111 Crescent Avenue, PO Box 127, Avalon, California, United States | (937) 315-4602
Central but quiet location across the street from the beach
All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
Suites have soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, and sofa beds
Beautiful rooftop deck with ocean views and cabanas
Solid Italian restaurant with sidewalk seating
Free continental breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free use of beach chairs, towels and toys
Small rooms and bathrooms
Some may find decor somewhat old-fashioned
No pool
Portofino Hotel has two outstanding features: A relaxing rooftop deck with wonderful ocean views, and an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. All 34 rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers -- but Standard units are small, and most have tight bathrooms. Decor is halfway between classic European and somewhat old-fashioned, with a mix of antique-style furniture and a few basic, bland pieces. Suites are a little more upscale but also dated in style. However, freebies -- including continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and beach chairs -- add value, and location across the street from the beach doesn’t hurt either.
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Scene
A small oceanfront boutique with a slight European feel
Portofino Hotel is housed in a whitewashed building with a slight colonial style. The structure was built around a small courtyard with plants, a couple of tables with umbrellas, and a vending machine. All Standard rooms overlook this space, which -- despite the quietness -- is a shame given the hotel’s oceanfront location. However, all suites but the Sorrento have ocean views. Decor in common areas is a mix of classic European style and contemporary details. The lobby is a bright space with a long green marble front desk, and large windows overlooking the street and the ocean. Room decor is slightly more dated, but suites have a little more European charm, and higher-end amenities than Standard rooms.
Location
In central Avalon, across the street from the beach
This boutique is located on Avalon’s main drag, across the street from a small patch of sand with stairs to the water. Despite being in the city center, the property is closer to the Casino Building than to the heart of the action, which means quieter nights and less foot traffic. However, there are many restaurants, bars and shops within easy walking distance. Attractions such as the Casino and Silver Canyon Pottery studio-museum are both a five-minute walk away. Those carrying light luggage can walk to the ferry terminal in about 10 minutes.
Rooms
Standard rooms are well-equipped but small; suites are a little more upscale
The property has 34 rooms and suites, all featuring flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The overall decor style is classic European, but many may find it dated instead (the busy striped fabrics and wall-to-wall carpeting do take things down a notch). Standard units are small, with tight bathrooms and a more generic style than suites. The latter, however, are more upscale, with ornate gas fireplaces, living areas with either twin or double sofa beds, private patios or balconies, and separate showers and soaking tubs. Most rooms overlook a quiet courtyard, and only suites (except the Sorrento Suite) offer ocean views.
Features
A solid Italian restaurant, a rooftop with wonderful ocean views, and great freebies
Ristorante Villa Portofino serves tasty Italian cuisine in a large dining room with traditional Italian decor. Tables are well spaced out, with a few round booths, and a couple of different areas separated by a low wall. The most popular spot in the hotel, however, is the rooftop deck, a relaxing space with cabanas, loungers, and some of the best ocean views around. There is no bar service here, but guests are allowed to bring their own food and drink. A decent continental breakfast is served free of charge every morning in the lobby. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and free use of beach chairs, toys, and towels.
