Where to Stay in Ojai California: My Favorite Areas & Hotels in 2026

For my weekend in Ojai, the hotel I stayed at was definitely part of the experience, and it was for sure one of the reasons I loved my weekend here so much.

Ojai is a super cute little town in California, and it has some of the most amazing, quirky boutique hotels and spa resorts I’ve seen anywhere. And since a weekend trip to Ojai, at least from my experience, is usually pretty heavy on poolside relaxing, spa days, wine tastings and just treating yourself, I’m totally fine with splurging a little on the hotel.

For me, staying somewhere really nice is just part of the experience here. If I’m coming to Ojai for a relaxing weekend, I don’t want to spend the whole day doing activities and then come back to some random basic hotel room. I want somewhere that feels special too!

So, to give you guys a better idea of where to stay in Ojai, I’ve put together this guide with some of my favorite hotels, from more affordable boutique options to some awesome luxurious spa resorts, so you can find the one that’s the right fit for your trip.

Where to Stay in Ojai – My Experience

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Ojai in the first place was actually because I kept seeing stunning photos and videos of the Ojai Valley Inn. In my opinion, it’s likely to be one of the most beautiful spa resorts in Ojai, with incredible views over the valley, a gorgeous pool overlooking the mountains, and basically everything I’d want from a luxury weekend getaway.

Obviously, I wanted to stay there.

Well… I quickly found out that it was nowhere near my budget!

Maybe next time!

But by that point, I already had Ojai in my head, so I started looking for something a little more affordable and ended up finding an amazing little boutique hotel called Emerald Iguana Inn.

And honestly, I ended up absolutely loving it.

It obviously wasn’t as luxurious as the Ojai Valley Inn, but it had so much character. It was super quirky and cozy, there was greenery everywhere, the rooms were really comfortable, and the location was fantastic.

Best of all, it was way more affordable, which made it a much better fit for this trip.

So don’t assume that staying in Ojai automatically means spending a fortune. Yes, there are some luxurious hotels and resorts here, but there are also some really cool boutique hotels that let you have that Ojai experience without completely destroying your budget.

The Best Areas to Stay in Ojai California

Before getting into the best areas to stay in Ojai, I want to quickly point out that Ojai is really small, so in my opinion, where you stay isn’t going to make a huge difference.

Basically, you have to decide whether you want to be within walking distance of all the restaurants, cafes and wine bars in downtown Ojai, or whether you’d rather stay somewhere a little more secluded and resort-like.

If you want to be close to everything, stay around Downtown Ojai. If you’d rather have a quieter and more secluded experience, look around Meiners Oaks or the Valley area.

Downtown Ojai

We stayed in the Downtown Ojai area, and I personally loved it a lot. As someone who’s used to European cities where everything is walkable, I always appreciate being able to leave the car at the hotel and just walk everywhere.

We stayed at Emerald Iguana Inn, which is actually in a really quiet neighborhood just outside the main downtown area, but we could still easily walk to all the restaurants, cafes and bars.

And honestly, that is my dream when I’m on vacation. If I can go a whole weekend without getting in the car once, I’m happy!

Meiners Oaks

Meiners Oaks is on the western end of Ojai and feels much more like a quiet residential community.

There are still a handful of restaurants, cafes and other little places around, so you’re definitely not completely out of the action, but it’s much quieter than staying right in downtown Ojai.

The trade-off is that you’ll probably want a car if you’re planning on spending a lot of time downtown.

There are also some really cool hotels around here, including Blue Iguana Inn and Ojai Retreat Inn, which both have that cozy, secluded Ojai feel.

The Valley Area

And then there’s the Valley area, which is where things start feeling a lot more secluded, upscale and resort-like.

This is where you’ll find more of that country-club-style atmosphere, and the main reason people stay here is the Ojai Valley Inn.

It’s a beautiful area if you’re looking for a proper luxury getaway where the hotel itself is a big part of the experience. And even though it feels much more secluded, you’re still only around a 5-minute drive from downtown Ojai, so you kind of get the best of both worlds.

My 5 Favorite Hotels in Ojai California

1. Ojai Valley Inn // Best Luxury Hotel in Ojai

The Ojai Valley Inn is definitely the most amazing hotel in Ojai, and in my opinion, it’s not even close. I originally wanted to stay here, but unfortunately, it just didn’t fit into my budget.

However, because I’m a little smarty pants, I figured out a way to still experience at least part of the hotel. A lot of people don’t know this, but you can get a day pass to the spa area for around $150, which also gives you access to the pool.

So that’s exactly what I did, and I got to experience a little bit of what makes this place so special. The whole property is basically paradise, with incredible views over the valley, beautiful grounds and a pool that I could’ve happily spent the entire day at.

The next time I’m visiting Ojai, I’m planning on splurging a little more and actually staying here. I think it would be such an awesome experience to spend a whole weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Ojai Valley Inn

2. Emerald Iguana Inn // This is Where I Actually Stayed

We stayed at the Emerald Iguana Inn, and looking back, I really had such a fantastic experience here.

We arrived fairly early in Ojai, and the staff were super friendly and even let us check in early, so we could drop off all our luggage and head out into town right away.

The hotel itself is so cute and cozy, but also a little quirky in a really good way. To me, it just felt very Ojai, and once you’re here, I think you’ll know exactly what I mean.

