3-star hotel

Clocktower Inn Ventura

4 · 856 reviews 181 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA 93001, United States

Casual 3-star hotel in a historic firehouse near Ventura beach, Mission San Buenaventura, with free breakfast, hot tub, and an Italian eatery.

Historic Charm Free Breakfast Hot Tub Walkable Location Family Friendly
At a glance

Quick stay signals

Six signals to read the stay at a glance.

Wi-Fi Free
Breakfast Complimentary Continental
Parking Free On-site
Check-in 3:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM
Accessibility Accessible Rooms
Editorial

Hotel overview

Set inside a converted firehouse, this lively 3-star hotel offers a unique blend of historical character and modern comfort. Guests appreciate its casual atmosphere complemented by amenities such as free continental breakfast, a relaxing hot tub, and an Italian restaurant onsite. Rooms are air-conditioned and kid-friendly, making it a practical choice for families and leisure travelers alike.

The hotel enjoys a prime location in Ventura’s vibrant downtown, close to the 1700s Mission San Buenaventura, the Majestic Theater, and global dining options. The beach and numerous local attractions are within easy walking distance, inviting exploration on foot. Free Wi-Fi and parking add convenience, while the smoke-free environment ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.

While some aspects like bathroom lighting and certain room details receive mixed notes, overall the clean, cozy rooms and welcoming staff create a dependable base for discovering Ventura’s cultural and natural charms.

Stand-out signals

What makes this stay stand out

Three signals that shape how this stay actually feels.

Historic Firehouse Setting

Unique hotel housed in a renovated firehouse blending character with modern amenities.

Complementary Breakfast & Italian Eatery

Enjoy a free continental breakfast plus authentic Italian dishes at the onsite restaurant.

Walkable Downtown & Beach Access

Convenient location within easy walking distance of Ventura’s main attractions and coast.

Hotel album

A closer look at the resort

Rooms, common spaces and the small details that shape the stay. Click any photo to view larger.

15 photos
Guest reviews

What travelers say

A snapshot of guest ratings and stories behind the stay.

4 / 5

856 verified guest reviews

  • 5 50%
  • 4 24%
  • 3 12%
  • 2 7%
  • 1 7%
Walking Distance To Beach Hot Tub Comfortable Beds Walking Distance To Downtown Friendly Staff Clean Rooms

Gini Wei.

Stayed 5 month ago

“Absolutely amazing! 10/10 I loved it and would definitely stay there again. I missed my boat and ended up needing to stay in Ventura for a couple days. I was looking for something that wasn’t too expensive but also was clean and safe. Didn’t hurt that I was able to walk there from the train station. I was also able to walk to the botanic gardens and all around the Main Street. My expectations were exceeded! The room had been freshly mopped, it smelled so clean. I had my own balcony, too. The woman at the front desk was so nice and I hung out in the lobby until my room was ready (and it was ready early!)”

Kati Peregoy.

Stayed 5 month ago

“We had a great stay at the Clock Tower Inn, a cozy and charming hotel in an excellent location. Its walkable setting made it easy to explore nearby bars and restaurants, and we especially enjoyed discovering Pinyon and Carpaccio during our visit. The staff was friendly, and the hotel provided a comfortable home base for exploring the area. A couple of minor improvements could be made to the bathroom, as the lighting was quite dim for applying makeup and the fan was somewhat loud. These issues did not detract from our experience, however. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily return.”

Teresa Bleeker.

Stayed 6 month ago

“Perfect location for bike trails (Easily get to the coast and to Ojai via beautiful bike trails). Great service! (I requested a quieter room and they gave me one no problem). Nice hotel rooms for people like me that appreciate historical places and spanish style architecture. I loved the walk to the mission and old town. The beach is also a short walk. I will return.”

T BRKS.

Stayed 6 month ago

“This place is amazing! The rooms are quaint and the building charming. On the weekends (F-Su), there is a full service breakfast that taste homemade (luckily the waffles are available all the time because they are delicious, light, and fluffy). The staff are very courteous with attentive front desk staff. The housekeeping is superior with services offered daily. Not to be forgotten - location, location, location - walkability to train beach, promenade, pier, and many other things to do nearby. Thank you for hosting us and providing such great care of your guests!”

Maria Gerhardt.

Stayed 7 month ago

“I stayed here for a week on business and loved the location. It’s perfectly situated near Main Street, the beach, and the freeway, making it easy to enjoy the farmers' markets and great restaurants after work. The best part was being so close to the beach for my morning runs. The hotel itself is clean and quaint, though definitely dated. My room was well-appointed, but as a ground-floor guest, I was concerned that the patio door lock was defective. The bathroom was a bit small with slow-heating water, and the lack of a bedside outlet for my phone was a minor inconvenience. However, the staff kept everything spotless with fresh towels daily. If you value being steps away from the boardwalk and downtown, this is a solid, convenient choice.”

Based on verified guest reviews
What’s on site

Amenities and services

Everything available — and what isn’t — across the property.

10included 5not available

Most loved

Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Accessible
  • Air-conditioned
  • Kid-friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Hot tub
  • Bar
  • Smoke-free
  • Pool
  • Business center
  • Pet-friendly
  • Airport shuttle
  • Fitness center
Place & surroundings

Location and nearby

Where the hotel sits — and what travelers can reach nearby.

Getting around

  • Los Angeles International Airport Major airport 1 hour 18 minutes by car or nearly 3 hours by transit.
    1 hr 18 min
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport Smaller airport accessible within about 1 hour 10 minutes by car.
    1 hr 11 min
  • Santa Barbara Airport Closest regional airport, less than 40 minutes by car.
    37 min
  • Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782 Historic Spanish mission with church, gardens, and museum nearby.
    Walking distance
  • Emma Wood State Beach Popular spot for surfing, fishing, and fire pits with camping reservations.
    Short walk
  • Museum of Ventura County Regional cultural museum featuring local history and art exhibits.
    Nearby
Practical guide

Stay essentials

Practical details to know before you check in.

Check-in & Out

Check-in from 3:00 PM; Check-out by 12:00 PM

Internet

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property

Parking

Free on-site parking available for guests

Accessibility

Accessible rooms to accommodate mobility needs

Climate Control

Air-conditioning in guestrooms

Family Friendly

Kid-friendly environment and amenities

Hot Tub

Relaxing hot tub on premises for guest use

Smoke-free

Entire property enforces smoke-free policy

Questions travelers ask

FAQ

A complimentary continental breakfast is served and available to all guests.

Free on-site parking is provided for all guests during their stay.

The hotel does not permit pets on the premises.

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel for guest convenience.

The beach is within a comfortable walking distance from the hotel.

Yes, an Italian eatery is located within the hotel serving guests.
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