I can not understand where all these good reviews come from. There is literally no real service here.
The button for the restaurants on their phones don't work, after getting through to the front desk the forward you to the restaurant and they don't pick up the phone. After trying every single option they tell you to use from qr codes to their website, but they have 15 QR codes in the room and they all lead to open table or the SPA. No one gives you the website to order to your room and just points you to a QR code.
They tell you that you can text them. It's ai and it's trash. Whatever LLM they use is more confused than are the staff members you try and chat with about these issues.
When you do go to the restaurant you just get to be ignored for 9 minutes by multiple staff members to even get on the list for a table.
Paid for a partial ocean view, I stare out to a field and houses, and ocean blocked by a sand dune. Don't waste your money on these rooms. No robes, no slippers, no shower cap, every soap bottled down, bad room coffee (stingy too). But hey if poor interior designing and proportionally giant TVs are your thing you're in luck. Lobby looks wonderful, wish the rooms did too.
What an abysmal stay.
08 Dec 2025
**Experience the Magic of Zachari Dunes Hotel**
Zachari Dunes Hotel (ZDH) has always been on our wish list, and every visit to our family in Ventura finds us drawn back to this remarkable hotel. Having stayed in first-class accommodations worldwide, including the iconic Lowes San Francisco, Park Hyatt Sydney, Ritz Carlton Kula Lumpur, and Grand Hyatt Bali Nusa Dua, we know what attention to details and exceptional service looks like. Frankly, ZDH not only met but exceeded our expectations.
This hotel earns an unequivocal 5-star rating—not just for its stunning location and beautiful facilities, but most importantly, for its outstanding staff. In the hospitality business, the people truly make the difference, and the team here exemplifies customer service excellence. From Manny at valet to Michele at check-in, who remembered us and assisted with our bookings, every interaction was a testament to their commitment to making our stay memorable.
Located on the picturesque Mandalay Beach, rich with history, Zachari Dunes is a treasure. The name itself—derived from the Greek word for sugar—reflects the land's origins, once envisioned as a sugar beet farm by sugar mogul Henry Oxnard. Transitioning from an Embassy Suites to a Hilton Curio property, this sprawling 7-acre, 250-room resort captures the essence of a beachfront paradise.
As beach enthusiasts, we were captivated by the breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and direct access to the serene beach, which remains uncrowded. Our spacious 800-square-foot suite on the second floor offered a perfect retreat, complete with a generous patio ideal for soaking up the sun, stargazing, or indulging in stunning sunsets. The master suite was impressively appointed with a tub and shower combination, dual sinks, and a thoughtfully designed half bath in the living area, along with a convenient closet. The soothing sounds of the waves and refreshing ocean breeze provided a backdrop for relaxation.
Parking is conveniently situated beneath the hotel with ample space, rarity at beach hotels. The meticulously maintained grounds, featuring indigenous Central California plants, add to the charm of the experience.
The pool area is truly inviting, featuring a unique boulder shower beside the spa and a spacious deck perfect for sunbathing and unwinding. Even in November, the heated pool was a delightful surprise, maintaining a comfortable temperature for a refreshing dip.
We enjoyed dining at Ox and Ocean, but the highlight was breakfast at Sugar Beats, located in a renovated Airstream. The breakfast burrito was delightful, complemented by top-notch service.
With two beautifully kept parks flanking the hotel and the entire area designed for walking and biking. Moderate beach walk away is Hollywood Beach, a historical retreat for Hollywood legends in the 1920s—Clark Gable’s getaway home is still standing, offering a glimpse into the past.
The tranquil beach atmosphere felt like a private paradise, perfect for surfing—just remember to wear a wetsuit as it’s not Hawaii! Always be cautious of rip tides, as well.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Zachari Dunes for upholding such high standards of customer service. You made our family’s stay truly unforgettable.
To Hilton Management, this hotel is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s the remarkable team that makes this possible.
In closing, we wholeheartedly recommend Zachari Dunes, earning an impressive 10-star rating from us. This destination is special, and we are eager to return with more family.
In fact, this stay convinced us to move our Laguna Beach wedding anniversaries and special occasions to ZDH.
To all hoteliers who may read this—the quality of your property matters, but your staff is the heart and soul an exceptional experience.
Zachari Dunes Hotel is a shining example of this.