The Best Boutique Hotels in Ojai, California

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Ojai, California

Ojai is the perfect place to be to rejuvenate your mind and body. Long considered a haven for creatives, you’ll find art everywhere you look in this small town. But you’ll also find a relaxed, unhurried vibe throughout Ojai, where people take the time to stop and enjoy where they are.

Even though you’ll likely leave Ojai rested, it’s not a sleepy town. There’s plenty to do, from art galleries and wineries to scenic hikes and farm-to-table restaurants. Sip some local wine and enjoy the famous “pink moment” at sunset, when the sun hits the Topa Topa Mountains just so, illuminating the peaks in pink and purple. Is it any wonder why a vacation to Ojai is such a peaceful trip?

Wondering where to stay in Ojai? We’ve compiled a helpful list of the best hotels in Ojai, from vintage trailers with modern amenities to hotels that are true works of art. Pick a hotel from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing time on your trip to this magical town.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).


Where to Stay in Ojai

Where to Stay in Ojai, California: Best Boutique Hotels

Downtown Ojai is highly walkable and bikeable, so you’ll be able to get around no matter where you stay, even if you’re a bit outside of downtown. And if you don’t want to walk, you can also hop on the Ojai Trolley. Still, staying in Downtown Ojai keeps you just a few steps away from the area’s biggest and best attractions.  

While Ojai may be walkable, there are also many outdoor activities to do around Ojai. If you want to explore more around Ojai and go on some scenic hikes, you may want to have your own car. If you’re flying into Santa Barbara or LAX, a car will also come in handy for traveling to and from the airport to get to your Ojai hotel. 

Some of the top hotels in Ojai – like the Ojai Valley Inn and the Blue Iguana Inn – are set a few miles from Downtown Ojai – so you’ll probably want to have your own car if you’re staying on the outskirts of downtown. 


The 12 Best Hotels in Ojai, CA

1. Caravan Outpost

Best Hotels in Ojai, California: Caravan Outpost
Photos: Caravan Outpost

If you’re looking for unique hotels in Ojai, you’ll find it at Caravan Outpost. Here you’ll discover vintage Airstream caravans waiting to offer you luxury accommodations. While being here feels like you’re on a tropical vacation being surrounded by a lush garden, you’ll actually be right in Downtown Ojai.

Each Airstream is unique, with some being designed with added bunks for kids and others including a foldout couch for extra grown-up space. Some caravans are also pet-friendly. 

Each caravan has its own professionally sanitized bathroom and private botanical garden area, complete with a bistro set, pagoda umbrella, and lounge chairs. You’ll also get free Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa. 

Your kitchen area includes a fridge, freezer, gas stove top, microwave, hot water pot, sink, and garbage can. However, it does not come with additional supplies like pots and pans, so it’s requested that you bring your own. 

This hotel also does not offer television, so if you want to watch a show, you’ll need to bring your own device. One thing you don’t have to bring, though, is your bike. The hotel offers complimentary bikes, available on a first-come, first-served basis.


2. Ojai Valley Inn

Best Ojai Hotels: Ojai Valley Inn
Photos: Ojai Valley Inn

With a Spanish hacienda design, the Ojai Valley Inn is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside. Dating back to 1934, this upscale hotel is one of the best places to stay in Ojai if you’re looking for a luxury resort with plenty to do on the property.

The soothingly designed rooms offer modern amenities like Frette bedding and linens, an in-room iPad for direct access to resort services, plush bathrobes, an HDTV with streaming capabilities, an oversized workstation, a mini-fridge, a Nespresso machine with complimentary coffee and espresso, artisanal bath products, a complimentary copy of Ojai Valley magazine, and free Wi-Fi. 

Staying in a suite or one of several penthouses gets you additional amenities like fireplaces, soaking tubs, balconies, pullout sofas, breakfast nooks, and more. But for the ultimate in luxury, you can book the Casa Elar, a vacation home that offers you privacy without sacrificing the service that comes from staying at the hotel. 

This location charges a daily service fee, which covers your nightly turndown service, access to the fitness center and daily Mind & Body classes, Linus Bike use, newspapers and magazines available through the iPad, unlimited use of the tennis courts, and more. Pets are welcome, for a fee, in various rooms on the property, but penthouses cannot be reserved with furry friends.

Also on-site is the Farmhouse, an event venue dedicated to the culinary world. Be sure to check out what’s happening during your stay. If you’re visiting in October, you won’t want to miss Ojai Food + Wine. 

The Farmhouse also frequently hosts classes to keep you and your little ones engaged. You’ll also find classes and activities at other spots around the hotel, like the Artist Cottage & Apothecary. For all-day activities for kids, sign them up for Camp Oak.

Are you a golf lover? Book a round on the on-site course. Or you can just relax in one of the four pools. For even more relaxation, book a treatment at the spa. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, you have several options, from pubs to poolside treats to upscale restaurants to a grab-and-go artisan market.


3. Blue Iguana Inn

Best Hotels in Ojai, California: Blue Iguana Inn
Photos: Blue Iguana Inn

The Blue Iguana Inn is one of the best hotels in Ojai if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Southwest. This Spanish mission-style inn is vibrant and bright, with murals dotting its already colorful walls and mosaic sculptures that are true works of art throughout the grounds.

