Frequently Asked Questions for Villa 1-68
(For guests in a hurry who just want to cut to the chase)
1. How do we get from our helicopter or ferry to your place?
The primary method is Avalon Transportation at 310-510-0025. In 2024, a new way is via “Circuit” which works like Uber or Lyft and requires this app: http://bit.ly/HCcircuit. With the cab, say, “I’m going to Hamilton Cove 1-68.” For Circuit, use “68 Camino De Flores, Avalon, CA 90704” as the address.
2. What do we do with our luggage if we get to the island early and want to walk around?
Most guests check bags at the ferry terminal with Avalon Blue Line Baggage (see avalonbaggageclaim.com or call 310-510-9599.)
3. May we check in earlier than 4pm?
Occasionally we get word from housekeeping that our condo is ready an hour or so early and we let you know you may arrive early. From time to time, if we don’t have guests the night before, we can offer the popular “All Day Catalina Plan.” This upgrade is $175 and can be added to your reservation. If you opt in for the all day upgrade and we aren’t able to deliver the condo before 12pm, we will issue a prorated refund. Also, guests who opt in for the All Day Catalina Plan do not need to refuel the golf cart. We’ll hire someone and have it taken to the station and filled up and it will be on us.
4. May we check out later than 11am?
Usually, this isn’t possible, but there are rare occasions when something may be arranged. As with the All Day Catalina upgrade on check in, we might be able to arrange this for the day you check out.
5. How do we get access to your golf cart and where is it parked?
Our cart is parked on the entry road in its dedicated assigned parking #68. (See map in Welcome Guide.)
6. Does the golf cart need to stay in Hamilton Cove once we’ve checked out, or may we park it in town?
The cart must be returned to space #68 before you check out. Please don’t leave the cart outside Hamilton Cove or it will be ticketed and we will be immediately notified and need to forward the ticket to you.
7. Can we leave the golf cart parked in town overnight, such as if we really shouldn’t be driving?
Guests may not park overnight anywhere outside of Hamilton Cove or a ticket will be issued by the city.
8. Is the row of 72-hour parking spots by the Tuna Club okay to leave the golf cart overnight?
Unfortunately, no. The signs may say “72 hours” but this is only for full-time Avalon residents.
9. Are golf carts subject to the same California laws at regular automobiles?
Yes! Please don’t drink and drive, or use the cart to teach your child how to drive. It’s not worth it!
10. What do we do if for some reason the cart won’t start? Could we be ticketed?
Though very rare, all golf carts occasionally experience a breakdown. Please let us know if the cart won’t start, or you have a flat tire, etc.
11. What happens if we get a parking ticket? Are you notified? How do we pay it?
If you receive a ticket, we are electronically notified with a copy and you can Venmo or Zelle the payment.
12. What do we do if we ran out of time at check out and couldn’t refuel the golf cart?
Please let us know. Most guests report the cart only needing a gallon or two. We mostly need to know so we can be sure the next guest has enough gas.
13. What type of gas does the golf cart take and how large is the tank?
The carts take premium unleaded fuel and the tank is just five gallons.
14. How do we know how much gas the cart has and can we drive around a lot without refueling?
Please see the fuel gauge, or you may lift the seat and view the tank and fuel line.
15. Is there WiFi and is it good?
We have excellent 5G WiFi we brought over to the island and guests continually tell us how fast it is!
16. Will our phones work in Hamilton Cove?
At this time, only Verizon works inside the gates. We recommend hopping on our WiFi and making sure your cell carrier has you set up for WiFi calling.
17. Who do we contact during our stay if we have an issue?
You may contact us via the app you used to book our condo.
18. Do we need reservations at restaurants, or can we just walk in?
Most restaurants operate without reservations and are on a walk-in basis. Policies about reservations can change frequently, so guests are always encouraged to contact the restaurant directly about reservations.
19. May we use your golf cart early?
Golf carts are strictly regulated on the island and we are only permitted to offer a free loaner of our cart during a guest’s actual approved check in and check out time.
20. What are the sleeping arrangements?
The bedroom features a King bed, and the living room has a sofa sleeper. We also have a Queen inflatable aerobed that’s really comfortable, and there is a corner bonus niche room which has a West Elm Daybed and trundle which guests love. A Pack-N-Play is also available.
21. May we have daytime guests come join us during our stay?
Unfortunately, the HOA no longer allows guests to have daytime guests during a short-term rental stay.
22. How many people can your golf cart accommodate?
4 people maximum. Please don’t try to bring a 5th person. Security will call us and issue a fine.
23. Do you have coffee or should we bring our own?
We do! We provide K Cups upon arrival and our 2-in-1 coffee center also has a traditional coffeemaker. Vons also carries lots of whole bean coffee and additional K cups, and we do have a whole bean grinder.
