Ventura County West embodies the Classic California vibe that its neighbouring beaches seem to have left behind. Spark some good old-fashioned fun in arcades, ice cream parlours, and on vintage carousels. Stroll bustling pedestrian streets lined with mom-and-pop boutiques. Dine in unpretentious restaurants that have been serving up tide-to-table long before it was trendy. When rekindling Classic California nostalgia on the Ventura County Coast, you’ll surely want to live the part. Here are eight hotels, motels and b&bs high on coastal charm that are sure to set the scene.
Historic Hotels
Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn
pierpontinn.com
Address: 550 Sanjon Road. Ventura 93001
Budget: from $135 USD
Website: Click here
Pierpont Inn was the vision of wealthy socialite Mrs. Pierpont-Ginn. It was built in 1910 as a Craftsman-style bungalow. It has been a Ventura landmark ever since. The 12-acre property boasts breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, gourmet dining at Austen’s Restaurant and landscaping that doesn’t feel over-manicured.
pierpontinn.com
Owned and operated by the Vickers family since 1928, the Inn offers the type of warmth only family-style hospitality can provide. Visitors looking to experience local culture should book one of Pierpont’s eight historic suites which celebrate the diverse architecture of the 20th century.
The Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast
victorianroseventura.com
Address: 896 E Main Street, Ventura 93001
Budget: from $99 USD
Website: Click here
In its previous life, the Victorian Rose was a church and wedding chapel. Today, it welcomes visitors looking for a unique sleep. Guests will love the Victorian Rose for unabashed and authentic room features including (but certainly not limited to!) fireplaces, stained glass and ornate woodwork.
victorianroseventura.com
We love that it’s located near the heart of downtown, a stone’s throw from San Buenaventura and the Ventura boardwalk and pier.
Luxe Lodgings
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Address: 2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard 93035
Budget: from $169 USD
Website: Click here
You don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean to find all-suite beachfront resort bliss. Oxnard is home to the glamorous Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, sitting atop 8.5 acres of gorgeous landscaping.
Embassy Suites by Hilton
All 250 of the rooms are newly renovated yet maintain traditional coastal charm. Canadian travellers will love the towering palms, exotic gardens and lagoon pool with cascading waterfalls.
Marina Views
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
Address: 3231 Peninsula Road, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard 93035
Budget: from $155 USD
Website: Click here
This eye-catching hotel offers sunset marina views, does it get any better? Sip coffee from your patio overlooking the harbour while admiring the gentle rocking of docked sailboats. The Hampton Inn is modern, unpretentious and perched near a neighborhood of relaxing sunsets and adventurous activities. Located in the Channel Islands Harbor, it’s the perfect launch pad for exploring the Channel Islands, venturing on whale watching excursions or simply sampling the day’s fresh catch.
Nostalgic Digs
Vagabond Inn Ventura
vagabondinn.com
Address: 756 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura 93001
Budget: from $76 USD
Website: Click here
Vagabond Inn Ventura’s charm is obvious to us; its low rise construction, peaked porte-cochère and spunky sign have a distinctly Route 66 feel. (Though we can’t promise its charms will woo everyone!)
vagabondinn.com
The Inn’s 70 rooms are clean and basic, and just a few blocks walk to Historic Old Town. After a day of exploring the Ventura County Coast, retreat to the Inn and take a dip in the heated swimming pool. Bonus: this hotel is pet friendly.
Casa Via Mar Inn & Tennis Courts
casaviamar.com
Address: 377 W Channel Islands Blvd, Port Hueneme, 93041
Budget: from $89 USD
Website: Click here
Casa Via Mar Inn has a Spanish flair but inside you’ll find Classic California alive and kicking. Contained within its hacienda-style exterior are tidy rooms and décor that nods to the days of surfboards strapped to wood-paneled station wagons. Couldn't you just imagine Don Draper standing in the room below?
casaviamar.com
These laid-back lodgings face a tree-lined street, which looks out to the Ventura County Naval Base. Sporty guests will love the Casa Via Mar’s six tennis courts and heated outdoor pool.
Boutique Sleeps
Bella Maggiore
Address: 67 S California Street, Ventura 93001
Website: Click here
Located on a charming, pedestrian-friendly street, Bella Maggiore is just three blocks from the beach and even closer to the pretty-as-a-picture Ventura City Hall. The Inn romantically draws on Mediterranean-style décor and furnishings, and offers European hospitality. Guests will swoon for rooms outfitted with Capuan beds, shuttered windows and fresh-picked florals. But more than that, we love the social spaces Bella Maggiore offers, from the sun deck roof garden to the flower-filled courtyard to the lobby’s cozy fireplace.
Bella Capri Inn & Suites
bellacapriinn.com
Address: 2050 East Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo 93010
Budget: from $86 USD
Website: Click here
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Camarillo, Bella Capri boasts modern and elegant furnishings. We love Bella Capri for its affordability and convenient proximity to Camarillo Premium Outlets. Check out their shop-and-stay packages to save a few extra dollars on your purchases.
bellacapriinn.com
Kick off a day of designer label bargain hunting with a cup of fresh brewed coffee – or flavoured mimosa, you’re on holiday after all! - on the sun drenched patio of the Old Town Café. Also nearby, and shouldn’t be missed, are Cantara Cellars and the historic, dollhouse-like Camarillo Ranch House.
Visit venturacountycoast.com for the best places to stay,
things to do, what to see and where to eat
More Ventura County Coast on Canadian Traveller