Planning your romantic getaway, proposal day, or honeymoon is NOT easy. If you’ve set your sights on Catalina Island, choosing the perfect accommodation sets the tone for an unforgettable romantic escape.
Amidst the plethora of hotel choices in Avalon, we’ve meticulously curated a handful of luxurious havens tailor-made for couples and honeymooners. All of these hotels are driven by a dedication to excellence, ensuring that every moment of your stay is wrapped in opulence and designed to elevate your romantic experience!
If waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in a suite adorned with premium linens, slipping into cozy bathrobes and slippers before stepping onto a spacious balcony with breathtaking views all sounds like your idea of a sweet weekend getaway, keep reading!
These hotels offer more than just a place to stay; they are sanctuaries of luxury, featuring massive living room spaces, complimentary breakfasts, scenic rooftops, and onsite spas.
We’ve left no stone unturned in our quest to find the crème de la crème of accommodations, ensuring that your honeymoon is not just memorable when you’re outside of the hotel, but also an unforgettable experience even when you’re sleeping!
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7 Luxury Resorts In Catalina Island Perfect For Honeymooners
While there is no shortage of hotel choices in Avalon, these are the ones we’ve handpicked to be the most luxurious!
We’re talking about hotel perks like free breakfasts, massive living room spaces, premium linens, bathrobes and slippers, spacious balconies, scenic rooftops, and onsite spas. ALL the things that can make your getaway so much more special.
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel ($$ – $$$)
Why we like it: Ultra-chic contemporary comfort within a historic landmark!
Newly renovated in 2019, the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel was originally built in 1926 by renowned novelist, Zane Grey, as his vacation home. The estate is now transformed into one of the best-selling hotels in Catalina Island.
And did we mention that people LOVE getting married here? They’re definitely one of the top dog hotels on the island that specializes in Catalina Island weddings!
If you’re celebrating your honeymoon, the hotel’s got just the thing for you — their Honeymoon Suite!
This suite features, a whole living space so you’ll feel truly ‘home away from home’, a large balcony with a private entrance, a massive bathtub, as well as all the creature comforts you would need to have a very cozy time within the room, like a fridge, air conditioning, bathrobes, and slippers!
We love that guests get complimentary shuttle service and breakfast, at your service!
Hotel Atwater ($$$)
Why we like it: Swanky island-inspired décor almost everywhere you look.
Hotel Atwater is hands-down one of the most sought-after hotels on the island! The hotel has been recently renovated with island-inspired décor and offers a refreshing design and relaxing escape from mainland life.
And it’s not just the bright and inviting lobby where you’ll find the island vibes either. Guestrooms combine modern amenities, rich wood accents, and ocean-inspired finishes to create a memorable “Island Deco” escape.
With its central location, Hotel Atwater is a great choice if you want to be in the middle of everything Avalon has to offer. You also gotta love the two free flutes of sparkling wine on arrival day!
There is a nightly resort fee per room, but in exchange for that, you get things like $20 per room/per night breakfast credit for Bistro at the Atwater, 15% off Catalina Island Company activities & tours, and 15% off treatments and day passes at Island Spa Catalina. All things you would want to partake in for your honeymoon anyway!
Hotel Metropole ($$ – $$$)
Why we like it: Centrally located and just steps from the beach, ideal for a romantic getaway. Plus there’s free brekky and an onsite spa!
When you choose Hotel Metropole, you’re opening up your world to oceanfront VIP suites with fireplaces, jacuzzi baths, and balconies overlooking the beach. Guest rooms (there are 52 in total) include a private bathroom, complete with towels and guest bathrobes so you can truly relax as you soak in the coastal views from your private balcony.
You’ll also get to enjoy the rooftop jacuzzi that features breathtaking views of the harbor where you can relax and sip champagne.
Come morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast consisting of bread, croissants, butter, jam, cheese, and coffee! Once you’re done enjoying your free continental breakfast, you can either play the 9 holes of golf or treat yourself to a Thai massage, a manicure/pedicure, or a body wrap at the onsite spa.
Bellanca Hotel ($$)
Why we like it: Rooftop deck, in-room balconies, and an onsite bar/restaurant mean you never really have to leave if you don’t want to!