24. Is smoking or vaping allowed outside on the balcony?
No. There can be no smoking, vaping or e-cigarettes on the balcony. Smoke travels quickly into the windows of condos above us, and smoking is not permitted on the balconies per HOA rules.
25. Do you provide beach towels, toys, or any other stuff?
We do! We offer jumbo beach towels, tennis rackets and balls, and puzzles, games, cards and other things.
26. We have a baby. Do you have a crib?
We have a Pack-n-Play in the bedroom closet that is retractable and can be set up. Should you need any other baby essentials, such as a car seat or other things, we have a resource on the island who offers just about anything you could need which are available to rent on a 24-hour basis.
27. What are your house rules?
Please see the Homeowner’s Association Rules & Regulations we sent a link to when you booked.
28. How do we get to the pool or spa from your condo?
Most guests just walk to the pool and spa down below, but you may take the golf cart down if you wish. If you do, please be sure to park in an unnumbered spot so you aren’t towed away.
29. How do we find the gas station to top off your fuel?
Please see the Welcome Guide map. The gas station at Pebbly Beach is approximately 1 mile south of where ferries come in. It’s a few minutes from Hamilton Cove, but a very scenic and beautiful drive. For guests who have opted in for the All Day Catalina Plan, there is no need to refuel the gas tank. We’ll hire someone to take the cart down to be refueled and the gas is on us.
30. Do you have laundry facilities?
We do! It’s just outside our front door and shared with only the condo next door. You are welcome to run laundry if you wish. Please message us if you’d like to utilize it and we’ll have the laundry room unlocked for you.
31. How many stairs and steps to your place?
From the upper road (Playa Azul) we’re 53 stair steps down to the sidewalk outside our front door. There are many condos with 80-100+ steps, so 53 isn’t bad (and you will love the views!) A huge bonus with this condo (and our other condo) is that our golf carts are in dedicated, assigned parking spots up top and are not parked at the bottom of Hamilton Cove. Many guests ask how many steps to get to our condo, but rarely think about where the cart is parked. By having the cart right up top, it is ultra convenient when coming to the condo to walk down the stairs) and when leaving. For condo 1-68, our cart is in the very first parking spot at the stairway entrance.
32. When are “quiet hours?”
Quiet hours are strictly enforced in Hamilton Cove and are 10:00pm to 8:00am, seven days per week.
33. Are the trash bins at the top of the stairs for us to use?
Yes. All trash bins are available to anyone. Please do not overfill the bins.
34. Do you recycle?
We do, but in Hamilton Cove, we don’t yet have the special bins. We hope they will soon be available.
35. Are the balconies shared? How private are they?
Most balconies in Hamilton Cove are shared, but people usually keep to themselves. In the nearly three years we’ve been here, we have not once seen other guests walk across our balcony. We’d estimate once or twice per year, the HOA will touch up the paint or sand and revarnish the railings, but they try to coordinate exterior building maintenance with when the condos are unoccupied.
36. Do you have heating or air conditioning?
Like almost every condo we know of in Hamilton Cove, there isn’t air conditioning. We do have new Dyson space heaters which also have cooling features. We also are unique, in that both of our condos are the more rare corner units with the side windows. You can get a terrific cross breeze going by opening up any of the side windows or any of the six French doors.
37. What do we do if power goes out, such as if we overload a circuit?
This is extremely rare, but if you do experience this, please open the hall closet and you will find the breaker panel on the wall. A “tripped” breaker will stand out from the others and be in the off position. Simply press it all the way off and hear a click, then flip it back into the on position. As our primary WiFi network and doorbell is on a backup power supply in the corner room, if you hear an intermittent beeping, this indicates that a breaker was tripped. Resetting the breaker will clear the beeping. If at night, there is a light switch to turn on the closet light and usually this closet light still functions. The only situation we have experienced in terms of a tripped breaker has been when operating a heater in the bedroom and the living room simultaneously. The solution if you wish to operate both is to operate the living room unit from the outlet at the kitchen barstools which is on a separate circuit.
38. Is there a way to turn on or off the balcony lanterns?
All Hamilton Cove balconies are turned ON/OFF via the HOA and a timer they control, so we do not have any control over these with a switch. However, some guests love to take advantage of the incredible stargazing opportunities from the balcony. We have been evaluating some WiFi smart bulbs and may have a solution soon where you can operate the bulbs with a dimmer or turn on or off. Please contact us is this is something you would like more info on.
39. We loved our stay and want to come back soon. Is it possible to book with you directly in the future?
We are happy to allow direct bookings on future stays for nearly all guests.
40. If the ferries or helicopter aren’t running to the island due to bad weather, can we get a refund for our trip?
As we reserved our condo for you and blocked the dates across all travel sites, refunds may only be offered to guests who purchased travel insurance with coverage for such an event.
(FAQ Revised 3.11.25)