
Ojai Valley Inn
Best for multi-day wellness, golf, and families who want on-site spa services, pools for all ages, and extensive grounds.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Ojai Valley Inn is a five-star, 220-acre mountain-valley resort with Spa Ojai, golf, multiple pools and family-friendly programming; this guide is for travelers who want a full-service wellness and outdoors-centred escape. Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection is a four-star Hyatt Unbound beach hotel on Santa Barbara’s East Beach—read on if you want a recognizable beachfront stay with easy access to Santa Barbara attractions.
Updated · about 30–33 miles apart

Best for multi-day wellness, golf, and families who want on-site spa services, pools for all ages, and extensive grounds.

Best for travelers who want a classic Santa Barbara beach hotel with Hyatt Unbound recognition, quick access to East Beach and city attractions.
When Ojai Valley Inn wins: choose Ojai if you want a full-service resort with a large on-site spa (Spa Ojai), multiple pools including an adults-only pool, on-property golf, and programming for families and active guests.
When Mar Monte wins: choose Mar Monte when your priority is staying on or steps from East Beach with easy access to Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo and downtown, or when you prefer a mid-sized Hyatt Unbound hotel with meeting space.
Bottom line: Ojai Valley Inn is a destination resort for wellness, golf and family stays; Mar Monte is a beachfront, city-side option that plugs you into Santa Barbara’s seaside attractions.
| Category | Ojai Valley Inn | Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Spanish hacienda resort across 220 acres, resort activities and multiple pools | Historic-style Santa Barbara beach hotel with East Beach visibility and city access |
| Location | Ojai valley, near Los Padres National Forest — inland, mountain views | East Cabrillo Boulevard on East Beach, central Santa Barbara waterfront |
| Size (rooms) | 303 guest rooms | 176 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly with children’s pool and kids’ programming | All ages; adults-only: false |
| Pools / beach | Four outdoor pools (Indigo adults-only, Pixie family pool, two Spa Ojai pools) | One outdoor pool; beachfront access to East Beach |
| Restaurants & bars | Six outlets (The Oak, Olivella, Jimmy’s Pub, Wallace Neff Heritage Bar, Libbey’s Market, Spa Cafe) | Two restaurants including Lido Cafe, plus 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Ojai — 31,000 sq ft, signature treatments (Kuyam, Essence in Balance, Journey to Ojai) | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive: dozens of indoor/outdoor venues, multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms for large weddings/conferences | Conference space ~10,000 sq ft and 5 meeting rooms (ballroom and banquet options) |
| Known for | Spa Ojai, golf course, Pink Moment sunset views, family pools and resort activities | Beachfront location on East Beach and proximity to Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Bike Path |
| Parking & transit notes | Self-parking and valet both incur daily fees; guests often use cars or private transfers | Valet parking (surcharge) and covered/uncovered parking options; close to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (preferred) |
Ojai Valley Inn sits inland on 220 acres beside the Los Padres National Forest with mountain and valley views.
Choose Ojai for a quieter, nature-forward resort experience and easy access to local trails and small-town Ojai.
Mar Monte sits on East Cabrillo Boulevard, directly serving East Beach and Santa Barbara’s waterfront attractions.
Pick Mar Monte if you want to be in Santa Barbara’s beach-and-city scene with quick access to waterfront attractions.
Ojai Valley Inn offers 303 rooms and suites in Spanish hacienda style with multiple suite types.
Large room inventory and a wide range of suites make Ojai better for multi-night stays and larger groups.
Mar Monte has 176 guestrooms in a historic Santa Barbara beach-hotel setting with ocean-view room options.
Mar Monte’s room mix emphasizes ocean-view and well-appointed standard rooms in a beachfront context.
Ojai Valley Inn focuses on locally sourced, Coastal Valley cuisine across six distinct venues.
Choose Ojai for a varied on-property dining program that includes fine dining and family-friendly casual outlets.
Mar Monte provides on-site dining with Lido Cafe plus two bars/lounges and poolside service.
Mar Monte suits guests who want simple, seaside dining on-site and a short walk to many Santa Barbara restaurants.
Ojai Valley Inn is built around multiple pool experiences and a championship golf course.
If you want distinct pool options—adult-only, family and spa pools—plus golf on-site, Ojai is the stronger choice.
Mar Monte places you at East Beach and operates a single outdoor pool plus direct beach access.
Choose Mar Monte when the beach itself is the priority and you want quick access to Santa Barbara’s waterfront.
Ojai Valley Inn emphasizes Spa Ojai and resort wellness alongside quiet evening options.
Ojai is suited to guests prioritizing spa and wellness, daytime activities, and sizable private events.
Mar Monte supports meetings and events with a mid-size conference footprint and easy city-nightlife access.
Mar Monte is a practical choice for conferences, mid-size events and guests who want to step into Santa Barbara’s nightlife.

Spa Ojai is a large, full-service 31,000 sq ft facility with signature treatments and spa-only pools.

Mar Monte sits on East Cabrillo Boulevard with immediate access to East Beach and waterfront attractions.

Ojai has a dedicated Pixie family pool plus family programming and on-site activities for children.

Mar Monte’s Santa Barbara downtown/wharf location and proximity to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport make sightseeing easier.
Ojai Valley Inn — Spa Ojai is an on-site, full-scale 31,000 sq ft spa with signature treatments and spa-only pools.
Mar Monte — it’s on East Beach within short walking or driving distance of Stearns Wharf, the Zoo and downtown Santa Barbara.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Ojai offers an adults-only pool experience but is family-friendly overall.
Ojai Valley Inn for very large weddings and diverse event spaces; Mar Monte offers about 10,000 sq ft of conference space for mid-size events.
Explore how Ojai Valley Inn stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·