Avalon Hotel

Fabulous experience from start to finish! Attentive to every detail! Staff was amazing! Hospitality was top notch! Free breakfast, snacks and beverages anytime! Wine and cheese hour from 4−7pm on the patio! Free popcorn and waters in room! Great body products and the bathrooms so clean and lavish! The upgrades were wonderful! Not to mention the beds had memory foam toppers!
Thank you for making our stay amazing! We will be back for sure! Laurie and Erica at the front desk were wonderful!

This will be our second stay here, what great customer service and accommodations. Fresh iced tea and coffee in the lobby as well as a delicious breakfast. Easy walk to the beach. Great rooftop view and hang out area!

First of all, let me say, that we have never been to Catalina Island before and I wanted to make this trip extra special as it was a destination that my wife has always wanted to go to but for what ever reason, we never have. With her upcoming 40^th birthday, this was the destination that I chose to surprise her with.
Now, the big question… where to stay for our 4 day getaway? I did some pretty extensive research and kept coming back to Avalon Hotel. Everyone online in their reviews raved about the service and accommodations. As this was going to be our «first impression» of Catalina, I wanted to get it right.
I booked my reservation through TripAdvisor (Avalon Hotel is a TripAdvisor top-​rated hotel) and counted the days until our arrival.
I initially had some questions about accommodations, transportation by Catalina Express and tours/​activities of the island and emailed the staff at the hotel. They answered promptly with some great direction.
When we arrived, it was an easy walk to the hotel from the dock (might be a little long for older folks). We walked in and met Erica at the front desk who greeted us with a big smile and began sharing with us the highlights of the hotel like the Garden with the koi pond and hummingbirds in the evenings, the rooftop deck with spectacular views, complimentary snacks and continental breakfast and much more. We also mentioned we were celebrating my wife’s bday and Erica said that a bottle of wine or champagne was on-​the-​house! How’s that for a first impressions!?!
I had reserved room #306 for a guaranteed spectacular ocean view and private balcony. It did not disappoint! The view is amazing with the iconic Catalina Casino theater on the left and Wrigley’s Mt Ada residence up on the hill to the right! It was nice to sit on the balcony and just watch the activity of the town and the bay with clouds occasionally drifting by. The «craftsman» style is down to earth with wood and metal «mission» accenting throughout that was not dated.
The room is on the small side but is cozy for a couple on a getaway vacation. Everything in the room was very tidy and very clean. Kudos to the Avalon housekeeping staff for paying attention to the details. It is noticed and makes a difference. Good job, Olga and team! The only small negative I could mention is that the towels were a little «rough» and worn. Minor.
Some days we were gone all day exploring the island to the highest point above Avalon on the Garden to Sky hike to renting a golf cart and seeing the highlights of Catalina and its history, soaking it all in and loving every bit of it… The people, the food, the scenery and The Avalon Hotel. It was nice to come back at the end of the day and crash in a comfy clean bed that felt like home.
Thank you for helping make this week memorable for us and now a place that will forever be cemented in our memory bank and a place to tell others about. It is not a matter of if we will be back but of how soon. We can’t wait to bring our girls back with us.
Keep treating your guests like family and you will never want for business. Sorry for the length but you get the picture.
–Aaron and Rachel

