Mobil Travel Guide: The Inn on Mt Ada Avalon (Catalina Island) CA

Amenities: The Inn on Mt Ada

• 6 rooms, 2 story. Children over 14 years only. Complimentary full breakfast. Check-in 2 pm, check-out 11 am. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Inn on Mt Ada

If the adage that you can’t go home again is true, then the Inn on Mount Ada in Avalon, California, is the perfect place to go when you need the ambience of home, without the relatives. This beautiful historic inn was once the home of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. of Wrigley’s Gum fortune. He selected the top of Catalina Island as the location for his home because it received the first sunlight in the morning and the last rays of sunshine before sunset.

This colonial-style mansion, with its sparkling white exterior and hunter green shutters, recalls the grand summer residences more often seen on the East Coast. The Inn at Mount Ada, named for Wrigley’s wife, is the highest point on the island, and it rests amid beautiful shrubbery and landscaping. Completed in 1921, the home hosted many important social gatherings during its heyday, with impressive guest lists that included everyone from Calvin Coolidge to the Prince of Wales.

The inn now welcomes guests to relive the grandeur of a bygone era while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Catalina Island. Ferries from Long Beach or Dana Point are the most popular ways to the island, while guests with a penchant for the flamboyant, or those who simply lack the patience for the 1-1/2 -hour ride, opt for the 15-minute helicopter rides from Long Beach. Catalina Island bans all automobile traffic, and bikes and golf carts are the only modes of transportation. The town of Avalon has a charming collection of shops and restaurants, and since the hotel doesn’t offer dinner, guests will find a nice array of choices.

The Inn on Mount Ada seduces its guests with intimacy and romance. This well-run establishment has a small but incredibly warm staff that dots every “i” and crosses every “t.” The rooms are historic with a traditional, though unfussy, colonial décor. It’s perfect for couples celebrating special occasions or mother-daughter getaways. The inn’s staff makes everyone feel well taken care of, and single travelers who want to just get away from it all would certainly be comfortable. Since this relaxing inn doesn’t offer Internet access and there are no telephones in the guest rooms, it is not a good choice for business travelers. The inn only welcomes children older than 14 years old, and its lack of amenities and distance from town make it an unnatural fit for families.

Guests staying at the inn greet each morning with a wonderful home-cooked breakfast, and lunch is also included in the room rate. There is no room service or laundry service, but what the Inn on Mount Ada may lack in amenities found in larger hotels, it more than makes up for in individuality.

(+) Unique historic experience with mountaintop setting on beautiful Catalina Island
(-) Limited amenities for family travelers, and only children older than 14-years-old are allowed

Guest Services: The Inn on Mt Ada

From the moment I was greeted at the ferry pier to the hug I received upon departure, the Inn on Mount Ada provided some of the warmest service I have encountered. Though the inn’s six rooms were all booked, I felt as if I had the run of the place, and the staff made me feel as if they were welcoming me home. They also had a beat on the pulse of the island, offering suggestions on restaurants and activities during check-in and throughout my stay. All of the staff were extremely personable, and their knowledge and passion for the inn and its history were infectious. I have rarely seen a staff so willing to attend to every need.

Even before my arrival, I knew this inn would be special. The reservation process was so pleasant and complete. The staff member provided me with a brief but complete overview of the inn to ensure it would meet my needs. Since the hotel is small and lacks such amenities as a pool or spa, it’s not the right fit for every traveler, and yet the staff member managed to excite me about my stay. During check-in, I was pleased to be given a through orientation of the inn and my room. I was also presented with my golf cart and felt confident in its operation after a full explanation.

The small size of the Inn at Mount Ada means that it does lack some services found in other Mobil Four-Star hotels. The inn doesn’t offer dinner service, though it does stock a pantry and refrigerator full of snacks and treats, and these are available to guests at any time. Aside from the afternoon cocktails with canapés, there are no set times for “snacking,” and guests take advantage of this homey touch by raiding the pantry at all hours.

