The Avalon Hotel on Catalina Island, California
One of the Best Small Bed and Breakfasts is a Member of Unique Inns
Mar 14, 2009
Catalina Island, the largest of California's channel islands, makes for a fun, relaxed weekend. Most of the island is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, so hiking and camping opportunities abound. Travelers with more upscale vacation desires need not despair, however; the Avalon Hotel is a great boutique inn, with the friendly hospitality that marks many of the best small hotels in the country. Luxury Travel found it to be one of the best inns on Catalina Island. Now, the Avalon Hotel is no 5-star resort, but a sprawling luxury resort a la the Four Seasons would be out of place on this mellow channel island. Instead, the Avalon Hotel imparts a genuine sense of place - there's no mistaking that the weekend is being spent as a charming Southern California island getaway trip.
Avalon Hotel Details
- A two-minute walk from Avalon, Santa Catalina Island's only town
- Walk to row of popular shops and beachy or upscale restaurants
- Open year-round
- 15 rooms, rates range from $195-$545 (2009 prices, seasonal rates vary)
- Some rooms have wet bars
- Continental breakfast served 7:00AM-10:00AM
- Breakfast is self-serve, and includes cereal, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, fresh fruit, and coffee/tea/juice
- Breakfast served in garden courtyard
- Complimentary in-room bottled water, coffee, and refreshments
- Ethernet internet access
- Turn down service
- Most rooms have views of Avalon Harbor, from windows or patios.
- Rooftop deck has a 360-degree view of Catalina Island's mountains, town of Avalon, and Avalon Harbor
- The inn owners live on Catalina Island and are active, involved managers
- Most popular room is Ocean View Room 301 with wraparound balcony
Luxury Travel Review
The Avalon Hotel is a member of Unique Inns, a selective group of independently owned B&Bs, boutique inns, and hotels on North America's West Coast. Membership indicates that certain lodging qualities can be assumed. Guests can feel assured of the Avalon Hotel's elements of distinction. For example, the hotel "fits" in Santa Catalina Island's general ambiance of an unpretentious island culture.
The warmth of the inn's owners and staff, the casual Craftman-style decor, and simple snacks available throughout the day all make for a comfortable, relaxed experience. The town of Avalon is close, and many travelers walk everywhere during their island vacation here. However, should guests want to rent a golf cart, the owners are happy to arrange this. The flat screen televisions and nearby spa facility indicate that this inn is a step up from ordinary 3-star hotels. Now, while children are welcome, the cozy, quiet and mellow feeling here really is more befitting for couples or small groups of adults. The Avalon Hotel is recommended for romantic weekend vacations and girlfriend getaways on Catalina Island, California. It's one of the best hotels on Catalina Island.
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