Catalina Island Hotel Guide: What to Look for When Booking in Avalon

In the 1880s, Avalon Bay was known as Timm’s Landing. Instead of a hilly landscape dotted with hotels, restaurants, shops, landmarks, and homes, the town was lined with quaint canvas cottages. They were cute! Tent City, as it was known, featured about 100 tents by the 1890s, and that number grew each summer. Eventually, these tents turned into a permanent summer resort. For about $7.50 a week, guests would get a tent with a bed, some basic furniture, and even a makeshift kitchen. Sadly, a fire ravaged the town of Avalon in 1915, but this tragedy led to new beginnings for Catalina. The island was soon developed into a true vacation destination. Steamships were commissioned; the Casino was constructed. Big bands came to play, and beach days were beautiful. 

Today, Catalina maintains much of the charm it had back in those early days. Visitors are often enchanted by the simple island lifestyle that Catalina embraces. And when you’re deciding where to stay in Avalon, you want to ensure that you enjoy the simple charms of the island as well as modern amenities and accommodations. The Aurora Hotel offers the charm of classic Avalon, while providing modern conveniences and comfort. Read on to discover a Catalina Island Hotel Guide: what to look for when booking in Avalon. 

Stay at a hotel in the heart of the town. Once you arrive in Avalon, you’re not far from the Aurora Hotel. From the Avalon ferry landing, the Aurora Hotel–on Marilla Avenue–is about a 12-minute walk. There is a slight hill, so it’s wise to have wheels or easy-to-carry straps on your luggage. 

Walkability is key. The walk is worth it! The Aurora Hotel’s hillside location allows for views of Avalon from a private roof deck, as well as from some of the rooms. Most major attractions are walkable including shops, restaurants, the beaches, the Green Pier, the Casino, and the Catalina Island Museum. If you do need a lift to another destination, the staff at Aurora can help you to call a Catalina Taxi.  

Have some happy hours. There are bars all around downtown Avalon, but why not start with a toast at your hotel? Every Friday night, the Aurora hosts a free wine and cheese reception in the lobby for hotel guests. On Saturday mornings, if you’re feeling festive, you can partake in a mimosa bar–available at the hotel’s breakfast buffet. 

Start each day off strong. Whether you’re planning on a relaxing beach day or a full itinerary of tours and activities, you can fuel up with a complimentary breakfast. The Aurora Hotel serves guests a buffet of eggs, fresh baked goods, fruit, juice, and coffee. The coffee is a local favorite–from Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. 

Choose just the right room for you. Gone are the days of canvas tents (unless you’re headed to the campgrounds on the island). Instead, you’ll sleep on Tempur-pedic mattresses in the rooms at the Aurora Hotel. There are plenty of room options, including: 168-square-foot ocean view or partial ocean view rooms, 168-square-foot standard rooms, 300-square-foot junior suites, or the Aurora Suite. 

Vacation like a celebrity. The Aurora Suite is known as one of the most luxurious rooms in Avalon. Amenities include a private sunporch, a fireplace, flatscreen TV, a bar, and a six-head shower. 

Enjoy a smoke-free space. Avalon is miles away from the smog of the mainland. The Aurora Hotel appreciates the clean air. All of the Aurora’s property, including all rooms and the roof top deck, is non-smoking. No smoking means no e-cigs and vapes as well. 

A concierge can help you. At the Aurora, you can feel like a local–walking to town, grabbing dinner, strolling the sand. But you may want help planning your daily activities or finding just the right restaurant for your stay. The Aurora has a super knowledgeable team that is happy to help with recommendations for things like the best hikes, the most fun activities both on and off the water, and favorite foods around town.  

Find the perfect package for you. Are you the kind of traveler that likes to have things all planned before you arrive at your hotel? The Aurora Hotel offers packages for romantic travelers and adventuring couples. The add-on Romance package includes round-trip boat tickets, transportation to the hotel, and a welcome bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers. You’ll also be treated to a couples massage during your stay. The Authentic Adventure Package also includes round-trip transportation to the island for two, taxi transport to the hotel, a welcome bottle of wine, tickets to the Catalina Island Museum, and a private interior tour of the island. Ask the Aurora staff about customizing a tour package for you during your stay. 

Make the Aurora Hotel your home base. You don’t need a whole Catalina Island Hotel Guide to find the best boutique hotel on the island. Book your stay at the Aurora, and we can help make the best memories during your trip.