We headed to Ventura, California from Santa Monica for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park. The Clocktower Inn Ventura was a perfect landing spot after a perfect day thanks to Island Packers, the boat tour company with access to the islands. I wanted a hotel near much to do for a bit of Ventura exploration after our trip. Clocktower Inn was a bullseye.
Clocktower Inn is in a Perfect Location
First, the drive to Clocktower Inn from Ventura Harbor where the Island Packers office and dock are located is an easy 10-minute drive. The hotel’s downtown location means restaurants, bars, boutique stores and museums are within walking distance. Next door, there is the Museum of Ventura County with a focus on history and art. Across the street, the Albinger Archeological Museum highlights the history of the Chumash Indians as well as Mexican, Chinese and Spanish cultures. All had a significant impact to the area. Also, across the street, the Mission San Buenaventura Basilica is another gem. Its history dates back to 1782.
Unfortunately, our timing was off and the museums were closed, however we were able to enjoy the gardens and the beauty of the mission church on our morning walk through downtown Ventura.
Spanish Mission Style Offers Local Flavor
When I chose the Clocktower Inn among the other Ventura offerings, I was attracted to the Spanish Mission style architecture of red clay tiled roofing and stucco. I found the hotel to be as aesthetically pleasing as the photos. Plus, the Valentine decorations of the reception and breakfast areas added in a homey touch. A few years ago, when we stayed at the Tudor Arms in Cleveland, St. Patrick’s Day decorations added a holiday flavor.
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In the reception area, infused water provides flavorful thirst-quenching options. Both the hibiscus and strawberry mint were delicious. The stone fireplace adds to the cozy visiting area of rustic mission style furniture. If you’re looking for things to do in the area, there’s a kiosk of brochures near the main entrance.
Check-in and Parking
Check-in is seamless. We were in a hurry to make the happy hour at the Lure Fish House. Within a few minutes of handing over my ID, the friendly, helpful staff member gave us our room key. After dinner and a walk to Paddy’s Bar and Lounge, a neighborhood bar, we found the hotel parking lot full. We parked on the street right across from the hotel, although we could have parked in the museum parking lot. All options are free.
Our Room
Our king room had plenty of space for moving between furniture. I wish the mission style furnishings were incorporated more, but the bed with its stylish leather headboard was comfortable and the room was updated. Rustic tables were on each side of the bed. Unfortunately, my side of the bed did not have outlets so there was not a bedside lamp. Our friend who had a king room next to ours did have a lamp on each side of his bed, so I think outlet placements depend on the room.
Except for the outlet placement disappointment, the room’s large flat screen TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and toiletries are well-placed. The closet is large and tucked back at the room’s entrance. Don’t forget to check the closet when you leave. I forgot.
A door opened to an outside patio of two chairs. A small table would be a nice addition for anyone who wants to sit outside to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. The room’s framed photographs of the Mission San Buenaventura Basilica and a dock are nods to the history and the harbor of Ventura.
My favorite part of the room is the bathroom. Spanish tiles add a visually pleasing accent to the shower and the marble top vanity of the sink.
Breakfast at Clocktower Inn
Breakfast at the Clocktower Inn is a continental fare that includes hardboiled egg, make your own waffles, yoghurt, instant oatmeal, cereal, an assortment of breads, plus apples, oranges and bananas. Served in an atrium space between the lobby and the landscaped walkways that lead to guest rooms, this is a lovely area to hang out.
Great Guest Service
As I was heading to be in the audience of Wheel of Fortune at Sony Pictures in Culver City a few hours after we checked out, I received a phone call from the receptionist at Clocktower Inn. The housekeeper found my leather jacket in the room closet. I could have arranged for the staff to mail it or pick it up. My husband drove back to Ventura, stopping off to visit a friend’s dad in Thousand Oaks. Mailing the jacket through UPS would have been about $100. It took him about an hour to drive from Ventura to Santa Monica.
About the Channel Islands National Park and Island Packers
If you have the chance to head to the Channel Islands, I highly recommend the trip. We signed up for the trip to Prisoners Harbor, one of the more remote islands with hiking trails, a primitive campsite and a picnic area with storage for belongings. There isn’t water so bring your own.
On the trip from Ventura Harbor, we saw a few dolphins. On the way back to the harbor, we saw 3 grey whales, 3 humpback whales and thousands of dolphins. This is not so common. We were extremely lucky. Even so, the boat ride is lovely, and the Channel Islands National Park does not disappoint.
More on Clocktower Inn Ventura
I booked our rooms through Hotels.com for $126. Check out Booking.com as well. Rooms include one queen, two queens and a king with a fireplace. On weekends, the buffet has hot item offerings. We stayed on a Tuesday night. Check out Clocktower Inn Ventura’s website for deals.
