2 of the suites, Pirate and Gypsy. Both suites were amazing in their own ways. The photos really do not do the rooms justice. Even my own photos don't do these rooms justice. You really need to be standing in them to appreciate how much thought and care went into each and every detail.
The Pirate room was so enveloping and textural. It truly felt like you were in the captains quarters of a pirate ship. Nothing seemed of this time. We really felt transported. After being so affected by the Pirate Suite, we arrived in the evening to check into the Gypsy Suite. It was much calmer, creative, and beautifully decorated, but we missed our Pirate room right away...that was until the morning. When the light came through the stained glass window, the hand painted walls came alive! It sounds silly saying that...but they really did. Lovely. The soaking tubs in each of the suites are to die for! I doubt that we could ever stay somewhere else that would leave us feeling so relaxed and happy.
Rod and Denise were amazing. They wanted to make sure that our weekend was nothing less than perfect, and everything was.
The location was also amazing. We did a walking wine tasting tour on our own in Solvang, only about 15 minutes away. We were there for the "Danish Days" weekend, tons to see and do there. Must have visited tasting rooms for at least 10 of the local wineries over the weekend.
We were delighted to be able to see the other rooms at the inn, and they all looked amazing. I am sure we will come back for another visit for another special occasion. To decide which one would be the hardest decision!
Don't wait! Book your reservations right now, it's the best decision you'll ever make!”
Camarillo, California
“We've had THREE amazing experiences at The Victorian Mansion in Los Alamos! Our last visit was in the Gypsy Suite, where we immersed ourselves in vagabond style with the feeling of being outdoors in a gypsy encampment, sleeping in a caravan with fireplace roaring & the sound of woodland creatures in the distance! Rod, the proprietor was the ultimate host & made our experience as unique as we've ever had! Our in-room breakfast was delicious, as usual! We look forward to experiencing the remaining suites in the very near future!”
Solvang, California
“Our most memorable experience yet! This bed and breakfast is truly a must see. I have never received such wonderful service at a hotel in my life! The lovely couple who own the place are so nice and accommodating.
We were able to peak at all of the rooms, except the French Suite. All rooms were so unique and creative. Their attention to detail cannot be beat anywhere! From the themed music, to themed DVD's, hot tub in each room, fireplace, themed lighting, and hidden bathroom, my husband and I were totally impressed.”
San Jose, California
“Wow....a great pampering! Nothing I write seems to express how grateful I really am for the wonderful experience I had at this hotel.
Our stay at the VM far surpassed anything that we could have ever imagined. I have stayed in many B&Bs, hotels etc. around the world and this is definitely the best experience I have had.
The room we stayed in was the Egyptian room. BEAUTIFUL. From the lighting to the murals etc. It was just magical. We were spoiled with breakfast in bed, comfy robes, wine etc. and the owners leaving treats and special things in the room for us when we were away. I really didn’t expect any of that to make a difference but with the whole package, it did. It was lovely. We were in heaven and we are definitely coming back!”
Oceanside, California
“The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos is truly a special place! My husband and I got married at the Union Hotel 19 years ago and we spent our wedding night at the Victorian Mansion before it was even completed! We returned this summer to find it even more beautiful than we remembered! Each room has been created with incredible attention to detail and comfort! Everything from the decor to the bathrobes to the delicious breakfast is perfect. It's more than a "bed and breakfast" experience; the stay is an opportunity to create great memories with the one you love!”
Bakersfield, California
“World of Wonder at the Vick. My wife and I selected the Victorian Mansion in Los Alamos, CA, to spend our 6th wedding anniversary, based on a search of unusual B&Bs in the area. We found it to be even more charming and wonderful than what we expected from the online brochure. With six themed rooms, ours was the Egyptian, complete with soundtrack music, a curtained four-poster elevated bed, a "tomb" bath that was hidden behind a golden sarcophagus, a balcony and a stone hot tub. Breakfast was delivered each morning via a dumb-waiter in the wall at a pre-arranged time. Each room (we got a tour as the first guests to arrive) carries its theme to the tiniest detail: music, movie choices (the 50s room features a drive-in movie screen at the foot of the Cadillac bed), hot tub, themed bed and bath. The cost is very reasonable and the host, Rod, extremely friendly and accommodating. We can't wait to return.”
Redondo Beach, California -
Visit Los Alamos for a taste of our laidback lifestyle amidst the agricultural farmland and hills of oak trees in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Enjoy shopping for art and antiques, wine tasting and fine dining. Don't miss our annual Old Days Celebration every September.
Los Alamos, which means "The Cottonwoods" in Spanish, is located midway between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles and 280 miles south of San Francisco, the town site is at the junction of U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 135. The Los Alamos Valley is bounded by the northern Solomon Hills and the southern Purisima Hills. It is graced with cottonwood trees, oaks, creeks, farms, ranches, vineyards.
