Where to Stay on Catalina Island: Why Avalon's Aurora Hotel Is the Best Base for Exploring Everything

For a while there, vacation rentals by owner were a hot commodity. They offered the convenience of a kitchen and a feeling of home–sometimes for a friendlier price. However the prices have risen, and the trends have come back around for folks who appreciate the good old fashioned luxuries and hospitality of boutique hotels. The Aurora Hotel is the boutique hotel in Avalon on Catalina Island. 

Modern and inviting, the Aurora sits above Avalon Harbor and offers gorgeous views of the Pacific ocean. There are also wonderful amenities and extras for guests like access to a rooftop deck and  complimentary breakfast every morning. The Aurora also has a super convenient location near the heart of Avalon. Wondering where to stay on Catalina Island? Read on to discover why Avalon’s Aurora Hotel is the best base for exploring everything. 

Location, location, location. The Aurora Hotel is located up on the small hill of Marilla Avenue. This allows for both breathtaking views as well as a convenient location. A stay at the Aurora puts guests close to all the desirable locales and activities in Avalon. Just down the hill, the shops and eateries on Crescent Avenue are easily walkable. Avalon’s local beaches are located 100 yards away from the hotel. Planning to drop your bags and get to exploring as soon as your ferry arrives in Avalon? The boat terminal is five beautiful, waterfront blocks away. 

Exploring some more? A concierge service is available at the Aurora Hotel to help you plan for some fun island adventures. If your island vacation is going to be more than just Avalon beach days, dining, and night life, the staff at the Aurora can help. There is a whole rugged interior of the island to see and another town at the Isthmus to visit. Interested in exploring the underwater world around the island? Ask our staff about making reservations for a day of scuba diving or snorkeling. Want to try the fresh flavors of Catalina cuisine? Ask us about booking a food tour around Avalon. Excited to learn some more about island culture and history? The Aurora staff can point you in the direction of the Catalina Museum.

Fuel up for your day.  Every morning, the Aurora offers plenty of good foods to get your day going at our complimentary continental breakfast. Local favorite Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. coffee is our morning brew of choice. Fresh pastries and eggs are also served. And if you’re staying on a Saturday, be sure to sample a drink from our mimosa bar.

Ready to give dining recommendations. The local team at Aurora has a list of their favorite food spots at the ready for when you need a lunch spot or a dinner reservation. The island has places for fresh seafood, steaks, Mexican food, pizza, pasta, and more. 

Sweet spots for a good night’s rest. There are a few different accommodation options at the Aurora. In addition to standard rooms, there are ocean view rooms that provide views of the ocean as well as the mainland. Up to four guests can stay in a junior suite, which comes equipped with a jetted tub. Looking for a swankier place to stay? See if the celebrity suite at the Aurora is available for your stay. This suite is one of the largest hotel rooms on the island, and it offers use of a fireplace and a private sundeck.

An additional space to enjoy. One of the coolest things about staying at the Aurora is having access to the rooftop deck. Whether you want to catch some quiet morning moments, check out the daily boat traffic in the harbor, admire twinkling harbor lights at twilight, or have a happy hour outside, this outdoor common area is the perfect place to relax during your stay. 

Packages help you to be prepared. Whether you’re coming to the island for a romantic getaway, a solo trip, a friend’s vacation, or for family fun, there are plenty of activities to do while you’re in town. The Aurora Hotel has designed a few packages to make the most of your stay, so that your itinerary can be mapped out before you even check in. Check out The Anniversary Escape: a romantic little vacation that includes round trip ferry transport, taxi transfer to and from the Aurora and the boat, a welcome bottle of wine or cider, a bouquet of flowers, and a private 2-hour tour of the island’s interior. There’s also an option to add a couples massage to your stay. Prefer to plan some adventures? The Authentic Catalina Adventure package might be right for you. There are also some midweek package offers available year round.

See for yourself. Come and stay at the Aurora Hotel, and make it your home away from home while you explore the island. Booking reservations directly is the best way to get the best available rate. Questions about planning your trip to Catalina? Give us a call at the Hotel Aurora: 310-510-0454.