The Best Catalina Island Hotels

This chic hotel has been top rated by Trip Advisor for 2021, and couldn’t possibly get closer to the water — it’s just across the street from the beach, and offers some rooms with balconies overlooking the shore. (Some reviewers, though, have taken issue with the fact that people on the street can look in some of those rooms.) 

Bellanca Hotel had a total renovation in 2020, and recent reviews have praised the quality of the rooms, as well as their generous size — many rooms on Catalina Island tend to be on the smaller side. This hotel has a rooftop deck overlooking the water, and a restaurant on-property, another rarity on Catalina. Upon checkout, the hotel will store your bags while you enjoy your last day at the beach or exploring the island. 

• Rooftop waterfront deck
• Restaurant on-site
• Proximity to beach

The main town where most of the ferries arrive to Catalina is Avalon, a one-square-mile seaside village that’s exactly as picturesque as it sounds. Glenmore Plaza Hotel is in the center of Avalon, just 200 yards from the water, and many rooms and suites offer harbor views. Accommodations come with free breakfast, and online packages include ferry (or sometimes helicopter!) transportation to the island.

• Hot tub
• Proximity to water
• Free breakfast

A historic hotel in the heart of Avalon, Catalina Island Inn offers some rooms with ocean view balconies. But even if you don't get one of those, you'll never be far from the water at this charming inn, which is just a short walk from Avalon Bay. Snorkeling, boating and zip line adventures are also within easy walking distance, and the Catalina Island Museum is just a few doors down.

• Easy beach access
• Close to water activities
• Some rooms with balconies and fireplaces

The Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites dates back more than 100 years, and has the charm to prove it, especially in the courtyard where there is a hot tub and a fire pit for evening relaxation. Some rooms in the main building are adjoining, which is great for families or groups traveling together, but there are also two family cottages on-site with separate bedroom and sitting areas, and twin beds in the kids’ bedrooms. Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites is within easy walking distance of the beach and Avalon’s shopping and dining.

• Historic hotel
• Courtyard with hot tub and fire pit
• Close to beach
• Family cottages

This luxury escape offers a different side of Catalina Island: one that’s perched high above the water and offers expansive views from its wraparound terrace. Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast has ample amenities for guests, including breakfast, lunch, wine and cheese plate, and all-day butler’s pantry filled with snacks. Most rooms have fireplaces, and guests have access to complimentary transportation and use of the hotel’s golf carts to explore the island.

• Complimentary breakfast and lunch
• Complimentary transportation on-island
• Fireplace rooms

In a quieter part of Avalon, Aurora Hotel offers modern hotel rooms that guests consistently rate as clean and comfortable. This hotel has a rooftop deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for having a glass of wine and taking in the views. While smaller rooms are common on Catalina Island, this property does offer some suites with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. 

• Rooftop deck
• Free breakfast
• Suites with jacuzzi tubs
• Quieter neighborhood

While most of the accommodations on Catalina are independent boutique hotels, Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island is exactly the kind of facility you’d find on the mainland, which means it has many amenities that most other island hotels don’t. This resort offers a pool, a parking lot with free parking, a business center, a day spa, a lounge, and room service. For an additional nightly fee, pets are welcome. 

• Free local shuttle
• Room service
• Swimming pool
• Day spa