My wife & I were on out 25^th wedding anniversary here this year, Although we have been to Avalon 5 times before this was definitely our best lodging experience. First off, every one of the staff & owners that work here act like you are family. and when I say «family» I don’t mean the irritating cousin from 5 states away that imposes on your home. I mean «family» like you are the bestest friend/​long lost cousin that they have been dying to see… Every moment was the highest level of friendly/​gracious that is sooo nice is is actually unexpected… First off. we were graciously greeted (after a free cab ride from the dock, courtesy of the hotel voucher) We were walked up to the room & they pointed out. OK. drinks, snacks, coffee, breakfast etc etc are free… No ups. no extras. So refreshing after so many visits to hotels that charge $ 300 a night and if you make one phone call its $ 5 extra, a bottled water is another $ 3, snack are another$ 5. but no. no ups, no extras. Then because it was Friday night when we checked in they said «bring the wine glasses from your room between 4 – 6 for our welcome beer & wine» I though WOW they don’t know our high level of «skill» consuming beer & Wine. Well. we went to the 4 – 6 reception and it wasn’t «typical» hotel crap. it was the «good stuff»” and we actually felt «welcome» as a matter of fact the resident managers treated us like their «new» best friends. Same night. guess what. the owner was there and was just as friendly and accommodating… now. because it was so generous & inclusive…, and my wife and I are. what you might say. are «experienced drinkers» we had the best time on the welcome. It was like don’t threaten me with a good time LOL… (we may have. ok we did. over do it on the welcome, but we went to bed that night with smiles and a warm feeling about the place… Next day. we went out and saw so many of the wonderful things Catalina has to offer. and at the end of the day were walking down the main street & the resident managers (Tim & Laurie) were on their own private time at a local brew pub and were STILL just as gracious. We joined them for a couple drinks & got restaurant recommendations. Winning on day two… After that. guess what… Day 3 they were hosting an omelette bar. They just happened to have caught 25 lobster the day before and had several left over (after a special event) So we enjoyed fresh caught lobster omelettes… Fabulous! Their patio area is a tropical paradise in itself… giant Koi that you can hand feed & dozens of hummingbirds that just love their hotel. peaceful & relaxing every time we visited. Finally. Our last day… check out is 11am. which «would be» a problem because we had a 2pm boat ride back to Long Beach. EXCEPT. they said. «just store your luggage here and you are welcome to the hotel facilities all day. outside shower. bathroom. etc. So, you have to give your room back but you are considered a guest until you leave the island. Oh. and the taxi back to the boat… voucher included… Great people, great place, great time… On a side note, the rooms are immaculate. I am the owner of a maintenance and rehab company and. in my line of work I notice all the little maintenance & repair flaws. On this trip there were ZERO flaws in the room. everything was in beautiful.(actually «impressive» tip top shape) We WILL be returning. This is now our «go-​to» lodging in Catalina

Staff is amazing here! What a wonderful experience. Ask to feed the koi fish during breakfast time! Also there is a wine and cheese happy hour at the rooftop everyday at 4pm

The best of everything here… the staff, the location, the breakfast in the beautiful courtyard and the rooms. We had an incredible time and can’t wait to go back! Thanks to the inn keepers, Laurie and her husband who made everyone staying feel like part of the family!

Had a wonderful stay. Everyone was so friendly and warm! Our room was wonderfully comfortable, the bed was heavenly, and I loved the bath tub!
The wine and cheese in the garden and the daily breakfasts were so relaxing, and was very much appreciated.
Only two minor annoyances — but nothing that will keep me from coming back. The first was the couples massage that was booked. We were told my room was too small and we needed to go to another location. However that location was smaller than our hotel room. Our massage was AMAZING anyway though! So, it wouldn’t have mattered. We enjoyed the walk, so no biggie to us! Second, was waking up to the sound of drilling at 9:30 on a weekend. I needed to get up anyway, but not a relaxing way to wake up.
We hope to be back again soon, and will definitely stay here again! If you are looking for somewhere to stay, this is the place!

Can’t say enough good things about our stay.
First off, the women at the front desk are SO warm and welcome and will help you with whatever you need.
We stayed in a queen room with a balcony. I highly recommend spending the extra money and getting a balcony room because it’s so nice to look out over the streets and ocean and enjoy the view & something to drink.
Their rooftop terrace is awesome and has the BEST view.
Aside from all this, everything in the hotel that is edible or drinkable is free– drinks, popcorn & sweets in the room everyday and tea, Keurig, water, fruit, and candy in the lobby.
Their continental breakfast was nice as well at it was so pleasant to sit on their little patio and listen to the fountain.
We loved our stay and can’t wait to come back one day!

