Hummingbird Nest Ranch — Attraction in Simi Valley

IMPORTANT TO READ IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A PARTY HERE

I've been here a few times for events. I've always thought it's pretty and a nice, blank canvas to host your dream party. However, my thoughts have drastically changed.

Less than 2 months ago, my best friend hosted a 55-person, very COVID-safe (outdoor, social distanced) wedding. She signed a contract with Hummingbird just a couple of weeks before the wedding, all during COVID. For some UNKNOWN reason, on the MORNING of my friend's wedding, the people at Hummingbird decided to completely change the rules for her. They limited the number of people on the dance floor to 10 people at a time, they changed the location for one of her events that day, they changed the table arrangements, they shut off the music!! and they were fully harassing the guests (my husband almost got kicked out of the party for dancing with me..) ALL of which was done without prior consent or warning. They also were standing in the party watching us the entire night like we're dangerous or untrustworthy people. Who wants to deal with that the day of their wedding?!

Had Hummingbird notified my friend of these obnoxious rules when signing the contract just a couple weeks before, it would have been OK. The fact is that they took my friend's money, signed the contract, fully changed the rules on them the DAY OF and then now completely refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoing or give any money back. My friend paid for a full band that wasn't even allowed to play music that night!

Hummingbird's latest response to my friend was that they're not allowed to host parties as of June 18th due to county restrictions because of covid. If that was the case then why did they sign contracts with people, including my friend, for a party?! All of which happened after June 18th. They are literally THIEVES.

Oh and Hummingbird hosted at least 2 (we have photo and video evidence) weddings the week of my friend's wedding with no covid restrictions, one of which had 300+ guests. My friend had 55 guests...

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. They will take your money and change the rules on you and then...

ATTENTION BRIDES: Do not trust this venue with what is supposed to be the most memorable, special night of your life. On August 8, I attended a close friend's wedding and my heart broke for the couple and their families. The wedding was an intimate event of about 60 guests - all socially distanced outside, equipped with masks and every single guest had tested for COVID-19 per the bride and groom's strict instructions.

Though the venue signed a contract (I am a lawyer and have read the contract) allowing the party and not restricting dancing or having a live band, they went out of the way to ruin the evening. Multiple security guards were stationed by the venue who were incredibly rude from the first moment guests arrived. They threatened to end the wedding from the beginning of the night when dancing began and cut off the music completely at 11:00 pm, though my friend's contract allowed music until 2:00 am. They yelled at guests constantly and berated me, a pregnant woman, for standing up at my table without a mask (though we were allowed to sit at our tables without masks on).

HERE IS THE PROBLEM - THIS VENUE ALLOWED 150+ PERSON GATHERINGS IN THE DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER MY FRIEND'S WEDDING. I SAW FIRST HAND THAT THEY ALLOWED HUGE CROWDS AND DANCING BEFORE AND AFTER MY FRIEND'S SMALL, 60 PERSON, COVID TESTED EVENT.

I have been outraged since August but kept quiet, thinking that the venue would somehow try to right their wrongs (though, in reality, the bride and groom can never get that night back). Instead, the venue's position is that weddings and receptions haven't been allowed per the county since June 18. If that is the case, WHY DID THE VENUE ALLOW MY FRIEND TO SIGN A CONTRACT FOR A WEDDING AND RECEPTION IN AUGUST? Why did the venue allow other parties that occurred after June 18 to take place without issues?

Do not trust this venue with the most important night of your life. They will say anything to get you to sign the contract and then they will treat you like garbage on the one night you've looked forward to...

The Venue is Beautiful for a wedding. The staff that help out to shuttle you to and from the wedding venue are also great. That’s about it. If you wanna reserve a cottage there to stay while you attend a wedding or want a weekend getaway there I highly suggest against it. No one ever answers the phones. Ever. We called over 15 times no one answers during business hours and no one returns your phone calls when you leave a message. When you get there they email you directions to get to your room, which a 4 year old could give you better directions. There is no concierge or anyone at this place and so know that you won’t be getting any services there. Like nothing. If you want to get food you have to use Uber eats or other apps but you need cell service which you won’t have there. No problem use the wifi they give you in the check in. Except that wifi name does not exist. So you call to tell them the issue. But you guessed it. No one ever picks up. Not even the after hours phone line they provide you. The tv doesn’t work either if you want to put something on for your kids cause there is no wifi for your smart tv. The shower and bathroom is old. Takes forever for you to get hot water. Basically you don’t get what you pay for. They charge arm and a leg for a room and don’t provide you anything and they never get back to you to make things right for you. So just book...