The Ballard Inn & Restaurant

Lovely & charming .. but 3 stars for the road noise .. old windows at front of the building make the room too noisy for my comfort. otherwise, this is a stunning property, lovely common areas, and fantastic location for WINE country. if you are sensitive to noise, bring earplugs or make sure you specify a room on the side of the building. Bathrooms are a little dated but functional.

Beautiful, romantic inn very close to Los Olivos. Our room was large with a fireplace and big, comfortable bed. Friendly staff. You might want a room on the backside if you like it quieter since the front of the hotel faces a street. Didn't bother me but it's wintertime and not busy in Los Olivos. Includes a warm breakfast and glass of wine when you arrive. The inn is decorated beautifully.

Ballard Inn "manages revenue" so price declined dramatically--beware/take advantage of this. For a stay of one night starting Dec.17, 2024, we on Dec 16 booked thru the website a king room at a total cost of $233.01 including room, taxes, and a $20 resort fee (for what, who knows?). By Dec 17 early afternoon, the total price on the website for the same room was $154.57. This is a reduction of $79. A call and personal conversation at check in did not lead to a refund but we upgraded to the larger Mountain room as a compromise. Solid structure, quiet, nice bedding, skimpy breakfast but coffee available at 7:00 AM.

We were sadly disappointed in our whole experience at the Inn. It started before my arrival when I received a phone call at 10 PM at night telling me that I had to give them a new credit card number. They apparently changed the payment system and had lost track of everyone’s card information. They rudely told me if I didn’t get them a new card immediately they would cancel my reservation, I happen to be at a party without a card and leaving the following morning at 6 AM to get on the flight to California . then though it was their error when I asked for the current price on the room, which was less than I booked for they denied me. We arrived at the hotel. There are no TVs whatsoever. This went normally be a big deal, but it was election day and there was some news that it would’ve been interesting to watch, we were told there would be 24 seven and there is an adorable coffee shop across the street where we could get lattes in the such. It is now 7:42 AM there isn’t any employee in the end, there is no coffee, and the charming coffee shop across the street is actually closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You would think with only one little business being in town they would know the days it was open and closed. it’s nice but the paint is peeling in the bathroom and it’s probably seen better days and for the price point. I don’t think it’s worth the money.

I spent two nights at this hotel and was informed by both of the employees that would receive some sort of compensation back because we were absolutely freezing in our room because the heater was not working. Supposedly an electrician came out to fix it while we were gone on Saturday but it was still broken. They gave us a tiny roll away heater to "fix the problem" which clearly didn't work. We did not sleep either night and, we’re informed that the room beside ours also didn’t have working heater either. The staff was incredibly rude and the manager Rodney Stillwell sent me an email totally disregarding my concerns and didn't bother to call me back when I asked multiple times for them to do so. Worst bed and breakfast ever! Don't stay here.