We do not have an elevator, but our front desk staff will be happy to help you with your luggage.

Nope. By popular request, Aurora is completely non-smoking, including our rooms and the rooftop deck. Our ban on smoking includes vaping and e-cigarettes.

To ensure the comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted at the Aurora Hotel. This includes emotional support animals. Only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are allowed.

We do, but please call the hotel directly at 310-510-0454 to book same-day reservations.

All of our rooms are cleaned thoroughly at check out, but housekeeping during your stay is by request.

You will need to present a valid driver’s license or identification card as well as a valid credit card for incidentals. Unless arrangements have been made in advance, you will also need to present the credit card used to make the reservation. If you have any questions, please call the hotel directly.

The Aurora Hotel does not have an elevator. Stairs are available to access all rooms and features. Features are available for hearing and visually impaired guests.

Most of our guests choose to walk the short distance to Avalon’s many attractions. If you choose, private taxi service is also available.

Aurora is about five blocks from the boat terminal. Just walk along the waterfront to Marilla Avenue and we are about 80 yards up the hill. If you choose, taxis are available at the boat terminal for a small fee.

Other than the Aurora suite and our two junior suites, each of Aurora’s rooms has only one bed. This is not the kind of place where you want to say you only have two people in the room and then show up with extras – even if the extras are kids.

Sure. My roof is your roof. But since we’re also sharing the roof with a bunch of other guests, please be courteous and tidy up after yourself.

Every morning at Aurora starts with a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring hot eggs, freshly baked goods, fruit, juice, and locally roasted coffee from Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. It's included with every room — no upcharges, no fine print.

Both. Every Friday evening, Aurora hosts a complimentary wine and cheese reception in the lobby — a relaxed, convivial way to settle into your Catalina weekend. On Saturday mornings, a mimosa bar joins the breakfast buffet. Consider it a preview of the weekend ahead.

Yes. Every room and suite at Aurora — from the standard rooms to the Aurora Suite — is outfitted with a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Sleep well.

Several of Aurora's rooms feature ocean views and step-out balconies with tempered glass rails overlooking Avalon Bay. There are also a few rooms with a balcony with chairs and a table. These rooms book early, so reservations in advance are strongly recommended.

The Aurora Suite is one of the largest hotel suites on Catalina Island. It features a king-size Tempur-Pedic bed, a queen convertible sofa, a fireplace, a private sundeck, a six-head shower with an ocean view, a flat-screen TV, and a bar. Shoji-style etched glass screens allow the space to be divided — useful for families or groups sharing the suite.

Aurora's two junior suites include in-room jetted tubs, generous square footage, and Tempur-Pedic beds. They're the most popular upgrade for couples wanting a little more room (and a lot more tub).

The rooftop deck is one of Aurora's most celebrated features — a panoramic perch above Avalon Harbor with sweeping views of the Pacific. It's open to all guests. Bring a glass of wine (or coffee), watch the harbor come to life, and remember why you don't actually need a car.

Aurora has 16 guest rooms, two junior suites, and the Aurora Suite — 19 rooms total. It's an intentionally intimate property, which means attentive service and a very different feel from the big resort experience.

It's one of the most consistently recommended romantic hotels on Catalina. The Friday wine reception, Saturday mimosa bar, ocean-view rooms, rooftop sunsets, and Tempur-Pedic beds do most of the work. Aurora also offers a Romance Package that includes round-trip ferry transportation, a couples massage, wine, and flowers — call the front desk to customize it.

Families are welcome, and the junior suites and Aurora Suite work well for small groups. That said, most of Aurora's standard rooms have a single bed and there's no elevator anywhere in the building. Give us a call before booking and we'll make sure you're in the right room for your crew.

There's no guest parking at Aurora — and none needed. Visitors are not permitted to bring personal vehicles to Catalina. You arrive by ferry and get around on foot, by golf cart rental, bicycle, or taxi. It's one of the best things about the island.

By boat or helicopter. Two ferry companies offer daily service: Catalina Express runs year-round from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point; Catalina Passenger Services operates the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach. Crossing time is approximately 60–90 minutes depending on your departure point. For a faster — and frankly more dramatic — arrival, Maverick Helicopters offers transfers from Long Beach and Santa Monica. Either way, you're in for a good trip over.

Yes — and it's one of the best ways to arrive. Maverick Helicopters departs from Long Beach (Queen Mary Terminal) and Santa Monica Airport, with flights running about 15 minutes from Long Beach and 30 minutes from Santa Monica, starting at $199 per person. Catalina Airport ("Airport in the Sky") in the island's interior serves private and charter aircraft. Any way you slice it, the aerial approach over the Pacific is something you won't forget.

Approximately 75 minutes from San Pedro or Long Beach, and about 90 minutes from Dana Point or Newport Beach.

