This Is Us

The Lavender Inn has 7 rooms upstairs in the main house in addition to the 8th room, an apartment-sized, 1000 square foot attached Cottage. Each room has a unique decor, artfully designed with a rich blend of period antiques and contemporary but comfortable furnishings, a bold color palette, and attention to detail. Our charming and chic cottage, with a fireplace, 2 TVs, and private entrance and  backyard , is ideal for a romantic getaway or longer stay with the kitchenette. Relax and read or talk in the main house cozy living room in front of the fire listening to music and sipping wine. The grounds are breathtaking with tall, shady oaks, mountain views, fountains, a small pond and, of course, a variety of lavenders.

The owners of the Lavender Inn, and Mark Hartley, are passionate about preserving and restoring historic buildings. Their love for keeping the integrity of old buildings and attention to interior is evident when you visit Lavender Inn and their renovated historic buildings in Ventura. Beth, the manager/innkeeper/wedding planner has a background of private chef and owning – and cooking for – her cafe.  Our innkeeper Laura started her business, Ride or Dye, a tie dye clothing with natural dyes.  Tania has been working at the Inn as a housekeeper since she was 16 and she was so friendly and knowledgeable that we wanted her to be an innkeeper. In addition to working at Lavender Inn,  Melody is also a Bookkeeper, and Grace is studying to be a Librarian. This team’s friendly hospitality are one of the reasons we have so many return guests. Another crucial part of our Lavender Inn team is our housekeepers – Conchita, Lilia, and head of housekeeping Genoveva, who has been at Lavender Inn since 2002!  They make the Lavender Inn sparkle because it is consistently immaculate, even before we started using the COVID Safe protocols!  We ALL strive to give YOU the best experience while you’re in Ojai!

Lavender Inn has been awarded first place for small hotel/inn BEST OF OJAI VALLEY award in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and, most recently, 2023 (and as always, giving our all for the 2024 award!).

We take pride in giving back to the community! We offered  InnCourage, our Cancer Wellness Retreats (free to underserved women), for 10 years.  Unfortunately due to health concerns from Covid and costs we had to cancel the retreats, a holistic approach to self-care and bonding with other women going through treatment.   Kathy has been active on the board of  Ventura Country Interface Children and Family Services for over 14 years.  Amongst all the programs of Interface, Kathy has focused on intervention and educational prevention of the domestic violence and human trafficking programs . At the Lavender Inn we have been awarded for our community efforts: Interface Children and Family Services Domestic Violence Prevention Champion, Humanitarian Award – Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ventura County Star Best of 25 Over 50 Award, Women’s Economic Venture Trailblazer Award, Red Cross Philanthropist of the Year, Girl Scout Women of Distinction, and Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. We will continue to support our community, making it a better place for locals to live and for tourists to visit.

Our goal is to provide our guests the ultimate accommodations in the desirable setting of Ojai, Ca. We strive to create an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to ALL individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, language or disabilities. We have some innkeepers on staff who speak Spanish and sign American Sign Language. Our website and reservation system are both ADA compliant.  If you have difficulty navigating our website or questions about our buildings, please call or email us, and our helpful staff will be more than happy to assist you. Please note our historic property is not fully ADA compliant having 7 of the 8 rooms upstairs.  We have previously accommodated people with wheelchairs on the main floor. We are in the process of  adding on two rooms, one of which will be a beautiful  ADA room.  We want you to be able to choose the best lodging that is accessible and meets your needs.