Rating:	Recommended
Price:

One of the nicer Holiday Inns I've seen, this waterfront high-rise enjoys spectacular views courtesy of its 12 stories. Because there's little else around as tall, nearly every room has a panoramic view of the sea or Ventura's pretty foothills -- or both! Situated on the boardwalk that runs between the pier and the fairgrounds, the hotel is also within walking distance of historic downtown Ventura. There's excellent beach access, a heated outdoor pool facing the ocean, a couple of nearby restaurants in addition to the hotel's coffee shop, plus bike and surrey rentals outside the front door. Ride up to the top floor and check out the hotel's circular ballroom; its adjacent cocktail lounge is oh-so-perfect for sunset gazing. Guest rooms are decent but unremarkable. At press time, a connection to the Crowne Plaza chain was in the works.

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