The staff truly wraps guests in their arms -- in my case quite literally, since I was given a warm hug upon departure. This gesture was just another sign of the care received while staying at this Inn.

(+) Unbelievably warm and gracious staff with comprehensive knowledge of the inn and Catalina Island
(-) Some services lacking, because of its secluded location

Guest Rooms: The Inn on Mt Ada

The Inn’s six distinctive guest rooms and suites feature ocean or harbor views, most have fireplaces, and some have terraces or decks. Floral-patterned wallpaper, bed coverings, and window treatments lend a New England ambience to the rooms and suites. High ceilings and large windows make the rooms feel spacious, while antiques and books add sophistication.

I stayed in the Windsor Room, a corner bedroom offering a fireplace and full bathroom. The harbor and ocean views were incredibly lovely. This room’s rich carpet, mahogany four poster bed, and green papered walls created a warm and inviting space. The corner location meant the room was small, but it was well designed with four large windows that gave the impression of more space. The bathroom was definitely a bit small compared with today’s bathrooms, but that’s to be expected in a historic home. Still, that was the only inconvenience in this lovely room.

(+) Enchanting décor with fresh ocean breezes and wonderful views
(-) Bathroom was small and slightly inconvenient

Facilities & Activities: The Inn on Mt Ada

The Inn on Mount Ada is the sort of place that most guests visit for its serenity. It doesn’t wow visitors with an infinity-edge pool or a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, but it does offer peace and quiet with awe-inspiring views. It’s the ideal place for sitting back and enjoying a good book or a cup of tea by the fireplace in your private room or in the living room.

The inn provides its guests with golf carts for exploring the town of Avalon below, where shopping and dining options are plentiful. Catalina Island is also famous for its boating opportunities, including sailboat tours, kayak rentals, and motor boating. Whales and dolphins are often spotted in these waters, and scuba and snorkel adventures are plentiful. Other ideas include golf on the island course or Jeep eco-tours. Catalina also boasts a casino for those more adventurous with their money, and the Wrigley Gardens are a nice place for reflection.

(+) The Inn’s quiet setting is balanced with Catalina Island’s numerous activities

Dining & Lounge: The Inn on Mt Ada

Mornings at the Inn on Mount Ada begin with bountiful home-cooked breakfasts. One hour before breakfast service begins, the Inn sets up a small continental buffet to cater to early risers. I was given a choice of an indoor or outdoor table, both with lovely ocean views, and was immediately brought the first “cold” course -- a delicious baked apple with cinnamon streusel granola. A different hot main course is served each morning, though I was able to substitute the featured item for eggs cooked to my liking. The food was excellently prepared and elegantly presented. The dining room is small but delightful with its ocean views and soft music.

A deli-style lunch is also included in the room rate and is a satisfying mid-day meal. Additionally, the Inn always has snacks and beverages available in the kitchen, and the dining room has a small set-up with coffee, tea, fruit, and freshly baked cookies 24 hours a day. The inn’s cocktails with hot canapés are a nice way to start the evening and are also included in the room rate. And while the Inn doesn’t serve dinner, the staff was more than willing to provide guidance on the restaurants in town.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of this Inn was its ice cream sundae bar. Each evening staff sets the kitchen with bowls and spoons and allows visitors to help themselves to the ice cream and the pantry’s large selection of toppings. It was a thoughtful treat that made me feel like a member of the family.

(+) Wonderful breakfast and lunch with all-day snacks, as well as unique ice cream service
(-) No formal dinner is provided, but guests can take advantage of smaller meals and numerous snacks

Business Services: The Inn on Mt Ada

Located on an island off the mainland and with no access to the Internet or telephones in the guest rooms, the Inn on Mount Ada is simply not a business destination. This is the kind of place where you go to leave the Blackberry behind.

(-) Secluded location and lack of telephone and Internet services for business travelers