Catalina Island – The Inn on Mount Ada

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Once you disembark the ferry in Avalon look up and to your left you will see the newly renovated Inn on Mt Ada.  It was once the home of William Wrigley, Jr. and it was named in honor of his wife Ada.  It is a six guestroom mansion overlooking the Avalon Bay with impressive views of Catalina Island, Avalon and the Pacific Ocean. A wrap around terrace allows for spectacular views from various angles.

I think of the Inn as an all-inclusive Bed and Breakfast with a complimentary Butler’s Pantry which is available throughout the day.  The Inn serves a hearty breakfast each morning and offers a seasonal lunch menu planned especially by the company’s executive chef.  Every evening a great selection of appetizers are served and paired with wines from all over the world. A complimentary shuttle will pick you up at whatever your arrival point on the island. And, for your convenience a golf cart is provided upon check-in to get you to and fro around the island.

2014-10-28_1500Duri2014-10-28_1038ng your stay think of the Inn on Mt Ada as a home away from home. The downstairs has a den which was once the pool room of Mr. Wrigley. It has been converted into a beautiful den with a cozy fireplace, bar and game table. The room steps out to the glassed-in sun porch where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Village of Avalon and the bay.

If you are thinking about a visit to Santa Catalina think of the Inn on Mount Ada.  Make your reservations quickly because it books fast. I understand it is also available for buyouts. To me that means small business retreats and family events.

 

 Santa Catalina beckons with yet another lodging option.

 

By: Rosa L. McArthur, CMP

Meeting Planners Plus

Santa Catalina Island – Lodging

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catalinaatwatersingleTCatalinaAtwaterlobbyhe Atwater Hotel – Some of the larger hotels on the island are located in Avalon steps from the Avalon Boat Terminal where your ferry docks.  You have the newly renovated Hotel Atwater, built in the 1920’s and offers a variety of room types from economy to suites. It is a hop, jump, and a skip from the docks, as well as the heart of town. This hotel is known for its charm and keeping with the character of the island. There are no elevators in this hotel and all their rooms are located on the second and third floors of the property accessible by stairs. So, pack light!

CatalinaPavilion-1CatalinapavilionRoom-2CatalinaPavilionroomThe Pavilion Hotel – Even closer to the Avalon Boat Terminal is The Pavilion Hotel known for its exceptional service and outstanding value. It is just 14 steps from the beach. You’ll enjoy wonderful tropical gardens and convenient access to all of Avalon. There are many amenities to dazzle their guests.  In the evenings enjoy the large inviting fire ring in the outdoor ocean view lounge. Every morning look forward to a European breakfast plus a complimentary wine and cheese tasting reception every evening from 4:30 to 5:30 pm to help round out your day.

 CatalinaMetropoleFrontCatalinaMetropoleCatalinaMetropoleJacuzziThe Metropole – Centrally located in the heart of Avalon, and just steps from the beach is the Metropole Hotel known as a perfect place for a getaway or small meeting. Stunning oceanfront suites with fireplaces, Jacuzzi baths, and balconies overlook the beach. The hotel has been recently remodeled and offers free Wi-Fi, robes and slippers for every room. The rooftop Jacuzzi has stunning views of the harbor. The Metropole has a reputation for friendly and charming service. The Metropole Market Place is connected to the hotel and offers the advantages of a Spa, shopping, and the Metropole Café. The courtyard is delightful and a great place to spend some time.

Follow our next blog where we will tell you about the newly renovated Inn on Mount Ada with a plethora of amenities.

 

Catalina beckons! So come.

Rosa L. McArthur, CMP

Meeting Planners Plus

Santa Catalina Island – The Catalina Casino

CasinoPhotoCasinoCatalinaLampThe Catalina Casino is one of the imposing structures you will see when you first enter Avalon. It has been the focal point of Santa Catalina Island since it opened on May 29, 1929, over eighty years ago. The Catalina Casino has been the venue of choice for great entertainers, live theater productions, and first-run motion pictures. Step foot in the restored Art Deco circular icon, enjoy the original murals, furnishings, photos and experience the feeling you have traveled back in time. Enjoy your trip down memory lane where you can easily visualize the time when bands were big and movies were transitioning from silence to sound.

CatalinaCircularBallroomCatalinaCasinoBallroomCatalinaBigBandTo date the venue hosts most of Catalina’s major indoor events and is well known as  the location of the Catalina Island Jazz Festival. The large circular world famous ballroom is available year round for private and corporate events. Some of the best views of Avalon are seen from the ballroom’s Romance Promenade which is considered the most romantic spot in Avalon.

You can take the Casino Walking Tour, Behind the Scenes Casino Tour, and enjoy a short film which highlights the history of the building and learn its connection to Hollywood.

movie-6movie-7movie-5Located on the lower level of the Catalina Casino is the Avalon Theatre which still shows first-run movies nightly starting at 7:30 pm. The theatre seats 1,184 people and is 138 feet across and 43 feet high.  Art deco murals created by John Gabriel Beckman adorn the walls and create a stunning ambiance.  A testament to the history of this place is the 1929 pipe organ built by the Page Organ Company of Lima, Ohio. You can hear it being played every Friday and Saturday evening, one hour before the movie starts.

Catalina Beckons! Come See for Yourself.

 

 

By: Rosa L. McArthur, CMP

Meeting Planners Plus

Santa Catalina Island – Southern California’s Island Oasis

CatalinaArial-2CatalinaAiralCasinoA bit of trivia, did you know that Santa Catalina Island is the southernmost island of the Channel Islands of California? I did not realize they stretched that far! It is just 22 miles south southwest of the City of Los Angeles. Many people know it as the island once owned by the William J. Wrigley Family which was purchased by him in 1919. Yes, you are right, the chewing gum person and owner of the Chicago Cubs. The destination has a rich and storied history, where movies were made (especially between the 30’s and the 50’s), movie stars lived, baseball team practiced (Chicago Cubs), couples fell in love and major galas and Jazz Festivals were staged.

 

 

CatalinaFlyerCatalinaDockRecently the Island has undergone a renaissance which is visibly seen as soon as you come ashore. Most people travel to the island by ferry. The Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach and the Catalina Express offers service from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro.  You can conveniently book your tickets online. Just sit back and relax; you will enjoy the ride.

Santa Catalina Island is made up of two towns, the incorporated town of Avalon to the east end and unincorporated town Two Harbors to the west end. Outside of the two towns is a rugged wilderness with majestic beauty, owned and operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Island is 22 miles long and 8 miles across. The Catalina Island Airport allows helicopter and private planes to land which is another way to access the island.

 

Catalina Island golf cartsCatalinaAvalonPoemSo leave behind the rush of city life and enjoy the slow island life of Santa Catalina. Miniature cars to deal with, just bikes, golf carts and walking.

The island is a great leisure destination but it also works well for small meetings, board meetings, retreats and team building programs. The island also offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shopping options.

For a small island there is a lot to talk about. Follow my next few blogs as we explore, places to see, things to do, where to stay and the fabulous Island Spa that just opened recently.

Santa Catalina beckons!  Just Come.

 

By Rosa L. McArthur, CMP

Meeting Planners Plus