Ojai Valley Inn — Hotel in Ojai

A lot of things happened at the Ojai Valley Inn. Let me start by saying the staff was phenomenal. Now for my experience. We checked in early because we had an early check-in through the Amex booking. We got there around 1:00 and was checked in by a friendly front desk. He told us he would immediately have our upgraded room cleaned. He was sending someone over immediately. We went to town to grab lunch. We waited for the text message from the front desk including our room number. It never arrived. So I called the front desk. they gave me a run around about my room. They said someone was still cleaning it at 4:00 p.m. when standard check in was. so our room wasn't ready even at the regular check-in time. I was told that somebody was going over to inspect the room and that it was finally done at around 4:10. We get back to the property go to the room and find someone still cleaning it. they told us they were pretty much done and we're on their way out. While they were still in the room I noticed an empty water bottle just sitting on the ground. Upon looking down I noticed how filthy the floor was. The cleaning staff did not vacuum, did not tidy up, did nothing other than change the bedding. there were large chunks of dirt all over the floor. And possibly some leftover vomit from the prior person staying in the room. All of this was very obvious and noticeable without looking up close. I immediately called the front desk and asked them to send someone to clean the room. all of this was a disappointment as I was told the room would be ready shortly after our 1:00 p.m. check-in, however by 4:15 the room was still filthy. nobody came to the room, and after calling front desk again and sending a text to the number that sent me the room number, I finally got the head of rooming, or some manager. They ended up giving us a bunch of different credits, comping our meal, as well as the room for the first night. That was great, except all we wanted was a tiny room when we checked in. We ate at the oaks the first night and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The salmon and the steak were fantastic, as was my mixed vegetable salad. Because our meal was comped, we ordered an extra dessert. The cheesecake was fantastic, the lava cake was delicious, and the bread pudding was to die for. All of the staff, again, still fantastic. We go back to our room, get ready for bed, set the air conditioning to our desire temperature, climbed into bed and tried to sleep. Both of us were drenched with sweat and a woke at around 1:00 a.m. because our air conditioning was not working. We immediately called the front desk and asked for them to send someone over immediately to fix this issue. The gentleman at the front desk offered to comp another something, but we told him that's not what we were looking for, we just wanted our AC fixed. They sent someone over immediately. he fixed it temporarily, however the next evening we had the same issue. We called the front desk and asked them to send someone over while we were out at dinner. They never sent anyone over. but we didn't know this until we tried climbing into bed. We have the same issue. Woke up in a sweat. This is not what should happen when you spend what we spent on our rooms. Between the mess when we arrived, the AC not working, and all the comping, we realize this must be a regular situation that they just rectify by giving free things back. We aren't the type of people to just ask for something to be comped because of an issue. We just want things to go smoothly right off the bat. This hotel did not provide that experience.

Review of the Spa: I had a facial and a massage. Everything was perfect. The women's locker room was lovely, very accommodating. we were able to utilize the spas pool, which was lovely and quiet. We were regularly checked on by staff. Everything about the spa was perfect.

I wish I could write a positive review about this place as the room was lovely outside of the issues. The view we had was spectacular. But every step had major issues. And I cannot justify anything...

This is our second time at the Ojai Valley Inn. We came 4 years ago and my detailed review is still listed below.

This time our experience was atrocious. I simply can’t describe it any other way. This is the tail end of a lovely cycling trip through the region. We brought 5 other guests with us to the hotel. We were excited to have a few days on the resort to unwind and simply relax.

Our room was at the end of a long concrete corridor, with 2 staff only doors next to our room. It was below the restaurant and the corridor and the room smelled of rotten food. In the listed photos you see a nice balcony looking out over the greens. Our limited balcony had stools as chairs would not fit, and it overlooked the huge trash bins for the entire property…hence the smell. I will try to include the photo of the “view” from our balcony.

When we called the front desk we were told they were at capacity and they could send someone to the room to check the smell. We asked to speak to a manager and we’re told one would call us. We were never called. Thus, 2 hours later we called again from our friends room and were again given the run around. The best they could do was offer 1/2 off for the night. I should note we spent $850 for one night here. This was meant to be a luxury splurge. It was anything but. I told the manager the room looked nothing like the advertised room and he said there were some differences. They should let you know when booking you might be over the trash bins!

If you read my last review, we had some issues, but the manager actually reached out to me after our stay and offered to upgrade us and pay for a dinner on our next visit. Well this was our next visit and they certainly did not upgrade us, and they didn’t offer to pay for anything.