Bellanca Hotel is a super hip, modern, and trendy hotel that’s situated in just the perfect location in Avalon, just steps from the beach! It’s basically a five-minute walk from just about anywhere you can think of walking to.
You can opt for a cute room that features either a queen or king-size bed. Some rooms are studio suites while others are oceanfront suites, so pick your poison!
Some of the amenities that you can enjoy include a scenic rooftop deck that offers amazing views of the island as well as beach towels, beach chairs, and an amazing breakfast! There’s also a cute little restaurant onsite called Naughty Fox, serving up breakfast and modern all-day bites and cocktail drinks.
The Avalon Hotel ($$$)
Why we like it: This classic hotel offers elegance and unsurpassed hospitality.
The Avalon Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of beautiful Avalon about a three-minute walk from the town’s restaurants and shopping. The hotel offers guests exquisite ocean views, private balconies, and a delicious complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Guests at The Avalon Hotel are pampered with a variety of in-room amenities, including coffee makers, personal climate control, microwaves and refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with fully lined bathrobes, and handmade natural soap products.
On top of that, all of the room types include comfortable beds and premium linens — perfect for a perfect night of sleep.
Some of the guest rooms are uniquely configured with balconies ranging from a traditional balcony to wrap-around style balconies that offer sweeping views of Avalon and the harbor.
While there is no onsite spa or restaurant at The Avalon Hotel, the hotel’s staff is available to offer concierge services to personalize each guest’s special trip to the coastal paradise of Catalina Island.
Mt Ada ($$$$)
Why we like it: Getting to live in a historic mansion…need we say more?
Mt Ada is an uber-luxurious hotel located on Catalina Island, offering guests sophisticated elegance in a mansion that truly feels like an escape from it all.
As the only Forbes Travel Guide 4-star hotel on the island, Mt Ada provides guests with epic views of Avalon Bay from its majestic perch high above the bay. The hotel was formerly the home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, and offers six ensuite guest rooms, each beautifully appointed to reflect the elegance and charm of a bygone era.
Should you be lucky enough to snag a room here, you can enjoy a host of complimentary amenities, including a continental breakfast, lunch, and an evening wine and cheese reception. The hotel also offers a 24/7 Butler’s Pantry (via concierge) stocked with beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, teas, cocoa, and assorted snacks, including fresh fruit, mixed nuts, ice cream sundaes, and popcorn.
To explore the island, each guest room is provided with a complimentary golf cart for use during your stay. The hotel also offers private pick-up from the airport, heliport, boat terminal, or other lodging properties.
And of course, with such luxury, the concierge is always available to secure dinner reservations or book one of the many land and sea adventures Catalina has to offer!
Bonus: Romantic Catalina Vacation Rental ($$$)
Why we like it: it’s both charming and luxurious — a testament to the art of coastal living in Avalon.
Boasting panoramic ocean views that greet you upon arrival, this 1275-square-foot condo boasts vaulted ceilings, three sets of French doors, and an expansive patio that’s nothing short of a coastal oasis.
A stroke of genius by the interior designer seamlessly blends the new with the antique, creating a shabby chic beach theme that radiates elegance and coziness at the same time! Every inch of this place is adorned with thoughtful touches, making it one of the cutest and most luxurious stays in Avalon.
In addition to plush and premium linens, there’s an updated kitchen, featuring state-of-the-art stainless appliances and every amenity you’d expect in a fine home. Both bathrooms are graced with beautiful imported Carrera Marble surfaces and updated stainless fixtures for the bath and shower.
As a really sweet bonus, your adventure in Avalon is elevated with a complimentary golf cart for use during your time on the island, so you can explore this picturesque island on your own time.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Catalina Island?
Personally, I love Catalina Island’s weather conditions from July to September.
These months are best for those who want to enjoy the island’s beaches and water activities! The summer weather is warm, the sun’s out and shining, and the water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Some of you will notice I didn’t mention May or June up there. While the weather is typically pretty warm in May and June (no jacket needed), do note that SoCal usually sees “June gloom” during this time period, where a marine layer will block out the sun and all you see is overcast skies. If this is the weather you like for exploring, then more power to you!
For those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy slightly cooler temperatures compared to summertime, the best time to visit is during the spring or fall months from March to May or from October to November. During these months, there will be far fewer tourists on the island. And you probably still won’t need a jacket!
