This is a long overdue post, seeing as though I first stayed at Skyview Los Alamos shortly after it opened late spring of last year. Speaking of overdue, this is my first blog post this year. Wowsa. Life is just too darn busy! I thought 2019 was going to have a slower start, but turns out I was wrong; this year seems to be flying by even faster than the last. Nonetheless, I’m finally back with a blog post and am excited to introduce you to Skyview, located in one of my very favorite weekend destinations: Los Alamos.
Skyview Los Alamos
Skyview Los Alamos has actually been a fixture in the Santa Ynez Valley since 1959, but the new and improved version is a far cry from the sleepy little roadside motel it once was. After an extensive renovation under new ownership, Skyview Los Alamos has transformed into a hip boutique motel that fits right in with the relaxed Western vibe of Los Alamos.
Perched on a hillside above town, Skyview blends mid-century style with modern rusticity, and even retains some of the original motel’s elements for a bit of nostalgia. The can’t-miss-it signature yellow ‘motel’ sign and the quirky cactus columns on the carriage porch are a couple of the original features (and are regular fixtures on Instagram).
The Rooms
Adorned with hardwood floors, custom velvet bed frames and unique accents like hand-woven chairs from Morocco, all 33 of the rooms make for a welcoming place to rest your head. The rooms may be minimalist in design, but they’re still cozy and comfortable, especially the Deluxe rooms that come with fireplaces and outdoor firepits. Oh, and even though the rooms seem like they may have thin walls, we’ve never had an issue with sound from neighbors (or dogs, since it’s dog friendly). It all feels very private.
Amenities
Mid-century, contemporary vibes and views from the welcome lobby.
While Skyview stands out with the little details, like mini bar offerings of Compartes chocolate and wine wipes, bikes for cruising down the hill into town, and complimentary morning coffee and muffins, the best part of a stay here is access to its retro pool. Surrounded by black and white striped chaise lounges and teal blue umbrellas, the restored 1950s pool adds a touch of old school Hollywood glamor to the motel — plus who doesn’t want to relax poolside with cocktail in hand on vacation?
Next to the pool is the hotel’s full-service restaurant and indoor/outdoor bar, Norman, playfully named after Norman Bates and the movie Psycho. Focused on farm-to-table California comfort food, the atmosphere is both chic and comfortable with a retro vibe.
Norman Retaurant
On the wine list are a lot of great local producers as well as imports. And the cocktail menu impresses with a variety of thirst-quenching offerings — think Aperol Spritzes and Spicy Palomas — along with the classics. Since it is wine country, after all, Skyview also has its own house wine. Winemaker Mikey Guiliani (of Scar of the Sea) produces a Pinot Noir from the property’s surrounding 2.5 acres of organic vines.
Whether visiting specifically for the delicious food and drink options or to disconnect from modern living for a few days, Skyview Los Alamos’ authentic charm and laid-back ambiance will keep you coming back for more.
**Skyview Los Alamos**
Rates: Seasonal, average room runs $279 per night during high season. Typically has a two-night minimum on weekends.
Location: 9150 US-101 – Los Alamos, CA 93440
Phone: 805.344.0104