This hotel offers rooms, suites, and private cottages. Every room is thoughtfully and individually decorated in a way that’s authentic to Ojai’s roots. From the Mexican tiling to the original artwork by Ojai artists, the hotel pays homage to Ojai’s past and present as an artist’s haven. 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Many rooms boast cozy amenities like soaking tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios or courtyards. Suites and cottages also include living rooms and full kitchens.

Book an in-room massage treatment for the ultimate in relaxation, or hop in the outdoor pool and hot tub. Although there are no restaurants on-site, you can stop by the front desk for a discount voucher to a number of the hotel’s dining partners. 

The hotel also has retail partners. All you have to do is flash your Blue Iguana Inn key chain, and you’ll get significant discounts on things like flower delivery and apparel. 


4. Ojai Rancho Inn

Ojai Boutique Hotels: Ojai Rancho Inn
Photos: Ojai Rancho Inn

Tucked away next to the Ojai Valley Trail, which takes you between Ojai and Ventura, you’ll discover the rustic tranquility of the Ojai Rancho Inn, one of the coolest boutique hotels in Ojai. This 1950s motel-style inn is the perfect place to stay in Ojai if you want to be in a walkable location with access to tons of outdoor activities. 

Rooms in this hotel feature reclaimed wood furniture, paneled walls and ceilings, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, patios, snack bars, La Tierra Sagrada bath products, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms and suites also include kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces. 

This intimate property only features 17 guest rooms, which is why it’s a particularly tranquil getaway. Wake up in the morning to complimentary coffee and tea. Then, enjoy the quiet pool area or play lawn games with your fellow travelers. 

When you’re ready to explore Ojai, pick up a complimentary bike to ride around town. End your evening at Chief’s Peak, the cozy hotel bar where you can warm up by the fire. 

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com


5. The Capri Hotel

Unique Hotels in Ojai, California: The Capri Hotel
Photos: The Capri Hotel

The Capri Hotel is a midcentury-modern marvel boasting retro vibes and beautiful mountain views. You’ll be just across the street from the Soule Park Golf Course and a short drive away from the stunning Los Padres National Forest. This 1963 hotel is one of the best places to stay in Ojai if you’re looking for a convenient location to get to nature while still experiencing more modern amenities.

Inside your artistic, minimalist room, you’ll discover a walk-in shower, a flat-screen TV with an Amazon Fire Stick, a writing desk, free Wi-Fi, heating, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and La Tierra Sagrada bath products. Some rooms and suites add additional features like a bathtub, balcony, or patio.

Go for a swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub. Play some games on the lawn under the twinkling lights or enjoy the warmth of the fire pit. And before you go off and explore Ojai, be sure to pick up your complimentary bike!


6. Hummingbird Inn

Best Ojai Hotels: Hummingbird Inn
Photos: Hummingbird Inn

With a spectacular view of Chief Peak Mountain in the distance, the Hummingbird Inn is one of the best Ojai hotels if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway. This inn feels like you’re staying in your own personal cottage, with hardwood floors and whimsical nods to nature throughout. As soon as you step foot in the lobby and feel the warmth of the fireplace, you’ll feel right at home.

The cozy and contemporary rooms here offer plasma screen TVs with cable, microwaves, refrigerators, air-conditioning, and a work desk. Extras like teakettles and hair dryers are available at the front desk. Some rooms, which are dog-friendly, feature an outdoor patio space. Suites also offer additional seating space and a couch that pulls out to an extra bed.

Go for a swim in the outdoor pool with the mountains offering a scenic view. In the afternoons and evenings, enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa. Then, finish off your day by the warmth of the fire pit. 


7. Chantico Inn

Best Hotels in Ojai, California: Chantico Inn
Photos: Chantico Inn

The Chantico Inn, located in Downtown Ojai, is a Mission-style hotel that welcomes you with nature-inspired murals, beautiful arches and stonework, and stunning views of Ojai and the mountains beyond. 

Both inside and out, you’ll find a style reflective of a different time, from the antique furnishings to the stained glass windows. But in your room, you’ll find much more modern conveniences, making this gem one of the best boutique hotels in Ojai.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi access, TVs with cable and premium channels, private patios, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Each room offers unique features, but throughout the hotel, you’ll find antique bed frames, antique oak wet bars, fireplaces, jetted tubs, and stained glass. Rooms are pet-friendly for an added fee in case you’re traveling with your furry friend. 

Wake up to a free continental breakfast, and end your day with a complimentary glass of wine. In between, go for a dip in the pool and spa!


8. Ojai Retreat & Inn

Unique Ojai Hotels: Ojai Retreat & Inn
Photos: Ojai Retreat & Inn

Looking to get away from it all? You’ll love the Ojai Retreat & Inn, a hilltop bed and breakfast set on five private acres. As you might expect from a retreat, this inn isn’t just for resting your weary eyes. It’s also for resting and rejuvenating your mind.

As a more adult-friendly venue, the Ojai Retreat & Inn is meant for people over 12. Despite feeling like you’re in a world all your own, you’re actually just five minutes from Downtown Ojai.

