MOST HOTELS WILL ALLOW YOU TO BOOK ONE YEAR OUT. (Expect to pay about $350 per night for the nicer hotels. Many have rooms with two queens so you can have a roommate and share the expense.) THE COTTAGES CAN BE BOOKED 50 WEEKS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

Check Travelocity, Expedia & Booking.com for good deals...
The most economical way to stay on the island is to rent a cottage with a group of fellow dancers. These can be booked as early as mid May for the following year. A few even come with golf carts. The best pricing will be found at Catalina Island Vacation Rentals. They have an onsite office in Avalon and their phone number is 310-510-2276. The best way to book is through their website, but be sure you are booking a place in the town of Avalon and not in Hamilton Cove (20 min golf cart ride outside of Avalon). Pricing should be better than on Airbnb, etc.
https://www.catalinavacations.com/
Our best recommendation is Hotel Metropole. This hotel is a good value for the money, recently renovated and includes a lovely continental breakfast. It is located in the main part of town closer to the Casino and boardwalk and there is a small jacuzzi located on the roof top. They will store luggage for you if needed. Book directly with them at 310-510-1884 and get a 10% discount using AAA. They will book rooms 10 months ahead of time.

The Catalina Canyon Inn we used in prior years (uphill at the top of town) has been remodeled and is also a good choice, if you are looking for a quiet location and a swimming pool. No breakfast is included but they do have an onsite restaurant.

Note: The Pavilion Hotel we used in 2018 will be undergoing renovation in 2026 and is not available.

(We do NOT recommend the Hermosa Hotel.)

For the hardiest amongst us, there is one campsite one mile uphill both ways from the town of Avalon. It is called Hermit Gulch and has tent cabins with army cots (tents sleep between 3 and 6 people) and various amenities, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and cooking utensils etc.
Check it out at: https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/stay/camping