Hummingbird Inn

Back in 2017, I took my first-ever solo getaway. For my destination, I chose Ojai—I’d never been before, despite its proximity to L.A.—and when searching for a place to stay, I landed on the Hummingbird Inn, mainly for its price point. Back then, it was your run-of-the-mill roadside motel—nice, clean and safe, but nothing to write home about. But when I found out that Shelter Social Club had purchased and renovated the property, I knew I had to come back and check it out.

If you’re not familiar with Shelter Social Club, they’re experts in buying retro motels and turning them into destination-worthy stays, imbuing spots with a chic sense of style. In Ojai alone, they also run the Capri Hotel and Ojai Rancho Inn, and the Hummingbird Inn is their most recent acquisition. And while the building’s exterior still looks much the same—styled after a Spanish villa, with bougainvillea climbing up the staircases—the rooms, the lobby and the overall feel of the property have been updated with the kind of carefully curated, minimalist aesthetic that’s catnip to millennial travelers (myself included).

What are the rooms like at the Hummingbird Inn?

The Hummingbird offers standard and (pet-friendly) patio rooms with either two queen beds or one king bed. There are also a couple of stand-alone bungalows, which offer more privacy. For my visit, I was lucky enough to stay in the king suite—and I wish I could have holed up there for a couple of weeks. The colorway—warm wood and terra-cotta tiles paired with dark green and blush—is welcoming and calming. The living area is equipped with a minibar and a green velvet loveseat facing a 42-inch plasma screen TV (which is a feature in all rooms). There’s also a desk spanning the entire width of the room, paired with the longest wicker bench I’ve ever seen (it could seat a dozen remote-working guests).

But the best part was the bedroom: in addition to the very comfortable king-sized bed on a custom frame, I loved the built-in tiled vanity, flooded with natural light and perfect for doing makeup. The star of the show, though, is the massive tiled tub across from the bed, below an arched window. In the immediate foreground, you won’t find much to see, except a vacant lot and another hotel behind it, but the only views you’re really after in Ojai are the mountains, and from both east-facing windows in the suite, you could look out at the Topatopa Mountains—famous for their “Pink Moment” sunset that is unique to Ojai.

Artwork around the room pays homage to the flora and fauna of Ojai—which is known for Matilija poppies and the namesake hummingbird. In-room amenities include a mini fridge, microwave and tea kettle—there’s no coffee maker, but there is free Canyon Coffee and tea bags in the lobby each morning.

What’s the food and drink like at the Hummingbird Inn?

The Hummingbird doesn’t have its own restaurant or bar, but there are lots of excellent dining options within a short distance. For breakfast, my go-to is the Dutchess, owned by the founders of L.A.’s Rustic Canyon Family restaurant group. The dining room is gorgeous—by night, it’s a Burmese restaurant, and by day, you’ll find a mouthwatering array of pastries and breakfast dishes. I could eat the Dutchess breakfast plate everyday. Another great option for breakfast or brunch is newcomer Highly Likely—that’s right, the West Adams and Highland Park hot spot now has an outpost in Ojai.

For lunch, you can never go wrong with the wood-fired pizza at Pinyon, which also serves dinner and natural wines by night. And Hip Vegan has satisfying plant-based fare with huge portions. For dinner, Ojai Rôtie, which specializes in rotisserie chicken, is a popular choice, and Rory’s Place comes highly recommended, as does the Oak at the Ojai Valley Inn. For a nightcap, head to Topa Topa Brewing Company or Shelter Social Club’s own Chief's Peak wine bar, located at the Ojai Rancho Inn.

What can you do for fun at the Hummingbird Inn?

The Hummingbird Inn’s pool looks largely unchanged since the renovation, but now there’s a cozy firepit that’s lit up at night. (And, according to the hotel’s website, new lawn and pool furniture are on the way.) After reading in a lounger till dark, I swam under the stars—and was both charmed and slightly alarmed when an owl flew right over me and nestled in a tree. The playlist at the pool is well-curated, with Latin guitar and surf-rock instrumentals that match the laid-back vibes.

In the lobby, high ceilings and beams contrast with cozy, low couches and interesting tomes that invite you to sit a spell. There’s also a curated mini boutique—if you want to buy some Shelter Social Club merch or drop $18 on bath salts to use in the aforementioned tub—stocked with apothecary and wellness goodies. Outside the lobby, there’s a rack full of complimentary bicycles that you can borrow to explore the town.

What’s the area like around the Hummingbird Inn?

The Hummingbird is located in the east end of Ojai, but the town is so compact—most of it is laid out along Ojai Avenue—that you’re never more than an eight-minute drive from anywhere in town. We covered food above, but if you’re a fan of cute shops and supporting small businesses, Ojai is your spot. A few of my favorite boutiques are Fig Curated Living, Cercana, Summer Camp (located in a gas station from the ’50s) and Noted. And I saved the best for last: Bart’s Bookstore, the largest outdoor bookstore in the world and perhaps Ojai’s most famous tenant. I’ve spent hours perusing the labyrinthine shelves, stocked with an impressive collection of very reasonably priced secondhand tomes (plus some new books inside the house).

If you’re in town on a Sunday, be sure to stop by the Ojai Certified Farmers Market. And if you happen to visit when there’s a concert happening at Libbey Bowl (I purposely scheduled my stay to coincide with a Bright Eyes show in the intimate outdoor amphitheater), you should try to check it out. (You could also hang out in the surrounding park and hear the music for free.) Indie promoter Sid the Cat often presents shows at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, too. The Ojai Playhouse, a historic single-screen cinema that reopened recently, offers a full lineup of movie screenings—many of them free. And if it’s luxury and relaxation you’re after, book a treatment at Spa Ojai—I recommend the kuyam.

DETAILS

Address: 1208 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

Price: Rooms start at $189 per night

Closest transport: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink to Ventura, transfer to Gold Coast Transit 6 bus

Book now: via Booking.com

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