Fodor's Expert Review Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

A 12-story hotel with an enviable location on the beach and next to a historic pier, the Crowne Plaza is within walking distance of downtown restaurants and nightlife. All rooms have balconies and ocean views of some sort—ask for a room on the west or north side to catch the sunsets. The hotel's restaurant and bar have ocean views, too. For a fabulous SoCal moment, grab a seat on the patio near the firepit if the weather's good.