First-Time Guest?

We Can’t Wait to See You!

We’ve assembled a list of common questions and answers below as well as a few policies and traditions that we have here at The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. If you can’t find an answer, feel free to contact us so we can help you out.

New to horseback riding?

Tony, a former Head Wrangler, walks through some horseback riding basics. This is a great video for first-time riders or for anyone who hasn’t ridden in years.

Learn how to approach a horse, how to adjust your saddle and stirrups, and how to hold the reins when riding.

General Information

Babysitting – Our babysitting needs are handled by “The Little Guest,” a local agency that can be reached at 805-688-1812 or 805-708-4318. A 24-hour notice is desirable.

Baggage Storage – If you would like to continue using Alisal facilities after our 12 p.m. check-out time, our bellmen would be pleased to pick up and store your luggage in the Front Office.

Bicycles – Bicycles are complimentary at the Front Office or the Ranch Concierge. Maps that depict various cycling routes are available.

Bulletin Boards – Listings of each day’s activities and entertainment are posted on bulletin boards located outside the Front Office, the Ranch Room lobby, and the upper pool deck outside the Cottonwood Room.

Check-in – 4 p.m.
Check-out – 12 p.m. (noon)

Children – Please notify us in advance concerning your children’s signing privileges for beverages, gift items, etc.

Concierge Services – The Ranch Concierge team can assist you with information on other activities and services both on and off the ranch (i.e., flower deliveries, massages, photographers, directions, etc.). Feel free to contact them prior to or during your stay at (805) 686-7700.

Daily Activities and Events Schedule – A daily activities schedule will be provided to you when you check in. The following day’s activities schedule will be delivered to your room each night.

Doctors – If you are in need of medical assistance at any time during your visit to the Ranch, the Front Office and the Ranch Concierge keep a current list of area doctors and clinics. In the event of a medical emergency, the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital is four miles from The Alisal. If necessary, one of our bellmen will transport you to the hospital.

Dress Code – Jackets are required for gentlemen 16 years and older (neckties are optional). Ladies and children should dress accordingly. Shorts, men’s hats, and T-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner hours. If you choose to wear jeans, we ask your jeans be dinner dressy- not frayed and without holes.

Firewood – Wood boxes containing oak firewood are located throughout the property.

Game Room – A pool table and a ping pong table are located in the Game Room on the upper pool deck.

Hiking – You may take a self-guided hike over our Deer Canyon Trail, which loops around approximately 2½ miles. We recommend that you do not walk alone and that you wear sturdy shoes and carry bottled water. Please check in with a Ranch Concierge prior to your hike.

Housekeeping – Cribs, rollaways, bed boards, extra linen, maid service and other housekeeping-related supplies can be provided by calling the Front Office.

Ice – Ice machines are located throughout the property. In addition, the bellmen would be pleased to deliver ice to your room upon request.

Insects – We recommend that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the insects that occasionally appear during the late afternoon and early evening. Bug spray is available for purchase at our front desk.

Internet/Wireless – Computers are available in the library for internet and email access. Guests who travel with a laptop computer or mobile devices may also access our wireless network from anywhere on the Ranch with the exception of the Lake and Adobe areas. No password is required.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning – Complimentary washers and dryers are located in two locations on property. Complimentary detergent is also available in the Laundry Rooms. Same-day professional laundry and dry cleaning service may be arranged by contacting the Front Office. Place garments in the laundry bag located in your closet and bring to the Front Office before 10 a.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays). Garments will be returned to your room by 6 p.m. An iron and ironing board are located in each guest unit as well.

Library – Our Library has a vast selection of books, games, and a computer for Internet and email access. A television is also provided. There is also a direct outside line for guests who travel with a laptop. The Library is limited to adult guests only.

Newspapers – Complimentary copies of the Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal are available on the porch outside the Ranch Room, in the Library, and in the Fitness Center & Spa.

No Smoking – Smoking is not allowed in any of our guest rooms or public rooms.

