Catalina Island Escape: Luxurious Avalon Hotel Awaits!
Catalina Island Escape: A Luxurious Avalon Hotel… Or Was It? (A Messy, Opinionated Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile travel review. This is real life. And my recent "luxurious" escape to Avalon on Catalina Island? Well, it had its moments, shall we say. Let's dive headfirst into the chaos, shall we?
SEO & Metadata (Ugh, I hate this part, but here we go)
- Keywords: Catalina Island, Avalon, Hotel Review, Luxurious, Spa, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Pools, Restaurants, Beach Getaway, California, COVID-19 Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of a "luxurious" Avalon hotel on Catalina Island. From amazing spa treatments and questionable accessibility, to spotty Wi-Fi and the never-ending battle for a decent breakfast. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions!
- Title: Catalina Island Escape: Luxurious Avalon Hotel Awaits! (But Does It Deliver?) - A Brutally Honest Review
First Impressions (and a LOT of Rambling)
Right, so the brochures promised paradise. Turquoise waters, sun-drenched beaches, and a luxurious hotel experience. The photos? Pure Instagram gold. The reality? Well, let's just say the first hurdle was getting Access to the damn place. Catalina Island isn't exactly known for its ease of access. Ferry delays? Check. Steep, winding roads upon arrival? Double-check. I'm not saying it's a death trap, but if you're prone to motion sickness, BYO Dramamine. And if you need Airport transfer forget it, its a boat ride so prepare for that.
Accessibility – The Elephant in the Room (and the Steep Steps Everywhere)
Here's where things get messy. The hotel, in theory, offers Facilities for disabled guests. They say it's Wheelchair accessible. And yeah, there's an Elevator. But then you encounter a step here, a narrow doorway there, and a general feeling that someone tried to make it accessible, but maybe just glanced at the definition of “accessible” and called it a day. Some things were good however, the check-in was Contactless, and the lobby itself was pretty accessible.
My experience was that you could get to the hotel room but there was more that could be done. I would always ask before booking again.
On-Site Stuff - Food, Drinks, and the Pursuit of Relaxation
Okay, let's get into the good stuff. The hotel had a bunch of offerings.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- Restaurants: There were Restaurants. Plural! One promising International cuisine, another with a hint of Asian cuisine (though my Asian breakfast was…well, let's just say it wasn't exactly authentic).
- Bar: A decent Bar, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. Or several, depending on how stressful the day was. They had a Poolside bar, so that was a plus.
- Coffee Shops and Coffee/tea in restaurant: I appreciated the quick options. Coffee was key, especially after yesterday's cocktail.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless the 24-hour room service. Essential for those late-night snack cravings (or when you just can't bring yourself to leave the comfort of your Air conditioning).
The food quality? It has its ups and downs. The Buffet in restaurant was alright but it did get old fast, and the Salad in restaurant was bland. Don't expect miracles.
Ways to Relax: The Spa and the Pool with a View (Maybe)
The spa… now that was a highlight. Truly, amazing. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage, which were pure bliss. Seriously, go for the spa. The Sauna and Steamroom were on point, making the whole experience worth it. There was a Spa/sauna set-up that allowed you to relax afterwards. The Foot bath was a welcome surprise. My experience was that it was a lovely spa overall.
The Swimming pool was another positive. The view from the Pool with view was incredible.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Edition
Alright, let's talk about the big C. The hotel took Cleanliness and safety seriously, which was reassuring. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and even Professional-grade sanitizing services. There was Hand sanitizer practically glued to every available surface. They offered rooms with Room sanitization opt-out available. The staff were definitely trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. The Cashless payment service was very convenient.
I felt generally safe, but the constant awareness was a bit much. Is it really a “vacation” if you're constantly questioning if your coffee cup has been properly sanitized?
Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (with Some Quirks)
The rooms were… okay. They had Air conditioning, which was non-negotiable in the Avalon heat. The offered Free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. The Wi-Fi [free] access was actually reliable, which was a huge plus. They had a Desk and Laptop workspace for those who needed to do work.
My room had a Private bathroom and the Shower, was nice. The Blackout curtains were crucial for getting some sleep. It had the basic furniture, I appreciated the Closet to hang my clothes.
But… there were quirks. My room, while advertised as Non-smoking, smelled faintly of… well, let's just say I think the previous guest enjoyed their cigars. The Window that opens was a nice touch.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Existing)
Avalon offers more than just lounging around (shocking, I know). There's the iconic Casino (which isn't actually a casino in the gambling sense), kayaking, snorkeling, and more. The hotel offered plenty, it had Meeting/banquet facilities for those who needed them. The Gift/souvenir shop was great for impulse buys.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little Things)
The hotel had a lot of extras. The Concierge was helpful, and the Daily housekeeping kept things tidy. I loved the Luggage storage. They offer Car park [free of charge], I'll take it. There was a Convenience store.
For the Kids (If You Have Them)
I didn't bring any kids, but the hotel seemed Family/child friendly, with Kids meal options.
Getting Around (and the Price You Pay)
Forget about driving around island. You're on foot, or by taxi. The Taxi service was available, but sometimes a little slow.
