Catalina Island, southern California's offshore paradise, has several European style hotels offering comfortable suite accommodations. We found one that is only a beach ball bounce from the sand and within an easy stroll of Avalon’s many attractions.
The Villa Portofino Hotel
The Villa Portofino is a small boutique hotel in the Mediterranean style. It has thirty-five beautifully appointed rooms and suites.
After a pleasant ride from Long Beach on the Catalina Express, we disembarked in Avalon and checked into the hotel a little after 3pm. Our suite, the Portofino, was on the second floor and just below an expansive sundeck reserved exclusively for guests.
Upon entering the suite, we were immediately drawn to the French doors that overlooked the harbor and an uncrowded section of the town’s beach. What a view!
We opened the doors and a fresh breeze carried soft Italian music from the Ristorante Villa Portofino below. We looked down to see several patrons enjoying mid-afternoon cheese and wine in the restaurant’s cozy little outdoor patio.
The comforts at the Villa Portofino
Our quarters had all the conveniences you would expect in an AAA triple diamond property. All guests are provided cable TV, Wi-Fi internet connection, air conditioning, a refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, and an iron.
Each suite has an inviting fireplace, a sumptuous marble bath, and an ocean view.
Many of the hotels in Avalon are in the intimate European tradition. Several, like the Villa Portofino, are on or near Crescent Avenue, a busy promenade that hugs a four block sandy shoreline along the bay. See slideshow at the end of this article.
The attractions of Avalon
A leisurely stroll down Crescent Avenue takes you past the Green Pleasure Pier with its casual restaurants and water sports rentals, a sunny uncluttered beach, the venerable Tuna Club of Santa Catalina, and the famous Catalina Island Yacht Club.
A short distance to the north, Crescent Avenue turns into Casino Way. The street and its picturesque seaside walkway continues on to the Grand Casino, and Descanso Beach with its ocean front bar and grill – completely open to the gentle Pacific breeze.
Elegant Italian dining
After an invigorating walk, and as darkness fell on Catalina, we made our way back to our hotel and the Ristorante Villa Portofino. The extensive menu and wine list is most worthy of the Three Star Award the establishment has received from the prestigious California Restaurants Writers’ Association – for three years running.
The food was of exceptional quality, and the service was outstanding. Our dining experience was the perfect ending to a day at our favorite California island getaway.
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“The port town of Avalon is a picture perfect destination at the end of a short and pleasant boat ride. It is also a world away from the cares and concerns of the hectic mainland. A few days on Catalina Island will clear your mind and recharge your batteries like few other places on earth.” Happy travels!
For more information about the Villa Portofino Hotel and Ristorante click here – Catalina Express click here.
To read our other Catalina Island articles – select the topic:
© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
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Comments
I read all your Catalina stories. I spent so many great days on Catalina as a child. Thank you for the memories.
Looks like the fire didn't reach Avalon? I heard it was pretty bad. That looks like a really great hotel.
On two occassions we have taken your advice before and have not been sorry. We will definately try this Inn on our next trip to Catalina (every summer for a week)
There are many fine hotels in Avalon, but this is the best. We had a family emergency while we were on vacation and the staff of the VP were so very helpful. I love them all.
We are so looking forward to a trip to Catalina. What you describe is so inviting. We want a place where we can just chill out for a week and enjoy the beach and nice restaurants. The Vila Portofino looks like just what we are after. We will let you know how our stay turns out.
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