An interesting attempt at being creative. I would call it a strange experience…read more Picture walking into a beautiful Japanese inspired garden that's been there for many many years, bamboo and lush gardens, and sitting down for an elegant meal. Then the music is turned on and I'd call it 1960 English rock mixed in with other genres from all over, a little too loud and not really be fitting of the environment. We mentioned it to the waiter and he said it's the chef's jam so to speak. The food was certainly adventuresome. It just missed the mark too often. Either a bit too acidic or a bit off on a funny flavor profile, or in the case of the tuna really inedible as it was very tough. When all 4 ppl leave most of it, you'd think the server(s) would inquire but they just cleared the plates as if it were normal. I really hope the restaurant makes it and of course being a prefix menu we might just have been in on an off night. The plating was beautiful. The dishes were beautiful and unique. There was certainly thought put into it and the service was very nice and attentive. Wine pairing was nice and generous. If you do go here, it's worth adding it on as an option. Overall It just missed on too many flavor profiles that didn't quite go together. They do say the chef likes to combine all types of different cuisines and he certainly did that. I'm just don't know if they blended well. I probably would give it a 3 1/2 if that were possible.

Beautiful Setting, but the Experience Misses the Mark…read more We were excited to dine here and enjoy dinner in the garden. From the moment we arrived, though, the atmosphere felt off. You walk into a peaceful, charming space only to be hit with loud punk rock music. It was jarring. We thought it must be a mistake. We love music, but this didn't fit the setting--it drowned out conversation and clashed with what should have been a serene dining experience. When we politely asked if the volume could be turned down, our server explained that it was the chef's personal playlist and he'd need permission to adjust it. For a restaurant charging $200 for dinner, that's disappointing. The server later returned to tell us it had already been turned down earlier because another guest had complained. In other words, it would stay as is. It sent the message that the chef values his own preferences over his guests' comfort. To be clear, the servers were wonderful. They spoke passionately about the history of the property and described each dish in impressive detail. It was obvious they were trying to bring the chef's vision to life. They were warm and professional, even when it was clear their hands were tied. The drink menu was another miss. Plenty of bottle options, but few local wines by the glass--a surprise in the heart of wine country. My partner ordered a Manhattan, only to be told the chef doesn't allow it. That's a first for us. It added to the feeling that this place is about control, not hospitality. As for the food: some dishes were inventive and delicious, others fell flat. There's creativity, but at this price point, the experience still feels uneven. We both agreed that if we hadn't prepaid, we would have left soon after sitting down. The music made it nearly impossible to relax, and we honestly couldn't wait to get out of there. We were told the chef is aiming for a Michelin-star experience, but after dining at Caruso's the night before, this restaurant has a long way to go. Caruso's delivered exceptional service and food, but more importantly, made every guest feel valued. Here, we felt more like intruders in someone else's artistic experiment. The setting and history are beautiful, and I genuinely wish them success. But the chef's attitude--toward both guests and staff--suggests he's not ready to take real feedback. When he asked how our meal was as we were leaving (after paying), it felt more like a formality than genuine curiosity. In short: stunning venue, talented servers, flashes of culinary creativity--but an overall experience built for the chef, not the diner.

Went to Ojai Valley Inn after meeting up with some friends for breakfast and someone recommended…read morechecking out their spa! WOW, such a little slice of sanctuary. We came on a Saturday early afternoon and started at one of their restaurants. The food was amazing, but service was definitely on the slower side. The resort is huge and has so many activities tennis, golf, bike rentals and more. After that, we headed over to the spa and spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool. The vibe was so calm, mostly women just chatting, unwinding, and enjoying each other in this peaceful little paradise. We ordered smoothies poolside and omg...so fresh and refreshing. Service at the spa pool was great, everyone seemed to be working together seamlessly and checking in often without being overbearing. Definitely one of those spots I'd come back to anytime I need a reset from LA.

