Review of The Four Points Sheraton Ventura Harbor (Los Angeles Area)

For a comfortable hotel near the water that's away from the crowds and the freeway off-ramps try the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor.

The hotel is across the street from a marina and a 10-minute to 15-minute walk from the shops of the Ventura Harbor Village that has more of a cool-air coast than do the beaches of LA or Orange County.

The hotel has a clean feel with plenty of blue-white décor to give the seashore feeling. Check-in is 3pm and check-out is noon.The rooms, with a posted price of $250 per night, are quite comfortable with free Internet access and there are plenty of special price packages. Request the upper rooms for the best views.

In March, my wife and I took off to the Sheraton Ventura Harbor for a couple of days and our first floor room looked out to the sailing boat masts in the marina.

We stayed there again with our kids (ages 21, 18 and our 3-year-old granddaughter) over Thanksgiving weekend and our second floor room had clear views of the marina over the outdoor walkway; in the opposite direction we had views of the landscaping surrounding the spa, pool and tennis courts.

Amenities
Candy is on the countertop at check-in, a coupon comes with the room key for one of the following: a 2-for-1 drinks from the bar, a slight discount from the restaurant for an entrée or a discount on dessert.

While there is no free coffee or apples in the lobby, there is free coffee in the rooms, bottled water for no charge and small refrigerators in each of the rooms. Don't ask for a free breakfast.

Exercise
The outdoor pool is heated and it's about 20 yards from the spa that's enclosed in a glass dome and vents through the top.

The spa water is heated to 104 degrees which is hot at first touch but within several minutes it's easy to get used to.

The fitness rooms are on the first floor at the opposite end of the hotel.

Staff
We were treated politely by the front desk staff and housekeeping as well. During our Thanksgiving stay, I tried for an early check-in due to the need to receive a package and get documents notarized. While we couldn't get the early check-in, the staff did call me when the package arrived.

To-Do
For a stressed-out couple, the lack of blaring horns, neon lights and shopping malls are welcome. Morning runs or walks around the marina are pleasant.

The Ventura Harbor Village has boats of all sizes: from small sailboats to ocean-going yachts.

Saturday mornings is a fish market for the independent fishermen bringing in lobster, crabs, shrimp and other types of fresh fish. The catch can be boxed up and wrapped in brine-soaked newspaper that will keep the fish fresh for up to 48 hours.

The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center is at the end of the Harbor Village parking lot and has fascinating displays about the channel islands visible from the beaches.

For families with kids, the Marina Park is at one end of the breakwater opposite the visitor center. The park is accessible off of Seaward and Pierpont Boulevard just a few minutes drive off Highway 101.

Downtown Ventura has several different museums along with an eclectic mix of restaurants, retail stores, and thrift shops with high quality merchandise at bargain prices.

Package Deals
American Express cardholders, or those applying for an American Express card, can use their Starwood points in lieu of cash. The rooms are 3,000 points each night.

Pay for rooms with the American Express card and get 20% off the room rates.

The hotel offers various packages including a Romance Package for $250 per night, a Channel Islands Boat Tour or Whale Watching Tour starting at $ 170 per night. There are also spa and golf packages.

Room rates for AAA members start at $ 113.

Visit the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Web site for a complete listing of special offers.

Ventura Harbor Village and the Sheraton has become one of our favorite get-away destinations in the greater Los Angeles area.