Catalina Island - Best Place to Stay?
 

Hi,
We are thinking of going to Catalina Island over the 4th of July weekend as part of our honeymoon. Which hotel is best? I'd like relaxation and some pampering, if possible. I'd appreciate any advice - thanks in advance!

I was looking for a place to go on Catalina and found this place http://thebestspots.com/catalina_more_photos.htm. If only for the view, thought it looked great.

I've stayed in Catalina twice but alas I found no pampering there . My bad luck? Perhaps.

There is a wonderful small hotel located at the top of the hill on Catalina. I went to a wedding once there and it was stunning. I'm sorry I don't recall the name of it, but I'm sure it would be easy to track down. I believe it was in a historic house. The view was spectacular and the food was good too. Perfect place for a honeymoon.

Could this be Inn at Mt Ada which is the former home of the Wrigleys? Here's the web site http://www.catalina.com/mtada/ Beautiful place starts at about $350 per night for smallest room.

Also Hotel Vista Del Mar is adjacent to the ocean: http://www.hotel-vistadelmar.com/vista/home.html

Yes, that's it! It is expensive, isn't it? But maybe the rates include meals.... then again, maybe not! But what a spot for a honeymoon.

Inn at Mt. Ada it is for luxury and pampering. They even throw in a golf cart to get down the hill. NHC, you will have a problem getting reservations anywhere in Avalon over 4th of July, unless you call as someone is cancelling. Most of us reserve a year in advance for all of the "best" places. Over the 4th, there is also a 3 night minimum stay as well. But it IS a great place to be for the 4th, with a wonderful golf-cart parade down Crescent (the ocean-front drag) and terrific fireworks over the harbor.

Another thing: you will want to get your Catalina Express tickets NOW, or those will also be sold out relatively soon. The good news is you can book with them, and cancel the day before if you're stuck without a hotel room.