Hotel Atwater
125 Sumner Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, Los Angeles County, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.3 / 5
Overview
Hotel Atwater is a 3-star harborside lodging in Avalon on Catalina Island, built in the 1920s. It sits in a restaurant-filled area and is positioned for easy access to the waterfront and town attractions. The property holds a 4.3/5 public rating based on 690 reviews.
Rooms
Rooms and suites are described as straightforward and simply styled, with options that include harbor views. In-room features listed include air-conditioning, cable TV, and WiFi. Guest feedback often notes the rooms can feel on the smaller side.
Amenities & Guest Services
On-site offerings include a complimentary guest storage room and outdoor rinse-off showers, useful for swimmers and divers coming back from the water. Guests also mention practical touches such as beach towels and staff assistance with logistics like transport to the ferry. Additional amenities are not documented.
Location & Nearby Highlights
The hotel is about a 2-minute walk from Avalon Pier and around an 8-minute walk to Avalon Casino. Nearby points of interest include the Catalina Museum For Art & History (about 101 m), Bison Expedition (about 93 m), and Step Beach (about 181 m). For views and outdoor time, Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook is about 507 m away, and activities like Zip Line Eco Tour and Catalina Aerial Adventure are both within roughly 1 km.
Best for
This hotel best suits travelers who want to be on foot in Avalon, with the harbor and Avalon Pier a short walk away and multiple attractions close by (e.g., Catalina Museum For Art & History, Step Beach, and Lovers Cove). It’s also a strong fit for beachgoers and water-activity travelers thanks to outdoor rinse-off showers and a complimentary guest storage room, plus guest-mentioned conveniences like provided beach towels.
Travel tips
Plan to explore Avalon on foot from here: Avalon Pier is a quick walk, and Avalon Casino is also within walking distance. If you’re doing water activities (Step Beach, Casino Point, Lovers Cove), the outdoor rinse-off showers can help you clean up before heading back to your room. For excursions like the Zip Line Eco Tour or Catalina Aerial Adventure (both under 1 km), consider timing your day early since many activities cluster around the waterfront area.
What guests say
Guests most consistently praise the hotel’s location for walking around Avalon and the harbor, with easy access to nearby attractions and services. Cleanliness, quiet stays, and comfortable beds are also highlighted, along with small conveniences like provided beach towels. Staff interactions are frequently described as friendly and helpful, including assistance during check-in and with transport logistics. On the downside, some guests feel rooms are small, and a few mention that service or overall value can be uneven for the price.
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