Our favorite Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang continues to up its cool cred thanks to an influx of Michelin-endorsed eateries, fresh watering holes, and boutique hotels. I was one of the first lucky guests to stay at the newest kid on the block, The Winston. A modern hideaway tucked off First Street, the property caught my attention due to its timely and innovative lodging concept — it’s completely contactless, meaning there is no traditional lobby, no keys, and no round-the-clock staff onsite. I was intrigued by this promise of “invisible service.”
Prior to arrival, I received an email with detailed instructions for check-in, including the floorplan, my room number, and a unique entry code. After parking, I referenced the map and accessed the first entryway, punching my code into a digital touch screen. I found myself in an airy lounge-like space with tangerine colored walls that serves as the “lobby” and access point for 11 of the 14 guestrooms.
Once I got my bearings, I walked upstairs and through another seating area to find my room, #9. I entered the code again, and voilà! I walked into my massive room illuminated with filtered sunlight. The building used to be a retail/office space, so the rooms don’t have a traditional hotel footprint, which explained the vastness of my King Suite, sporting high ceilings with farmhouse-style wooden beams and dark gray accent walls.