Two companies serve Catalina Island by ferry:

Catalina Express (catalinaexpress.com) — year-round, up to 30 daily departures:

• San Pedro — Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731 (Harbor Blvd & Swinford St). The only port with daily service to Two Harbors.

• Long Beach — 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802

• Dana Point — 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629. Best option from South Orange County or San Diego.

Catalina Passenger Services / Catalina Flyer (catalinainfo.com) — seasonal, departs from Newport Beach:

• Newport Beach — 400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661 (Balboa Pavilion). Most convenient for Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego travelers.

Yes.

Aurora doesn't operate a shuttle, but most guests enjoy the short walk to Avalon's restaurants and attractions. If you'd prefer a lift, Catalina Taxi & Tours provides on-demand transportation around Avalon — call their dispatcher at (310) 510-0025.

No. Personal vehicles are not permitted on the island. That's actually a big part of Catalina's appeal — it's quiet, walkable, and unhurried in a way that's increasingly rare. Visitors get around by foot, hourly golf cart rental, bicycle, or taxi. You won't miss your car.

Aurora is about five blocks from the boat terminal. Follow the waterfront to Marilla Avenue, then head up the hill — the hotel is approximately 80 yards up on the right. Taxis are available at the terminal for a small fee if you prefer a lift, especially useful if you're traveling with heavy luggage.

Yes. Catalina Taxi & Tours is the island's taxi service, operating seven-passenger Toyota Sienna minivans throughout Avalon. They also offer private tours and interior shuttles if you want to explore beyond town. Call their dispatcher at (310) 510-0025, or reach the main office at (310) 510-0342.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the most convenient for ferry access, particularly for the Long Beach terminal. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is close to Dana Point. LAX is an option with a drive to San Pedro or Long Beach.

Aurora is about five blocks from the boat terminal. Follow the waterfront to Marilla Avenue, then head up the hill — the hotel is approximately 80 yards up on the right. If you're traveling with heavy luggage or just prefer a lift, Catalina Taxi & Tours operates minivan taxis right at the terminal. Call (310) 510-0025.

The list is longer than most people expect: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, ziplining, hiking, golf cart touring, bison tours, boat tours, sea glass diving, cycling, and more. Evenings bring waterfront dining, live music in season, and films at the historic Avalon Theatre. The Aurora concierge team can point you in the right direction — and book it.

Among the best in Southern California. Catalina's water is exceptionally clear, and the marine life is prolific — garibaldi (California's state marine fish), leopard sharks, bat rays, and colorful rockfish are common sightings. Casino Point Dive Park, a protected underwater park, is a short walk from Aurora.

No gambling — just glamour. The Casino is one of the island's most iconic landmarks: a stunning 1929 Art Deco ballroom and theater perched at the northern end of Avalon Bay. It hosts concerts, film screenings, and events throughout the year. Guided tours are available and well worth the time.

Yes. A small herd of American bison lives in Catalina's interior, descendants of animals brought to the island for a 1920s film shoot. Bison tours depart from Avalon — it's a surprisingly memorable experience.

Catalina has a mild Mediterranean climate year-round. Summers run in the 70s–80s°F with warm, calm water. Even winter is mild — in the mid-60s most days — and far less crowded than the mainland beach towns.

Any time, and that's not a dodge. Summer is peak season with warm water, full activity schedules, and a lively atmosphere. Spring and fall offer excellent weather with smaller crowds. Winter is a well-kept secret — quieter, more affordable, and genuinely romantic. Aurora is a year-round hotel, and each season has its charm.

Absolutely. Winter visitors get a different Catalina — one the regulars keep to themselves. Fewer crowds, lower rates, peaceful evenings in Avalon, whale watching season (gray whales pass through), and weather that's mild enough to enjoy it all. Many guests say their best visit was in January or February.

Very. The island is walkable, safe, and packed with activities that kids love — snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat tour, kayaking, the Catalina Island Museum, and the simple pleasure of an island with no cars. Just make sure to call Aurora before booking to confirm the right room configuration for your family.

Plenty. Short walks above Avalon reward with dramatic harbor views, and longer trails lead into the island's rugged interior. The Trans-Catalina Trail spans 37.2 miles across the island for serious hikers. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is a popular, accessible day hike a few miles from town.

Avalon's evenings are easygoing and genuinely enjoyable. Waterfront dining, casual bars, live music in season, films at the historic Avalon Theatre, and the Aurora rooftop deck — which earns its reputation at sunset and again after dark.

Very close. Aurora is located about a three to five minute walk from Avalon’s restaurants and shops. Please be aware that we are located up a short, but steep, hill. Most of our guests enjoy the walk, but if you think it may be a challenge, taxi service is available.

Aurora is about 100 yards from the beach. There’s also a hill. It’s a short hill, but it’s steep.

No, we can’t and neither can the golf cart rental companies. There are two rental companies and they rent golf carts by the hour.