Winter months from December to February can be cold and potentially rainy, but the island is still beautiful and offers a quiet, unique experience for visitors. The winter months are also a great time to see the island’s wildlife, including bison and bald eagles!
Our most recent trip in July actually started out with sad-looking marine layer skies. I saw it and thought “okay let me pack a jacket for our day trip”. But around 11 a.m., almost ALL of the cloud coverage had burned off and out came the sun. At that point, it no longer made sense to have a jacket at all!
How To Get To Catalina Island
First off, where is Catalina Island exactly?
Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California, approximately 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. It is one of the eight Channel Islands and is the only one with a significant and permanent population.
Avalon is the main city and the most populated area on Catalina Island. It is located on the eastern end of the island and is the primary destination for people looking to enjoy a day trip, weekend getaway, or beach time.
Compared to other parts of Catalina Island, Avalon is the most developed and has the most amenities, including a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, museums, etc. You’ll also find lots of homes here.
In contrast, other parts of Catalina Island, such as Two Harbors and the interior of the island, are less developed and offer a more rugged experience — better for backpacking and camping.
Since it’s an island, getting there does take some pre-planning. But it’s not hard at all!
There are three main ways to get to Catalina Island: via the Catalina Express, by cruise, or by private boat, plane, or helicopter.
The Catalina Express (from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point)
The Catalina Express is the most common way for visitors originating from Southern California to get to Catalina Island. This ferry service operates daily all year round from several ports in Southern California: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.
All of them will take you to Avalon, CA. Ferry boats make the trip in about an hour.
The Catalina Flyer (from Newport Beach)
The Catalina Flyer is the best way to get from Newport Beach to Catalina Island. The Catalina Flyer is a 600-passenger catamaran ferry that offers daily roundtrip departures for the Newport – Avalon route. This ride will take you approximately 75 minutes one way.
By Cruise Ship
Catalina Island is a popular cruise ship port. This is probably how most of us learn about the existence of Catalina Island in the first place!
Many cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, offer itineraries that include a stop at Catalina Island as part of their California/Mexico coastal cruises.
Once the cruise ship reaches the island, passengers will disembark (starting at 8am or so) with a half-day of free time to explore the island’s many attractions, including carting around the island, hiking, ziplining, enjoying the beaches, and doing water sports. Cruise lines typically also offer shore excursions that take passengers on guided tours of the island.
Private Boat / Private Plane
A much less common way for people to get to Catalina Island is by private boat or yacht. This is really only possible by those who can afford it.
Lastly, the least common way to get to Catalina Island is by private plane or helicopter. There is a small airport on the island, the Catalina Airport, which can accommodate private planes and helicopters. However, this option is usually reserved for those who can afford the luxury of flying privately.
How To Get Around Catalina Island
Getting around Catalina Island is pretty easy and convenient, even if you don’t have a set of wheels. Most people come by some kind of boat and stay for a day or two, so practically no one will have access to a car when they arrive!
Avalon, the main town on the island, is pretty walkable in the downtown area. You can easily explore the town on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of the charming streets and shops.
To see the scenic parts of the island, most people choose to rent a golf cart. This is a popular option for a 1 to 2-hour excursion, allowing visitors to explore the island’s rugged coastline and scenic viewpoints at their own pace.
Golf carts can be rented from several locations in Avalon and are a fun self-guided way to see the island!
There is also the Garibaldi Bus operated by the City of Avalon. The fixed route bus serves central Avalon from the ferry landing to Casino Way and up-canyon to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. It costs $2 per ride; children under 5 are free.
For those who want to get to farther parts of the island or are towing a ton of luggage and need to get dropped off at their hotel, taxis are available and can be found all over the downtown area. They’ll be all over the Catalina Island ferry terminal, as well as the taxi stand, located on the corner of Crescent Avenue and Metropole Avenue.
Map: Your Guide To Avalon / Catalina Island, California
Looking for more Southern California travel tips? Here are some more articles you may find interesting!
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- 20 Best Wineries Near Los Angeles, California (And Wine Day Trips!)
- 58 Fun Date Spots In Los Angeles, California
- 17 Fun Things To Do In San Juan Capistrano, California
- 41 Things To Do In Anaheim Other Than Disneyland
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