Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Ojai

I have nothing negative to say. This is a wonderful resort and I would recommend to anyone who wants to get away, relax, enjoy amazing views,etc.

It is difficult to understand those 3 negative reviews I read on the website. My family and I just spent 5 days there and couldn't find a single thing to complain about. Yes, it's a bit pricey but worth every penny. The exterior and interior architecture of the buildings, the grounds and the vistas are all simply beautiful. The staff was so friendly and helpful without being overbearing. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Good beds. Good food. Spa area is lovely and so conducive to complete relaxation. We wanted to stay forever!

We had a nice room along the greens, which had a nice exclusive feel to it, but the room itself was not that spectacular. Also, I noticed that the room was far from spotless. The Inn's restaurants were the only redeeming quality that we felt the inn had. We definitely would rather spend our money at a Ritz or Four Season. Needless to say, this will be our first and only visit.

Oh, how we regret spending our honeymoon here! We booked a $500 room for three nights. As soon as we arrived we were struck by the less-than-gracious attitude of the check-in staff, who didn’t seem to care much whether we were there or not. The room itself was spacious but nothing special – in fact, the bathroom was tiny and very average (including the tacky shower curtain). Minutes after our arrival we were struck by the complete lack of serenity of our room– we could hear everything outside the doors as well as every step taken by the people in the room above us. We called the front desk and asked to be moved and, to their credit, they upgraded us to a $600-per-night room. However, the new room was actually smaller and had the same noise problems. We could still hear everything that the people in the room above us were doing. Both rooms were a far cry from the “luxury accommodations” they advertise. You’d think that a $600-per-night room would come with its own private balcony or patio, but nope. We shared a “porch” with four other rooms. No privacy there. You’d also think that a $600-per-night room would come with complimentary spa access. Nope. The same daily fee applied for using the spa, which in itself was a huge disappointment. It’s very small, with no private areas. I had just visited two other hotel spas – at the Bellagio and the Houstonian – where there were several jacuzzi’s, private meditation rooms, gracious staff, and fresh fruit and coffee available. The Ojai Valley Inn had none of these things, which was surprising considering it is advertised as “a luxury spa experience.” (There are 2 very small jacuzzi’s that are surrounded by chairs with women lounging on them – precluding any semblance of privacy for those who prefer to go without swimsuits. You’d think that with a $600 per night room there might be some kind of system for reserving bikes ahead of time – perhaps also for selecting ones that are the right size -- but nope. It’s first-come, first-served for the mere dozen or so bikes available, and they go fast. A soon as we got them, we were shocked by their dilapidated condition – they were old and rusted, with baskets that are broken and black with mold. They were in such bad shape that they were difficult to ride, and we gave up after about an hour because it just wasn’t fun. You’d think they could spring a few thousand dollars for some decent bikes (and more of them!), especially since they advertise biking down the beautiful Ojai bike paths as one of the “activities” at the resort. One final note of insult added to injury. My husband had called ahead of time to let them know that we’d be on our honeymoon and to ask if they could do something special. Their response was, “oh, we have something VERY special planned for you.” We waited and waited for this “very special” thing that was coming. Finally, by the end of our stay, we finally realized that they either forgot or just didn’t care. You’d think that they would want to do something for guests who pay $500 per night to spend their honeymoon at their resort – even if it’s just a bottle of champagne or fruit basket -- but nope. Nothing. We spent our entire time there trying to figure out what we could possibly be missing that would make it worth the $500 per night that we were paying – and what could make anyone call this a five-diamond resort -- but we couldn’t figure it out. We finally realized the simple truth: we were getting ripped off. The honeymoon that we had saved up for and so carefully planned was virtually ruined – we couldn’t wait to get home. I hope that you readers will learn from our experience and not waste your money on this ridiculously overpriced and overrated place.

WASTE OF MONEY!! The spa staff is RUDE, I had a WONDERFUL massage!!! There are horrible staff, upper staff management at the spa. I am considering suing. Harrassed the entire stay, too bad too, I go to thousands of these places a year, and this one is the only one i have ever had a problem with. TOO expensive, TOO much of a waste of energy

No doubt this place is expensive, but if you've got a few bucks to throw down for a special occasion, it's well worth it. Not much to do in town, but lots to do thru the hotel. The rooms are newly renovated, immaculately clean, and have a very luxurious, yet relaxed feel. The golf course is good (don't pay the $170 green fee- rather get the Best of Ojai package and it's closer to $120- which admittedly is a tad pricy for the course, but again, for that special occasion, well worth it). The restaurant Maravilla is very good and only getting better under the management of Maitre'D Donny Sullivan (I believe the restaurant has only been open for 6 months- or Donny has only been there for 6 months... damn, can't remember... i blame it on the fine wine!) Prices for the restaurant are very reasonable considering what you get (quality food, stellar service, ambiance), with a very knowledgable sommelier. And of course the renowned Spa... no doubt best of breed. Bottom line: bring your wallet but well worth it!

Really, who has the expendible income to waste on mediocre service and location? We just returned from a girls wknd here, and I was terribly disappointed! While the spa and grounds are nice, the rooms and restaurant were horribly over-priced. $400+ for a dbl-occupancy room of average luxury, decor and comfort?! For that price, I'd expect a suite with a feather-top mattress, and down pillows. To top it off, we had 8:00 reservations at Miravilla, the restaurant on the premises, which took 2 hours before our entrees were served! And while, the food was good, it was not spectacular. Save your $ for a REAL 4-star restaurant and hotel! I'll never recommend this place.

Great service from all the staff,but not worth the money.

Get away from it all in secluded Ojai--but no need to forgo the slightest luxury if you stay here. Super luxe inn and spa with all the trimmings and recreational opportunities. Dining is adequate but not quite up to the highest standards set by the accomodations. Plush beds and robes, soaking tubs, gorgeous views of the Ojai Valley. You won't want to leave!