Visiting Catalina Island during non-summer months has many perks, from more room to roam, cooler weather to incredible savings. Now through March 2020, Catalina Express and Hotel Partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 16 hotels in Avalon as part of its popular annual “Best of Winter” offering. And with events galore taking place through March, there’s no reason not to stay a night or two in Avalon. (Image Credit: David Mark/Pixabay)
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 complimentary continental breakfast and/or wine and cheese hour. Events on the Island abound during this time, from Shop Catalina Night on Dec. 1, a one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, musical entertainment and prize drawings; the 47th annual New Year’s Eve celebration; Polar Bear Swim Plunge on New Year’s Day; Annual Avalon Harbor Water Cleanup on February 22, 2019 (the only time SCUBA is allowed in Avalon Bay); and Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon on March 14. NOTE: 2020 events will be online in December 2019. Below is a sampling of some of the Best of Winter packages.
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. Stunning oceanfront VIP suites with fireplaces, jacuzzi baths and balconies overlook the beach. The hotel offers free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. The rooftop jacuzzi has a breathtaking view of the harbor where guests can relax and sip champagne.
Best of Winter Package includes:
- One night in a Deluxe Room
- Two round-trip tickets on Catalina Express
- Champagne upon arrival
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast
- Add one hour couples massage for $150 (regularly $180)
Call 800.300.8528 or book online using the code BEST to receive the discount.
Valid Sun – Thurs only through March 26th, 2020. This deal represents a 35 percent savings.
Holiday Inn Catalina Island Resort: Tucked back in the picturesque hills of Avalon, this property offers the perfect vacation destination for a family gathering, romantic getaway or business retreat. The hotel features spacious, newly-renovated rooms equipped with microwaves, compact refrigerators and complimentary WiFi. It also boasts a range of premium services and conveniences, designed to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for the length of any stay. The new on-site restaurant, The Cove, features house-smoked meats, tasty sides, appetizers and salads. The fare ranges from comfort food to bold flavors with a kick. The on-site Spa at Catalina offers daily spa services customized to your preferences and lifestyle.
Best of Winter Package includes
- One night accommodation
- Round-trip boat for two on Catalina Express
For one-night midweek (Sunday through Thursday), rates start at $161 double occupancy (plus tax). This price represent 50 percent savings and is available through March 26, 2020.
Originally opened in 1920, Hotel Atwater was the first hotel built under the direction of William Wrigley Jr. after he purchased the Catalina Island Company more than a century ago. He named the hotel in honor of Helen Atwater Wrigley, wife of his son Philip Knight Wrigley.
Completely renovated in 2019, this historic hotel stays true to the Wrigley family legacy with nostalgic elements like vases filled with fragrant carnations and splits of sparkling wine in every room, tributes to Helen’s love of flowers and glass of bubbly she enjoyed every evening before bed.
The Best of Fall & Winter Package includes:
- Round-trip transportation on Catalina Express
- Overnight accommodations at Hotel Atwater, including the following resort-style amenities for a requisite destination fee of $30 per room, per night.
o $40 food and beverage credit per night
o Two splits of sparkling wine on arrival day
o Use of a bicycle
o Fitness classes at Island Spa Catalina
o Use of beach towels and access to Descanso Beach Club
o Luggage service to and from the ferry terminal in Avalon
Rates start at $125 per person (double occupancy), excluding taxes and fees, for a savings of up to 26% Best of Fall & Winter is available through March 25, 2020.
About Catalina Island and Catalina Express
Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting over one million passengers annually. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and grouped table seating. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built/purchased specifically for comfort and speed. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world’s most respected ferry fleets. For information and reservations, call 800.429.4601, or visit Catalina Express.
Catalina Island’s clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. This laid-back island town is chock full of places to eat, drink and shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, Jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, snuba, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.
