Review: Viking Inn
Solvang is an exceptional theme park of a city in the heart of Central California’s wine country. Positioned exactly at the beginning of the downtown area, the Viking Inn is a welcoming spot from which to explore this unique town.
Like Solvang itself, the Viking Inn was originally built by Danish immigrants roughly 100 years ago. The original front portion of Viking Inn has served many purposes over the years, including a honeymoon cottage, boutique, and a doctor’s office, before becoming the office of the inn.
Approaching the Viking Inn gives the initial impression of quaint coolness. Although it initially appears to be a traditional traveler’s motel from the 1950s or 1960s, the inn has been given a fresh paint and a clean look, complemented by an outdoor lounge area where parking stalls likely once were.
Check-in was a seamless process via a simple text message with a door code. I didn’t have to waste time on arriving and unpacking before heading out to explore, other than wanting to relax in an air-conditioned room for a bit after a hot ride.
The Viking Inn is within an easy walking distance of most things in the Danish-themed Solvang. For those wanting to cover a bit more ground or preferring pedal-power, complimentary bicycles are available in front of the lobby.
The inn also offers a complimentary 2-for-1 wine tasting passport, and owners Angie and Matt are happy to offer helpful information to visitors about the area.
While not necessarily something that would be on a tourist brochure, the fact that the Solvang Market & Deli is directly across the quiet street from the Viking Inn was a huge convenience. Myriad dining options exist in the town, but assembling a makeshift charcuterie plate from the market and walking a few steps to the Inn’s outdoor patio area proved to be a welcome and relaxing experience as well.
Facts & Info
Amenities
- Hip/quaint vibe
- Convenient parking
- Complimentary bicycles available
- Easy remote check-in
- Cozy outdoor lounge area
- Nearby grocery store
- Ideal location for walking or cycling tours of Solvang
Nearby Attractions
- Solvang Motorcycle Museum
- Los Alamos
- Saarloos & Sons Winery
Nearby Roads
Solvang is in the heart of Central California’s wine country, which makes it a convenient spot for exploring everything from Santa Barbara to the south to Pismo Beach and El Morro to the north. Excellent motorcycle roads in the Santa Ynez mountains are within striking distance for a day ride from here, but for a great experience behind the bar, look no farther than Foxen Canyon Rd, Zaca Station Rd, and some of the other routes that wind through the vineyards and farms of the Transverse Ranges.
The tiny artist community of Los Alamos makes a perfect spot to stop for lunch. For those wanting an artisan wine tasting experience (and cupcakes of legend) stopping at Saarloos & Sons in nearby Los Olivos is recommended.
Price
$109-$129/night
Location
Find them at 1506 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA.