The 8 best hotels on Catalina Island, for a weekend of paradise

Formerly known as Portofino Hotel, the Bellanca Hotel offers free beach cruiser rentals to explore the island, but the biggest draw is their rooftop sundeck for some quiet time overlooking the Pacific—perfect for sunset cocktails, sunbathing, or reading. Many local places (restaurants included) will charge you for tap water, but Bellanca gives guests unlimited bottled water (free of charge) that comes in handy after a day at the beach. They offer standard rooms, spacious cabanas, and suites, some with ocean views and others overlooking their charming courtyard area. While there, visit the popular onsite restaurant The Naughty Fox (expect a line during lunchtime) overlooking Avalon Bay, where you'll find a mix of seafood and other classic dishes. 

Mood? Family-friendly. 
Location perks? Walking distance from Descanso Beach. 
Budget range? Super cheap. 

If you're looking for a balance between great value for money and even better ocean views, the Edgewater may be for you. Within 11 minutes walking distance from Descanso Beach, this hotel offers guests ensuite rooms with all the usual amenities – and some even come with a patio and ocean views. Highly rated for its location, the Edgewater is a great option for both families and couples – although we think the romantic getaway vibes are real here. While the hotel doesn't have an on-site restaurant, there are plenty to choose from just steps away – but remember to book in advance during high season.

Mood? Waterfront views all round.
Location perks? Walking distance to anything you could need from a weekend away. 
Budget range? Fantastic value for money. 

This very friendly boutique hotel in Avalon will make you feel more than a little like you rocked up in the Mediterranean for a trip away. The ocean view roof deck offers the best coastal views you could hope for, but there’s also a strong sense of the nautical in the décor and atmosphere of the whole place. Along with a delicious breakfast buffet, the hotel also has a cheese and wine hour on a Friday, and a mimosa bar on the weekends to guests who choose the ‘spa experience upgrade’. The beach is only 100 yards away – although do be warned that there is a hill in the way (it’s short but it’s steep).

Mood? A sincerely sweet holiday spot.
Location perks? Make Descanso Beach your regular haunt.
Budget range? The lower end of middle.

This beach hotel is on the main drag of Avalon, across the sidewalk from the beach, and next to the best restaurants and bars in town. From your first steps into the hotel, history is everywhere. This is the kind of beach hotel where you won’t get dirty looks for walking around with sandy bare feet. If you get lucky, your room will have a painting by Margaret Mac Rae, one of the original owners (and great-grandmother of the current owner). Perhaps best of all—if you want one more dip in the ocean post-checkout but before your ferry leaves, there’s a complimentary restroom and shower. 

Mood? A little slice of history. 
Location perks? In the heart of town, with easy access to sights, restaurants, and bars. 
Budget range? Very, very affordable. 

As the only hotel on the island to have its own pool, the Catalina Canyon Hotel offers guests the chance to bed down in a beautiful location but also to spend a little bit more time on-site than they otherwise might. It’s a lovely hotel in a great ‘downtown’ location that, when it comes to Santa Catalina, actually means a location that’s as much about proximity to some thrilling nature as it is about being in the centre of a bustling metropolis. The rooms are cooly decorated and come with the nice little addition of an ice machine (some people just really love ice in a drink, no?). But when you want a more filling form of refreshment, check out the hotel’s Sunset Bar & Grill, where you can grab healthy-but-indulgent dishes fusing Mexican and Californian culinary traditions together.

Mood? It’s bright, it’s breezy and it would be very easy to stay here a long time.
Location perks? A true Downtown location.
Budget range? Variable, but there are some cheaper rates to jump on.

Hotel Metropole has all the glamour of an island retreat without too much snobbery. The location (above a bustling shopping plaza) is discreet, and the rooms are spacious and luxurious. And, just like any good island hotel, you can count the steps from the front entrance to the beach. Whether you’re looking for an affordable winter getaway or an all-out weekend of luxury, Hotel Metropole offers a range of comfortable and centrally located options. Don't miss the rooftop hot tub and sundeck.

Mood? Oceanfront views.
Location perks? In the heart of Avalon and minutes from the beach. 
Budget range? Very well priced. 

If you want to look down your nose on Avalon and Catalina Harbor quite literally, Mt Ada is the only place you should stay. The gorgeous old mansion is the former residence of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, who once owned 99 percent of Santa Catalina Island. It was converted to an inn in 1985, and it’s now the island’s most exclusive place to stay (at 92 percent occupancy year-round, according to the front desk). If you stay, count on magnificent views of Avalon and the mountains, plus your private van ride from the harbor up to the inn. 

Mood? Panoramic bay vistas.
Location perks? Aside from the views, there's so much to see and do at the hotel. 
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable.

'Snug' truly is the right word for this charming, six-room inn, located in the heart of Avalon and only steps from the beach. It blends old-school charm with contemporary style and top-notch amenities. Case in point: hot continental breakfast is brought to your room, comfy beach towels and chairs are on hand for trips to the sand, and the lounge offers complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres. Other highlights include free WiFi, in-room fireplaces, and king-sized beds in every room. The feel is more New England summer than SoCal, which is pretty refreshing.

Mood? Boutique chic.
Location perks? Moments from the harbor and all it has to offer. 
Budget range? Higher end.