San Ysidro Ranch

We visited for dinner after seeing many rave reviews on social media. We were very impressed by the beautiful setting and the grandeur of the grounds. We were seated inside the restaurant which certainly doesn’t share the same ambience as the outside area. We asked if we could sit there instead as there were lots of spaces for two free, but were told no. This was disappointing as the same tables still remained available after we had finished our meal so it evidently would have been possible should they have allowed it. The waiter was very polite and friendly in his manner and keen to impress however he was clearly overstretched covering multiple covers outside as well as inside. The service was sadly incredibly slow - multiple times we had to get up from our table to go and find someone to either ask for a new drink or for the check. On the occasions that we did get time with our waiter he was out of breath and sweating due to rushing around so much and it’s not what you would expect from such a luxurious venue. The food was distinctly average - we had very high expectations and were unfortunately let down. We had much better food across other destinations within California where we paid a fraction of the price. It felt like the menu was based around lots of gimmicks (flames and smoke), but what really mattered in terms of the taste of the food and service sadly lacked.

“ Galentines “ tea with a good friend. It was delicious & the service by Santiago was unobtrusive but attentive. It was lovely but it was a gorgeous sunny warm day and the only option was the dark speakeasy. Would have been so much nicer on the terrace , and would only have tea there again if that were an option.

What an incredible place. When you visit, you can feel yourself relax! Staff is incredible, can plan special touches without much direction and are always there but don’t impose. The cottages are beyond perfection, beds are comfortable, amenities are all top notch. Not to mention, eating at the StoneHouse is all inclusive, which is one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. I cannot recommend SYR enough.

While a beautiful property, the customer experience we had today was terrible. We pulled into the valet station behind another car, and the valet started backing up the car in front of us very quickly and very close to our vehicle (enough to set off the sensors). It really looked like he was going to hit us, so I tapped the horn lightly. He threw his arm out the window as if to tell me to shut up. When he approached our car, he said "There's no honking on the valet circle." I responded that he was moving too fast and close for comfort, to which he replied "We do this all the time". I told him that was no comfort...he was too close and It was evident to both my husband and I that he *might* hit our car, which made us uncomfortable. He did not respond. His name is Troy and I plan to file an official complaint about him with the resort's management. We asked to speak to a manager to share our lack-of-welcome experience at the valet station, but none appeared after almost 20 minutes. I even tried to call the main telephone line later to share feedback (figuring they would want a different welcome experience for guests), but no one answered the main phone line, nor did it go to voice mail after 8 rings. When we decided to leave the property (after trying to have lunch anyway at the Stonehouse restaurant, where we were told our dog was not welcome on the patio unless I could provide proof she is a certified service dog, which is literally a question that cannot be asked in the state of California, but more importantly it was outdoor dining and the web site for the resort goes out of the way to attest to dog-friendliness), that same valet (Troy) was again rude, drove our car far too fast around a small roundabout and was ungracious as we took the car (we remained calm and polite througout). This experience was so poor, and we felt so unwelcome, it is unlikely we would ever return, despite how excited we were to visit the gorgeous resort for the first time. It's sad that such a high-end resort doesn't have more of a customer service ethic built into their model. I expected far better.

Third time staying at this dreamy property. Everything was excellent as usual. We just wish there were a tennis court on the property or at the country club next door available to the ranch guests.