History
Designed by architect Albert Carey Martin and built in 1926, the Bella Maggiore Inn started off as El Nido which means 'the nest'. The early history of the hotel is vague, but appears to be a dubious one, with stories stating that the hotel was a brothel back in the 1930s and 1940s. It was during this dubious past that the woman, Sylvia Michaels, lived part time in the hotel. Some stories state she was a prostitute who lived in the hotel, but other, perhaps more romantic tellers of the tale, say she was a writer who hung out in dingy bars and brothels in order to get inspiration for her writing. She passed away in 1947 in room 17 and now to this day haunts the hotel. (via Weird California)
Specialties
Set on a palm tree-lined street, this 1926 hotel in downtown Ventura is just a half-block to downtown Ventura, and 3 blocks to the beach. Rooms are decorated in an Italianate style, have private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Some have fireplaces, spa-tubs, bay window seats, or a view that looks over a leafy courtyard. There is a pleasant living room lobby with wooden floors, antique sofas, a real fireplace, and flower arrangements from the local farmers' market.