It’s not a huge resort or anything. It’s much more of a small boutique hotel, which I actually really liked because it made the whole place feel more intimate.

I also loved the location. It’s in a quieter neighborhood, so it was really peaceful, but we could still easily walk into downtown whenever we wanted.

The Emerald Iguana Inn also has a sister hotel called Blue Iguana Inn, which is a little more secluded and definitely worth checking out too if you’re looking for something a bit quieter.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Emerald Iguana Inn

3. Caravan Outpost // Most Unique Stay in Ojai

I am just such a sucker for a quirky or unique place to stay, especially when I’m on a weekend trip, and Caravan Outpost is basically exactly that. If I’d known about this place before coming to Ojai, I for sure would’ve stayed here.

Caravan Outpost lets you stay in a brand-new Airstream, which, in case you don’t know what that is, are those super iconic silver campers you’ve probably seen before.

And to be honest, it looks just so damn cool. Everything is decorated in a really fun, boho style, and each Airstream has its own little lot surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with hammocks and outdoor seating right outside.

But probably the best part is that it’s pet-friendly, so I reckon this is one of the best places to stay in Ojai if you’re traveling with a dog.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Caravan Outpost Ojai

4. Capri Hotel // SUper Iconic Hotel in Ojai

Would’ve been rude of me not to put the Capri Hotel in Ojai on this list because it’s probably one of the most iconic places to stay around here.

It’s a historic mid-century hotel, so the exterior and especially the lobby still have that really cool old-school California look and feel. But the rooms have all been renovated, so you’re definitely not missing out on modern comforts.

If I had to describe this hotel in one sentence, I’d say: if you want to feel really cool for a weekend, stay here.

The interior and exterior design are just so damn cool, the pool area looks awesome, and the whole place fits that classic California vibe perfectly.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Capri Hotel

5. Ojai Rancho Inn

I know everyone has different tastes when it comes to hotels, and honestly, sometimes I can’t even decide what I like most myself. Do I want the Spanish Revival style of the Ojai Valley Inn? Do I want the mid-century look of the Capri Hotel? Or do I want something a little more rustic and ranch-style?

Well, that last one is where the Ojai Rancho Inn comes in.

This place has a really cool rustic style with lots of wood, natural finishes and a very  classic ranch feel, but it also has enough of a modern twist that it doesn’t feel outdated at all.

And then there’s the huge pool area, with sunbeds, hammocks and plenty of space to just hang out outside.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Ojai Rancho Inn

FAQs About the Best Places to Stay in Ojai

What Is the Best Luxury Hotel in Ojai?

The best luxury hotel in Ojai is definitely the Ojai Valley Inn, which has a stunning pool area with amazing views over the valley, fantastic service and a world-class spa.

What Is the Best Hotel with a Spa in Ojai?

The best hotel with a spa in Ojai is for sure the Ojai Valley Inn. The spa is a huge part of what makes this place so special, and even though I couldn’t afford to stay here myself, I still managed to enjoy the spa and pool with a day pass.

Is Ojai Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Ojai is worth visiting, and I had an incredible weekend here. I did a spa day, went hiking, and had a bunch of super yummy dinners, wines and coffees.

How Many Days in Ojai Do I Need?

That really depends on what you’re looking for. You can easily do Ojai as a day trip, but you can also stay for a night or two.

Just know that there isn’t a huge amount to do here, so personally, I think one night is enough.

What Is a Good Cheap Hotel in Ojai?

There are quite a few more affordable hotels in Ojai. I stayed at the Emerald Iguana Inn, which I think is fairly affordable by California standards, especially considering how nice and unique it is.

But if you’re looking for something even cheaper, Ojai Retreat & Inn sometimes has rates just over $100 per night, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Final Thoughts on What Is the Best Place to Stay in Ojai California?

Usually, I really don’t care that much about staying in super luxurious or expensive hotels. I’m a traveler at heart, so I’d much rather spend my money seeing a place, a country, a state or a city than blowing it all on a hotel.

But here in Ojai, I view it a little differently.

Ojai itself isn’t necessarily packed with sights or activities. Sure, there’s hiking, wine tasting, good food and plenty of other things to do, but at the end of the day, I think a visit to Ojai is kinda about doing something good for yourself.

That’s why, for me, Ojai is one of those places where it’s worth splurging a little on your accommodation. Of course, you don’t have to book the most expensive hotel you can find, but I think you’ll thank yourself if you treat yourself to a really nice place to stay here.

Whether that means a full-on luxury resort like the Ojai Valley Inn, a quirky boutique hotel like the Emerald Iguana Inn, or something a little more affordable, I’d definitely make the hotel part of the experience.

I hope this guide on where to stay in Ojai gave you a good idea of the best areas and hotels in town and helped you figure out which one might be a good fit for your next visit.

Check Out My Other Ojai Guides

Is Ojai Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Ojai California: My Favorite Hotels & Areas

Things to Do in Ojai: The Best Activities I Did

The Best Time to Visit Ojai: My Seasonal Guide

The Best Restaurants in Ojai: My Top Foodie Spots

The Best Coffee Shops in Ojai: My Absolute Favorite Cafes

Day Trip to Ojai: How I Spent 24 Hours in Ojai