513 Crescent Ave., PO Box 737, Avalon, California, United States
Convenient location near the ferry terminal and Avalon Bay
Most of the island’s attractions are within walking distance
Clean and spacious rooms with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes
Free breakfast with hot egg dishes and barista-made coffee drinks
Free wine and cheese reception in the lovely tropical courtyard with fire pit
Free luggage transfers from the ferry
Free bottled water and chocolates are offered each evening
Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel
Access to fitness classes and wellness program at Island Spa Catalina
Concierge services include assistance with island activities
Most rooms don’t offer ocean views
No restaurant, pool, or whirlpool
The mid-range Pavilion Hotel has an unbeatable location in the heart of Avalon’s main drag, mere steps from an Avalon Bay beach and a five-minute walk to the ferry terminal. Note that rates skyrocket in the summer months. Freebies include Wi-Fi, luggage transfers from the ferry, a hot breakfast buffet, and a wine and cheese reception in its beautiful tropical courtyard. The boutique property’s 72 rooms are pleasant, spacious, and nicely appointed with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and nightly treats. A good alternative with lower rates is the mid-range Hotel Villa Portofino, which also has a central location and an Italian restaurant.
Scene
A casual bay-front hotel with lovely public spaces
Expect to see all kinds of guests, including girls getaways, family reunions, couples celebrating special occasions, and even groups like dive clubs, enjoying the island life at this boutique hotel. The hotel is designed to take full advantage of its bay-front location, with a covered patio overlooking the ocean and a bright, glass-enclosed lobby with views at every turn. The spaces are adorned with island-style wicker and rattan furniture. The intimate tropical courtyard offers a quiet respite from the throngs of cruise ship passengers and other tourists who pass by the hotel’s front door. It features lush landscaping that encloses grassy areas and lots of comfy loungers and covered tables. The courtyard fire pit is the central gathering place for the lively wine and cheese reception where guests mingle in a fun and casual setting.
Location
Along Avalon’s main drag; steps from the beach on Avalon Bay
The Pavilion is located in the heart of Avalon’s main drag, just a few steps outside its back door to a small beach on Avalon Bay. Most of the quaint island community’s most popular restaurants and shops are less than five minutes away on foot, and many are much closer. The Catalina Island Museum and ferry terminal are about five-minute walks. The landmark Catalina Island Casino & Avalon Theater complex is nine minutes on foot.
Rooms
Pleasant and spacious; with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and turndown service
Like the hotel itself, the rooms are quiet and comfortable.The rooms are tastefully decorated in a cheerful fashion that feels appropriate for their island setting. Bright white walls and bedding are complemented by royal blue accents on the bed skirts, upholstered wicker chairs, and decorative pillows. Carpet is neutral beige in a two-tone, rope pattern, and dark wood furniture includes desks and headboards. Vintage art depicting Catalina Island scenes from yesteryear are a classy touch.
Bed options include kings or two doubles, and room upgrades include private patios with direct access to the tropical courtyard. Most Standard Rooms simply face each other, offering little or no view. Standard amenities include 37-inch flat screen TVs, DVD players, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, magnifying mirrors, safes, iHome docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Nightly turndown service with free Voss water and chocolate also are standard.
Acrylic vanities are separated from the bedrooms by sliding doors covered by white plantation shutters. In turn, doors separate vanities from the toilets and shower/tub combos that are framed by standard white tile and include small windows. Some rooms have furnished terraces and nice courtyard views.
Features
Free luggage transfers, free breakfast, free wine and cheese reception, and free Wi-Fi
This cozy boutique hotel immediately makes a favorable impression by providing free luggage transfers for guests arriving by ferry. It also provides concierge assistance for booking tours and other island activities. The free daily breakfast buffet includes hot egg dishes and barista-made coffees at no extra charge. Its lovely tropical courtyard is the setting for its free afternoon wine and cheese reception. Other perks include priority reservations at the full-service Island Spa Catalina, as well as priority cabana/chaise reservations at the Descanso Beach Club. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the hotel, which has elevator service to second-floor rooms.