Greer's OC

Catalina Island has been a welcome respite as travelers seek a getaway with outdoor activities and open spaces. Now through March 25, 2022, Catalina Express and hotel partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 10 hotels in Avalon as part of its popular annual “Best of Winter” offering. 

With activities galore to experience from Eco tours into Catalina’s interior, undersea adventures in a semi-submersible submarine, to kayaking, parasailing, hiking, and enjoying the myriad shops and boutiques, many with locally made products, there’s no reason not to stay a night or two in Avalon. 

With events such as the family-friendly Kite Festival on February 6, 40th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup on February 26, to the  Otillo Swimrun Catalina on March 19, there are plenty of things to see and do.

From budget to luxury, newly renovated and historic hotels, there is a deal to fit every pocketbook and taste. Following is a sampling of winter offerings; a full listing can be found here. Each package includes round-trip boat transportation on Catalina Express. Even better, several Avalon hotels offer discounts on activities and tours, complimentary continental breakfast, and/or wine and cheese hour. Below is a sampling of some of the Best of Winter packages.

The Avalon Hotel

The Avalon Hotel guests experience a whole new level of Catalina Island lodging. Each guest room at this boutique hotel offers thoughtful touches like handmade natural soaps and fully lined bathrobes. An idyllic courtyard with a koi pond is a guest favorite, as is the rooftop deck to enjoy while watching the sky put on a dramatic show.

• The Best of Winter Package includes:
• Two-night stay in a Garden View Room double occupancy only
• Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two
• Complimentary taxi to and from the hotel once in Avalon
• Extended continental breakfast served in the Koi Garden

Packages start at $494 based on double occupancy, including taxes, for a savings of up to 44 percent. This package is valid for stays Sunday - Thursday, through March 25, 2021. Based on availability. Holiday and special event dates excluded. To book, click here. 

Bellanca Hotel 

Bellanca Hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar top-to-bottom renovation with contemporary architecture, luxe amenities, coupled with a soothing color palette and ocean-inspired furnishings. A Rooftop Lounge reserved for hotel guests serves up ocean views, comfortable lounges and seating, light bites, and beach chic cocktails. Bellanca also is home to Naughty Fox, a modern beach bar serving coastal cuisine all day long.  

• Go & Play Winter Getaway includes:
• One night accommodations
• Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two
• Taxi Transfer from the ferry terminal
• Bottle of sparkling wine

Packages start at $299 (based on double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 55 percent. You must travel to Catalina Sunday – Thursday and return Monday – Friday. Based on availability. Valid through March 25, 2021. Holiday and special event dates excluded. To book, click here. 

Hotel Atwater

Hotel Atwater stays true to the Wrigley family legacy with family heirlooms in the lobby and splits of sparkling wine in each guest room as a tribute to Helen Atwater Wrigley and the glass of bubbly she enjoyed every evening before bed.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

• One-night accommodation
• Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two
• Two splits of sparkling wine of arrival day
• 15% discount on Catalina Island Company activities and tours
• 15% off spa treatments and day passes at the Island Spa Catalina
•  $20 credit per night for Catalina Island Company restaurant  

Rates start at $110 per person, double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 30 percent. You must travel to Catalina Sunday – Thursday and return Monday – Friday. Based on availability. Black-out dates are February 13-14, February 20-21, and March 1, 2022. Valid through March 25, 2022. To book click here.

Hotel Catalina

Built in 1916, Hotel Catalina is a historic blue and white Victorian landmark that can be seen when entering the harbor. Quietly nestled a few doors from Avalon Bay, this Catalina Island lodging offers all the charm and hospitality of Catalina’s yesteryear – yet you will feel right at home with all the modern amenities and conveniences of today.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

• One-night accommodation
• Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two
• Free morning Kona coffee, Tea, Juice, and donuts
• 10% Discount at Original Jack’s Breakfast Kitchen
• 10% Discount Catalina Adventure Tours
• Round Trip Shuttle from the boat dock $20 extra

Rates start at $83.50 per person, double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 15 percent. These packages are valid for stays Sunday – Thursday, through March 25, 2021, based on availability. To book, visit here.  

Hotel Metropole 

Experience Catalina Island’s natural beauty and unlimited activities from the incomparable Hotel Metropole. Centrally located in the heart of Avalon, and just steps from the beach, Hotel Metropole is the perfect spot for romantic, family and singles getaways, as well as social gatherings, business meetings, and weddings. 

The Best of Winter Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in Deluxe Room
•  Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two
• Champagne in room for two

Packages start at $285 based on double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 30 percent. These packages are valid for stays Sunday -Thursday, through March 25, 2021. Based on availability. To book, click here.