We will NEVER come back here, and neither should you. It’s sad as it is a nice location and property overall. But the ownership does not care for you, you are simply a $.

I believe they engage in false advertising, and likely breach of contract given our room was not habitable.

Review from 4 years ago below-

Pros: The property is stunning, absolutely beautiful. The staff could not be more friendly, they really go out of their way to be helpful and address you by name. I loved the decor, and the room was spacious with nice furnishings. The spa was fantastic.

Cons: The rooms are off of an open air hallway, the floors are concrete and tile and the entry way to the room is the same. All night long you can hear anything and I do mean anything that is happening. The property is large so the staff drives around in golf carts - you will hear it. Other guests coming and going late night and early am - you will hear them. Property maintenance- you will hear them.

We were really excited to use the deep soaking tub late night with the bath salts and candles...the tub did not hold water.

I had to jimmy the door to lock it and my wife was unable to unlock it in the morning.

They put an iPad in the room next to the bed and it lit up at night like a TV...I had to cover it with towels.

We were really excited about the fine dining restaurant as we had heard so much about it. The food was delicious, but we almost left early skipping the last courses as there was another party in a neighboring room that were literally yelling and screaming like a sporting event was going on. We asked about it and we were told yes they are loud...and it’s not usually like this.

We’ve been driving down the California coast and this was a splurge to stay here for a night. I’m not sure I ended up getting the value I had hoped for. That being said it is a great property and many of my concerns were probably isolated events.

UPDATE- the manager called us and wanted to hear our concerns. She was very genuine and considerate and I felt confident she was taking our issues at heart. She offered to take care of dinner and improve our stay if we could come back. This is the service I was expecting and have changed my review to...

My wife and I spent a magical few days at Ojai Valley Inn to celebrate her birthday, and it exceeded every expectation we had. From the moment we arrived Sunday afternoon until we departed late Tuesday, everything—from the personalized service to the luxurious amenities—was perfect.

We stayed in the Spa Penthouse Suite, and it was truly something special. The suite featured soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an expansive layout that made it feel like our own private retreat. We had sweeping views of the resort and one of the serene spa pools, and the atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and exactly what we needed to unwind. Every detail—from the plush bedding to the curated in-room amenities—reflected the Inn’s commitment to luxury and comfort.

On Sunday, we kicked off the celebration with The Oak’s Bluegrass Brunch. This is not your typical brunch—live bluegrass music, fresh California-inspired cuisine, and the most relaxing setting under the oak trees. It was a beautiful and vibrant way to start the trip.

That evening, we celebrated my wife’s birthday at Olivella, the Inn’s signature fine dining restaurant. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make the night special. The service was impeccable, warm, and personalized, and the food was truly world-class—thoughtfully plated and bursting with flavor. They even added thoughtful birthday touches that made the evening unforgettable for my wife. It was elegant, romantic, and a memory we’ll both cherish for years to come.

On Monday night, we returned to The Oak and shared their massive 40oz Tomahawk Ribeye—hands down one of the best steaks we’ve had. It came with incredible sides like roasted mushrooms, potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Every bite was cooked to perfection and full of flavor.

We also indulged in room service, which was consistently fast, courteous, and delicious—ideal for enjoying a quiet breakfast or snack in our suite.

During the day, we explored some of the many activities the resort has to offer. We booked horseback riding through the concierge at Oso Ranch, just a short drive from the property. It was a peaceful ride through beautiful terrain and added a fun, adventurous touch to the trip.

We also enjoyed time at the Ojai Spa, where we both had incredible massages in a calm, nurturing setting. The spa grounds themselves were just as impressive—tranquil, beautifully designed, and ideal for relaxing. The adult pool was a favorite spot for us to unwind, and the poolside service was prompt and friendly.

Fitness is important to both of us, so it was great to have access to their 24-hour gym, which was fully equipped and spotless. We even spent some time at the driving range and admired the 18-hole championship golf course—lush, scenic, and incredibly well-kept. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the top courses in California.

Every single staff member we encountered—from the concierge to housekeeping to the valet team—was kind, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. The valets were especially attentive and even took the initiative to charge our EV while we were out enjoying the property.

There’s something truly special about Ojai Valley Inn—an effortless blend of luxury, relaxation, natural beauty, and elevated service. Whether you’re there for a romantic escape, a celebration, or a rejuvenating wellness retreat, they have everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

This was the perfect birthday getaway, and we’re already looking forward to...