Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, the only hotel on the sand in Ventura, California, towers 12 stories above the shore. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling vistas of Ventura’s historic pier, Pacific surf, Channel Islands, and sinuous coastline accompany events in the round for up to 700 people on the penthouse floor. The circular venue, the Top of the Harbor Ballroom, caps off a collection of 11 meeting rooms, all recently renovated and supported by in-house audiovisual equipment and a dedicated meeting manager.

The 235 guest rooms, including 38 suites, feature spectacular views along with private balconies, luxurious bedding, and high-speed wireless Internet access. All offer a microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. When not sleeping, meeting, or attending catered affairs, guests can gather for cocktails at the Aqua Beachfront Bar or for fresh, local California-inspired cuisine at the C Street restaurant.

C Street takes its name from the legendary surf spot just steps from the back doorstep—where the hotel can arrange for guests to meet up with surf school instructors on request. Other free-time incentives include a fitness center and beachfront pool on-site, plus Old Town Ventura just two blocks away. A city trolley even conveys guests to the harbor. Called “the land of endless summers” by Spanish settlers and more recently “Hawaii on the mainland,” the seaside community enjoys year-round sunshine for everything from surfing and sailing to biking, hiking, live theater, music, and seagoing excursions to Channel Islands National Park.