I haven’t even checked out yet and I had to write how amazing this hotel is. Right when you walk in you are greeted with a warm welcome. They will even walk you to your room and show you everything once inside. All the food and drinks around the property are complimentary and we even got a free bottle of wine for my birthday. Everyone here is so warm and inviting. The rooms are beautiful, clean and comfy. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay while in Catalina!

My husband and I just returned from two wonderful nights at the Avalon Hotel. The hotel is quaint, and relaxing — staff is so friendly and helpful — the room was extremely clean as was the whole hotel — the morning breakfast was pleasant out by the garden and we even got to feed the beautiful Koi in the pond. The sheets were so soft and cuddly! We went up on the roof top both nights with our bottle of wine and had a great time watching the water and the entire view. We would definitely stay there again. It is in a great location.

Peaceful, enjoyable and relaxing experience!
My husband and I came in midweek to Catalina Island for our monthaversary!
Laurie the manager pays attention to every detail to insure that her guests at the hotel have a wonderful experience!
She knows the island well and also acts as an experienced concierge!
The beds and the linens are incredible the best, comfy and plush!
Our room had a view of the ocean and the rooftop deck is incredible.
Right now we are just finishing up our breakfast in the private garden with relaxing tones from the founation and Koi
pond being entertained as humming birds dart in and out! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
We will return!

I absolutely cannot say enough about this hotel. It doesn’t even FEEL like a hotel — it’s better! And, I love hotels.
From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with genuine friendliness and happiness. We felt like we were staying in a beautiful home with friends, but yet had our privacy. Laurie and Erica are so welcoming and naturally hospitable. The room was perfect — cool and spotless. And, the view! Amazing.
The toiletries are a major perk — the organic body butter and sea salt scrub was so delicious-​smelling, you’d think you can eat it! (I didn’t) — but I did purchase some lotion before we left.
We checked out on Friday morning, but weren’t leaving to head back to the main land until 7 that evening — so Laurie made sure to let us know we still had the hotel for the remainder of the day. We left our luggage and explored the island more — and were even invited to join the hotel for wine and cheese at 4 pm on the patio with the other guests! Needless to say, we did and it was just lovely.
The koi pond is adorable, and even the koi are friendly and happy to see you! It’s just another example of how much we were impressed by this hotel and its staff.
For us, there is no other place to stay while visiting Catalina. We will definitely be back!

Absolutely horrified by the customer service at this hotel. I have never been treated so poorly by someone in the «hospitality» business. I am actually appalled at the rudeness by someone supposed to be a representative of a company. All I did was call to ask about room availability and the woman who answered the phone began snapping and berating me. Wow.

Took our entire team here and they are wonderful! From the wonderful breakfast on the patio to the rooftop view and patio to the great rooms! The lotion and scrub that comes in your room is over the top fantastic !! Had to buy some to take home it was so great !!

We had a party of Six… three rooms… three couples… and everyone agreed… «Woohoo… this is as good as it gets»
Spotless… and charming. Staff is Gracious and friendly… Patio and Continental Breakfast were great… we loved everything about it.

I haven’t even finished my stay here, but I feel compelled to write a positive review! Great hotel — clean, cute and perfect location. We’re staying two nights and would definitely come back again. My favorite part of the room is the toiletry selection — organic body butter and delicious smelling shampoo and conditioner.
Upon arrival the employees were attentive and that continued throughout the time here. Unless something horrible happens in the next 15 hours*, I’d recommend this place to anyone!
*My only gripe would be that they wouldn’t give us a late check out (not even a half an hour) when we asked.

