Hotel Catalina

Built in 1916, this blue-and-white, three-story Victorian structure transports guests back in time with its distinct, plantation home feel. A front porch with wicker chairs leads into a foyer, where vintage paintings, floral upholstery, an old-fashioned radio, and a classic fireplace all contribute to the cozy, early 20th-century vibe. Although parts of the hotel have been renovated, carpets in hallways look dated and other common spaces, including the outdoor pool area and courtyard with a fire pit, also show their age. There is also no elevator on-site. Still, there’s a historic and romantic charm about the property, as well as an overall peaceful quality, that draws its primary clientele of families and couples. 

Perched midway up a hill alongside residences and other small hotels, Hotel Catalina has a quaint location in Avalon, and offers spectacular beach views. Some guests do note that golf carts shuttling up and down the slope can be noisy. Just three minutes on foot from the main drag of town, the hotel is within easy walking distance from many local attractions. Avalon Bay, the Catalina Island Museum, Catalina Island Casino, and Avalon Theater are all under 10 minutes away on foot. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is a 10-minute drive away. The Catalina Ferry and Boat Terminal is about a 10-minute walk away. The hotel provides a shuttle for extra fees.

Rooms are available with single or double queen beds, single king beds, or two double beds. Most rooms are on the small side. Guest rooms, like the lobby, are all about a vintage look. Everything from the classic cherry wood dressers with brass handles, to vintage ceiling lamps and bedside tables, to the skirted beds and floral valances, looks like it’s been plucked straight from the early 1900s. Rooms on higher floors have especially lovely views of the harbor, while other rooms look out onto the courtyard. Private balconies aren’t available, but common verandas on each floor provide seating and a relaxing place to unwind. Some rooms offer rollaway beds for extra fees. For more space, separate cottages are available. 

All units come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and DVD players and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have heaters, and space heaters are provided on request in others, but none have air-conditioning, and ceiling fans don’t always do a sufficient cooling job. Rooms have no safes or tea- and coffee-making facilities, but ironing equipment and mini-fridges are available. 

Tiny, tiled bathrooms in most rooms don’t have room for much other than toilets and walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. Several rooms have sinks awkwardly placed in the main room, as they can’t fit in the tiny bathrooms. However, some Premium Queen Rooms have more space and character, with separate clawfoot bathtubs, earth-toned tile floors, dressing tables, and vanity sinks.

As a historical, budget property, the hotel has a limited offering of amenities. Free coffee, tea, juice, donuts, and oatmeal packets are available every morning in a small breakfast room. The room itself doesn’t have much seating, but it’s adjacent to the courtyard, where several tables and chairs are set up. Coffee is available all day. A computer is available in the lobby for guests to use. The hotel also offers various discounts at a handful of partner restaurants as well as for some tour packages. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free.

Outside, a small hot tub is available. The area could use some new deck chairs, but it’s still popular with both adults and children.