FAVORITE B & Bs WEST OF THE ROCKIES
Story and photography
by Eric Anderson & Nancy Allen

CATALINA


Catalina , California ’s vacation island is a mere wisp of land 21-miles long lying, as the song goes, only 26 miles off shore. It’s been discovered many times: once, 20000 years ago, before the birth of Christ by Native Americans who worshiped the sun (maybe like today’s S. Californians); then in 1592 by, who else, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who named it after his ship. It was visited again by General Sebastian Viscaino of Spain who changed the name to the feast day when he found shelter here. But of course the most famous discoverer was William Wrigley the chewing gum magnate who came to the island to buy swimming pool tiles and ended up buying the island. visitcatalinaisland.com

The final discoverers of this Brigadoon-like island were the American tourists. They turn inevitably to the Casino, the imposing white concrete building dominating the western side of the bay. The Italian word casino means “a gathering place for entertainment.” The Catalina Casino has never seen gambling, but it sure has created its own excitement since it opened in 1929. This was the frosting on Wrigley's master plan for Catalina -- the beacon to bring the curious to his island. For the initial three years he even provided free movies and free dances in the first completely round, steel-reinforced structure built in modern America. It took 500 workers only 15 months to erect the $2 million 140-foot-high building -- at the time, no skyscraper in Los Angeles could be taller than 23 stories.

Even so it was the world’s largest circular ballroom. Indeed, 6,200 persons once danced to the music of Kay Kyser -- a record number at the Casino. All the big bands played at Avalon. Photographs on the walls show the orchestras of Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rogers, Les Brown and many others. In one photograph, a young Merv Griffin appears among the Freddie Martin Singers, and in front of the Ted Weems Band stands young Perry Como.

There’s a lot more to discover on Catalina, The town of Avalon is a walker’s paradise but first call is where to stay from among the many choices. Our favorite is the recently redecorated Hotel Villa Portofino, about halfway between the casino and the ferry. It has joined Catalina Express, catalinaexpress.com the leading provider of fast and frequent scheduled boat service, to offer a Limited Offer package at significant savings to travelers arriving Sunday through Thursday for the next several months. Says Maris Somerville, an island booster, “There's not a big difference weather-wise between summer and winter on Catalina, except that the ratio of price to value shoots up after Labor Day.” (888) 346-2326 hotelvillaportofino.com

The Villa has the panoramic views, the Mediterranean architecture and ambiance, the convenient location to the shops and beach and the superb restaurant, arguably the best on Catalina.