With so many things to see and do in Ventura County, it’s best to stay in a hotel that is centrally located with easy freeway access. Within 10 minutes to downtown Ventura and situated at the mouth of Ventura Harbor, Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort was the perfect hotel for our long weekend in Southern California.
This was our first time to visit the Ventura County Coast and we packed a lot into our three night stay. We timed our August visit to coincide with the Ventura County Fair and were thrilled to learn that the resort had a free shuttle pick up directly to the fairgrounds. Upon check in we were greeted by friendly staff willing to answer my many questions. Where’s the best clam chowder? Where do we park if we are taking the Island Packer ferry to the Channel Islands for the day and where do the locals go to eat in downtown Ventura? They answered my questions and more.
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The bright and airy lobby has a bar on one side with a television for watching sporting events. On the opposite side is Alexander’s Restaurant. We didn’t dine at the hotel, but on our Sunday arrival there were a lot of people eating on the back patio, enjoying the Champagne Sunday brunch, looking out to the harbor.
Inside the lobby there was a station for complimentary coffee and a large container of flavored ice water, good for keeping hydrated on warm summer days. In the afternoon, a platter of cookies was available for hotel guests.
The 106 room property offers many rooms with partial harbor views. The hotel is also pet-friendly. We were fortunate to stay in one of two suites at the resort. The suite was huge and would be ideal for a couple traveling with two children, as the sofa converts to a bed. Additionally, the two room suite comes with two bathrooms and the kitchen and living room may be closed off from the bedroom.
The balcony is large, as well, and includes two tables for outdoor eating or relaxing with a cocktail while watching the sunset. The Mainsail Suite included a microwave oven, mini fridge, coffee maker and water bottles. Bathrooms included hair dryers and bath amenities.
For the eco-conscious traveler, the resort offers a $5.00 daily credit at Alexander’s restaurant for every day that you forgo housekeeping. Of course, extra towels are available if needed and the front desk was happy to hand out bottled water to us as we opted-out of housekeeping.
If you are traveling with children or want to keep in shape on your beach vacation, the resort includes an outdoor heated swimming pool and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hot tub, as well as tennis courts and a fitness center. For the adventurous, the hotel has bicycles available for rent by the hour from a third party vendor.
Hotel room prices start at $139 to $300 for suites, depending on occupancy and time of year. There is an additional fee for pets. Parking was $12 per night on our visit, with unlimited in and out privileges. Complimentary WiFi is included with your stay. The hotel recently merged reward programs with Marriott and SPG so check at the front desk for any additional perks or points. Make your hotel reservation directly through the website. You can also compare rates on Booking.com or Expedia.
Review by hotel aficionado Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor, however all opinions are my own. All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown.