Emotional Verdict: The Good, The Bad, and the Questionable
Overall? This Avalon hotel was a mixed bag. The spa was heavenly. The location was stunning. The food was… well, hit or miss. The accessibility needs serious work. The constant COVID-consciousness was a bit exhausting. And the price? Let's just say it was a hefty one.
Would I recommend it? Maybe. If you're looking for a luxurious escape and don't mind a few imperfections, and if you're not overly concerned about accessibility, then go for it. Just temper your expectations, pack your patience, and be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
My Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (mostly for the spa and the view).
Wingate by Wyndham Southport: Your Dream Southport, NC Getaway Awaits!
Catalina Island: A Mostly Glorious Clusterfuck (My Itinerary)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-planned, Instagram-filtered vacation. This is real. This is Catalina Island, and this is how I, a perpetually frazzled human, experienced it.
Day 1: Ferry Fiascos & Fuzzy Feelings
7:00 AM: Alarm clock's a monster. Already regretting this whole "vacation" thing. Coffee, lots of coffee. Checked the ferry schedules (again). Prayed to the travel gods for no delays. (They clearly weren't listening.)
8:00 AM: Arriving at the Long Beach port felt like navigating a chaotic refugee camp for tourists. Found the Catalina Express, barely. Security line was a whole thing. (Note to self: pack snacks. Important snacks).
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Ferry ride! The choppy ocean. A little seasickness. I felt a moment of utter joy because I forgot a change of clothes and I'm starting to sweat. Seagulls are the sky-rats of the sea, just, everywhere. The island starts to emerge on the horizon and I felt so happy I almost cried. It's beautiful!
10:30 AM: Avalon, baby! The chaos eased a little. The Hotel at Avalon is beautiful, the people are friendly. The hotel's a perfect place to rest and unwind. I've never seen a place that feels so calm, yet so busy.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Hotel is gorgeous. I feel like I should explore, but I'm tired. I decide to have lunch in my room. I order a sandwich, that was okay. After the sandwich, I take the world's shortest power nap.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Walking around Avalon. All the shops. The kitsch! Every single shop is filled with tourist traps. I kind of love it. The ice cream is calling my name. I have to resist. I don't want to start a chain reaction of eating. After walking around, I was ready to relax at the hotel.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Trying to relax, watching TV, but my brain is still running that marathon. I decided to take a nap, and after the nap I was ready for an adventure!
5:30PM - 7:00PM: Sunset cocktail at the hotel bar. (Expensive, but hey, vacation, right?). The view from my window is out of this world. The ocean is so blue and vast. The people are mostly very friendly. But the drinks are worth it.
7:00 PM: Dinner at some restaurant. I don't remember the name, but I had pasta. It was just… fine. Could have been better, could have been worse.
9:00 PM: Bedtime. Exhausted. Dreams of blue waters and maybe, just maybe, a decent night's sleep.
Day 2: Diving into Disasters (and Dolphins!)
7:00 AM: Still tired. Coffee. More coffee. The sun is shining, and I still don't feel well rested.
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Decided to go snorkeling. I had never done this before. I was nervous. I went to the beach and watched the others while trying to decide if I should go. I think I'll skip it. I'm not brave.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Decided to go on a jeep tour. I wanted to get to know this place. I wanted to see the wild side of the island. I was amazed by how empty the island was. I was even more amazed by the bison. This was worth the price.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Ordered a burger and fries. The burger was pretty good. The fries were okay. I was tired again. The jeep ride was incredible though. I can't believe I saw bison!
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Decided to try zip-lining. I'm afraid of heights, but I also want to live. The view was amazing. It was the most exhilarating experience.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Relax at the hotel.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. I ate at a restaurant called "Luau Larry's." It was cheesy, but very fun. They had the worst drinks ever. It was bad, but I still loved it.
7:00 PM: Strolled along the pier. So many people. I felt grateful for the day.
9:00 PM: Bed.
Day 3: Farewell, Island (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
7:00 AM: Last day! Actually feeling a little sad to leave.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Delicious. Maybe I can live here forever.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. The pressure! I bought a t-shirt. I was very pleased.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Ferry! I feel like I was going to go again. I want to go again. I'll miss this place.
1:00 PM: Back to the real life. Back to reality.
Overall Thoughts (A Messy Conclusion):
Catalina Island? Beautiful. Chaotic. Expensive. A little bit of a logistical nightmare sometimes. But worth it. Absolutely worth it. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even with the ferry drama, the overpriced cocktails, and the occasional bout of existential dread, the island's magic shines through. And hey, at least I have some stories to tell (and maybe therapy to process the zip-lining). Catalina, you glorious, slightly-offbeat island, you got me.
**Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!**
So, Catalina Island, huh? Sounds fancy. Is it REALLY worth the hype?
