Nestled in the historic and scenic Santa Paula Valley, just an hour north of Los Angeles, this 100-year old hotel has been lovingly restored by its family owners, who clearly take pride in their property and want you to enjoy it! My 11-year old son and I booked into the hotel on a recent week-end, wanting a break from the LA fumes and bustle. And we got it. The property is a cross between an English country inn and a Swiss chalet. Arriving at dusk, we entered the lobby, where a crackling fire and friendly staff awaited us. Being from England, I noticed the wall-to-wall English floral carpeting, which I later learned the owners ordered directly from the famous Axminster company in England. Our room on the third floor was like a mini-apartment, complete with hot tub, which my son thought was the ultimate luxury. Apparently the magician Harry Houdini had stayed in this room. Dinner was fabulous: tender, sizzling steak with parmesan risotto; while my son was invited into the kitchen to make his own pizza in the special, wood-fired pizza oven that the owners installed. My son later told me it was the best pizza he'd ever eaten! This is a hotel full of character in a town with loads of history (big oil and the citrus capital of the world). You'll forget all about the outside world when you are here. The best week-end getaway ever!!

The phrase, "It was a place that sent you back in time", is overused. However, A stay at the Glen Tavern Inn is exactly that. It has been awarded a federal landmark and occupied by Harry Houdini, John Wayne, Carol Lombard, etc..It offers a lending library so you can read on one of the many comfy sofas in the main lobby.

The restaurant is fantastic and serves fresh vegetables, and tender poultry and meat dishes. There are also entrees for vegetarians. I particularly enjoyed having my meal and a glass of wine brought to me while snuggled on my comfy couch in the lobby with its dimmed lights and huge fireplace. Also, I was able to use Wi-fi in the lobby.

On Friday nights there is a classic car show a block away. They shut down the main street so you can walk around and enjoy talking to the owners of the cars. Who knew there are nation-wide clubs just for hearse owners? If you'd rather relax and quench your thirst, a bustling Irish bar is right there.

I decided to go to the Glen Tavern Inn to take my daughter on a Mother/Daughter weekend.
The coziness of the decor looked so inviting, and finding out the history and it being 100 years old, I thought this would be the perfect getaway not far from home.
The added mystery of the paranormal activities seemed pretty cool, too.
It absolutely did not disappoint!! What an AMAZING Inn.

This is not a hotel, it's truly a step back in history. The minute you walk in, you are surrounded by its warmth, the historical articles and posters on the wall, the old fashioned lighting. I loved it immediately. In fact, I am writing this review on our first night, and haven't even eaten at their on-site Italian restaurant which looked so quaint and fabulous. It's like you are staying at someone's home.
Some of the guests simply took their appetizers and bottle of wine and sat on the couch by the fire all night.
The Inn was built in 1911 because those coming in to Santa Paula, California for the Citrus and Gold by train needed somewhere to stay.

Our only problem: We had to take our 10 month old Wheaten Terrier and being her first time sleeping at a hotel, I was concerned. It was absolutely NO problem to them.

I found out the Inn only charged a nominal $10 charge per night extra for her, and put us in one of the animal friendly rooms with tile floors. We are staying in the King Jacuzzi room which just has a nice, deep jacuzzi bathtub. Very nice bathroom, old doors.
Our puppy is now fast asleep and happy as a clam.

Houdini, John Wayne, Rin Tin Tin, and others have stayed here. It also used to be a brothel, and the many bad things that come with gambling, and prostitution such as cheating, and murder have occurred here. Many stories to be told.

I walked myself up the stairs to the second floor, and then the third where Houdini stayed, with no one around.
I have to say that honestly, I had chills all over my body and a heavy pit in my chest. There is no question,
this Inn has a different feeling then your usual bed and breakfast, or fancy hotel. The energy of it's past inhabitants is indeed there as far as I'm concerned. Not scary, just intense.

I am planning on coming back and bringng my husband. For those who don't like the paranormal aspect of it, you need not worry. This Inn is very romantic the minute you step through the doors, and can be a very nice weekend away, or stop through town on the way North or South. I am very happy I found this place.

Took 30 friends with us this weekend. We were treated like VIP's and had a great retreat! Fabulous service, rooms and food.