San Ysidro Ranch

The SYR is so luxe and private feeling and the food quality is off the charts good. We have stayed there a few times and recently went to an Easter brunch with family. Even though the brunch was outrageously expensive (~$2k for 4 adults and 2 kids), the experience was worth it b/c the meal was one of the best that we ever had and it almost felt like we had the entire resort to ourselves even though there were many guests there. The staff is very polite and attentive and every detail feels like they spared no expense to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

The San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara is a spectacular setting – mountains looming above, the sea and views of the Channel Islands below, tall hedgerows, lush herb gardens and charming cottage hideaways for luncheons or teas. Our rather large group had a long standing reservation for tea. When we arrived I ran into friends who were finishing their lunches with beautifully crafted and presented tarts, so I was filled with anticipation for the tea we were about to have. First, we were informed several of the teas on the menu were not available. I ordered a glass of champagne – at $30.00 – which, when it arrived, had not a bubble in sight. The tea I ordered was very nice. But, alas, the food was not. The sandwiches were sloppily piled on a cake plate and we had no implement with which to pick them up but our own forks and fingers – so were left grabbing our selections. The tartlets, the little petit choux pastries and teeny tiny macarons were good – but, again, we were left picking them up off a flat plate with our fingers. Every item was counted to deliver one per person – so the offerings seemed skimpy. As for the scones listed on the menu. Only two sweet scones appeared (we were a group of 12) and no butter or lemon curd. The savory cheese scones were a rubbery glob that was just not good. Finally, another cake plate of ordinary cookies appeared as if to apologize for the lackluster meal. Unfortunately, this was a total disappointment

Our 3rd stay at SYR and, as usual, we have no absolutely no complaints. Everything was perfect. Along with a beautiful cottage and stunning grounds, they have the best hotel restaurant we've ever dined at. The staff were all very friendly, competent and completely professional.