Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/458344
B M & T ••• November/December 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 22 more than 22 million passengers to and from Catalina. It is the preferred mode of transportation for 95 percent of visitors to the island. The fleet of eight high-speed, high- tech vessels carries passengers over the 22 miles in about an hour, sometimes less, with up to 30 scheduled depar- tures per day. Sleek fiberglass hulls and state-of-the-art stabilizers smooth out 90 percent of the ocean's roll, and high-tech navigational equipment and radio communica- tions systems provide for safe channel crossing. For boat reservations, call (800) 429-4601 or book online at www.CatalinaExpress.com. The Commodore Lounge upgrade is available on the high-speed catamarans. Lounge passengers enjoy priority boarding, comfortable seating in a more intimate environ- ment and a complimentary beverages with packaged snacks served by cabin attendants. WHERE TO STAY Once you get to the island, accommodations on Catalina run the gamut – from tent site camping to beach- front hotels, from family-friendly inns to well-appointed condos, from charming cottage vacation rentals to an ele- gant four-star country inn. You can stay in a luxurious ocean-view suite or take the whole family to a comfort- able beach bungalow close to town. A stylish place to stay on the island is the Hotel Metropole. Centrally located in the heart of Avalon, just steps from the beach, the hotel is the perfect spot for romantic interludes and family getaways. The hotel's facilities can accommodate up to 150 peo- ple in a variety of meeting rooms and outdoor patios that can be customized for various needs. Their Group Sales Team can also assist in making arrangements for larger groups on the island. The staff will handle all the details of your event, from meeting set-ups and audio-visual support to theme party coordination. Breakout rooms are avail- able, high speed internet access is available throughout the hotel, complete audio and visual equipment rental and support, competitive group rates and full coordination of team-building activities. There is also a day spa. The Ocean View Superior guest rooms include a king- size bed, fireplace, DVD player, possible Jacuzzi and sofa sleeper. There is also a Partial Ocean View Superior, a Superior and a Deluxe guest room, which has a courtyard or hillside view, king or two queen beds, possible ameni- ties include fireplace or balcony or Jacuzzi tub or sofa sleeper. The Moderate guest room has a king or queen bed with possible courtyard view. Accommodations also include a beach house. This 2- bedroom, 2-bathroom 1,800-sq. ft. hideaway boasts a full kitchen, an entertainment deck with panoramic ocean views, fireplace, huge living room with large screen TV, DVD and CD players – even a built-in library. The master suite features a vaulted ceiling, king-size bed, Frette linens and robes, sofa, dressing area, TV and private deck. The master bath has a Jacuzzi bathtub and a huge walk-in shower. The guest suite provides two full- size beds, guest bath with Jacuzzi bathtub, TV, and a pri- vate deck. There is also a VIP Wing, which has an ocean view as well as ocean front mini suites. www.hotel-metropole.com Other hotels on the island include: The Avalon Hotel and The Aurora Hotel. Both offer views from their rooftops, with a 360-degree vista of Avalon and its harbor. Most rooms feature 42-inch flat screens and high-speed Internet connections are available at no extra charge. The Hermosa Hotel is located in the heart of Avalon, just a short 10-15 minute walk from the boat landing. The Historic Hermosa has been serving guests of the island since 1896. The Hotel Villa Portofino carries on the traditions of a European seaside resort with personalized service and a relaxed Mediterranean charm. WHERE TO MEET The city of Avalon has a number of meeting sites. The Catalina Casino, which has a theatre that is suit- able for large lectures and conferences, can accommodate up to 1,200 people. Descanso Beach Club is a relaxed site for corporate retreats, meetings, and team-building seminars. The loca- tion combines the beauty of the beach with all the ameni- ties of a club: restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms, volleyball courts, and beach equipment rentals. Hotel Metropole guestroom