TripSavvy Inspiration The Best Catalina Island Hotels Bellanca Hotel is our top choice By Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine Writer Instagram Johns Hopkins University, Emerson College Julie Tremaine is a travel and food writer. She is the Disneyland editor for SFGate.com and the co-author of Life with the Afterlife with Amy Bruni. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/28/22 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. It may be just 22 miles away from Los Angeles, but Catalina Island is a completely different experience — and the hotels on Catalina Island are totally different than anything you’ve experienced before. To start, the island’s largest hotels are small by regular standards, and most of the boutique accommodations only have a handful of guest rooms. But many of them offer ways to connect to the island’s landscape, even though you’re going to have to leave your car on the mainland and arrive by boat or helicopter. Here are the best Catalina Island hotels. The 7 Best Catalina Island Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Bellanca Hotel Best Convenience: Glenmore Plaza Hotel Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn Best for Families: Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites Best Splurge: Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast Best Budget: Aurora Hotel The Best Catalina Island Hotels View All The Best Catalina Island Hotels Our Top Picks Bellanca Hotel Glenmore Plaza Hotel Catalina Island Inn Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast Aurora Hotel Catalina Canyon Inn See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Bellanca Hotel 111 Crescent Ave, Avalon CA Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This newly renovated hotel blends island charm with modern amenities not found at some other Catalina Island hotels, and at affordable rates. Notable Amenities Waterfront rooftop deck, on-site restaurant Pros and Cons Pros Easy walk to beach Renovated rooms On-site restaurant Cons Reviews mention noisy rooms No transportation to ferry provided Reviews mention lack of privacy on balconies Hotel Overview This chic hotel has been top rated by Trip Advisor for 2021, and couldn’t possibly get closer to the water — it’s just across the street from the beach, and offers some rooms with balconies overlooking the shore. (Some reviewers, though, have taken issue with the fact that people on the street can look in some of those rooms.) Bellanca Hotel had a total renovation in 2020, and recent reviews have praised the quality of the rooms, as well as their generous size — many rooms on Catalina Island tend to be on the smaller side. This hotel has a rooftop deck overlooking the water, and a restaurant on-property, another rarity on Catalina. Upon checkout, the hotel will store your bags while you enjoy your last day at the beach or exploring the island. Best Convenience : Glenmore Plaza Hotel 118 Sumner Ave, Avalon, CA Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This boutique hotel is in the heart of the action in Avalon, has gorgeous water views, and exudes Victorian charm. Notable Amenities Hot tub, free breakfast Pros and Cons Pros Free breakfast Shuttle to local attractions Prime location on the beach Cons Two-night minimum during peak times Reviews mention housekeeping issues Strict 7-day cancellation policy Hotel Overview The main town where most of the ferries arrive to Catalina is Avalon, a small 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. Best Beach Access : Catalina Island Inn 125 Metropole Ave, Avalon, CA Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This charming hotel in Avalon is only steps from the beach. Notable Amenities Some rooms have balconies and fireplaces Pros and Cons Pros Beach access Easy access to activities Some rooms with private balconies and fireplaces Cons Some rooms are small and not in ideal locations Reviews mention the need to choose specific rooms when booking No elevator for higher floor access Hotel Overview A historic hotel in the heart of Avalon, Catalina Island Inn offers some rooms with ocean view balconies. But even if you don't get one of those, you'll never be far from the water at this charming inn, which is just a short walk from Avalon Bay. Snorkeling, boating and zip line adventures are also within easy walking distance, and the Catalina Island Museum is just a few doors down. Best for Families : Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites 115 Whittley Ave, Avalon, CA Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This small hotel offers family cottages and is located within easy walking distance to the beach. Notable Amenities Courtyard with hot tub and fire pit Pros and Cons Pros Family cottages separate from the hotel Easy beach access Historic hotel Cons $15 per hour charge for late checkout Reviews mention noisy courtyard at night Reviews mention free breakfast advertised but not given Hotel Overview 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. Best Splurge : Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast 398 Wrigley Rd, Avalon, CA Rates: $$$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Once a well-to-do vacation home, this luxury bed and breakfast only has six rooms and ample amenities. Notable Amenities Complimentary breakfast and lunch, fireplace rooms Pros and Cons Pros Guests have use of the hotel’s golf carts to explore the island Breakfast, lunch and all-day snacks included Complimentary transportation to island’s ferry and airport Cons No elevator for second floor access No children under 14 allowed Restrictive 30-day cancellation policy Hotel Overview This luxury escape offers a different side of Catalina Island: one that’s perched high above the water and offers expansive views from its wraparound terrace. Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast has ample amenities for guests, including breakfast, lunch, wine and cheese plate, and all-day butler’s pantry filled with snacks. Most rooms have fireplaces, and guests have access to complimentary transportation and use of the hotel’s golf carts to explore the island. Best Budget : Aurora Hotel 137 Marilla Ave, Avalon, CA Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This new hotel has great reviews and offers lower rates than comparable Catalina Island properties. Notable Amenities Rooftop deck, free breakfast Pros and Cons Pros Free breakfast Quiet neighborhood Some rooms with jacuzzi tubs Cons No elevator to higher floors Reviews mention small rooms Reviews mention lax enforcement of non-smoking policy Hotel Overview 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. : Catalina Canyon Inn 888 Country Club Dr, Avalon, CA Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This pet-friendly hotel has many amenities not common on Catalina Island, like a pool, cocktail lounge, and free parking. Notable Amenities Room service, swimming pool, day spa Pros and Cons Pros Parking lot Free local shuttle Cons $75 pet deposit and $75 nightly pet fee Pets cannot be left unattended in rooms Not as walkable as other hotels on Catalina Hotel Overview While most of the accommodations on Catalina are independent boutique hotels, Catalina Canyon Inn is exactly the kind of facility you’d find on the mainland, which means it has many amenities that most other island hotels don’t. This resort offers a pool, a parking lot with free parking, a business center, a day spa, a lounge, and room service. For an additional nightly fee, pets are welcome. Final Verdict Catalina Island is a Southern California destination unlike any other — and not just because you can only access the island by boat or helicopter. It’s a place to slow down, to soak in the water views, and to experience the nostalgia and historic charm of this century-old vacation destination. For its blend of amenities, its prime location, and its consistently high reviews, Bellanca Hotel is a standout on an island where some of the hotels can be outdated and in need of refurbishment. This hotel was totally renovated in 2020, has a customer favorite restaurant on the premises, and is just steps from the beach. Compare The Best Catalina Island Hotels Property Room Rates Resort Fee No. of Rooms Free Wi-Fi Bellanca Hotel Best Overall $$ No 34 Yes Glenmore Plaza Hotel Best Convenience $$ No 57 Yes Catalina Island Inn Best Beach Access $$ No 40 Yes Hotel Catalina Courtyard Garden Suites Best for Families $$ No 27 Yes Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast Best Splurge $$$$ No 6 Yes Aurora Hotel Best Budget $$ No 19 Yes Catalina Canyon Inn Best Pet-Friendly $$$ No 75 Yes How We Chose The Best Catalina Island Hotels We evaluated all of the hotels on Catalina Island before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered such things as proximity to downtown and ease of access to island attractions, and the status of current and planned renovations to the properties. We also considered the property’s dining options, resort fees, and what kinds of experiences (on-site activities, etc.) are included. In determining this list, we evaluated countless customer reviews and considered whether or not the property has collected any accolades in recent years. TripAdvisor Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! 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