Okay, honest moment? I went in expecting a perfectly curated Instagram feed come to life. Think sparkling turquoise water, flawless tans, and everyone sipping something ridiculously expensive with a tiny umbrella. The reality? Well...it's...real. It's charming, yes. Gorgeous, absolutely. But it's also got a slightly gritty, lived-in vibe that I *weirdly* loved. Picture this: you arrive, get off the ferry (which, by the way, can be a *little* choppy – bring Dramamine, trust me), and the second you step onto the dock, you're hit with a wave of salty air, the smell of fresh fish, and a cacophony of seagulls squawking like they're auditioning for a horror film. I'm talking seagulls trying to steal your croissant the second you set it down at the cafe, constant. It’s a bit of a messy start, to be frank. But in its own way, the island is kind of perfect. And yeah, it's worth it. Especially if you're looking for *something*.
Alright, the Avalon Hotel. Is this the "luxurious" part? Did it live up to the "luxury" billing?
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to wax poetic about the *actual* Avalon Hotel. It's a beautiful thing. The rooms are seriously well-appointed – think plush, fluffy everything, the kind where you sink into the bed and immediately fall asleep. Not that I did that…*cough*… on the first day straight from the ferry after my Dramamine kicked in, of course. The lobby? Chique and inviting. It's got this whole, old-school Hollywood glam thing going on, you know? Chandeliers, velvet couches, the works. I felt kind of glamorous, in the way you feel glamorous when you're wearing your best comfy pants and a messy bun. The staff were *amazing* – like, genuinely helpful and friendly. The pool? Oh, the pool! I spent a solid chunk of my time there. It wasn’t olympic-sized, but that's fine by me. It had enough space to peacefully wade in the pool and it was so quiet. Absolute bliss.
Did you spend all your time in the pool then? What else is there to DO on Catalina Island?
Believe me, the pool was tempting, but yes, I did *eventually* drag myself away. Catalina is a treasure trove of things to do – some amazing, some…well, less so.
Things I adored:
- Snorkeling: The water is surprisingly clear! And the fish! So many colorful fish! I spent a joyous hour chasing some vibrant orange garibaldi and thinking I was Jacques Cousteau. (Spoiler alert: I am not)
- Golf Carting: Honestly, renting a golf cart and puttering around the island is an absolute MUST DO. It's the best way to see everything, and you can pretend you're a fancy celebrity on a leisurely drive. Just be warned, the hills are *steep* – I definitely almost toppled over a few times. Thank goodness for seatbelts.
- The Casino: Not for the gambling, I'm not a gambler! It's just cool, okay? The architecture is stunning. It was like stepping back in time. The ballroom is the stuff of legends! I’d highly recommend taking a tour, even if casinos aren’t your thing.
Okay, not my favorite:
- The Zip Line: Look, I have a *slight* fear of heights. Okay, maybe it's a *significant* fear of heights. I was a quivering mess up there. Amazing views, though…if you can open your eyes and appreciate them. This is the honest truth, I was shaking so bad I almost threw up. But I did it. Proud moment.
What's the food situation like? Are we talking overpriced tourist traps?
Okay, so the food. Yep, you can find some of those stereotypical tourist traps. The ones with the menus covered in pictures and the waitstaff who've clearly seen it all before. But, if you're willing to wander a bit, you'll find some real gems. I had some *amazing* seafood. Fresh, delicious...I even ate something I'd never tried before (scallops! Delicious!). There were also some fantastic little cafes with the kind of charming ambiance you'd expect from a paradise island.
Here are my food observations:
- Breakfast: The Avalon Hotel had a decent breakfast buffet. Not the *best* buffet ever (I'm a buffet connoisseur, and I've seen things), but it did the trick.
- Lunch: Grab a sandwich and eat it on the beach! Simple, satisfying, and you can’t beat the view.
- Dinner: Splurge on that fresh seafood. You’re on an island!
- Extra Tip: Look for places off the main drag. They often have better food and a more relaxed vibe. And if a place has live music, RUN don't walk to investigate.
Anything else I need to know before I go? Any "Catalina Island Survival Tips"?
Oh, you betcha! Catalina is amazing. But to truly *thrive* you need to know the unspoken rules of the island.
Here's the lowdown:
- Book your ferry *way* in advance: Especially if you're going during peak season. Otherwise, you'll be stuck on the mainland, sad and alone, dreaming of those turquoise waters.
- Sunscreen is your friend: The sun is *intense*. Reapply frequently, unless you want to look like a lobster. And trust me, your partner won't find that look attractive.
- Bring comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking (unless you're a golf cart god or goddess, then, congrats).
- Be prepared for the unexpected: The island can be a bit unpredictable (like that one time a rogue seagull tried to steal my ice cream straight from my hand). Embrace the chaos!
- Relax and enjoy: This is the most important tip. Catalina is meant to be enjoyed. Forget your worries, soak up the sun, eat some delicious food, and just *breathe*.
So, the big question: Would you go back? And would you recommend the Avalon Hotel?
Absolutely! I'd go back in a heartbeat. Catalina Island has a certain something to it. It's that mix of natural beauty, quirky charm, and the opportunity to completely disconnect from the world. It's the kind of place that leaves you feeling refreshed and a little bit more alive. The Avalon Hotel? Definitely recommend.Backpacker Hotel Find
Post a Comment for "Catalina Island Escape: Luxurious Avalon Hotel Awaits!"