For many years, Ojai Valley Inn was one of my favorite destinations. I have stayed at the resort…read moreseven or eight times and always considered it a special place to celebrate important occasions. Unfortunately, after my recent experience, I do not plan to return. For Father's Day weekend, I booked what I hoped would be a memorable getaway for my husband and me. I prepaid $5,364.45 for a two-night stay in a Deluxe King with a View Room. In addition, I made dinner reservations at the resort's fine dining restaurant, scheduled a golf outing for two because my husband loves golf, and booked a couples massage. I was genuinely looking forward to a special and relaxing weekend. On June 5, I searched for Ojai Valley Inn on Google and called the phone number that appeared online. Unbeknownst to me, I was connected to a third-party reservation company called Hotel Reservations rather than the resort directly. I received a confirmation email that included Ojai Valley Inn's name, a confirmation number, an itinerary number, and proof of payment. After driving nearly three hours from Newport Beach to the resort, I was shocked to learn that Ojai Valley Inn could not locate my reservation. I presented all of my documentation and confirmation details, yet after nearly an hour of waiting, the issue remained unresolved. I contacted Hotel Reservations while standing at the front desk, and they confirmed that a reservation existed in their system. Unfortunately, the third-party company and the hotel were unable to reconcile the discrepancy. What disappointed me most was not the reservation issue itself, but the hotel's response. The front desk associate assisting us was kind, empathetic, mentioned they will have a room available for us, and appeared genuinely committed to finding a solution. However, when the front desk manager, Morgan Giuseponi, became involved, I felt that very little effort was made to accommodate us despite our circumstances. Given our longstanding history with the resort, our prepaid reservation, and the fact that we already had dining, golf, and spa reservations on property, I expected some attempt to help us remain at the resort. Instead, we were informed that the hotel was fully booked and were advised to seek accommodations elsewhere. Whether the issue originated with the third-party booking company or elsewhere, I had hoped Ojai Valley Inn would demonstrate the level of hospitality and problem-solving that luxury resorts are known for. Rather than allowing the situation to ruin Father's Day weekend, we chose to stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach instead. Fortunately, the experience there was exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm, attentive, and proactive. The contrast in customer care was impossible to ignore. Luxury hospitality is not measured by how a property performs when everything goes according to plan. It is measured by how it responds when something goes wrong. In this case, I left feeling that Ojai Valley Inn was unwilling to help a loyal, repeat guest during a difficult situation. This experience was deeply disappointing and has permanently changed my perception of a resort I once loved. While the reservation issue may not have been entirely the hotel's fault, the lack of effort to find a solution certainly was. For that reason, I will not be returning.

Cool winery to check out…read more The staff are older, friendly enough. The red wines are really tasty. I love the private-ish tables. I mean you're close enough to hear your neighbors, but still have a sense of privacy with a nice view of the vineyard. Even though it was hot outside, underneath the canopy it was nice.

Been here many times and it's definitely one of our favorites. However, this was our first visit in…read moreover a year and this experience just wasn't quite the same. Customer service was still great, but I noticed a few changes that took away from the experience for us personally. I do like that the tastings are no longer in the plastic tubes, although the tubes did feel like they held a little more wine. What we didn't enjoy was that when multiple people ordered the same tastings, they were placed into the same shared glass/container. In our party of four, three of us had the same six tastings and had to share. I appreciated the bow on the glass showing the pours, but I preferred the previous setup where everyone had their own individual tastings. It may seem small, and thankfully our group was fine sharing, but it made the experience feel less personal and honestly made us less interested in doing tastings again on future visits. Some people also may not feel comfortable sharing containers or touching the same glass. Nothing terrible at all, just some feedback from longtime visitors who loved how it used to be. On this visit we actually ended up ordering a bottle afterward instead, and moving forward we'll probably just continue doing that rather than the tastings.

Until a major move, we've stayed at the Inn since the 1990s. It will always hold a spot in my heart…read moreand I do wish we could visit more often.