This hotel is awesome!
We had a disastrous encounter at another hotel and were refunded our money. We found another hotel that had space only for one night so we started calling around the next morning to find a place for our second night.
Avalon hotel to the rescue! They had a room and told us to come on over.
It’s a beautiful craftsman style hotel and they have an incredible attention to detail. The room was small but adequate. My main gripe was that the bed was against the wall and the wall has a flight of stairs on the other side. We could hear everyone who was walking. (Beware light sleepers!) Not sure if its the same with other rooms or just ours.
They have a beautiful patio with koi fish, humming birds, and some funny cats running around. Their roof top thing has killer views too.
The furnishings are nice, the view from the room rocked, and the ladies at the front desk were very friendly!
I very much enjoyed this hotel and will definitely be back!

I booked two nights at The Avalon Hotel for my fiancé’s birthday. Neither of us had ever stayed overnight in Catalina before, and I was a little wary of some of the older and more run down hotels on the island. Knowing my fiancé, I predicted he would appreciate a more modern accommodation. We also planned to really relax, so a comfortable room with all the amenities was important.
After consulting Trip Advisor, The Avalon was a natural choice. And wow, were we blown away! The Avalon isn’t too big, which was nice to get the bed and breakfast type feel but still keep the modern service. The ladies at the front desk are super helpful if you’d like recommendations for things to do or places to eat. We got a garden view room, which turned out to be nice and spacious. There are ocean views from each floor’s hallway, as well as a fantastic view from the roof. The garden courtyard has a koi pond, hummingbird feeders, and a fire pit at night.
Each room features a memory foam bed, which my fiancé keeps raving about. The bathrooms are updated with beautiful subway tile and fixtures. We also received complimentary Snapple and water bottles, as well as a bottle of wine since it was my fiancé’s birthday. Continental breakfast served every morning, and wine + cheese happy hours on weekday nights. The lobby also has free snacks (chips, Chex Mix, trail mix, cookies) and Keurig coffee all day and night. In the afternoons they put out iced tea that you can pour and take with you on your adventures. Location wise they are just off the main downtown street, so super convenient to get food and explore.
Book The Avalon, you won’t regret it!

Beautiful hotel! I absolutely adored the roof top, such a beautiful view! The hotel itself was cute and clean. The room was a bit small, but it included a microwave, coffee maker, and fridge. The bathroom was great! Big tub, perfect to soak in after a long day. Comfortable bed; king sized memory foam.
— complimentary breakfast 7:30 — 10:00A.M. (bagel, yogurt, cereal, hard boiled eggs, etc. basic/​limited breakfast)
— afternoon snacks available in the lobby (cookies & trail mixes)
— complimentary drinks in the fridge (snapple & water)
— free wi-​fi!
— super sweet & helpful staffs.
— complimentary taxi ride to and from the hotel (this was great! Saved $ 11 per person)
Highly recommend this hotel for your stay, you won’t be disappointed!

I agree with a previous reviewer stating that the place needs an uplift (bathroom was great though and I love the big tub!). The bed was not too bad but definitely not the most comfortable and the décor was dated big time.
Also there was construction going on in front which would have been nice to be told this before we booked. They said Saturday they start at 8 but don’t go past 5. No I don’t want to be woken at 8 on a vacation… Also the walls are thin. So beware if you are a light sleeper!
The views we got from the ocean view room were spectacular and even the wrap around porch was nice. I was bummed we did not have a sunset view at first but it changed since we could still see all the beautiful colors on our side. We even saw a moonrise which was pretty spectacular. Sadly the second night fog kept us from seeing any of this again.
We were given water when we needed and outside one night they had wine and cheese. (The wine was fine but the cheese selection could have been better for the price you pay to stay here). It was also only on one night. Something daily would have been nice. Also what was great was the rooftop deck you could go sit on which was nice. It gave you a little bit of a better view but we were on the 3^rd floor anyways so it wasn’t much different.
Most of the staff was super nice and made reservations when needed. However, the blond lady really needs an attitude adjustment. She was rude any morning we came down and on the last day she was frustrated and annoyed that everyone wanted to check their luggage at the front. Don’t offer this service if you can’t accommodate everyone asking for it. Really she shouldn’t act like this at all but at 700+ a night you should not be acting like this whatsoever. As someone who manages in customer service this was a big NO.