Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the charming, historic town of Los Olivos, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection has welcomed guests since the late 1880s when pioneers began settling this mountain-fringed valley just north of Santa Barbara. Witness to changing times, from the stagecoach era through the introduction of railroads and automobiles, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern has thrived with dedicated stewards at its helm.
Today, Auberge Resorts Collection is proud to serve as custodian of The Inn at Mattei's Tavern. With new and luxurious accommodations, a state-of-the-art spa, bespoke guest experiences, and destination dining venues, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection has been reborn as one of the most exciting new luxury hotels in the country, while still maintaining the same soul and generosity of spirit that founder Felix Mattei bestowed upon the property when it first debuted over a century ago.
"We are delighted to open the doors to The Inn at Mattei's Tavern and officially welcome the property to the Auberge family today," said Craig Reid, president and CEO, Auberge Resorts Collection. "Our owners, Brian Strange and Deepak Kamra, had a vision to create a hotel that is true to the heritage of this historic property and embraces the local community. The result is a resort that celebrates the soul, character and history that has made Mattei's an icon in the area since the 1800s and yet feels so relevant for today's discerning traveler. It has been a pleasure helping Brian and Deepak bring their vision to life and we could not be more excited to welcome the community and travelers from near and far to this one-of-a-kind property in the charming town of Los Olivos."
Set on 6.5 acres opposite the original Los Olivos staging post, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection sits in the center of town and has always been its convivial heart. With its iconic water tower still rising as one of the town's most recognizable landmarks, the property consists of numerous free-standing cottages embraced by landscaped gardens and lawns. Opening again with its history celebrated and upheld in every detail, the property has been sensitively reimagined by renowned design firm AvroKO. Original buildings, including the Tavern and a handful of original cottages, have been thoughtfully restored and complemented by newly built structures in keeping with the relaxed country style and heritage of this heirloom property.
Exposed wooden beams, restored wainscoting and unlacquered brass fixtures feature throughout, while vintage furnishings, lighting and accessories add depth and character. Custom items reference days gone by, yet with a contemporary simplicity that underlines The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection's modern outlook.
Since its founding, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection has had several important stewards who have shaped its narrative and inspired its design. Gin's Tap Bar, for example, is named after Gin Lung Gin, the head chef for decades starting in 1910. His Chinese heritage is celebrated in the venue's antique, carved wooden-horse sculptures. The Pinochle Room, the resort's private dining room, pays homage to Felix Mattei and his loyal manager, Gus Berg, who were known to play a nightly game of cards, and is now home to the original namesake painting, 'Pinochle,' by Mattei's son, Clarence.
"I am incredibly proud of the dynamic and talented team who have brought this vision to life, while honoring the history of Mattei's and infusing it with their own spirit and passion," said Dave Elcon, general manager, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection. "Mattei's Tavern has always been a celebrated social hub in the community and we are excited to honor its history and century old memories while creating new ones."
Just two hours by car from Los Angeles and home to organic farms, horse ranches and more than 170 wineries and tasting rooms, the Santa Ynez Valley is famous for its fertile soil and year-round, Mediterranean-like climate. A pioneering social hub honoring this natural abundance for well over a century, today The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection builds upon its storied history of providing good eats and genuine conversation. Five unique food and beverage venues highlight the bounty of the Central Coast's land and sea, each distinct in aesthetic, experience and flavor, but with a shared thread of fresh, local California cuisine.
The Tavern is the signature restaurant, serving a chef-driven, elevated but unfussy, ranch-inspired menu with honest ingredients – many harvested from the on-site garden. Inside, history lingers in the atmospheric décor, while alfresco dining can be enjoyed beneath the vine-covered trellis. The core menu offers grilled proteins and vegetables, classically prepared and approachable, alongside revolving seasonal specials. The Bar with its Wild West roots rests alongside, while Felix Feed & Coffee is the property's European-style coffee bar and bakery, serving freshly baked goods, homemade sodas and all-day breakfasts.
Gin's Tap Bar, named for The Inn at Mattei's Tavern's longtime Chinese chef, is even more buzzing, leading guests to its door with enticing and vibrant aromas. Its novel menu pays homage to Gin himself, celebrating Asian inspired influences throughout. Moving away from the original structures and into the gardens, The Shed is tucked into a remnant grove of olive trees beside the property's serene swimming pool and serves a Mediterranean-inspired, laid-back yet finely-tuned poolside menu.
Dating back to the original Mattei's Tavern in 1886, the four Historic Cottages – Oak, Cedar, Cypress and Canary – have been carefully restored to preserve their original wooden floors and inviting front porches, on which rockers await. Updated to offer spacious ensuite bathrooms, most with clawfoot tub and walk-in shower, each is unique. Some feature garden patios with a loveseat or daybed; others boast sitting rooms with working fireplaces.
The two-bedroom Courtyard Cottage is a new building designed to reflect Mattei's original structures. Accommodating up to four guests, it offers a large living room and opens onto two private garden patios, one with an outdoor fireplace and the other with a jacuzzi. Homestead Cottage is also a new build with two bedrooms, which can be booked together or separately. Each bedroom has a private outdoor lounge space, one with a private jacuzzi.
The Guest Houses are airy, clapboard bedrooms set within new, two-story structures. Each offers either a garden patio, a terrace or a sun porch with rocker and swing, and all offer generously proportioned bathrooms.