Wine Tasting
Los Alamos is the birthplace of grapes grown for Kendall-Jackson, Sutter Home, Byron, Beringer, Mondavi, Meridian and many boutique wineries. It is also the ideal hub for exploring over 70 world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Walk down the street and enjoy a tasting at Bedford Thompson or jump in your car and travel the wine tours the movie Sideways made famous. Los Alamos is right in the middle of three famous wine trails and minutes from the Los Olivos tasting rooms
Antique Stores
Los Alamos is an antique-lover’s dream, with unique treasures from all over the world as well as right here in town! Within blocks of The Victorian Mansion are four antique galleries: Gussied Up, The Gentleman Farmer, The Depot Mall, and Golden Oaks Antiques. Los Alamos is also home to the Union Hotel, which was a stagecoach stop during the Wild West. Be sure to stop by this historic and authentically decorated spot for a drink in the saloon. Don’t forget to check out the old-time gas station right next door, which harkens back to the days when Bell Street was the major route through California. This gas station has been featured in numerous movies and photo shoots through the years.
Art Galleries
Wander through the ArtBrut Gallery to enjoy the work of local artisans and other offerings, including pen and ink drawings by Jonathan Winters. Or stroll down the street to the C Gallery, which features contemporary art, with a “contemplative” edge.
Dining
Los Alamos offers some of the most delectable dining in the area. Across the street from The Victorian Mansion, you can taste by firelight what Variety dubbed “probably the best pizza on the West Coast” at Full of Life Flatbread. The menu changes daily with unique concoctions featuring freshly picked herbs and paired with local wines from an extensive wine list. For lunch, try the famously-large burgers or carne asada at Charlie’s, next door, or walk a few blocks down Bell Street to Cafe Quackenbush, where you can enjoy a gourmet salad or crabcakes surrounded by art. Or have a delicious cup of soup or rotisserie pork sandwich at Bell Street Farms Eatery and Market in the old bank building.
Spa
We would be happy to arrange for a massage in the privacy of your own fantasy suite. Or just soak in the luxurious bubbles of your private hot-tub. Aromatherapy bath soak is included in your room.
Solvang
This adorable Danish town is only a short drive from Los Alamos. You can stroll through the European-style streets and visit art galleries, tasting rooms, museums, and clothing boutiques. You can even visit a full-sized holiday gingerbread house (Nov. –Dec.), enjoy the street performers during Danish Days (Sept.) or catch a play at PCPA Theaterfest. Don’t forget the Hans Christian Andersen Museum! You can see the calendar of events at http://www.solvangusa.com.
Horseback Riding and Horse Ranches
The Santa Ynez Valley is recognized throughout the equestrian world for its horse ranches. Enjoy a wonderful ride through the beautiful backcountry on horseback. Add some wine tasting to the adventure with VinoVaqueros and ride through the Fess Parker family ranch and vineyards. See spectacular 360 degree views of the Santa Ynez Valley and after your ride, make your way to the tasting room to taste select wines from the vineyard. Or visit one of the many outstanding horse ranches, including the Quicksilver Ranch which raises miniature horses.
Hiking
Nearby Figueroa Mountain offers numerous hiking trails to explore the local flora and fauna.
Chumash Casino
Vegas-like action in the Valley! This Casino Resort offers gaming at its exhilarating best, including slot machines, Blackjack and Poker.
Golf
Play a round of 18 holes at one of the near-by golf courses, including La Purisma, Rancho San Marcos, River Course at The Alisal, Zaca Creek, or Sunset Ridge.
Other Activities:
• hot air ballooning (seasonal)
Enjoy spectacular views of the ranchlands and vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley from high above in a hot air balloon.
One of the best ways to explore the backcountry is on two wheels. Enjoy a self-guided tour or let a resident expert show you the way.
Soar silently above the Santa Ynez Valley Mountains in this adventure of a lifetime.
Taste a sampling of gourmet, locally grown olive oil from the most current harvest at Global Gardens in Los Olivos.
Tour this unique facility and see the world’s largest bird up close.
Clairmont Farm is a family owned lavender farm located in Los Olivos. There are five acres of the Grosso variety lavender, known for its healing quality. They offer a complete line of lavender based products, including essential oils, homemade soaps, distinctive lavender honey, and tea.
• Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve is part of the 18-mile stretch of coastal dunes on California's Central Coast. From 1923 to the 1950s, six films were set in the dunes, including Cecil B. Demille's classic version of the Ten Commandments. At the end of production, the massive sets reproducing ancient Egypt were dismantled and buried on the site to prevent reuse. They are still buried there today and may be seen from time to time as the dunes shift.
• California Missions and museums
Santa Inez Mission
La Purisma Mission
Elverhoj Museum of Danish History
Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Vintage Motorcycle Museum• birdwatching
There are hundreds of species to view, including waterfowl, osprey, hawks, bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, and yellow-billed magpies.
• shopping
-
Conveniently located just off the 101 freeway in the heart of the Santa Ynez wine country, Los Alamos is a natural stop on the way to see Hearst Castle or on the road to San Francisco. It is also a short romantic drive from Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.
From the North:
Take Highway 101 south to the Los Alamos exit. Proceed to the first stop sign which is Highway 135 and make a left. We are at 326 Bell Street on the right hand side of the street – you can’t miss the yellow Victorian as you drive into town. Note that Highway 135 turns into Bell Street through the town of Los Alamos.
From the South:
Take Highway 101 north to the Los Alamos exit. Make a left off the freeway, pass under the overpass, and proceed to the first stop sign which is Highway 135. Make a right and drive to 326 Bell Street. We are on the left hand side – you can’t miss the yellow Victorian. Note that Highway 135 turns into Bell Street through the town of Los Alamos.