Skyview Los Alamos

Not the Los Alamos of Manhattan Project fame, but Los Alamos, California, a mere speck of a place in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, where a burgeoning wine culture has suddenly led to a substantial uptick in tourism. Hence the need for a hotel of Skyview’s caliber. Skyview Los Alamos joins the ranks of formerly undistinguished American roadside motels that have been rehabilitated into attractive and quietly luxurious boutique hotels.

The original Skyview was a late-Fifties example of a style that perhaps erred a bit on the utilitarian side — but given today’s taste for rehabilitated spaces and salvaged décor, it’s the perfect skeleton for something like the new Skyview. The rooms feel warmer and more organic than the exteriors, with hardwood floors, tiled baths, and whitewashed walls and ceilings. And while you won’t mistake these for grand palace-style luxury accommodations, they’re plenty comfortable — all have air conditioning and ceiling fans, and some add fireplaces.

It’s a social place, with the original Fifties-era pool and a stylish mid-century modern lobby serving as informal gathering places. There’s also Norman, the restaurant and bar, serving modern Californian fare with a Central Coast bent. And the views of the vineyards from the outdoor fire pits will remind you that this is wine country — your hosts are happy to set you loose on the nearby wineries, restaurants, and bars.