Hotel San Buena

I’ve stayed twice, most recently for a wedding, and the ceremony was stunning. Peter made things comfortable and was attentive, and he was a wonderful bar host with great stories. The hotel has a warm feel, and the courtyard fireplace is a favorite place to unwind with a drink from the bar. It’s also just minutes from downtown and the beach, with plenty of restaurants nearby. I’d happily return.

The lobby bar is a little Ventura gem, with a great range of drinks, including local beer and wine. I went with a friend and we tried several snacks. The bacon-wrapped dates were my favorite, rich but excellent. The building’s architecture is lovely, and the staff were friendly and efficient.

We had a good stay after seeing a show at the Majestic Ventura Theater, and the hotel felt worth what we paid. But checking out left us with a sour, unwelcome feeling. At exactly 11am, while my wife and I were still packing, the phone rang over and over. A minute later someone knocked hard on the door. I answered with a bag on my shoulder and said we were running a little behind but nearly ready. We were out by 11:05. Was all that phone ringing and knocking really necessary? The hotel wasn’t full, so it didn’t seem like housekeeping was under pressure. A 15-minute grace period would have felt reasonable, especially after we’d paid.

Peter was thoughtful and quick to help us throughout our stay, and the customer service felt top notch for the price. There’s plenty of food and sightseeing nearby, and the wedding venue was beautiful with terrific food. The coffee service was a nice way to start the day, though I wish the hotel had breakfast. Still, it’s a great place to stay in Ventura.