Mt Ada

Mount Ada is absolutely beautiful. The whole staff is so very friendly and helpful and kind. The views are absolutely awesome. The food is delicious. Unlimited wine, beer, sodas and snacks - such a treat. A full (menus!) breakfast, lunch, appetizers and a freezer full of gelato. High quality bedding and toiletries and the bath water is piping hot. Every room has their own electric golf cart to drive all over Catalina Island. And Mount Ada is right up at the top and peaceful and quiet. If it seems expensive here, it really isn’t when everything is added up. But book while you can as they are going to add on rooms in the old unused part of the building, and thus will be closed for a year or two.

We had the most relaxing time at the Mt. Ada hotel. We were warmly greeted at the dock by Ava, and quickly made our way up the hill where we stepped into the Inn and found ourselves back in time. Here above the charming town of Avalon we were a world away from the hustle and bustle, but had easy access to the shops and restaurants in our complimentary golf cart. Our room (Windsor) had a corner view overlooking the ocean as well as the bay and the views were gorgeous. We were treated royally by the staff at breakfast and lunch and enjoyed the other amenities like a latte in the morning and gelato in the evening. We were so happy there! Already making plans to return.

Mt Ada is an incredibly special place for us. The hospitality is always top-notch - Pierre, Eva, Maria, and the others are so kind and welcoming. The bedrooms and common spaces are really beautifully maintained, and the rooms are quite comfortable. It feels like stepping back in time, in all the best ways. We adore being able to sip coffee in the morning gazing out over the harbor or the ocean, from any number of beautiful sitting areas or from our room. The breakfasts and lunches are absolute perfection - and truly, you cannot beat the views. Mingling with the other guests during the happy hour is another bonus. Of course, having access to the other amenities (mini golf, access to a golf cart, the museum) is always so nice as well. A stay at Mt Ada is truly unbeatable - well worth the cost.

The best hospitality you’ll find. Eva, working on Christmas Eve, greeted us with a warm welcome. A true profession who made us feel truly at home. The entire hotel has many charming spots to relax, have a beverage, read, and watch the many views. Pier looked out for us, attention to every detail. We could not have asked for more. Staying at Mt. Ada was like experiencing another lifetime. I hope it never goes away so we can come back soon! Btw, food was incredible. Outside patios were divine. Catalina did not disappoint! People, food, landscapes, and hikes well worth our four nights over Christmas.

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.

We just took a tour of the grounds and common areas but I can tell you that the view is the best on the island! It's very luxurious and quiet. I would like to stay there on a future trip.

This place is the ultimate experience. 6 mo ago I stayed there had a great time, their grounds cat Bigfoot was an awesome touch. Just got back from staying a second time, same excellent service and awesome time. I didn't see Bigfoot and was afraid to ask about him. Having your own golf cart is the greatest thing ever. When you get there Pierre greats you and drives you up to the mansion and gets you settled in your room. Everything is the best there. I will be back.

One of absolute favorite spots to have lunch on their patio and gawk at the incredible view of Avalon Bay and the Pacific. My family has stayed at the hotel also as we have been vacationing there yearly for 40 yrs. The hotel is equally as pleasurable an experience. Book your non-guest lunch 6 mos. in advance!