Hotel Maya Long Beach

Hotel Maya sits on the Long Beach waterfront at the edge of Queensway Bay, a convenient mainland base for anyone catching a morning ferry to Catalina. The setting is relaxed and nautical: marina views, palm-lined paths, the Queen Mary across the water and Shoreline Village a short distance away. The hotel suits travelers who want to arrive the night before an early sailing, enjoy dinner by the harbor and wake up close to the terminal rather than facing freeway traffic. After a Catalina trip, it is also a comfortable place to land, with the conveniences of a larger hotel, though you should confirm facilities when you book.

Long Beach is a city with plenty to see in its own right, and Hotel Maya's location makes it easy to sample. The Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village are all part of the nearby waterfront, and downtown Long Beach, with its restaurants, music venues and the Pike area, is within a short ride. The hotel works well for families who want to combine a mainland day with an island day, for couples planning a coastal weekend, and for travelers who need a reliable home base with parking, which is useful when you leave your car in the area during a ferry trip.

For ferry planning, the key is the Catalina Express landing at the Downtown Landing on Golden Shore, which is a short drive or taxi ride from the hotel. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and check-in, and confirm sailing times and boarding windows before you book. Many guests stay the night before a morning departure, then return for a second night after the trip, or keep the room while they travel and leave their car in the hotel's lot if parking arrangements allow.

Ask the hotel about long-stay parking and shuttle options. When you choose a room, consider the view. Marina and water-facing categories tend to be more atmospheric, especially at sunset, while city or garden views can be quieter and more affordable. Summer weekends are busy with boaters and event guests, so reserve ahead. Pack for the coast: a light jacket, comfortable shoes for waterfront walking and sunscreen. Dinner options along the harbor range from casual seafood to polished dining.

Hotel Maya offers a pleasant, practical pairing for a Catalina trip: a restful night before the boat, a good breakfast, and a calm landing after a day of salt air.If you are flying in, Long Beach Airport is a short ride away and is often quieter than LAX, which makes an arrival the evening before your ferry smooth. Pair the stay with a stroll along the waterfront promenade and an early dinner so that you are rested for the morning crossing.