Ojai Retreat & Inn0

Everything at the retreat is done with thoughtfulness and respect. This is an older property but I appreciated its history and everything is very clean. Their breakfast is one of the best I’ve had at a hotel: eggs, potatoes or vegan sausage, cheeses, cereal, breads, nut butters, yogurts, fresh fruit, pastries and good coffee. The grounds are beautiful and there is peacefulness as you walk around. I did tai chi in the Fountain Garden while a small rabbit and bird nibbled and pecked side by side, squirrels played chase in the trees, lizards and chipmunks scurried, and a hawk circled above. We were acting in accordance with our natures. The atmosphere of the Ojai Retreat encourages this behavior.

I liked every little thing about this place. The location is the closest thing to paradise I've seen, nestled just above the Ojai Valley with 365 degree mountain vista and garden views for days. The property is beautifully landscaped in harmony with nature, and studded with beautiful oak trees. It's a 7 minute drive from downtown Ojai with its boutiques and restaurants, but feels worlds away. They really pay attention here to the little details. Here's a list of so many of the wonderful surprises at this inn: - very friendly and kind staff - an outdoor meditation point and al fresco dining areas with incredible mountain views - little indoor and outdoor spots designed for sitting and contemplating and/ or reading a book from their incredible library of books on mindfulness, theater, history and more - incredibly generous breakfast offerings (something for most everyone including gluten free bread and organic coffee) - heated bathroom - thoughtful little signs along the garden trails, and in both the shared and private spaces. Ie. to watch for falling branches, not to make too much noise outside certain rooms (like our Bella Vista room) that gets a little more foot traffic than some of the others - friendly and respectful visitors who are there for the peaceful atmosphere, say hello and smile I hope this helps, because more than anything, this place is a feeling/vibration. You won't fully understand it until you've visited for at least a couple nights.

No TVs in any of the rooms! So staying here is a true retreat from the world and a bit of a slice it heaven. The breakfast served between 7:30-930AM is top notch: eggs with green onions and tomatoes; as well as either potatoes or vegan sausage links which were a surprise; assorted breads plain as well as sweet; coffee, tea, orange juice; yogurts and homemade granola, cereal and oatmeal; as well as an assortment of fruit! Hands down the most robust continental breakfast we've been served, EVER!

Understandable about the no dogs situation and it being a retreat. We did notice someone had a dog on premises breaking the rules during our stay. It is these type of people who completely ruin even the thought of dogs being considered for the retreat; quite unfortunate really!

The Ojai Retreat and Inn is really spectacular. The location to begin with--totally quiet, peaceful, lovely, exquisite views of the mountains; next, the staff--every one was warm, friendly, and helpful. The breakfast, included in the room rate, was wonderful--way beyond the usual continental bkfst "bleh!" (It had good cereals, cheeses, croissants and muffins, excellent jams, hardboiled eggs, etc. As well as additional common rooms and spaces--a quiet room/library, patio with fabulous views, etc.

The room was as advertised: small, cozy, fine views--and with, alas, a shared bathroom. But this is not a criticism, so it was made clear in the listing. ne other suggestion: it's hard to find the inn initially. (My gps was misleading and downright inaccurate.) It would be useful if the confirmation provided detailed instructions for finding the inn.

The setting is simply spectacular, a hilltop location with views in every direction and many different seatig areas outdoors and inside, including a terrace with lounge chairs for watching the sunset and/or birds & wildlife. Rooms are tastefully appointed & comfortable. Breakfast was very good. It's so quiet and peaceful at night. I appreciate that the retreat has 2 rooms that, while on the small side, are affordable.

The "cozy" room is that-- pretty small-- I would recommend it for a single person, or a couple staying perhaps 1 or 2 nights only. But it's still a very pleasant room with a closet, windows in 2 directions, fridge/microwave & shared bathroom.

Amazing views of surrounding hills and trees, with many comfortable and welcoming places set up with chairs and even tables to enjoy those views. There was a lot of space for all guests to find a special spot to be alone or to visit with others. The small rooms with shared bath are very affordable and an especially good option for solo travelers. Both the bathroom and food prep area had separate storage cabinets for guests of each room to store their personal belongings and wine glasses and eating utensils (which were provided by the hosts). All areas, indoors and out, were immaculate and well maintained. Really a beautiful property with friendly and helpful staff.

I wished the food prep area had a sink for washing glasses and coffee maker - not so convenient to use the bathroom sink for that, and the maid did not clean the coffee maker or cups/glassware.

Beautiful setting with gorgeous views. Quiet and peaceful. Breakfast was healthy and sufficient. Sitting on the patio and eating breakfast was wonderful. The view of the mountains was beyond beautiful. The price was below other places.

No T.V., but that was fine too. If visiting to have a loud and rocking party, this would not be the place to come. This is not a place for children under 12, and even for teens could be too quiet a setting.

The ambience, atmosphere, and the welcome was exceptional! The room was clean and tidy and the bathroom was very clean as well.

Though everything was clean, it was showing it's age. The tablecloth on the table in the room was threadbare and had old stains that presumably had set in the wash. The carpet had seen better days, and the bed's headboard was creaking like a dry well pump handle with every slight motion of the bed until I shoved a small towel behind it on either side to limit the range of motion and thus stop the creaking.

The location offers spectacular views of the range / valley on one side in complete harmony with its surroundings. The other side has numerous spots to just commune with yourself or others in a peaceful location. When they say retreat it truly is. They do not have TV’s in rooms allowing you to get away from mass media and the world around you. The staff was superb and very helpful. Although they do offer wifi for guests you will likely find yourself just wanting to leave behind everything “Electronic” and enjoy nature. My only advice is possibly have a standard clothing press and iron in the rooms. We had two rooms and once we asked for the use of them they quickly got them to us. I just thought that was strange to not see. Otherwise though it was a marvelous couple days of serenity.

My only request was not seeing a cloth press and iron in our two rooms. They quickly got us one yet we did have to request it. Otherwise everything was fantastic.

THIS PLACE DESERVES A 9.6 RATING AT LEAST. NOT JUST THE 9.0 RATING I SEEM TO HAVE GIVEN.IT. Fabulous view from the resort's terrace of the Ojai Valley Comfy and clean Quiet Beautiful commons room for relaxing and great heavy continental breakfast. A flowering garden setting Free SAFE parking Not hard to find if you FOLLOW THEIR DIRECTIONS Nice bathroom and shower. Airy. A happy memory Would definitely return here

I had the cheapest least desirable of all the rooms - with NO VIEW (The Patio Room), but it was OK if a bit small. This situation was OK as one can relax on the inn's terrace overlooking the entire Ojai valley, and hang out in the beautiful spacious commons room (which is not a lobby) The teas on offer in the room were frightful, Ask for some English Breakfast when checking.in.