Mercedes-Benz Classic and The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
For our drive up the coast from LA to Los Olivos, the quintessential California convertible—a pristine Signal Red 1984 380 SL—was an easy choice
Over the past decade the town of Los Olivos, CA and the greater central coast region that encompasses Santa Barbara, San Louis Obispo and Monterey counties has seen a great deal of growth. Long held in esteem by the “if you know, you know” crowd, Los Olivos and the many small towns that dot the landscape on either side of the 101 Freeway from Solvang to Paso Robles have welcomed more visitors, residents and businesses in the last five years than they have since viticulture first came to the region. One could certainly point to social media as giving the central coast an economic boost, certainly the quality of wine produced, increased diversity of styles being produced and production methods has helped as well. Dining has long been a draw too with “Santa Maria BBQ,” fresh-as-it-gets seafood and exceptional beef from local ranches leading the way.
However, there’s one aspect of the region that lagged behind until recent years: appealing accommodations. While there’s no shortage of mainstream lodgings near the larger economic centers along Highway 101, unique, upscale hotels are few and far between. Happily, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection opened in March 2023 following a lengthy period of construction and extensive renovation on the 6.5 acre property that encompasses a number of historic buildings, including the main structure with a wide wraparound porch that was built in 1886 by Felix Mattei. Together with his wife Lucy, Felix operated a tavern and inn known then as The Custom Hotel, and later as The Los Olivos hotel which remained in the Mattei family until 1963.
The allure of a property that you don’t necessarily have to leave to get the most out of a weekend getaway is undeniable. When you get where you’re going the idea is to settle in, stay put and unwind—and typically avoid getting back in a vehicle. We say typically because there are ways to minimize the downsides of the drive, as we did thanks to our friends at Mercedes-Benz Classic. Having spent a great deal of time with the latest and greatest from Mercedes-Benz in 2023, like the EQS-Maybach SUV and AMG SL63, we thought it appropriate to pull from their archive for our drive to Mattei’s given that the place is steeped in history. In addition to restoration of very special collector’s vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Classic also restores and preserves many Benzes for the brand as well. Their enormous facility in Long Beach houses a jaw-dropping selection of vehicles, but for our drive up the coast from LA to Los Olivos, the quintessential California convertible was an easy choice.
Even if you can’t get your hands on a pristine Signal Red 1984 380 SL, we suggest sticking to the stress reducing coastal route that is the PCH for as long as you can and dipping up into the Santa Monica Mountains via any number of canyon roads along the way. Following a brief stint on Highway 101 between Oxnard and Santa Barbara you’ll want to take SR 154 over the San Marcos Pass through the Santa Ynez Mountains as it’s shorter than staying on the 101 and offers dramatic views of both the coast and the valley. Besides, if you’re heading to a hotel that used to be a stagecoach stop, you might as well follow the old stagecoach route.
Having driven the 154 many times before we can say with confidence that experiencing it behind the wheel of Mercedes’ iconic convertible was particularly fitting. The “R107” generation SL was not exactly a sports car even when new, but in true Mercedes-Benz fashion it’s a steady and comfortable means of conveyance that delights in ways other than outright speed. It drives much younger than a 40-year-old vehicle and as such it made the trip relaxing, if not existential from the very start. The closer we got to Mattei’s the more we felt prepared to settle into a few days “on property” and by the time we made our soft landing it was all we could do to peel ourselves from the forgiving seats of the SL.
Tough as it was, we left the visceral world of top down driving behind. Together with design firm AvroKO, general manager Dave Elcon and his team added thoughtful touches to Mattei’s existing structures, which blend seamlessly with the character they’ve inherited over more than a century. The necessary new construction was equally well considered and brings the room count to 64 without looking like the structures were just dropped into the property. We enjoyed the rustic minimalistic approach taken inside our 110-year-old one bedroom cottage (one of four at the southern edge of the property) but also appreciated the convenience of central air and spacious bathroom complete with an oversized clawfoot soaking tub and rain shower.
As is the case across the property, restraint has been exercised in adding modern elements so as not to interfere with a guest’s ability to gain a sense of not only place, but time and its passage. We certainly haven’t been to another hotel with a historic water tower in the center of the property. Therein lies the true draw of Mattei’s, it can feel like a world unto itself, a place where the hours really do feel longer and each moment can be savored. Whether laying by the pool sipping a cocktail in one of the cabanas or meditating in the gorgeous yoga room adorned with eucalyptus branches every minute is imbued with special meaning.
You can opt into any number of itineraries provided by the hotel that connect you with local winemakers and culinary talents, of which there are many. You could even take a knife-making class or plan your visit around one of the regular art exhibitions that’s hosted in the Lavender Barn. If you feel compelled to go off and chose your own adventure for the day you could also borrow a Mercedes-Benz from Mattei’s fleet comprised of five current models: a G63 AMG, an EQS, an EQE, an SL63 AMG and a GLS 600 Maybach.
You can also do as we did and start your day with coffee and a sausage biscuit from Felix Feed, best enjoyed in the eastern facing (therefore sun drenched) Wicker Room found in the original main building. Walk the property (maybe walk the five minutes into town for a wine tasting at So Fresh’s garage) then spend the rest of the afternoon at the pool enjoying delicious small bites and libations. When you’ve had your fill of sun and sustenance, refresh and head to The Tavern restaurant for a robust menu with highlights like hickory smoked Okinawan Sweet Potatoes, wood fired Squid Ink Rice and Hope Ranch Mussels. You can also keep things more casual in The Bar with a meal of Chicharrones, a wedge salad and Wild Boar Chili.
Should you visit when the weather is cooler (as we did) definitely aim to snag seats in front of one of the two fireplaces, which the staff will keep feeding logs to as long as you’re content in the club chairs. Regardless of what you do with your day or what dining option you go with, your night should encompass a stroll across the lawn to sit in an Adirondack chair by one of the shared fire pits around the property to enjoy the fresh central coast air while staring up at a starry sky free from light pollution. There are no wrong decisions at Mattei’s, just time to be used as you see fit.
What are your thoughts?