Aurora Hotel

The Aurora Hotel has an enviable location on Catalina Island in California and offers amazing views, great access to the many activities in the area, and a long list of amenities. Those who love the sea will adore the setting here as it sits directly along the Pacific Ocean’s shore. It is around 35 miles from both the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana as well as the Long Beach Airport, and yet it is a three-minute walk to many appealing boutiques and restaurants, beaches and the local boat terminal.

And while its nearly waterfront location and charming surroundings are enough to make it worth a visit for almost any leisure traveler, it has many excellent amenities that only add to its appeal. There are shuttle services, a concierge desk, free Wi-Fi throughout, an array of terraces furnished for hours of leisure, and a lot of different activity options that include cycling, hiking and even organized tours or diving options (some require additional fees). The rooftop deck is wildly appealing, particularly at sunset, and the Friday wine and cheese receptions are utterly charming. Start each day with a hearty, complimentary breakfast, and be sure to stop for breakfast if a stay coincides with a Saturday morning since a mimosa bar is part of the experience.

The accommodations include standard rooms with full or partial ocean views as well as suites. All rooms include luxurious robes, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, hot beverage makers, microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and entertainment systems, and private baths stocked with toiletries.

For a first or hundredth visit to Catalina Island, the Aurora Hotel will greatly enhance any stay.