Capri Hotel in Ojai. Photo Jill Weinlein
One of the original roadside hotels in Ojai, California, the Capri Hotel has been restored back into an ultimate enchanting getaway.
Designed as a California Coastal Revival, the outside of the resort is painted in a color palette of sun-bleached cream, dusty pink and beige. Inside there is a pop of color with burnt orange, cool sage, intriguing indigo and serene lavender to excite and brighten the composition.
Lobby of the Capri Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein
Stepping into the lobby of Capri Hotel, designer Jessica Pell of Manola Studio, a multi-disciplinary design practice, recreates a stunning 1963 mid-century modern living room. Guests check-in and receive a key to their spacious guest room. Owned and operated by Kenny Osehan of Shelter Social Club, he reimagined this vintage motel space into a California-meets-Amalfi Coast experience.
Since I have never traveled to the Amalfi Coast, I felt the design and vibe transported me immediately to Palm Springs. The ambiance offers an elegance, sophistication, and relaxation that is unique to Ojai.
The warm and inviting exposed stone lodge-style wall has a flickering fireplace as a centerpiece to the lobby room. Typical of elegant 1960s Italian and Palm Springs buildings, the white wooden-beamed A-frame roof, large glass windows and orange velvet and auburn leather furniture invite relaxation and socialization among guests.
A Palm Tree Oasis at Capri Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein
Just outside the lobby is steps to the enchanting pool area. After a day exploring the wonders of Ojai, come back to the pool for a refreshing swim and to sip a cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage for the perfect 5 O’Clock California meets Amalfi Coast aperitivo.
The lobby offers a variety of wines by the bottles and beers such as a Stiegl Goldbrau style lager, YOHO Belgian-style white ale and a true Belgian Pilsner, Bavik Super Pils. They have Strangewater Coconut Water, DRAM sparkling water, Matchako Oat Matcha Latte and Apiary Self Care Cider too.
Also in the lobby is an Eskina retail space providing pretty things to enhance your visit in Ojai.
Since there is no onsite restaurant, ask one of the staff members for a recommendation to one of the many dining venues nearby. There are so many culinary gems in Ojai for all dietary needs, and the staff are experts in describing some of their favorite spots.
Serene lawn area at Capri Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein
Beyond the refreshing pool is the verdant lawn and private lush grounds. Festive strings of orange pendant lights illuminate the sprawling grassy area under towering Californian palm trees.
This area is ideal for social gatherings, receptions, weddings and family fun. Families can kick a ball around, guests with pets can run around the lawn, or those seeking relaxation can sit on one of the lounge chairs and escape with a good book.
King Suite with Bathtub. Capri Hotel
Manola Studios created a spacious King Suite with a luxury free-standing deep soaking bathtub near the king-sized bed. The breathable cork flooring adds warmth and texture to the room and helps with sound absorption.
The tub is next to a custom eye-catching wood-paneled wall that adds a distinctive personality. There is also a walk-in shower with hand-cut and designed tilework. The bathroom offers the popular La Tierra Sagrada amenities for guests to experience.
Other upstairs rooms include two queen beds in a ‘separate but together’ suite offering a queen bed and flat screen in two bedrooms. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower.
All the custom beds ensure a great night’s sleep in comfort. The woodwork bed frame and some of the rooms offering a rounded wall is custom millwork created from laminated sheets of Abet Laminati that are trimmed with walnut. This elevates the design elements of each guest room from a standard motel room to a more appealing sanctuary.
The attention to lighting adds elegance and a feminine touch to the rooms. Eny Lee Parker installed an Oo lamp on every writing desk and wall sconces near the bed.
There is also a mini-refrigerator and an array of curated local snacks and cold drinks in the refrigerator that are available for purchase.
Two-story Capri Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein
Downstairs suites have all the same amenities as the suites above, yet they also have a large private patio. Guests can unlatch the gate to step out onto the large grassy lawn and sparkling pool area beyond.
These rooms are dog-friendly for guests who travel with their forever four-legged friend.
Spacious patio in Suite #15. Photo Jill Weinlein
Each spacious downstairs room has a table and chairs on the patio for morning coffee. Just go to the lobby at 8 am, for a complimentary cup of coffee with different milks or hot water for a cup of tea and bring it back to the patio.
The patio is also an ideal spot for an afternoon beverage after riding one of the complimentary bicycles into town or along the paved Ojai Valley Bike Trail from Ojai to Ventura Beach.
Ojai’s Pink Moment. Photo Jill Weinlein
The evenings at Capri Hotel are magical as Ojai showcases its ‘Pink Moment’ and the sun disappears. Stars pop out of the sky, the temperature cools down, and the pool becomes a social gathering spot.
Large inner tubes are available to float on, and the jacuzzi is bubbling warm water. The flickering fire pit has seats for couples and friends to gather around.
Guests also relax on the grassy lawn in lounge chairs and look up to see the Big Dipper and Little Dipper, plus a shooting star every now and then.
Looking for a dreamy getaway, Capri Hotel offers playful and enchanting elements among the bucolic lifestyle of Ojai, California.
