- Catalina Island sunsets are romantic, and best of all, free.castillo de santa catalina image by Moritz Frei from Fotolia.com
Immortalized in the song "26 Miles Across the Sea" Catalina Island is often referred to as the "Island of Romance." It actually sits 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles and is reachable by sea or air. The main town of Avalon covers one square mile, is pedestrian friendly and filled with hotels, many in century old buildings. Though luxury properties abound, it is possible to find some well located properties that offer discounted rates. - The light yellow and brick red façade of the Hotel MacRae is only a few feet from the sands of Avalon Bay but it is one of the least expensive properties in town. The 26-room property, built in 1920, offers four units on the second floor with panoramic ocean views. The remaining rooms offer views of the hotel's Mediterranean style courtyard.
Modern amenities include air conditioning, cable TV and DVD player. Hospitality suites are available for early arrivals or late departures. Rooms are decorated in soft pastels with bright purple, turquoise and yellow accents.
Sunday through Thursday night rates are the least expensive, especially in the off season (October 18th to May 27th). One and two night packages that include ferry transportation from Dana Point, Long Beach, San Pedro or Newport Beach are available.
Nearby restaurants include Steve's Steakhouse, Ning's Chinese Garden and the Lobster Trap, all within a one block radius.
Hotel MacRae
409 Crescent Avenue
Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704
310-510-0246
hotelmacrae.com - Providing up to 400 square feet of living space with kitchenettes, the mini-suites at the El Terado Terrace are offered at hotel room prices. In addition, the property has partnered with local restaurants such as the Buffalo Nickel and Steve's Steakhouse to offer dining discounts to hotel guests. Mid week and low season specials are offered.
Individual suites offer one king or two double beds, a 37-inch flat screen TV, private sun patio and a shared garden patio complete with barbeque grill. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Guests must be 21 or older to register. Younger guests must be accompanied by adults.
The property is located six blocks from the beach at Avalon Bay. The Landing Bar and Grill, a local pub offering panoramic bay views, is half a block away.
El Terado Terrace
230 Marilla Avenue
Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704
310-510-0831
elterado.com
(ref 3, also used specials, rates and res system to check rates) - Built in 1990, the Casa Mariquita charmingly mimics the open air Spanish architecture of neighboring hotels. The property is not quite a block from Avalon Bay, but that little bit of breathing room offers guests a quieter vacation experience away from the crowds on Main Street.
The 22 room property offers suites and hotel rooms with king or two double beds. Connecting rooms are available, making this an ideal choice for families. All rooms include daily continental breakfast, cable TV, wireless Internet access, mini-fridge and air conditioning.
The real savings is in the seasonal packages. Casa Mariquita offers two night weekend packages as well as one night midweek (Sunday through Thursday) specials that include round trip ferry transportation from Dana Point, San Pedro or Long Beach.
Nearby eateries include Bruno's New York Style Pizza and Avalon's Plaza Cafe
Casa Mariquita Hotel
229 Metropole Avenue
Avalon, CA 90704
310-510-1192
casamariquitahotel.com
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