We have stayed here 3 separate years now. Some things change a little, some things stay the same. Most of the time if you let them know you're coming in on the ferry they'll be waiting for you at the dock and will drive you/your stuff up their hill for you. Sometimes they're running late and you need to give them a call if you want a ride. They no longer deliver wine/cheese/breakfast to your room for you like they did during the pandemic, which is a little bummer. The option would be nice at least, but you can still venture out to get these things yourself. There's now a couch/seating outside overlooking the back harbor which was neat. We have stayed in 3 separate room types: carriage house, cliff room, and "Single King Room, No Balcony, Ocean view of Catalina Harbor". - the carriage house is fine but there's a porch light that doesn't seem to turn off which is inconvenient if you're trying to catch meteors, and I don't really trust the bathtub because it seems a little mildewy. It's nice the shower is in a separate room from the toilet though and the fake fireplace is nice. - the cliff house has the nicest view and I wish I could plan a stay in this room specifically around seeing a thunderstorm from it. The bathroom door is a little ridiculous because it's one of those sliding doors but it doesn't lock and there's a huge gap between the door and the wall anyway. There's no real bathroom privacy to be had. - the single king bedroom was probably the best value but the least fancy. It had a decent bed, the bathroom might've been the nicest out of all the rooms we've stayed in. Not super big and the view isn't super nice but it's fine for a night or two if you're just passing through like we are when we hike the TCT. The people working here are always very friendly and kind. read more

We recently enjoyed a one-night getaway to Two Harbors, and our stay at Banning House was wonderful. Its location, overlooking both harbors at either end of the isthmus, was peaceful and quiet. The trip was a welcome break from fast-paced city life. Our room had a patio facing Cat Harbor, which made the stay even more relaxing. The staff was helpful and friendly, and we especially enjoyed the evening wine and cheese, breakfast, and fresh cookies. Plan to be back and for a longer stay. read more

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I really loved our stay at the Banning House, especially the idyllic location and the wonderful breakfast and happy hour. It was nice to have an employee meet us at the ferry and drive us up to the property. The room itself was very clean, as were the common areas, but it's is a very old and broken down place so there are some unpolished aspects to it. My main reason for rating it 3 stars is that it is essentially a very very nice hostel, and therefore massively overpriced. There is only one employee working at a time so you don't feel the personal touch you might get from a concierge at this price point. I suppose they can charge this high since it's the only hotel in Two Harbors but I feel $500+ per night should be for more luxury properties with staff and more amenities. read more

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I go to Banning House two-three times per year and have been doing so for the last 4 years. This hotel is a truly unique experience! It is historic and nostalgic with tremendous charm. Russ is the manager and he and his entire team are thoughtful and service oriented. I had a great experience last weekend with his team. Every night they serve wine and cheese to the hotel guests. We came up at the end of the service time. Instead of telling us we missed the window, they made a beautiful tray of fruit and cheeses and a glass of wine. We sat out on the veranda and looked out at the boats on the harbor. It was the highlight of our weekend! The views from the hotel are spectacular! It is the only place I know where you can admire a stunning panoramic view of the ocean, turn around 180 degrees and have an equally stunning panoramic ocean view behind you! read more

Banning House Lodge - View of harbor - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

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Russ and the team at the Banning House Lodge were amazing. During our stay for 3 nights with two young children, all our little requests were happily taken care of (Porta-crib, late check-in, rides down/up the hill). The comfy accommodations and cozy decor of the lodge make you feel right at home. We took advantage of the included breakfast every morning and enjoyed one evening at the wine & cheese happy hour. Staying at the Banning House Lodge made our vacation at Two Harbors great! read more

Spent the night here for my birthday. The staff and everyone else on two harbor were very welcoming! Banning house location is perfect, the views are magical! The complementary birthday champagne was icing on the cake! Will be returning again to two harbor and highly recommend staying at banning house lodge. read more

