"This was my second time visiting Catalina Island. The first time was a cruise day trip, and this time my husband and I came for a two-night getaway. After researching several hotels, we chose Aurora Hotel because of the great reviews and recently renovated rooms. It’s about a 12-minute walk from the ferry—just a slight uphill at the end, so if you have heavy luggage, expect a few pauses.
Check-in was quick and friendly. The room was on the second floor (no elevator, but only two floors total). It’s on the smaller side but had everything we needed: a microwave, coffee maker, fridge, two complimentary bottles of water, and even two candies on the bed! The room was super clean with a fresh scent, and there were plenty of towels, robes, and thoughtful amenities like shower gel, body lotion, cotton balls, and ear cleaners.
We didn’t use the A/C—just opened the windows. You will hear some golf carts and neighbors, so if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs or use the A/C instead.
The rooftop lounge was one of my favorite parts. It’s open from 8am to 10pm, and I actually took a relaxing nap there in the sunshine. They also offer a continental breakfast; we grabbed yogurt and coffee and headed to a local restaurant for a full meal.
Overall, we had a great stay and I would definitely recommend Aurora Hotel for a clean, comfortable, and peaceful Catalina Island stay."