Established in 1919, Hotel El Roblar has long stood as Ojai’s grande dame. After half a century closed to the public, the storied property has been reawakened by Eric Goode, Ramin Shamshiri, Warner Ebbink, and Jeremy McBride, who have given the landmark a sensitive yet spirited restoration; resulting in a 50-room retreat that draws on Ojai’s rich history, natural splendour, and Spanish Revival roots.
Set in the centre of town and bordered by the Los Padres wilderness, the hotel balances heritage with contemporary California character. Guest rooms are spread across the main building, private bungalows, and Sycamore House, where board-and-batten cabins echo the property’s early outbuildings. Historic details can be found throughout from the Mission-style entry archway to the stone fireplace in the lobby, while much of the art has been sourced locally through Ojai’s own California Auctioneers and Early California Antiques.
Art plays a defining role at Hotel El Roblar, and the lobby features a mural by Stefano Castronovo — a 1980s downtown New York contemporary of Keith Haring and Basquiat — depicting the valley’s flora and fauna. The Mariposa Ballroom has been meticulously restored, while gardens brim with palms, fountains, mosaics, and inlaid tiles. A pool framed by sage-green umbrellas and cabanas offers spectacular views of the Topa Topa mountains.
Food and drink are led by chef Brandon Boudet and restaurateur Warner Ebbink, who spotlight the small city’s historical ties to Mexico. At Condor Bar, guests encounter a bold California-Mexican menu (think Beef Cheek Suadero Vampiro, Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Tamal, and Bluefin Tuna Tostadas) paired with local wines, a strong agave collection, and considered cocktails. La Cocina, open to hotel guests, provides a more relaxed start to the day with breakfast burritos, egg dobladas, and Santa Maria chicken tortas served across indoor-outdoor spaces.
The hotel also proudly houses two resident Aldabra giant tortoises, Abra and Cadabra, visiting from Ojai’s Turtle Conservancy.
Preservation, restoration and conservation, Ojai’s Hotel El Roblar is a beautiful design-led resort hotel that is quite unlike any other.
Hotel El Roblar Ojai Photography, Gregory Goode.