We stayed here and enjoyed the venue for my DIL's Bridal Shower in June. It's quaint and the rooms…read moreare cute with balconies. The grounds are pretty. The thing we didn't like was we couldn't use the kitchen. Unless we hired professional caterers, the kitchen was off limits and they policies it the whole time

A wonderful setting for a birthday trip! Gorgeous setting and very comfy room! Breakfast included…read moregreat coffee as well as cereal, toast and hard boiled eggs.

Absolutely incredible. We're in town for the Ojai art show, my mom is a vendor there and by some…read moremiracle this spot was the best deal in the area. It is literally a nature oasis, a respite from the busy and loud Bay Area. The views are stunning, so much outside space to enjoy, and tables for eating in the patio. We are in the cozy room, which has a shared restroom. Literally no issues with this whatsoever. It's in between two rooms so it's not like you have access to anyone else's room. There are microwaves and mini fridges for each room. They even have a dining room and library. Breakfast is served daily, and it has robust options. The scrambled eggs really take this to another level. Another highlight is the nature. Bunnies, owls, lizards, toads, and tons of gorgeous birds. This place is a treasure.

Camp said they would do a good job of building community. They did the opposite of that for our…read moredaughter. There are strong cliques, and outsiders are shunned and ostracized. Months after the camp was over a girl asked a click of girls in my daughter's bunk about my daughter (who has lots of friends at her school and is well-liked) and they replied by expressing disgust and disdain. My daughter overheard her counselors expressing that they don't like children. So, HARD PASS on this camp. My daughter ended up disliking Judaism by association bc of this camp.

We have just returned from another family weekend retreat at Ramah, and once again had a wonderful…read moretime. I have to say that I was particularly impressed at how the staff has adapted since the very long time kitchen manager and director have changed over after almost 20 years. It just reinforces that they have their programs down to a T, and are committed to providing wonderful experiences. Ramah is most commonly known for Jewish summer camps, but check out their other programs as well!

The Majestic Oak showcases well crafted wines from the local growing regions. They have a…read moredelightful Secret Garden outdoor patio with plenty of shade. Rita is so knowledgeable about the tasting notes and origins of all their wines. She always makes us feel at home while we're enjoying glorious wine selections out on the patio. She has a list of tastes and she'll add in a pour or two when she has something special off the list. They offer an accessible wine tasting experience that's enjoyable for both wine enthusiasts and a first time wine tasting encounter. Majestic Oak features Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache and a lesser known Cinsault. We are members of their wine club because of the quality of their wines and the value. The rich reds that we selected were sourced from local Ojai vineyards as well as the best of the Santa Barbara County growing regions. They also offer beautiful white wine varieties that call for a summer picnic or garden party. We loved the Bruce's Rose that celebrates their mascot, Bruce. Highly recommend for the quality of their wines and for the wine tasting experience.

If you know me, then you already know... this is my happy place…read more I don't even know where to begin because this place has become so much more than a tasting room to me. Majestic Oak is my happy place. Seriously. The second I walk downstairs, I instantly relax. I don't know what it is... maybe it's the red umbrellas, the beautiful greenery, the cozy little patio, or just the overall atmosphere. I close my eyes for a second, take a deep breath, and it honestly feels like I've escaped into my own little world. I come here about once a month, and there's a reason I became a wine club member. Yes, the location is absolutely beautiful, but let's talk about the wine... every. single. one. has been amazing. I'm usually more of a red wine girl, but even their whites have surprised me. They're crisp, refreshing, and just plain delicious. I honestly haven't had a wine here that I didn't love. But what really keeps me coming back is the people. Rita deserves the biggest shout-out. It's not just that she takes amazing care of us every time we visit. It's her personality. Her knowledge. Her passion for the wines. She makes you feel like you've been friends forever, and somehow every visit feels even more special because she's there. She has this way of making everyone feel welcome, and that kind of hospitality is something you can't teach. For me, Majestic Oak isn't just somewhere to drink wine. It's where I go to slow down, breathe, laugh, and enjoy life for a little while. It has become my home away from home, and I honestly can't imagine a month going by without stopping in. If you're anywhere near Ojai, do yourself a favor and visit. Come for the wine... stay because you'll probably fall in love with everything else too. One last thing... we stopped by today, as usual, and Kristy took such incredible care of us! She was so welcoming, attentive, and made our visit just as memorable. It reminded me that the amazing service here isn't just one person; it's the culture. Every visit leaves us feeling like family, and that's something truly special. (Oh... and if you see Bruce, make sure you say hi! He's the sweetest little furball and just might steal your heart before your first sip of wine. ) Thank you, Majestic Oak, for creating a place that truly feels... Majestic.