Photographer – A photographer can be arranged by contacting the Ranch Concierge team with a 24-hour advance notice. He/she will be available without making prior arrangements at all summer barbecues and breakfast rides.

Safe Deposit Boxes – We provide in-room safes in all of our guest units.

Sundries – Selected toiletries, snacks, and other items are available for purchase at the Front Desk.

Televisions – Televisions are located in the Oak Room, Waggin’ Tongue Lounge, Cottonwood Room, Laurel Room, Library, Ranch Golf Course Lounge, and River Grill Restaurant.

Towels – Towels for sunbathing and swimming are available pool side. We request that you do not use your room towels outside your room or for cleaning purposes.

Transportation – Please contact the Front Office or the Ranch Concierge team for complimentary transportation to the Ranch Golf Course, River Golf Course, or downtown Solvang. The Front Office and our Ranch Concierge team have information regarding airline, bus and train schedules, limousine service, and car rentals.

Turndown Service – Turndown service is provided daily between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. If you prefer not to have this service, place your “Privacy Please” sign outside your door.

Food & Beverage Services

Modified American Plan – Your room rate includes both a full breakfast and dinner.

Breakfast

Served in the Ranch Room from 7-10 a.m. Buffet and a la carte selections are available.

Breakfast Ride – Three times weekly during the summer and twice weekly during the remainder of the year, we offer a special ranch-style buffet breakfast at our historic Adobe Camp, complete with campfire, cowboy singing and the best buttermilk pancakes you’ll ever taste. Those of you who have pre-registered for horses should be at the Barn at the following times:

Novice Riders: 7:30 a.m.
Intermediate Riders: 7:45 a.m.
Advanced Riders: 8 a.m.

A hay wagon is available for our non-horseback-riding guests. Please meet in the parking lot near the corrals by 8:45 a.m.

Lunch

The Ranch Room is open from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., except summer and holidays. The Chuckwagon Grill is open summer and holidays from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Ranch Grill at the Ranch Golf Course is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. The River Grill at the River Golf Course also serves lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Box Lunches

Box lunches and picnic baskets can be ordered by calling the Food and Beverage Office at (805) 686-7633. You can also order a box lunch on the General Store form located in your room.

Dinner

The Ranch Room and the Sycamore Room are open for dinner from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Dress Code – Since the opening of the Ranch in 1946, it has been custom to “dress up” for dinner on the Ranch. This tradition means that gentlemen 16 years and older wear a collared shirt and sport coat to dinner and ladies dress accordingly. If you choose to wear jeans, we ask your jeans be dinner dressy- not frayed and without holes. Keeping our “country-formal” dinner tradition is part of the fun.

Cocktails and Entertainment

The Oak Room Lounge is open daily at 4 p.m. serving a full selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and cappuccino/espresso. Starting at 5 p.m., complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. Music is offered nightly from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. No children are permitted in the Oak Room after 9 p.m. The Waggin’ Tongue Lounge is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Alcoholic Beverages – According to the California State Liquor Law, wine and alcoholic beverages which are not provided by or purchased from Alisal may not be consumed in the dining room or other public areas. A selection of bottled spirits, wine, and beer is available for delivery to your room through our General Store. A corkage fee of $30 will be charged for alcoholic beverages served in the dining room or at a barbecue that are not purchased from Alisal.

General Store – Assorted food snacks and beverages can be delivered to your room by filling the order form located in your room and taking it to the dining room before 11 a.m. We will deliver the items you select to your room at the requested time and the corresponding charges will be applied to your room account.

Gift Baskets – A variety of gift baskets are available for purchase. For information or to place an order, call Dining Services.

Wine Tours – Enjoy the fine wines and the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Ynez valley Wine Country. A leisurely tour of our local wineries can be arranged from a half-day to a full-day tour. Tour and tasting room fees vary depending on the wineries. To arrange for a tour, call a Ranch Concierge for assistance. A 24-hour notice is desirable.

Special Requirements – Please call the Ranch Concierge team for assistance with dinner reservations, birthdays and anniversary celebrations or special dietary requirements.