The Royal Scandinavian Inn has officially been purchased by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Escrow closed February 6, according to Tribal Chairman Vincent Armenta. The purchase price has not been released. The tribe says it sought the property at 400 Alisal Road because its existing hotel near the Chumash Casino on Highway 246 is often at near capacity during the week and sold out on weekends.

“The hotel has a great presence in the town of Solvang.” Armenta said. As for changes, he says the public will see no drastic reconstruction to the outside of the landmark building which has many Danish features. Inside, however there will be upgrades. The tribe says it plans to finish design work within a few weeks, and begin reconstruction on the rooms to bring them up to a four-diamond level, one of the highest ratings in the hotel industry.The Chumash Casino hotel already has that rating.

Room rates now begin at $109 a night. It is not known how the rates will change now that there are new owners.

The tribe says the project will not require the hotel to close. Work will be done in sections. “It’s not good for the tribe nor is it good for Solvang to have that facility closed,” said Armenta. The entire remodel should be completed by the end of the year.

The hotel is not going to be added to the tribe’s trust, according to Armenta. The fee-to-trust process is controversial in the valley with some preservation groups, because it takes the property off the tax rolls, removes it from local control and places it under tribal authority.

The tribe says it has no plans for public meetings on the development plans, because the work will mainly be internal.Solvang city officials say, that kind of development requires over the counter permits but no formal hearing at a City Council meeting.Chairman Armenta says he will be “open and up front” with the valley residents about the project, but doesn’t anticipate any problems.

The Royal Scandinavian in is 23 years old. It opened in 1984. It features 133 rooms and stands threestories high. It is one of the few hotels in the Valley with meeting and conference facilities and often hosts many banquets and awards ceremonies for the area.

During the recent Amgen Tour of California bike race, several teams, and fans used the hotel for their overnight stay. World Champion bike racer and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong stayed at the hotel and was seen there with former girlfriend and rock singer Sheryl Crow.