If you’ve driven down Highway 101 through Los Alamos in recent years, you’ve likely seen the iconic black and yellow ‘motel’ sign glowing way up on the hill. The motel property has been there since 1959 but it wasn’t until last year that it became the Skyview.
A stunning, mulit-milliion dollar renovation gave the property a much needed, modern facelift while still keeping the midcentury modern decor as a nod to a bygone era.
Now, it’s 33 guest rooms are cozy and welcoming, with big beds, fireplaces, and spacious bathrooms. Funky, retro decor is dotted throughout and our room opened up onto a private back patio with a fire pit and views of the rolling hills lined in grape vines.
Bonus: there’s a pool! The best part? It’s heated so it can be enjoyed year round. Loungers surround the pool, with bright blue umbrellas blowing in the breeze. If you want, you can even enjoy a meal from Norman, poolside.
Norman (as in Bates) is the on-site restaurant serving brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Walking in, you feel transported back to the 1950’s. The furniture and decor are definitely a bit funky and a lot old school and the food is fresh and delicious. They focus on using local ingredients that highlight the surrounding wine country and we devoured the burrata and strawberry salad as well as the burger!
Traveling to the Santa Barbara wine country any time soon? Skyview Motel is in an ideal location for a weekend spent visiting local vineyards and exploring the sleepy wine country towns.
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of Skyview Motel and thanks them for a lovely stay. As always, all opinions are our own.
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