The hype
Travelers love the chic decor and friendly staff, but almost everyone mentions the noise.
Bellanca Hotel
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want the hippest rooftop vibe in Avalon and don't mind sacrificing some quiet for prime waterfront action.
Why People Love It
- The Naughty Fox restaurant is arguably the coolest hangout on the island
- Complimentary beach cruisers make exploring Avalon effortless
- Rooftop sundeck offers sweeping harbor views without the crowds
Quick Take: A stylish, renovated boutique hotel that trades soundproofing for a killer location and social scene.
Reviewed by @blakelymcevoy: I honestly think this is the best spot in Avalon. My room had the cutest coastal decor, and grabbing drinks at The Naughty Fox rooftop bar was the highlight of the trip. Plus, using their free bikes to cruise around the island made everything so easy. Highly recommend!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'ocean view' rooms on the ground floor put you on display to everyone walking down Crescent Avenue.
- You prioritize aesthetics and a lively bar scene over silence
- You want to be steps from the ferry and the beach
- You plan to spend your days exploring and just need a cute crash pad
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed sand on floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but occasional reports of mold in grout or slow drains.
- Maintenance: Renovated recently, but wear and tear is showing on carpets and sliding doors.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, typical hotel quality.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh, but rare complaints of sewage smells (an island-wide infrastructure issue occasionally).
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Foot traffic and bar noise from Crescent Avenue
- Thin walls between rooms
- Plumbing noise from neighboring units
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel does not have its own parking; Avalon is car-restricted anyway
- Bikes are free to borrow but are heavy cruisers—tough for the steep hills
- There is a $200 refundable damage deposit required at check-in
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk everywhere)
- Layers for the rooftop deck (it gets breezy at night)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Courtyard King for a quieter night's sleep away from the street
- Cabana King on the second floor for a view with slightly more privacy than the ground floor
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Ocean View rooms if you value privacy (people walk right by your glass door)
- Rooms directly adjacent to The Naughty Fox kitchen/bar if you sleep early
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on the second floor, preferably facing the courtyard for quiet, or a Cabana room away from the restaurant noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a rooftop sundeck with loungers, but no swimming pool.
Does the hotel have a shuttle from the ferry?
No, but it's a flat 5-10 minute walk along the waterfront, or you can grab a taxi for ~$20.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is there an elevator?
No, the hotel is two stories with stairs only.
Does the room rate include breakfast?
No, but The Naughty Fox serves brunch, and there are cafes nearby.
Are there hidden resort fees?
Not explicitly labeled as a 'resort fee' in all bookings, but expect 'taxes and fees' to add ~15% to your bill. Always check the final total.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a table on the 'Lobster Boat' inside The Lobster Trap nearby for a fun local dining experience.
- ✨
Skip the hotel bikes for the interior hills; rent an e-bike from a local shop instead.
- ✨
The 'Buffalo Milk' cocktail is a Catalina staple—try one at the Naughty Fox or Luau Larry's.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'ocean view' often includes a view of the busy sidewalk and street traffic.
💡The bathroom doors in some rooms are sliding barn doors that offer little acoustic privacy.
💡Ventilation in the bathrooms can be weak, leading to lingering humidity.
💡The rooftop deck is open to the public (restaurant patrons), not just hotel guests.
💡You can hear the ferry horn from your room (which some find charming, others annoying).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Bellanca Hotel is located and what's nearby.