jfs128

We have five nights to stay in the Santa Barbara area this summer. My husband and I are driving from the San Francisco Bay Area with our teenaged daughter. We want to stay in a really nice place for some much-needed R&R. My husband and daughter like to play tennis; we all like to relax, work out, shop, walk to shops and restaurants, etc. I was thinking about two nights at the Harbor View Inn in Santa Barbara and then three nights at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. It sounds from this forum like they're both lovely places to stay, but I'm wondering about our breakdown of time. Is this a good breakdown (2 nights in SB, 3 nights in Ojai)? Any other input about staying at these places, or do you have other places you'd recommend more highly? I've also heard good things about Hotel Andalucia, Spanish Gardens, etc.
I'd really appreciate any of your input!

jfs128

Also, originally we were thinking of staying at the Ojai for the whole 5 nights, but my friend said the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is more of a weekend place and that we'd get bored if we stayed there the whole time. Any thoughts on this?

laurenzo

I would do 3 nights in SB and 2 in Ojai. There is more to do in SB than in Ojai. The Harbor View Inn is a great place to stay. How much are you willing to pay a night? There is also the Doubletree and Four Seasons. Hotel Andalucia is downtown whereas the other 3 are on the beach or right by it.

trippinkpj

I like your 3/2 nights plan, with the 3 night stay in Ojai. Since your main purpose is R&R, I think you would night 3 nights to relax. Then head over to SB for some fun.

jfs128

Thanks so much for both of your replies. We're probably not willing to pay for the Four Seasons, but would consider anything on the level of Harbor View, Andalucia, etc. Since we're not getting a room with an ocean view at the Harbor, is it still a great place to stay? Any pro's and/or con's regarding staying by the beach versus downtown? Have either of you stayed at the Ojai? Does it matter that we're not particularly into golf? (It's advertised as a major golf resort.) Thanks again.