TOP 7 most luxurious hotels on Catalina Island: a tropical oasis in the middle of the Pacific Ocean

If you're looking for an idyllic place for a sunny vacation in Southern California (SoCal), we recommend you to pay attention to the charming island of Santa Catalina. Atmospheric coastal cities, vivid natural landscapes, amazing beaches - you will find everything here and more. To organize a vacation at the highest level, it is worth arranging a stay in one of the best hotels on the island of Catalina.

Another advantage of this travel destination is that it can be reached quickly and conveniently by helicopter or ferry, as the California coast is only 22 miles away. Travelers mostly choose the waterway. For example, a trip on the Catalina Express ferry to Dana Point, Long Beach, or San Pedro will take about one hour. Once on the island, you can choose to stay in the hills or in close proximity to beautiful beaches. The following list contains a selection of the top 7 best hotels in Catalina - from old historic establishments to oceanfront apartments; all you have to do is choose a place to your liking and plan your next adventure.

Bellanca Hotel

Bellanca Hotel, formerly known as Portofino Hotel, offers many unique amenities that will make your stay on the island unforgettable. In particular, guests have the opportunity to rent free beach cruisers to explore the surrounding area. However, the main highlight of the hotel is the luxurious rooftop sun terrace, where you can spend time enjoying the views of the vast Pacific Ocean: reading, sunbathing or simply sipping on signature cocktails at sunset.

While on Catalina, you'll likely find that most local establishments, including restaurants, charge for tap water, but the Bellanca Hotel provides unlimited bottled water, which is especially nice after a day at the beach.

The popular Catalina Island hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, from standard rooms and cabanas to suites; some rooms offer amazing ocean views, while others have a lovely patio. Be sure to visit the popular restaurant, The Naughty Fox, located on the Bellanca Hotel grounds, which specializes in classic dishes and seafood. You can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the views of Avalon Bay.

Pavilion Hotel

The Pavilion Hotel is simply impossible to miss - it's one of the first things you see when you get off the ferry to Avalon. The charming outdoor patio is nestled between two small buildings: one houses the reception, and the other is a cozy breakfast room that serves as a place to enjoy free cheese and wine in the late afternoon.

There is no swimming pool on site, but comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas are located on the green lawn, and the ocean is right across the street, so you can feel its powerful force. In addition, the Grand Casino is a five-minute walk away in case you want to try your luck. You can stay in comfortable, spacious rooms that include silk bedding, a large TV, and free Wi-Fi. Feel free to ask for help from the friendly, highly trained concierges who will help you make reservations or organize any tour.

The Avalon Hotel

Catalina's charming hotel showcases everything you'd expect from Southern California. Comfortable and elegant, The Avalon Hotel is close to the beach, offering panoramic views of Avalan and the picturesque harbor. The old island-style hotel offers only 15 cozy rooms, so you can count on privacy and comfortable access to all amenities. The Avalon Hotel has several cozy nooks to relax in, such as the rooftop patio where you can enjoy wine at sunset or coffee in the morning, or the lovely garden patio with koi pond.

On each floor you'll find artwork by local artists, and binoculars, GPS devices, and laptops are available for loan at the front desk. Another plus is that the room rate includes a free continental breakfast.

Mt Ada

Mt Ada is a place that offers some of the best views of Catalina Harbor and Avalon. The hotel occupies a luxurious old mansion that was once the residence of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, who once owned almost the entire island of Santa Catalina. In 1895, the property was turned into an inn, but now it is one of the most exclusive places to stay, so the complex is full regardless of the season. When staying here, you can count not only on fantastic views but also on a variety of leisure options.

Snug Harbor Inn

If you imagine coziness, the Snug Harbor Inn is the best example of it. This beautiful Catalina Island hotel provides for only six extremely comfortable rooms, so guests can expect privacy and personalized service. Just steps from the beach, the Snug Harbor Inn is located in the heart of Avalon, a one-minute walk from the harbor with all its delights, such as cafes and restaurants, eclectic shops and more.

Inside the hotel, first-class amenities blend perfectly with old-school charm and modern style. These include a hearty continental breakfast delivered directly to the room, complimentary snacks and drinks in the elegant lounge, and beach towels and sun loungers for trips to the beach.

Bright, cozy rooms include king-size beds, fireplaces, and free high-speed Wi-Fi in every room.

Hotel Metropole

For those who want to immerse themselves in a glamorous island vacation without being too snobbish, Hotel Metropole is the perfect choice. Despite the fact that the hotel is located above a noisy shopping center, you can relax in a calm atmosphere amidst restrained design, in spacious and luxurious rooms.

The main advantage of one of the best hotels on Catalina Island is its location in the heart of Avalon and a few steps from the beautiful beach. Hotel Metropole offers a large selection of comfortable rooms, so you can spend both an unforgettable weekend and an inexpensive winter vacation here. Don't miss visiting the rooftop sun terrace and spend time enjoying a relaxing hot tub.

Hotel Mac Rae

The rated hotel on the island of Santa Catalina boasts an extremely convenient location, as it is located in the center of Avalon, close to the best bars and restaurants in town, and across the sidewalk from the beach. Every corner of Hotel Mac Rae is steeped in history and a special atmosphere. This is the case of a beach hotel where you can walk barefoot and not get dirty.

If you're lucky, your room will be decorated with a valuable painting by Margaret Mac Rae, one of the first owners of the establishment and the great-grandmother of the current owner. In general, the hotel has been owned by the same family since the 1920s, so you can find a collection of historical photographs on the walls that demonstrate the family's journey in the hospitality industry.

Hotel Mac Rae offers comfortable and spacious rooms, and the prices are very affordable.