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. 

The Avalon Hotel is the kind of island-style, home-away-from-home that you’d expect in Southern California: elegant, comfortable, and close to the beach. This vintage Craftsman-style hotel is small (only 15 rooms), making the amenities more enjoyable. Take a bottle of wine up to the rooftop patio at sunset (coffee in the morning is just as delightful) or relax with a book in the garden courtyard (complete with a koi pond, if you’re into that sort of thing). There’s a free continental breakfast, and the front desk loans out laptops, GPS units, and binoculars. Make sure to ask about the local artists whose pieces hang on each floor of the hotel.

Mood? Island vibes.
Location perks? 360º views over the Avalan and the harbor. 
Budget range? A little pricey.

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. 

You can’t miss the Pavilion Hotel—it’s one of the first things you see as you walk from the ferry into Avalon. The lovely outdoor patio is sandwiched between two small buildings, one housing the front desk and the other a cozy breakfast room that doubles as a complimentary wine and cheese station in the late afternoon. There’s no pool here, but lounge chairs and umbrellas surround an expansive patch of green grass that’s almost as good (and the ocean is right across the street). The rooms are sizeable and comfy, with silky sheets, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. 

Mood? Beachside bliss.
Location perks? The Grand Casino is a five-minute walk away if you fancy a night of luck. 
Budget range? Mid-range but so worth it.

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. 

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.