LODGING:

If you are attending the workshop from out of the area, there are a large number of hotels & Airbnb’s in the area. The following is a small list of recommended hotels that I have personally previewed. Please note that prices can vary dramatically within each hotel, depending upon whether the room has a water view. Consider whether this is important to you. (note: your workshop studio where you will be all day already has a fabulous view! ) As you are looking at google maps, note that the studio address is 2741 S. Victoria Ave, Oxnard, CA 93035.
The closest cross street is W. Channel Islands Blvd. The studio is located in the city of Oxnard but our area is also referred to as “Channel Islands Harbor” and also “Port Hueneme.”

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
The Hampton Inn is right on the harbor and is a 4 minute drive ( .8 miles) to the studio. Because this is a small property, it will be super easy to get in and out of your room from your car. The rooms are clean and contemporary. The harbor view rooms are so close you could probably throw a paper airplane into someone”s yacht that’s tied up in front. There is no restaurant but it does come with a modest breakfast. I found the biggest difference in price at this property between water view and non water view. It is a pleasant walk to the studio along the harbor. Warning: Students have commented that the rooms are not insulated for sound and that noise from halls and other rooms carry easily so bring earplugs! (or ask me for a pair that I have stashed in the studio for you.) May 2021 Update: The management has cracked down on noise, requiring guests to sign off on their quiet hours policy.

Inn On The Beach BEST VALUE!
This inn is the best value for the price. Every room faces out to the beach! Make your reservations early, because the word is getting out about this place and they book out in the summer months. Rooms are modest, cozy, and clean. Located at the end of Seaward Avenue, it close to the freeway and steps away from my favorite Thai and taco restaurants. It is however located in Ventura, 15 minutes (7.7 miles) from the studio. Reflective of the price, rooms are very outdated.

Four Points Sheraton
Located at the harbor in Ventura, this property is 12 minutes (6.2 miles) from the studio. The rooms are clean and contemporary. There is a lovely restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are flying in, consider taking the Ventura Airport Shuttle which drops it’s passengers off right in front of this hotel. It is located steps from where I live in the marina so I would be happy to get you to and from the studio each day.

Holiday Inn Express
This hotel is located at the harbor in Ventura, right next to Four Points Sheraton, 12 minutes (6.2 miles) from the studio. I have not previewed the rooms here yet. If you are flying in, consider taking the Ventura Airport Shuttle which drops it’s passengers off right in front of the Four Points Sheraton, next door. It is located steps from where I live in the marina so I would be happy to get you to and from the studio each day.

The Holiday Inn Express in Port Hueneme is closer (2.4 miles) and I have heard that their rates are less than the Ventura property.

The Best Western in Oxnard
This hotel is located 11 minutes away (3.8 miles) away from the studio. I have not previewed this property but a student recommended it, saying the rooms were new and clean. Because it is not on the water, prices are much lower than other properties.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay
Located on Mandalay Beach in Channel Islands Harbor, this property is a 4 minute drive ( 1.1 miles) from the studio. Its on my list because of the amazingly close proximity to the beach if you book their ocean side rooms. Although buildings 2, 3, 6, and 7 contain ocean views, the best ones are in building 6. There is only a walk/bike path between the 3 story hotel buildings and the sand. That path is part of our regular beat when Kenny, Rockett (dog) and I go for a walk. All of their rooms are suites with the bedroom separate from the living room, and containing 2 bathrooms. This makes for plenty of space for 2 people to share, and provides an extra good value. The living room contains a sleeper sofa if folks wanted to sleep in separate rooms. Also, if you are traveling with a spouse who is not attending the workshop, this property would be the ideal resort hang out for them during the day.
Warning: This property is expensive. Several students have reported that rooms are shabby, worn, and not a good value considering the price.

Motel 6 Ventura Beach LEAST EXPENSIVE!
This may be the least expensive but it is 14 minutes (7.6 miles) from the studio. I have not seen their rooms yet. It is very close to the freeway.

Americas Best Value Inn LEAST EXPENSIVE, CLOSE BY!
This motel is the least expensive and 7 minutes (3.3 miles) from the studio. The rooms here are simple, clean, and no frills.

Casa Via Mar Inn This property is NOT RECOMMENDED! We have received many negative reviews from students so beware! As of September 2020 they are undergoing a remodel. The current rooms are either outdated or in partial remodel mode. Depending upon what room you get, you might encounter stained carpet and a musty or smoky smell; what you would expect with an older property. If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with vinyl faux wood floor, rather than the ones with old carpet. Check in early so if the room is not to your liking, you might be able to change rooms. Also of note, there is a cannabis dispensary right next door.

transportation:

By Car: If you are coming by car, there is plenty of parking everywhere in Channel Islands Harbor.

By Plane: When booking flights, you have 3 airport options:
Santa Barbara (SBA) 42 miles away. This is my favorite option. The drive is beautiful along the coast.
Although there is sometimes traffic on Highway 101, it is more predictable than out of LA.
Burbank (BUR) 48 miles away. This is a smaller airport and is therefore preferred by many over LAX.
Los Angeles (LAX) 48 miles away. While navigating in and out of LA can sometimes be a mess, you will probably find better rates and direct flights into LAX

From LAX, you can either rent a car or take the Ventura County Airporter Shuttle to the Four Points Sheraton or Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard. As of December 2021, the cost was $45 each way. If you don’t want to rent a car or hate to drive, this is a good option. Consider booking your hotel at Four Points Sheratan or the nearby Holiday Inn Express as the drop off for the airporter is right at Four Points Sheraton. Both of these hotels are close to my home. I’m happy for you to hitch a ride with me to the studio.

By Train: Amtrak trains come into the Oxnard Transit Center which is 4.4 miles from the studio.