We are planning to stay for 2.5 days but don't know alot about the area nor do we know where to stay. what do you think?

Seeking romantic accomodations? Or are you young and looking for a quick walk to the party places? A hotel with a view? Or a cheap place to crash?

In my opinion some of the nicest places to stay are The Inn on Mt. Ida, which has spectacular views because of it's mountaintop location. It's probably about $300.00 in November for a standard room. Village Portofino is steps from the beach and the room has a fireplace. I think it would probably run about $100.00. The Metropole should be about $200.00. La Paloma is about a block from the ocean and it's very reasonable at about $70.00. Some of the things you can do is rent a golf cart and tour the island, tour the casino, and walk along the beach, which is very small. I like Catalina Island, but I think 1 day and 1 night is plenty of time there.

We are looking for a romantic getaway, but we are young and love sports or activities, sites. We don't want to be so far removed from everything.
We are not looking for anything too pricey but we do enjoy nice accommodations.

i don't know if i'd worry about being right on the beach...could be chilly in november if there's a breeze.

Most accomodations in Avalon won't be far removed from anything - it's a pretty compact town. The Inn on Mt. Ada or Zane Grey hotel are a bit of a hike uphill on opposite sides of town but have great views. Zane Grey is more moderately priced.

I have been to catalina many times and cannot say enough about hamilton cove. Although not many details were given about how many people are going, how much you are willing to spend, etc, hamilton cove is probably the most luxurious and romantic places in the island. These are actual villas sprawled across a hill with a rocky beach, mini-golf course, and tennis courts. I think the rates are around 150-250 (thats a guess) for a one-bedroom villa and 250-350 (I know this for sure) for the two bedroom villas. It seems very secluded but is really only about a 3 minute golf cart ride from avalon.

We always stay at the Metropole. They have some nice junior suites with fireplaces (albeit gas) and a spa on the top floor. On the waterfront.

There's another cute place right on Crescent Ave. -- the name escapes me right now, but it's right above the Mexican restaurant. That hotel is great, especially if you can get one of the four rooms with balconies overlooking the street and beach.

I would recomend the Catalina Island Inn - we were there in April & they take good care of you. Ask for the corner room with balcony access - a great view of the beach.

My husband and I are looking for a romantic getaway for a day or two over the X-mas holidays. And we have never been to Catalina Island. Would it be a good place to go in late Dec.? We just want to relax and enjoy each other's company. A nice, romantic B&B or Inn with privacy, some view (doesn't have to be close to the beach) and a fireplace in the room would be what we are looking for. It can't be more than $200/night though.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Ana

It depends. Please let us know how good looking the male half of 'we' is.

For Chris, who wrote in Nov. 2002: I'm looking for more info on Hamilton Cove. I posted a question today (1/22/04) - would love your opinion.