What a wonderfully witchy, moody little hideaway to unwind solo or catching up with friends. The…read morefront sofas are plush and inviting, perfect for quaint conversations. The tea room itself is especially charming, with an intimate, magical feel. The entire space is wrapped in a rich, dark, cozy purple ambiance that feels both soothing and enchanting, the kind of place that naturally encourages you to slow down and linger. We absolutely loved our visit, and the iced tea was crisp and refreshing. The only small suggestion would be to add a bit more guidance throughout the space. It's more expansive than it first appears, and the different areas flow into one another in a way that can feel a little seamless. A few thoughtful signs or labels pointing out the various teas, flavors, or themed sections would make it even easier to explore and fully appreciate all the unique corners this special spot has to offer.

My husband, MIL, and I stopped in over the weekend while we were in Ojai for the day…read more Such a mystical little shop, with oh- so- many tea options. I love the colors, packaging, and decor of this place. We chose a few small bags, and one large one. They smelled great and we loved the combination of ingredients. Only drawback was we seemed to get the less friendly, less competent of the two people ringing up. She was slow to ring us up, and not very friendly. They had a complimentary pot of tea that was empty, and I asked if there was more maybe behind the counter. She responded in a cold tone that she didn't have the time to make any more. Ummm, we just dropped coin at this shop, and you can't be cool and refill the demo yummies for us? Messed up the vibe for us after being totally into the vibe of the shop. =/

This place is so beautiful. The atmosphere is amazing and the service was great. The food was…read moredelicious and prepared perfectly.

From the owner: We are a private 10-acre private family estate surrounded by beautiful hill, mountain, and farm…read moreviews and with updated accommodations for your vacation and event needs.

The best photo booth ever!…read more My company has hired 805 Camera Bus for a handful of our corporate events and I can easily say that the experiences have been amazing. The star of the show is "Lola," the beautiful VW Bus-turned-photo booth. She's a true work of art. What a neat concept - slide the door open and you are transported to a fun, cozy nook to pose for the automated camera. Guests are provided with a large variety of whimsical props. It's a great overall vibe. I had the pleasure of working with Janelle and Josh, the owners, and truly admired their friendliness and professionalism. The scheduling was very simple, and they were consistently early to the venue for set-up which I totally appreciated. The 805 Camera Bus was definitely the star attraction at my events. If you are in the market for a fun alternative to the typical photo booth for your event, look no further!

I met the owners of this awesome business at the Buellton Wine and Chili Fest and while they didn't…read morehave any wine or chili to offer, they were one of my favorite attractions of the festival. Their business idea itself is so charming and creative you have to love it! Then there's that bus.. You had me at the mint color and wood interior! Everything is in pristine condition and perfectly designed to where you feel you are getting the top notch beach photo booth for your events. Their props are never ending and they have every kind of theme you could imagine. The booth is inside the bus and very spacious for 1-4 people. The camera is at a very reasonable distance and takes clear, high quality pictures! And the photos pop out seconds after taking them. They also had for sale stickers, magnets, hats, and handcrafted wine glass holders. This bus is such a great idea to have at a beach wedding, parties, bar mitzvahs, beer festivals, and really any event I can think of here in Santa Barbara County! The owners are very sweet, professional, and know what they are doing. Call em up and book to have the most unique addition to your next big event!