Ojai, Curated: My Stay at the Town’s Newest Hotel and a Guide to Stay, Eat & Explore

Ojai, California has long been one of my favorite escapes from Los Angeles—close enough for a spontaneous weekend, but far enough to feel like a true reset. The drive up already feels like a transition into a slower pace, winding through citrus groves and mountain passes until the valley opens up with its golden light. Ojai has a rhythm all its own: mornings that beg for a hike, afternoons that meander between farm-to-table lunches and bookstore browsing, orange groves galore, and evenings that glow with the famous “pink moment” at sunset. It’s no wonder the town has drawn artists, healers, and travelers for generations.

On this trip, I based myself at the newly reimagined Hotel El Roblar, which is something of a landmark in Ojai. Originally opened in 1919, the property has long been part of the town’s story, and after a six-year restoration, it feels both timeless and fresh. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture has been lovingly preserved, with its whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched passageways. Inside, you’ll find interiors that honor the original bones but add a modern sensibility—plaster walls, rustic wood accents, patterned tiles, and curated artwork that nods to Ojai’s artistic heritage. The palette draws on the valley itself: sunbaked neutrals, earthy terracotta, and soft greens that echo the surrounding olive and citrus groves.

What I loved most was the way the hotel connects you to the community: its location in the heart of downtown means you’re steps from shops, restaurants, and the local energy that makes Ojai so vibrant. The grounds are lush and thoughtfully kept, dotted with mature olive trees and shaded courtyards that invite you to slow down. And then there’s the pool—an adult-only sanctuary edged with sleek loungers and desert landscaping, the kind of space where hours slip by effortlessly. Hotel El Roblar manages that rare balance of being a gathering place for locals while still feeling like a retreat for travelers, providing a window into Ojai’s past and present at once. If you are interested in a stay at this property, reach out so I can share information regarding the rooms and important considerations to ensure you have the best stay.

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My Guide to Ojai

Stay

• Ojai Valley Inn ($$$) – A classic luxury resort with expansive grounds and a world-class spa. Booking with me gets you added perks and VIP amenities.

• Hotel El Roblar ($$$) – Historic, design-forward, and right in town. Booking with me gets you added perks and VIP amenities.

• Lavender Inn ($) – A charming, intimate B&B option.

Eat & Drink

• Breakfast: Rory’s Other Place – A cozy local favorite.

• Lunch: The Dutchess – Burmese-Californian fare with a bakery worth lining up for.

• Lunch: Ojai Rotie – Wood-fired chicken and Mediterranean-inspired sides.

  
  

Wellness

• Spa Ojai – Treatments rooted in local botanicals and Ojai’s spiritual energy.

  
  

Do

• Hike – Trails with valley and mountain views.

• Visit the Turtle Conservancy – A unique sanctuary dedicated to endangered turtles and tortoises.

• Stop by Bart’s Books – The legendary open-air bookstore.

• Shop the Farmers Market – Local produce, honey, and artisanal finds.