Catalina Island: Pavilion Hotel and Avalon Grille Review

Just a 5 minute walk once disembarking from the Catalina Express, you’ll walk right up to the Pavilion Hotel.  The hotel is surrounded by the registration area, a beautiful courtyard with heaters and beach view seating, a lovely fire ring surrounded by comfortable seats, and lounge chairs.  On the other side the Pavilion Wine Bar that triples as the continental breakfast area and library is lovely decorated in a beach theme and nautical prints.  Centrally located in Avalon each room is crisp white with yellow and navy accents that  is just so fitting for the area. 

We had an early arrival to the island, so the hotel checked us in and kindly held our luggage until proper check in which is usually 3pm.  Our phone call came that our room was ready and our luggage was taken to our room on the second floor.  Wireless internet, a flat screen television, an iHome music center and roomy accommodations awaited us.The day we arrived it was cloudy and cool, so the heaters in the patio and the fire pit were a welcome refuge during the bonus wine half hour.  This is a wonderful addition to comfortable accommodations.  Both white and red wines from California were served (one was Ravenswood where we’ve even visited and tasted there) with a plateful of wonderful cheeses and bread.  It was wonderful coming out and joining other guests and relaxing and not worrying about driving afterwards, it brings the hotel community and the staff is so very generous.  If your children are joining you, the snacks are available as well as lemonade!Even another perk staying at the Pavilion, complimentary check out of an Apple iPad to use while you relax in the patio.  Looking for a dining spot, a specific activity on the island or just needing to check into your email, you can as at the registration desk and use the iPad for an hour or two.  Something great for your kids to use if they’ve come along and you’re enjoying your wine hour.  I love that the hotel is up on modern technology!

Saturday morning was lovely and beautiful, here’s the view from our front window.  Continental breakfast is included each morning to enjoy in the library or the patio, or even bring back to your room.  Fresh fruits, breads, cereal, juices, and Starbucks coffee will wake you up and get you ready for your day!

When you or the kids need a snack, the library carries a bunch of taffys, caramels, and treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat, the Avalon Grille is affiliated with the Pavilion Hotel and is just about a handful of buildings down the street.  Featuring classic American comfort food with a twist, you can eat in or slightly out (heaters) and still enjoy the scenic Avalon Bay.  Nightly specials, a full bar, and either casual or dressy attire is completely acceptable.   My husband and I shared wine, bread, Carrot Soup, and twin Filet Mignon that was out of this world!  A $50 price tag was well worth the flavors and atmosphere.

I’ve told so many people already about the Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island, it’s so wonderful, comfortable, and accessible to the rest of the quaint town, it’ll be my number one choice to promote on the island being so inclusive.  I love so many of their decorating ideas (ladder in restroom can go anywhere and hold anything like photos) and the cabinet structure in the library/wine bar.  I can’t wait to go back!

We were hosted for 2 nights  at the hotel while our dinner was paid by us.  All opinions are our own and not influenced by any source!