Stewart L
Google
This was my 4th stay at Mt Ada, but my first in over 3 years. Alas, I was only able to book one night, as the inn was fully committed on Valentines Day and the Presidents Day weekend, when the place was a buy-out (booked entirely by one party). Still, the stay was fab, as was the weather.||A stay here is pricey but has many perks: pick-up and drop-off at the ferry dock or heliport, use of a golf cart throughout your stay, prepared-to-order breakfast and lunch, afternoon wine and charcuterie board, 24/7 butler's pantry with snacks, drinks (including wine and beer), ice cream (and sundae fixings), discounts on Catalina Island Co. tours and activities (miniature golf is complimentary)||I booked the Windsor Room, my 4th different room (out of 6 total), This room is a corner room and affords great views of both Avalon Bay (including the casino) and the ocean through its 4 windows. It's a cozy room but has a working fireplace, full bath and walk-in closet. ||As stated in my previous (more detailed) review, Mt Ada is the former Catalina home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada. As such, a stay here is like a stay in someone's home; the staffing is less than that of a hotel. There is usually just one person who does pretty much all of the front-end duties--attending to all guests' needs, including driving the van. There is also one person (Carmen) in the kitchen and one housekeeper. So at times the phone may go unanswered, or you may find yourself alone in the inn with no staff around, contributing to the house-guest feel. Only Carmen and front-end person Pierre were here during my last stay. Other staffers Maria, Eva, Cammie and Liz were new to me but all were friendly, capable and accommodating. ||Only one other room was booked during my one-night stay, and it was oh-so-quiet and tranquil. Even Avalon itself is pretty calm during the off-season and on days when there are no cruise ships docking. The inn was more crowded during the day because a group of 6 lingered at the inn 5 hours past the 11 am checkout time, and on my check-out day some of the buy-out party arrived early, including some children (who are only allowed under 16 if part of a buy-out). ||Still, Mt Ada remains my lodging of choice on Catalina.