You’ll find guest rooms in both the Main House and the detached cottages. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others share with another room. All guest rooms have air-conditioning, heating, refrigerators, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. In keeping with the idea of a getaway for your mind, there are no telephones or TVs on-site. Most guest rooms also have a private garden or patio.

Over in the Main House, you’ll find a Living Room where a European-style buffet breakfast is served daily. Read, do yoga, or meditate in the Library, or take a stroll around the gardens on the many walking trails. 

You’ll find several gardens on-site, including one designed with meditation in mind. If you’re wondering where to stay in Ojai for a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat, this might just be the perfect pick!


9. Casa Ojai Inn

Best Hotels in Ojai, California: Casa Ojai Inn
Photos: Casa Ojai Inn

Located just across the street from the Soule Park Golf Course, the Casa Ojai Inn is a quaint and quiet getaway filled with activities and amenities that are sure to keep you coming back time and again. 

If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll love this hotel’s dedication to its eco-friendly policies, from water-saving features to paper-saving virtual check-in to hydration stations for refillable water bottles. If you have an electric- or hybrid-certified vehicle, you can even get a discount on your stay.

Rooms and suites in this hotel offer snacks, bottled water, mini-fridges, HDTVs with DirecTV, free Wi-Fi, and Keurig coffee makers. Some rooms are pet-friendly for an added fee, and upgraded rooms include additional features like private patios and scenic views. 

After you’re done exploring Ojai on your complimentary bike, take a dip in the heated outdoor saltwater pool, and end your day by reveling in the warmth of the fire pit.


10. The Emerald Iguana Inn

Ojai Boutique Hotels: The Emerald Iguana Inn
Photos: The Emerald Iguana Inn

As the sister hotel to the Blue Iguana Inn, the Emerald Iguana Inn is fittingly another one of the best boutique hotels in Ojai. However, there’s one major difference between the Blue Iguana and the Emerald Iguana. 

The Emerald Iguana is for adults only, with the youngest guests having to be over 14. With its walkability to Downtown Ojai, upscale amenities, and romantic vibes, it’s one of the top boutique hotels in Ojai for a couples getaway.

Staying at the Emerald Iguana feels a bit like staying in an enchanted forest, with vines curling up the walls, a colorful emerald iguana mosaic piece guarding the entrance like a dragon guarding a castle, and gorgeous twinkling lanterns dotting the grounds. Inside, you’ll find guest rooms, suites, and cottages, all uniquely decorated but filled with upscale amenities. 

Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, robes, a writing desk, a sitting area, a flat-screen TV, and a private outdoor area. Some rooms also include clawfoot tubs and fireplaces, while staying in a suite or cottage adds a living room and a full kitchen.

Take a dip in the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, or book yourself an in-room massage. You can also up the romance with a luxury package, which includes treats like massages, wine, gourmet chocolates, and etched champagne glasses. 

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com


11. Su Nido Inn

Cool Hotels in Ojai, California: Su Nido Inn
Photos: Su Nido Inn

Designed in the Mission Revival style, the Su Nido Inn is a hotel offering the comforts of home in a gorgeous location – all centered around a lovely cobblestone courtyard. With a name translating to “your nest,” the inn is one of the best Ojai hotels offering you privacy and comfort. Staying here also places you just steps away from all that Ojai has to offer, from art galleries to boutique shops to fine dining.

Amenities include feather beds, 310-thread-count linens, robes, Molton Brown bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary water, HDTVs with DirecTV, and Keurig coffee makers. You can also request a fridge in case you want to chill some local wine or drinks. 

Staying in a suite adds a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, juice, snacks, and a toaster, as well as a gas fireplace. Some suites also have a soaking tub and cooking stove.

To help you plan your Ojai vacation, just talk with the innkeeper. They’ll help you arrange activities like tee times at one of the two local championship gold courses or a reservation at the Day Spa of Ojai!


12. Waypoint Ventura

Best Boutique Hotels: Waypoint Ventura
Photos: Waypoint Ventura

Looking for one of the coolest hotels near Ojai? You’ll find it over in Ventura at Waypoint Ventura, a unique hotel where you get the best of both worlds and feel like you’re camping under the stars while living in luxury accommodations. 

You’ll be staying in a meticulously-restored vintage or more modern trailer when you book a room at this hotel. You’ll find adventure inside, as well as Frette linens, Zenology luxury bath products, a coffee maker with coffee and tea, a microwave, a refrigerator, a television, and complimentary Wi-Fi. 

Greet the day with a cup of coffee in hand as you watch the sunrise from your private deck. Or spend some time with your fellow travelers at the community fire pit, play some lawn games, or have a barbecue. Furry family members are also invited along for the journey if you stay in select campers.

Already got your own trailer? You can book a spot at the campground, where you’ll find full hook-up sites, communal restrooms, and showers. 

There you have it! The 12 best Ojai hotels. Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Ojai? Let us know in the comments!


Didn’t find the perfect Ojai hotel? Try searching here:

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About the Author:

  • Jacqueline Gualtieri

    Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California.

    When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes.

    Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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