Head to Catalina Island this Winter

Catalina Island and Catalina Express have teamed up to offer visitors some fabulous deals to enjoy now through March 2017. The “Best of Winter” packages and discounts include round trip boat transportation and savings up to 65%.

Now through March 2017, Catalina Express and Paradise Hotel Partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 20 hotels in Avalon as part of its “Best of Winter” offering.  And with events galore taking place through March, there’s no reason to say no to a day or overnight in Avalon.

The “Best of Winter” packages give you more reasons to visit.

From budget to luxury, 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 transportation on Catalina Express. Hint, several Avalon hotels offer complimentary continental breakfast and/or wine and cheese hour, events  abound, from the new First Fridays at the Museum, where each month the Catalina Island Museum provides a unique themed experience and an opportunity to explore its galleries, digital theater, outdoor plazas and Museum Store after hours,  Avalon Home Tour on December 10, experiencing Avalon’s most memorable homes, 4th Annual Catalina Island Museum Holiday  Symphony Concert on December 16, An Evening with Oscar on February 26, 2017 and Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon/10K/5K/Kids Run on March 11, 2017 and the Catalina Island Conservancy Ball on April 1, 2017 – there is no shortage of things to do and sights to see.

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

Guests take in the harbor views and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets from one of the large balconies and lull themselves in one of our wicker rocking chairs or relax on a wicker settee. The garden courtyard offers another perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening. Take a soothing soak in the in-ground Jacuzzi or have a barbecue on the large gas grill.

Best of Winter package includes round trip boat on Catalina Express (Dana Point departure $2.00 extra), one or two Night stay in a Standard Room (upgrades available), courtesy morning tea, Kona coffee, juice and donuts, plus 10% Discount for breakfast, lunch or dinner at four of CatalinaHotSpot restaurants (El Galleon Steakhouse, Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret on the Waterfront and Original Jack’s Country Kitchen) and 10% Discount on Tours with Catalina Adventure Tours. One night midweek (Sunday through Thursday) rates start at  $81.00 per person and two-night minimum weekend (Friday & Saturday) rates start at $184.50 per person, more than 35 percent.

Santa Catalina Island Company is offering Winter Specials at Pavilion Hotel and Mt. Ada.

Pavilion Hotel features luxury accommodations overlooking an elegantly landscaped tropical garden only 14 steps from the beach. Join other guests around the hotel’s large inviting fire ring every evening for complimentary wine and cheese receptions. Or just relax and find your own island rhythm in the cool ocean breeze on your semi-private courtyard lanai.

Pavilion Hotel package includes:

• Island chic accommodations only steps from the beach and Avalon Bay
• Complimentary hot breakfast and evening wine & cheese reception
• Access to fitness classes and wellness program at Island Spa Catalina
• Bell service and dockside luggage service to and from Pavilion Hotel

Rates start at $127 per person/per night, a savings of $105 per person/per night

Mt. Ada is the former home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada. This one-of-kind 6-guestroom mansion offers unparalleled Avalon, Catalina Island and Pacific views from its spectacular wrap-around terrace. The downstairs rooms are decorated in period elegance reflecting a bygone era, allowing guests today to enjoy Mt. Ada much like the Wrigley’s did nearly a century ago.

Mt. Ada package includes:

• Elegantly appointed accommodations with incomparable Avalon views
• Breakfast, lunch and evening wine and hors d’oeuvre reception
• Butler’s Pantry stocked with fresh fruit, ice cream, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine
• Use of a golf cart to explore the Island during your stay
• Priority cabana and chaise lounge booking at Descanso Beach Club
• Access to tennis courts at Catalina Country Club
• Complimentary green fees at Catalina Island Golf Course
• Access to Island Spa Catalina pool, hot tub, relaxation deck, and fitness classes
• Discover the Casino Tour of historic Catalina Casino
• Private transportation from airport, heliport, boat terminal or other lodging
• Daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service, and Wi-Fi

Rates start at $250 per person/per night, a savings of $95 per person/per night

The Avalon Hotel: The Avalon Hotel offers breathtaking 360-degree vista of Avalon and its beautiful harbor from the hotel’s Rooftop Getaway. This quaint boutique hotel features a Garden Patio and captivating fountain,  fire pit, secluded seating and intricate landscaping.

Modern conveniences abound in this icon of early Californian architecture. Most rooms feature 42 inch flat screens. High-speed internet connections are available for your convenience in each room at no extra charge.

Winter package includes a two-night stay, double occupancy in a Garden View room, two free round trip boat tickets on the Catalina Express,  taxi to and from the hotel once guests arrive in Avalon and Continental breakfast. Prices start at $429, inclusive of tax for a savings of 65 percent.

Portofino Hotel: Consistently rated one of Avalon’s best hotels, the Hotel Villa Portofino, now part of the Eat.Drink.Sleep. hotel group carries on the traditions of a European seaside resort with high-quality standards, personalized service, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm. Located just steps from the beach, shops, and sights, the Hotel Villa Portofino is where European Elegance and the Pacific Ocean meet. Package includes round trip boat transportation, taxi transfers, and continental breakfast. From $145 per person, double occupancy, for one night, savings of up to 45 percent.

Snug Harbor Inn: Is a quaint, six-room, luxury hotel located in Avalon. Like the rooms, each guest is treated as an individual, and the staff members are always on hand to ensure guests have an enjoyable and memorable stay with us. Its stylish and welcoming Cape Cod theme not only soothes the most harried of souls but also evokes the essence and romance of life by the sea. Winter Special includes luxury overnight stay, round-trip boat transportation on Catalina Express, continental  breakfast served in your room and wine and hors d’oeuvres each evening.

Rates start at $128.50 per person, per night, including tax, for a savings of $106.00.

Check out related posts to get inspired

• Photo tour: Catalina Island
• Stay: Avalon Hotel
• Five Steps for Planning a Catalina Island Vacation
• Cruise excursion: Nautilus Eco Tour Adventure On Catalina Island
• Cruise excursion: Undersea Expedition
• Catalina Island Family Activities For Cruise Visitors
• Family vacation cruise via the Catalina Flyer to Catalina Island

Catalina Island