Charming place to stay for a night that could do with a bit of paint and overall renovation. The staff is friendly and the rooms are ok but could also be a tad cleaner.
Without the high costs of LA or SF - it is a great stop between the two and nicely located in the town near a very nice pub.
The breakfast was not that great though - even if included and in a charming courtyard.

Bella Maggiore is a real find and good alternative to motels along the highway in Ventura. In center of a laid-back town that's good for walking; lively bars and restaurants are handy. It's rambling and has nice little patios, cozy living room area, and good eating area. The staff are friendly and very helpful. Every night 5-6 PM 2 glasses of wine and very good appetizers are served. Breakfast that comes with the room is excellent - especially liked the huevos rancheros plate. Coffee is strong and good. Our room was a deal - because only has double bed in special alcove. The bathroon was huge, plenty of windows with view of sunsets. Some noise from plumbing did not deter our enthusiasm. We'd recommend it to anyone wanting a unique, non-standard hotel with wonderful amenities.

Contrary to several reviewers we found the facility to be extremely well kept, clean and staffed by individuals who excelled in their roles in the tourist industry. I must give a shout out to Lisa who is a server in Nona's Cafe and also prepares and hosts the Happy hour in the second floor common area. The desk personnel and housekeeping staff were also very pleasant and accommodating. The breakfast selections equal those served in any 4 star establishment. Combined with the happy hour, free parking, great AAA rate and an unbeatable location the Bella Maggiore is a great place to stay in Ventura. We visit this city annually and will be certain to return here next year. The only suggestion I might offer is that it may be time to consider updating the bed coverings. Overall a FABULOUS three night stay.

The up-side is the location. The down-side is everything else!

- Some of the furniture is so old and unsightly a thrift store would be ashamed to offer it.
- There is a bar with live music so close it feels like your neighbor is throwing a party.
- There were a few small stains on our sheets.
- The servers in the restaurant were so overwhelmed they were RUNNING to and from the kitchen with plates and looked like they might cry. Understaffed and frantic morning breakfast experience.

Also, no one who works here seems to understand that they work in the "hospitality" industry. At first, the place seems fine and the front desk is friendly enough when you check-in and they run your credit card through. But after that, you are on your own!

After staying here on a recent Saturday night, I tried to speak to a manager the next morning. Well, they didn't have one on duty. All of the rooms were occupied the night before and after a busy night when everyone is having breakfast and checking out, there is NO MANAGER ON DUTY?!? That's a problem.

We had a few issues we wanted to discuss with a manager, not the least of which was the fact that the alarm clock in our room went off at 7 am. Not exactly a relaxing morning to wake up to that when we had planned to sleep in. Before check-out I did call the front desk to tell them what happened and they said "Oh, okay, I'll tell housekeeping". Not an apology, not a reassuring phrase that things like that don't usually happen there... Nothing.

Before we left, we did tell the front desk attendant that we wanted the name and phone number of the General Manager so that we could call later with our concerns. She said they wouldn't give out that information and instead we were invited to stand at the counter with a piece of paper and pencil to write a note about our complaints, which would get passed on to a manager. Well, we were not going to waste our time doing that! I refused and was told that was there "policy". Maybe it's time for a new policy folks!

We left our name and number with the front desk and expected a call right away. Four days later, after not hearing from them, I called to ask to speak to a manager. I was told again that I wouldn't be able to reach one but that the manager had heard about our complaints and would be in touch. Uh, when?

Well, 6 days after we stayed there I got a voicemail from "Cindy the Office Manager" who apologized for the staff and the inconveniences we encountered (A LOT MORE THAN I AM GOING INTO HERE). She said it took her so long to get back to us because she had to conclude her "investigation" and that I could call if I had any further questions. Since she never even spoke to myself or my husband before concluding her "investigation", I called her back at 2 different phone numbers, asking her to call me. Well, THE MANAGER NEVER CALLED.

And that's just one story about how much THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS!!!