Couples don’t have to book costly flights to Mykonos or Sardinia to get a first-class island escape. There’s Santa Catalina, a jewel of the Channel Islands that is only a 1-hour ferry ride away from Los Angeles. Scenic hiking trails are plentiful, the atmosphere is uber-relaxed, locals use golf carts instead of cars to get around, and you’ve got some unique attractions like a 1929-built Art Deco Casino too. Staying here overnight or spending more days is a fantastic idea for an idyllic rewind enjoying each other. So we’ve collected the best Catalina Island hotels for couples just for that.
Pavilion Hotel
When it’s a romantic trip we’re talking about – the hotel experience should be special. Pavilion Hotel offers that with magnificent tropical gardens, daily complimentary wine and cheese tastings by the fire ring, and a superb location by the bay. It’s an accommodation embodiment of an island dream, an ultimate place to relax and give in to remoteness. Choose between different room types, with some units coming with private balconies and patios. For a more luxurious break, opt for ocean-facing 750-square-foot suites. All the attractions of Avalon are just a short walk away, so you’re very well-connected to the urban life too.
Key Amenities:
-
Luggage service from the ferry terminal
-
Personalized concierge
-
Free beach towels provided
Hotel Atwater
One of the best Catalina Island hotels for couples, Hotel Atwater pairs the architecture from the 20s with pastel-colored contemporary designs. The interiors are a delight to be around, the window views are marvelous, and the service is impeccable. You will be staying right in the heart of Avalon, with all the restaurants and cafes easily accessible. A romantic getaway to Santa Catalina island also means lots of exploration hand-in-hand. Embark on a bison-searching 4×4 adventure, go scuba diving, and take a thrilling eco zip line tour.
Key Amenities:
-
Complimentary sparkling wine reception on arrival
-
Tours and activities organized on-site
-
Smart TVs in the rooms
Bellanca Hotel
A more modern take on traditional Santa Catalina lodging, Bellanca Hotel sports contemporary interior designs and a white-and-blue palette. The ocean-facing units are the best choice for lovers here. There’s nothing better than waking up to the Pacific blue and admiring it from the privacy of your room. Moreover, Bellanca is among a few accommodations that have a restaurant on-site. You will have a chance to enjoy the seafood on an airy terrace with the ocean vistas – a great addition to your Catalina experience.
Key Amenities:
-
24-hour front desk
-
Restaurant and bar on-site serving Californian cuisine
-
Soaking tubs and gas fireplaces in suites
Catalina Island Seacrest Inn
Steps away from the action-packed waterfront of Avalon, Catalina Island Seacrest Inn is an easygoing lodging perfect for a base to explore the island. Also, it’s among the best affordable Catalina Island hotels for couples, prices start from 150 USD for a double, and it’s quite a bargain considering the killer location and all the amenities. Don’t come expecting luxury though – the proposition here is simple. Think well-appointed rooms with cozy decors and an unpretentious island vibe. The communal rooftop terrace is a gem where you’ll be able to watch gorgeous Avalon sunsets and observe the picturesque hilly terrain.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooftop sundeck with ocean views
-
BBQ grill on a terrace available to guests
-
Full kitchens and private outdoor patios in selected suites
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel
Sense of style reigns supreme at the magnificent Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. Occupying a former vacation home of an iconic 20s century American Western writer Zane Grey, today this lodging is a vivid star of the Santa Catalina hotel scene. Couples will love the sweeping ocean views from the charmingly decorated rooms – the sunrises and sunsets here are truly breathtaking. There’s even a special Honeymoon Suite with a private patio and incredible panoramas of the island. You’ve also got a scenic swimming pool that gives strong Santorini vibes and a gorgeous terrace perfect for alfresco dining. The location above Avalon allows you to access the upper hiking trails straight from your hotel.
Key Amenities:
-
Panoramic rooftop terrace with a pool
-
Shuttle service for ferry arrivals
-
On-site restaurant with a scenic patio
The Edgewater
It’s one of the super-central properties that are ideal for a Santa Catalina day trip. The Edgewater is right on the beach, just across from the ferry terminal, and close to everything worth visiting in Avalon. Queen suite with large panoramic windows and an exceptional view of the bay and legendary Casino is the best choice for a couple’s retreat in Catalina. Having sparkling wine with such a vista is an ultimate must-do for lovebirds while on the island. Don’t miss a chance to see an old movie in a striking Art Deco theater inside the Casino building, a magical experience to get transported to the Old Hollywood past. A walk to the attraction from The Edgewater won’t take you more than 8 minutes.
Key Amenities:
-
Concierge service and a communal lounge area
-
Indoor sitting porches in the oceanfront suites
-
Beach towels and available upon request
Aurora Hotel
A stay in Aurora Hotel feels like you’re in a boutique lodging somewhere on Spanish Balearic islands – there’s something of classic European island leisure in the atmosphere here. To have the best views and the most unforgettable Catalina time, couples should consider booking a standard room with a full sea view. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the breeze and the all-encompassing panoramas from your private balcony. Isn’t it what escape from the bustle should feel like? If you want to make a surprise for your significant other, book a romance package that includes a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, and a couples massage.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooftop deck with ocean and Avalon vistas
-
Complimentary wine and cheese reception every Friday
-
Complimentary continental breakfast included
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Romantic trips love luxurious surroundings, and that’s exactly what Hotel Vista Del Mar offers. Their oceanfront suite is among the most exclusive ways to experience the beauty of Catalina Island. You will get unobstructed Avalon Harbor vistas (including an iconic Casino), a jetted spa tub for special moments together, a fireplace, and a wet bar with a refrigerator. The city beach is literally across the street, so you will be catching the Pacific sun rays in no time (the hotel provides beach mats and chairs).
Key Amenities:
-
Romantic packages available
-
Zipline adventure tours organized directly at a hotel
-
Complimentary breakfast, milk & cookies in the evening, and movie library
