Alisal Ranch, Santa MariaAlisal Ranch in Santa Maria, United States has a corrected score of 3.3 ± 0.6 (thin evidence, no platform scores), ranked 17 of 27 hotels we score in Santa Maria. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.4 before correction.Alisal Ranch is a 10,000-acre working dude ranch resort on Alisal Road in Solvang, in California's Santa Ynez Valley. It combines Western-style accommodation with modern resort facilities, including a restaurant, swimming pool, room service and a full-service spa. Guests can ride horses and take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, and cottages come with wood-burning fireplaces. The ranch is family friendly, welcomes children, and operates around the clock, with staff frequently praised for being attentive and helpful. It suits families and couples who want a ranch holiday with upscale comforts. One thing to budget for: Wi-Fi is only available for an extra charge.What stands out

Wide choice of ranch activities

Friendly, attentive staff

Comfortable beds and spacious suites

Wood-burning fireplaces in cottages

Watch out for

Wi-Fi costs extra

Better-scored in Santa Maria

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, Santa Maria: 4.0 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $887 a night. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is a family-owned boutique hotel on Grand Avenue in the centre of Los Olivos, a small town in Santa Barbara County wine country.

Inn At Matteis Tavern Auberge, Santa Maria: 4.0 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $967 a night. The Inn at Mattei's Tavern is an Auberge Resorts Collection property on Railway Avenue in Los Olivos, a historic town in the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara.

Corque Hotel Solvang A Tribute Portfolio, Santa Maria: 3.9 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $225 a night. The Corque Hotel Solvang is a four-star boutique hotel in the Tribute Portfolio, set in the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town of Solvang, California.