As a first timer, be sure to reserve a room at least 2 mths before Labor Day Weekend. I ended up with a tiny room in the courtyard without a window. Talk about a cave. This is for a $200+ a night. Thank goodness for the refrigerator and air conditioning. Enjoy the sundeck too.

Another tip is don't rent a kayak for more than an hour. As newbies in choppy waters we were not allowed on beaches to rest. Geez, Descanso made sure we were not welcome. Also scuba divers don't like it if you kayak in their area.

We felt that Catalina was beautiful but there are no deals here. Also, bring a big hat. The sun is just as intense as S. Calif. The Chinese Restaurant and Pancake Cottage were the only decent places to eat. Busybee and Armstrongs looked overpriced. We enjoyed ice cream at Olaf's next to Antonino's. The Discovery Tour's were awesome. We enjoyed the Undersea tour and the Skyline tour. Be sure to do the Minature Golf. That was the best part of our trip. Do this Catalina trip at least once but take my advice above.