Ventura's Best Kept Secret and other Ventura, CA Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

I have lived in this area for the past 14 years without discovering this little gem of a hotel. I knew it existed but that was about all. Then we decided to take a night away; we needed to stay local and that is how I found out about this hotel.

Situated directly on the beach, the Inn on the Beach is simply wonderful. Excellent service at the front desk and sparkling clean room with ambiance to boot. We had Room 208 which is situated at the end of the North side of the hotel. It boasts a jacuzzi bathtub, a fireplace and one of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in.

The hotel is in the funky little village of Pierpont Bay, there are several restaurants, a coffee house and other services offered along this small stretch of S. Seaward Ave.

Call for specials that might be offerred.

Unique Qualities: Our room had a great balcony with two chairs and a small table. We went to the "Breakfast Room" early got our coffee, juice and muffin returned to our room and sat and watched the beach come to life. In the morning and afternoons you may be lucky enough to see the pods of dolphins going by.

We had the end room that had a great view of the fairgrounds, since the fair was in town we went out on our deck at 10 pm and watched the fireworks.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 805 652 2000
Address: 1175 S. Seaward Avenue, , Ventura, California 93001
Directions: Cross street is Pierpont Boulevard at the end of S. Seaward AVenue
Website: http://www.innonthebeachventura.com

I can't say enough about the charm and grace of this hotel. The style is very european with an Italian flare.

The Bella Maggiore Inn offers 24 rooms for rent ranging from a room with a double bed to a suite. Each room has a comfortable bed, ensuite bath, shutters on the windows and some even offer a balcony, a fireplace or a jacuzzi spa.

Room rates start at $75.00 for the night and it includes breakfast in the morning and late afternoon appetizers.

Unique Qualities: The courtyard is the prettiest place on the property. A tinkling fountain, flowers growing in abdundance, the french doors and windows that overlook the area make for a tranquil and idyllic setting in which to enjoy your meal.

We were there on a cool night and the lobby with an inviting fireplace and overstuffed chairs was a perfect place to sit and have a conversation and watch the people go by.

Within walking distance to the beach and the Ventura pier. Perfect location to walk and see the Mission San Buenaventura, the museums and shop the downtown area.

It is said that the hotel is haunted by a ghost named Sylvia. She is known for pinching the rear ends of many men.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 805 652 0277
Address: 67 South California Street, , Ventura, California
Directions: Corner of Santa Clara and California Streets
Other Contact: 800 523 8479

A wonderful location with easy access to both the historic downtown district of Ventura, the beach and the Ventura pier.

Make sure you ask for a room on the side of the hotel that is away from the freeway (Thompson Blvd side) as it is quieter.

This is a chain hotel that offers a nightly cocktail reception as well as an extended continental breakfast which is included in the nightly rate.

The hotel is a good choice for business travelers, families with children (there is a park across the street) and for those who like a bit more service at a good price.

Overall a very satisfying stay. We usually had out of town guests stay here when we lived in Ventura.

Unique Qualities: We enjoyed one of the suites that had a canopied bed, fireplace, and jacuzzi bathtub.

The room also has a table and chairs, refrigerator, mirowave and coffee pot.

There is a walkway that gives you access over the freeway to the beach and pier.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 298 S Chestnut St, Ventura, CA 93001
Directions: Exit the 101 at California Street to Thompson Street. The inn is just south of California at the corner of Thompson aand Chestnut.

The Inn is up for sale now (June 2008) I am unclear if they are still in operation during the sale of the property. Check back for updates

The Bed & Breakfast at the 1890 Brakey House, formerly known as the La Mer Bed & Breakfast, in the historic downtown district of Ventura, California.

It sits atop a hill with breathtaking vistas of the downtown area all the way to the ocean.

This is a fabulous bed and breakfast, and speaking of breakfast, it is a hardy one: breads, cakes, cheeses, fruits, Muesli, home made quiche, breakfast casserole, black forest ham, specially blended coffee, and orange juice.

Room rates vary

Unique Qualities: We stayed in the tres romantic Santa Rosa room which boasts a bay window with window seat and view down Oak Street to the ocean. This room had the most comfortable queen-sized sleigh bed. The next morning we took all the linens off to see who manufactured it but there were no tags, *shock* call the mattress tag police!

The roomhas a private entrance, front deck with patio table and chairs, and private bath with jacuzzi tub .

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Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: 411 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
Directions: At Chestnut Street and Poli
Website: www.brakeyhouse.com

**NOTE** The Inn is currently closed and up for sale** I will leave this tip up for anyone who is interested in seeing what the restored church now Bed and breakfast is like. Hey you never know, you might like this tip so much it will inspire you to buy the Inn and find yourself running a B & B.

If you want a place that transports you away from the everyday world then The Victorian Rose is the place for you. Owners Richard and Nona turned a Victorian Gothic Church into a bed and breakfast.

There are 5 bedrooms starting at $99.00 per night.

Nona is a gourmet cook and she prepares an afternoon wine & cheese hour and then an absolutely mouth watering, pack-the-pounds on breakfast in the morning. Her potato frittata is delicious and she makes it with or without meat.

We have stayed in the Victorian Rose bedroom and the Timeless Treasures bedroom, but my personal favorite is the Fleur-de-lis bedroom.

This B & B is a must stay when in the Ventura/Oxnard area.

We live here so we like to stay there when we want to get away but don't have the time to travel.

The inn is packed with antiques and church related items, we have been there three times and we always discover something new.

Unique Qualities: This B & B was one of the first Methodist churches in Ventura, then it was a local wedding chapel and now a B & B. Richard is a collector of church memorabilia. (I'm still looking for that catholic confessional for you Richard).

There are 5 rooms: The Wisteria room, the Fleur de Lis, The Timeless Treasure, The Chinese Emperor and the Victorian Rose room. (see my travelogues for more pictures of this unique B & B)

The B & B was featured on the Travel Channel.

Each room is a different sight to behold. All replete with heating, A/C and gas burning fireplaces

The steeple is original to the structure and stands 96 feet high

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Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 805 641 1888
Address: 896 E. Main Street Ventura, CA 93001
Directions: On the corner of Kalorama and E. Main Street within walking distance to Ventura's historic downtown area.
Website: http://www.victorian-rose.com