There is no question that this hotel offers perhaps the most "high end" accommodations in Solvang, as reflected by the rates charged. The room accommodations that include dinner in the charming dining room provide what should be a lovely experience in a beautiful setting. When my husband and I dined there (during our previous stays at the Petersen Inn), the food was excellent and the hostess and food servers were very pleasant and accommodating. So, why won't we stay there again?
The hotel has a policy of booking rooms, at least on the weekend, for a required 2-day minimum stay. The hotel is undoubtedly popular and a policy of disallowing one-night-only room bookings in advance is understandable when they can attract guests for a minimum 2-night stay. But the hotel owner will not let you know if your one-day request can be accommodated, even if you contact the hotel the same day you plan to arrive.
By way of example, I called the hotel front desk from a location just north of L.A. a 2-hour distance from the Petersen Inn to inquire if my husband and I could stay at the hotel for a one-day-stay that night, as we passed through Solvang on our way home to San Jose. It was a Saturday afternoon when we called. The owner was aware that we had stayed at the hotel on previous occasions. She stated that she would make no guarantees even with a 2-hour arrival time, a credit card number, and pre-payment for the room! (The hotel was not fully booked when I called.)
The hotel policy wasn't the big problem, however I assume that it makes good business sense for the hotel to hold out for minimum 2-night-stays until the last moment. The big problem for me was the downright rude attitude that I encountered over the phone. It was quite obvious from the owner's attitude that previous patronage at the hotel is not valued. The owner sets a tone for front-desk discourtesy that is bordering on unbelievable. Good for her that business is so solid that she doesn’t need to be polite to hotel patrons, but doesn't this say something about the type of persons running this establishment?
This experience, for me, completely cancelled out the visual charm and amenities that the hotel has to offer. It would be nice to gain some insight into why the hotel owner has such disdain for her guests. Common courtesy goes a long way. When people come to Solvang, part of the allure is to be able to experience the charm of the local culture. The rude and dismissive attitude of the front desk personnel at the Petersen Inn completely obliterates that notion.
There are so many other lovely places to frequent in Solvang with courteous customer service. I say don't go to the Petersen Inn!