The Best Luxury Hotels to Book on Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island is the perfect locale for a luxury California getaway
Catalina Island is the perfect locale for a luxury California getaway | © Mary Prentice / Alamy
Nick Dauk

As if California’s mainland wasn’t spectacular enough, its famed Catalina Island, off the southern coast, is one of the most desirable vacation spots in the state. Whether you arrive by boat or helicopter, you’ll land in style. Then you can spend your days soaking up the rays by the pool, on the sand or on the deck of a chartered yacht. You’ve come to Catalina Island for luxury, and these hotels – bookable with Culture Trip – will deliver nothing less.

1. Aurora Hotel

Independent Hotel

Aurora Hotel_h_71e4733c
Courtesy of Aurora Hotel / Hotels.com

Catalina may be an island, but Aurora Hotel made sure to bring over a little SoCal cool from the mainland. The celebrity suite is fit for a star with its private sunporch, massive flatscreen TV and six-head shower with views of the ocean. Saunter out of your suite and let the streets of Avalon act as your runway. End each night on the rooftop deck and gaze out at the beauty of the bay that wishes it was as cool as you.

2. Hotel Metropole

Independent Hotel

Hotel Metropole_612d4f1d
Courtesy of Hotel Metropole / Expedia

How does the Hotel Metropole outdo its rooftop jacuzzi and complimentary champagne? Book their Beach House and find out. This luxurious private retreat has it all: panoramic ocean views from an entertainment deck, a built-in library and a full kitchen. Add in a full spa with heavenly touches and a Market Place, which is as lively as NOLA’s French Quarter, and Hotel Metropole does more than provide a solid vacation; it inspires you to live luxuriously like the locals do.

3. Hotel Vista Del Mar

Luxury, Hotel

No matter your tastes, Hotel Vista Del Mar’s ocean view suite will suffice – you’ll spot the Pacific from your balcony and jetted tub. Its Mediterranean-style charm and ease of access to the bay beautifully blend impeccable style and exceptional convenience. And for the young at heart, this luxury hotel plays to your youth with evening milk and cookies, and a library of movies for you to binge from beneath the blanket of your king bed.

5. Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel

Independent Hotel

Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel_b_252626270
Courtesy of Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel / Booking.com

The century-old Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel sits atop Avalon like a gem under the sun. The rooftop ocean views aren’t the only stunning sight in this abode. A fine art and antiques collection dares to redefine your appreciation for yesterday, while the modern lounge areas with mountain views bring to life the image of your dream vacation. The Penthouse, a castle-like space with unobstructed sky views, is the ultimate show of celebration that your trip to Catalina Island deserves.

6. Catalina Island Inn

Independent Hotel, Inn

Catalina Island Inn_b806ce62
Courtesy of Catalina Island Inn / Expedia

With the sun and stars shining on you from a private patio, you’ll wonder why you haven’t booked a longer stay at Catalina Island Inn. Your premium king room exudes luxury, and yet, the cozy fireplace and comfortable bedding make you feel like you’re being welcomed back home. Harbor views, a central location and short strides to the beach make Catalina Island Inn as ritzy yet relaxed as you could possibly imagine.

7. The Pavilion Hotel

Independent Hotel

The Pavilion Hotel_3ed1b2ae
Courtesy of the Pavilion Hotel / Expedia

A mere 14 steps is all that separates the Pavilion Hotel from the beach. If your feet refuse to walk seven paces each, you could at least convince them to tiptoe to the hotel’s central courtyard for a seat around the fire ring. Prop them up on a lounger under shady palm trees, and perhaps the next morning they’ll let you slide on sandals for a dip in the warm sand and cool sea.

8. Hotel Atwater

Luxury

Hotel Atwater_d31c93aa
Courtesy of Hotel Atwater / Expedia

Can luxe be casual? At Hotel Atwater, it can. You’ll find a mix of laid-back island life with the unmistakable luxury Catalina Island is known for at this century-old hotel. A split of sparkling wine appears in your hand the moment you check in. Sit and sip while you consider where to use your credit at the delicious Catalina Island Company restaurants. Need more time to think? Grab a beach towel and let the current pull you in the right direction.

9. Bellanca Hotel

Independent Hotel

Bellanca Hotel_h_53c17525
Courtesy of Bellanca Hotel / Hotels.com

Bellanca Hotel puts Catalina Island in the palm of your hand. When you aren’t gazing out at the ocean from your patio or sharing cheeky cocktails with the playful patrons of the Naughty Fox, let Bellanca Hotel arrange more than twenty different excursions for you. From cruising the island on an electric bike to parasailing above the shore, Bellanca Hotel ensures that you’ll have an exciting experience on, below and above the island.

10. Snug Harbor Inn

Hotel

Snug Harbor Inn will keep you snug indeed. This six-room hotel is a popular hideaway for celebrities who desire an escape from the paparazzi. Ocean views, deep jetted soaking tubs and breakfast in bed will tempt you to never leave your room. Perhaps evening wine and hors d’oeuvres will tease you out? If not, we’re sure that the ocean will seduce you into at least one sun-soaked visit to the sand and surf.

For more places to stay on sunny Santa Catalina, book one of the best hotels on the island now via Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article