What to expect: Designed to resemble a Spanish Mediterranean villa, this hotel is a popular location for wedding parties and also attracts businesspeople and families. Convenient access to US-101 makes it an ideal meeting spot for guests coming from both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. During summer months the hotel hosts Saturday night concerts on the back patio (surcharge).

Amenity highlights: This Hyatt hotel includes a year-round outdoor pool, spa tub, and garden gazebo. Bella Terraza restaurant, which overlooks the garden, showcases California cuisine with Italian influences. A sports-themed bar offers both restaurant and bar menus and, in the lobby, a Starbucks kiosk is open daily. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is provided throughout the hotel.

Insider tip: Fifteen miles west of the hotel, Camarillo Premium Outlets has 120 upscale discount stores, including Barneys New York, Coach, Diesel, and Giorgio Armani.