These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (2024)

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Stay at these editor-loved properties on Catalina Island.

Stacey Leasca

Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello.

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Published on June 17, 2024

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (2)

Californians really do have it made. Not only do they get to experience all that magnificent weather, but they also have easy access to Catalina, a gorgeous, Mediterranean-like island less than an hour away. No passport required.

In Catalina, travelers can explore rolling hills, jaw-dropping beaches, visit bars and restaurants right on the shore, and dive into crystal-clear waters that will make you feel more like you're swimming off the shores of a Greek island than California.

The two main points of interest in Catalina are Two Harbors, located on the island's west end, and Avalon, the more prominent of the two towns. Travelers can easily take a shoreline ferry between the two or drive, if they choose. We suggest staying in Avalon, as it's a bit more bustling, offering access to more tour operators, restaurants, bars, the island's famed casino, and of course, fabulous hotels. See a few of our favorite accommodations below so you can make the most of your trip to the Italian Riviera…we mean Catalina Island.

(Looking for a hotel while on the mainland? Check out our World's Best Awards winners in Los Angeles, and all the fantastic California hotels that made our It List in 2024, too.)

Bellanca Hotel

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (3)

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What We Like

Its rooftop deck is perfect for sunset views.

What to Consider

Noise from the nearby nightlife can sometimes waft over to the hotel.

Located in the heart of Avalon, Bellanca Hotel is a charming boutique accommodation that's ideal for an easy breezy island getaway. The hotel offers oceanfront accommodations, including rooms with spacious balconies that look out to the sea. But its best spaces are found in the common areas, including its rooftop lounge, which is an excellent place to catch a sunset, and the restaurant, The Naughty Fox, where travelers can get heaping plates of sharable bites like nachos, mac n' cheese, and chicken wings.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $259 per night

The Edgewater

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (4)

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What We Like

Its location on Crescent Avenue provides easy access to Avalon’s best spots, including the pier.

What to Consider

The property is a bit older than others on the island and may not come with some of the modern conveniences some travelers expect.

The Edgewater, a quaint gem on Crescent Avenue, is perhaps one of the most well-positioned hotels on the island. The family-owned hotel swung open its doors in 1920, giving travelers easy access to spots like Descanso Beach (about a 10-minute walk), the Avalon Casino (a 9-minute walk), and Catalina Island Museum (a 4-minute walk) for more than 100 years. The rooms are a bit older here, but they all still provide fantastic water views that are worth their weight in gold.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $180 per night

The Avalon Hotel

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (5)

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What We Like

Its Mediterranean vibes will completely transport you.

What to Consider

There are no elevators, which could be an issue for some guests.

The Avalon Hotel offers a serene setting thanks to its lush gardens and inviting rooftop deck. Located a short walk from the beach and Avalon’s main attractions, it’s perfect for those who want to be able to dip into the crowds in town but return to their sanctuary whenever they need solitude. Guests can spend time in their rooms, which come decked out in coastal chic decor, or enjoy a bite to eat on either the rooftop terrace or the courtyard garden, which comes complete with a koi pond.

The Details:

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the hotel, wheelchair-accessible rooms are not available.
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $399 per night

Mt Ada

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (6)

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What We Like

You’ll feel like you're staying in a luxurious private residence.

What to Consider

It’s located on a hill, which can be challenging for those with reduced mobility.

Mt Ada has a spectacular history. It was the one-time home of Wlliam Wrigley Jr. – yes, as in Wrigley gum. Guests can stay and feel like a candy baron for a night, too, in this accommodation that provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean thanks to its location perched atop a hill.

There are just six guest rooms at the hotel, each boasting vintage furnishings just like those Wrigley would have had in the home when he lived there. For a special stay, book either the Grand Suite, which was Wrigley's bedroom, or the Garden Suite which has a private patio outside.

The Details:

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the home, there are no ADA-accessible rooms.
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $679 per night

Hotel Metropole

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (7)

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What We Like

The beach house here will make families and groups feel right at home.

What to Consider

Some rooms face an interior courtyard, so if you want a view make sure to be specific when booking.

Find modern flare on Catalina Island at Hotel Metropole. The hotel, located in central Avalon, features modern rooms all boasting clean aesthetics with gleaming wood floors, white linens, and some suites with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs for added romance.

Those wanting to feel at home, or wanting to bring their whole crew, can book the hotel's beach house, which includes two bedrooms, two baths, and a full chef's kitchen. The hotel also has an in-house spa with a lengthy menu of treatment options so guests can fully unwind during their stay.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $299 per night

Snug Harbor Inn

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (8)

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What We Like

The complimentary breakfast and wine and cheese hour are a fantastic add-on.

What to Consider

It only has six rooms so there's limited availability, making early booking a must.

Snug Harbor Inn is the cozy boutique property every traveler dreams of staying in. It has just six rooms, meaning each guest is always the star of the show. Each room is individually decorated giving them all a unique feel, but there is still a cohesive vibe thanks to coastal decor, royal blues, and some with an ocean view. Each day guests can enjoy a continental breakfast right in their room and later head down to the common area to chat with fellow guests over wine and cheese. At night, guests can also check out a movie from the extensive library and snuggle up before bed.

The Details:

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the inn there are no ADA-accessible rooms available.
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $292 per night

Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (9)

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What We Like

The Instagram-ready decor and outdoor pool make it an attractive stay.

What to Consider

The hillside location offers great views but can be challenging for those with reduced mobility.

The Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel is another historic getaway on the island with a unique past. It was originally built in 1926 by author Zane Grey as his personal vacation home. Now, it's a must-stay accommodation with some of the best views on the island. Each of the spacious bedrooms has bohemian-meets-coastal furnishings, including an absolutely enormous penthouse that can sleep up to six guests. When not enjoying their rooms, guests can lounge by the pool on one of the rattan chaise loungers and watch the sun go down.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $350 per night

Hotel Mac Rae

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What We Like

The lovely courtyard makes for a convivial atmosphere.

What to Consider

It's a smaller hotel so it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles (but it still has plenty of charm).

Hotel Mac Rae, a family-owned historic hotel, has been a beacon of vacation fun since its opening day in 1920. The property is one of the most recognizable on the island thanks to its bright blue painted signage in the middle of Crescent Avenue. It's a small hotel, but without question one of the most welcoming on the block. Its rooms surround a communal courtyard where guests are invited to hang out together, and it's just a few short steps from the town's most sought-after attractions. Best of all, it's one of the more affordable stays on Catalina.

The Details:

Accessibility: Limited, no elevator
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $199 per night

Pavilion Hotel

These Are the Best Hotels on Catalina Island (10)

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What We Like

The hotel’s courtyard garden allows easy access to the California sunshine.

What to Consider

The resort fee can add up for your overall cost.

The Pavilion Hotel, located just steps from Avalon’s beaches, offers fantastic resort-style living with amenities galore. Right off the boat guests will experience all the hotel's luxuries, which include luggage service to and from the ferry so you don't need to lift a finger. Guests also get access to complimentary beach towels (which is ideal, considering the beach is just a few steps away), a courtyard wine and cheese reception, and a $20 per room, per night food and beverage credit to use at their whim.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: $40 per night
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $191 per night

Know Before You Go

Make reservations in advance if traveling during peak season

Things can get seriously busy on Catalina Island during the peak summer season. That's why it's critical to make all your reservations, including hotel, restaurant, and excursions, as far in advance as possible to ensure you don't miss out on a thing.

Catalina Island is just a short ride from Los Angeles

Catalina Island is rather easy to get to from the mainland. Travelers can hop on a ferry from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, with the shortest ride taking just one hour. Want to get there even faster? You can also book a helicopter ride from Long Beach and get there in about 15 minutes.

Pack plenty of layers

Catalina Island is just that — an island. While things certainly warm up during the summer days, it can feel a little chilly at night if there's a breeze. So make sure to pack a sweater or a light jacket to ensure you stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Don't miss the buffalo

One of the most interesting parts of Catalina Island is its buffalo herd. The massive animals have roamed the island since the 1920s when they were brought over for a film shoot. The animals are now maintained by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The best way to see them is on a guided tour that will bring you close enough to get a great photo but far enough to keep both you and the animals safe.

How We Chose These Hotels

Several of the hotels mentioned on this list are personal favorites of our editors. Writer Stacey Leasca has also visited the island many times over the years as a Los Angeles and Long Beach resident. She also consulted family and friends who frequent Catalina Island for their input and researched guest reviews from a multitude of websites for others. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.

Edited by

Sophie Mendel

Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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