Jump to: Room choices | Hotel description | Map | Amenities | Reviews
Tucked away in the peaceful community of Ballard, California, The Ballard Inn & Restaurant effortlessly embodies the adage, "the best things come in small packages." A divine bed & breakfast retreat amongst the idyllic vineyards of Santa Barbara's Wine County, Ballard Inn was recently voted one of America's "Top Ten Most Romantic Inns," and remains an ideal retreat for two. Upon your arrival, enjoy a glass of the region's finest on the inn's wraparound patio surrounded by fragrant foliage, or retreat to the soft color palette of your room. The inn's 15 rooms are elegantly and uniquely designed, with a calming, country theme, and each with its own individual story. Mildred's Room is decorated in soft blues and cream hues, and was named for the original owner's daughter, while the inn's most romantic room, Cynthia's Room, boasts a king sized bed, in-room fireplace, and private bathroom, all bathed in sensuous and soft red tones.
The Ballard Inn & Restaurant
2436 Baseline Avenue
Ballard, California
93463
Nearest Airport: SBA
We had been looking forward to staying at the Ballard Inn for a really long time and finally were able to go. We had a lovely time there, and there is much about the hotel that we enjoyed. The staff were all really kind and helpful. There were beautiful fixtures throughout, clean linens and towels that smelled fresh, water in the room for us. The room we were in was spacious and had a beautiful bay window. The hot breakfasts were amazing! So delicious! The only downside was that we could never get the room to heat up in the mornings as the thermostat didn’t seem to work. Not until the sun came through the windows did the room warm up. Also, it would be nice if a Keurig could be provided in the dining room area for early risers like us to get some coffee before the kitchen staff arrives. That simple gesture would have made all the difference in our stay there.
Larry R - Pasadena, CA
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.
nick341 - San Jose, California
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.
Coleen M
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.
CabernetSB - Santa Barbara, California
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.
Samantha C
Read more reviews or write a review
© 2025 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved