205 Crescent Ave., P.O. Box 1900, Avalon, California, United States | (888) 399-9863
Cozy boutique hotel with a relaxed, romantic vibe
Located in the heart of Avalon’s main drag near the waterfront
Stylish guest rooms with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and bathrobes
Many units have balconies with views, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs
Free continental breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese reception
Rooftop sundeck with whirlpool and panoramic ocean views
Connected to Metropole Market Place, with restaurants, shops, and spa
The concierge can arrange various island adventures
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Guest rooms lack mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes
Street- and courtyard-facing rooms may be noisy
The hotel doesn’t have a fitness center or on-site parking
Hotel Metropole is a pretty boutique property with an intimate atmosphere, located in the heart of Avalon and close to the waterfront. The three-and-a-half-pearl hotel's 52 guest rooms have contemporary decor with homey touches, and all come with large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, bathrobes, and slippers, but mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes are missing. Some upgraded units have whirlpool tubs, balconies, and fireplaces. The rooftop sundeck, with terrific Avalon Bay views and a small whirlpool, is a highlight feature, and the hotel wraps around Metropole Market Place, which has restaurants, boutiques, and a spa. Freebies include breakfast, an afternoon wine and cheese reception, and Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers looking for a stay with similar decor but want to spend less can consider the Seacrest Inn, but it isn't as central or as close to the water.
Scene
A lovely hotel on the bay with a relaxed vibe that's popular with couples
This lovely boutique hotel has an intimate bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, and the relaxed and romantic vibe is a magnet for vacationing couples. It has a pretty, two-story lobby, with a white backdrop highlighting decor done in hues inspired by the nearby bay. A cluster of armchairs is set in front of the reception desk, but guests often opt to sit outside in a charming covered area with brick arches. There's also a cozy courtyard with black wrought iron furniture that’s an equally popular spot, as is the fantastic rooftop sundeck with sweeping views of the bay. The afternoon wine and cheese reception is a friendly affair, giving guests a chance to mingle.
Location
In the heart of Avalon, close to the waterfront, restaurants, and shops
The Metropole is located in the heart of Avalon’s entertainment district, just a three-minute walk from Avalon Bay waterfront. Most of the quaint island community’s most popular restaurants and shops are less than five minutes away on foot, and many are much closer, including some at Metropole Market Place. The Catalina Island Museum is a two-minute stroll, the landmark Catalina Island Casino & Avalon Theater complex is a six-minute walk, and the ferry terminal is seven minutes on foot.
Rooms
Guest rooms have a mix of stylish contemporary decor and classic accents. There's quality wooden furniture with white and espresso finishes, dark-brown hardwood floors, and all-white bedding. Accent lighting has a retro touch, and artwork depicting vintage scenes of Catalina Island and add color and character. Rooms are bright, with large windows and pleasant views of the ocean (full or partial), or the courtyard and surrounding hills. They're also spacious, with desks, small dining tables with chairs, and dressers.
Larger Superior and Deluxe rooms are available, and there's a Beach House with a kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Some of the upgraded rooms have sleeper sofas, fireplaces, and balconies with spectacular views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free bottled water, robes, slippers, free Wi-Fi, and nightly turndown service.
Attractive vanities are placed outside bathrooms, which have roomy walk-in showers with glass doors and upmarket toiletries, and some higher-end units have whirlpool tubs. Guest rooms are generally quiet, but some past guests in units facing the courtyard or busy street complain of noise.
Features
Rooftop sundeck with whirlpool and free breakfast and wine reception, but no gym
The hotel has a nice set of features and extra perks that can make a stay feel special. A free continental breakfast is served daily that includes fresh fruit, yogurt, baked goods, and boiled eggs, and there's also a free wine and cheese reception each afternoon. Many guests choose to take their drinks up to the rooftop sundeck, which has panoramic ocean views and a small whirlpool. There's no fitness center, but the hotel wraps around Metropole Market Place, with restaurants including the M Restaurant, which has event space for up to 150 people. There's also plenty of shops and a full-service spa. The hotel concierge can help arrange island adventures such as kayaking, hiking, and golf for an extra fee, although packages that include many of these activities are frequently offered. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but there's no on-site parking.