It's virtually the same as it was fifty years ago! The staff are so friendly and the entire vibe is so relaxed! Buffalo, disc golf, good fishing, and good food all describe Two Harbors, and Catalina is Catalina... a beautiful oasis off the coast of California. But friendly staff of the Banning House and the people who take pride in both the legacy of the Bannings and Wrigleys, as well as remembering the friendly laid-back attitude, is priceless. The main room still has the same aroma of old wood and warm fires as it did fifty years ago. The views will be fantastic for millions of years. This isn't the Hilton. It's a rustic lodge in a beautiful place filled with wildlife and happiness. read more

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Beautiful views, The most comfortable bed ever, and very friendly staff. Great! Simple breakfast. We will definitely be back. read more

Banning House Lodge - This is our view from room 7! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

Best place to stay! History of the island drips from the Lodge. Wonderful staff makes the walk up the hill a worthwhile adventure. read more

Banning House Lodge - View of Two Harbors from the deck at the Banning House Lodge - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

We stayed at Banning House for several nights this month with another couple for a hiking trip. What a beautiful, tranquil, historic lodge property! The property is laid out to maximize the "dual views" of the island on both sides, but what really stood out was the customer service, five stars! Property Manager Andrew is an outstanding host and human being. He actually loaned my husband his own hiking boots, since despite this being a trip for the purpose of hiking my husband forgot his hiking shoes and Andrew didn't flinch when I inquired of his shoe size which happened to be the same size as my husband's! Andrew and the entire staff was very professional, friendly, and need I say more that he even loaned out his own shoes! We will definitely be back to this unique and tranquil place with the five stars service! Pauli & Damir. read more

Banning house is a bed and breakfast lodge in Two Harbors which is on the other side of Catalina island, and it's surrounded by ocean and mountains so the views are gorgeous. Unlike the many hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions in Avalon, this is really just a place for nature and true relaxations. There aren't many guest rooms in this lodge, the room we had was decent with basic amenities, but the bathroom was extremely small and cramped. Also daily free breakfast, evening wine and cheese hour, bakeries were served all day. There is only one restaurant and bar here and it opens till 7pm on weekdays 8pm on weekends, so eat breakfast and snacks the lodge provides or you will have nowhere to eat when you get hungry. Because there is literally nothing to do in Two Harbors, sister did some paintings here cause everywhere is a pleasant sight, we saw some older ladies were doing paintings too. It's a cozy and beautiful lodge if you just want to relax I mean really relax, experience was pleasant enough even though there wasn't much to do. I think it really depends on what you are looking for, why not just come out here and see for yourself, everybody would love the nature and views! read more

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The location is in a little piece of unspoiled paradise. I don't normally use names, but I wanted to give proper credit to Carol and Yesenia specifically, and the staff as a whole, that we had a truly memorable stay there. Anything we needed, they helped us out and were very prompt with the shuttle service. read more

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We cannot wait to go back! So clean and quiet! The hospitality was incredible! The wine and cheese hour was so pleasant! The fact that my husband could get a snack in the middle of the night was wonderful! The breakfast was perfect - so much yummy fruit, pastries, coffees, and teas! Russ, Bren, and Samantha were so kind and fun to interact with. High five from Bakersfield! read more

Don't expect you will be at a Ritz Carlton, Peninsula Hotel, Raffles Hotel when staying at the Banning House Lodge. You won't be coddled by plush, lux suites, silver spoon in your mouth service. Of course, the lodge van will pick you up upon arrival at Two Harbours & take you back at the predetermined date when reservations are made. This craftsman style all wood house was built in 1915 and has more or less retained its original form. There is NO central air nor heating. Cool, natural ocean breezes w/ help of a ceiling fan provides refreshment, and an electric heater in shape of an old fashioned radiator takes the chill from the room on cold nights. The rooms are adequate w/ comfortable beds, clean updated utilitarian showers that exhort you to take short showers since Catalina Island is still in drought mode. Hot water came out quickly w/ no sudden drop in water pressure. Complementary glycerin soap, body wash, shampoo, condtioner, body lotion in small guest bottles are provided for a touch of awareness of higher end hotels. Hand held hair dryer is also provided. Tap water here is possibily less saline than what can be gotten in LA so it is potable. From 7-9am there is continental breakfast: Latte, coffee, tea, orange juice, milk. Cheese, ham, boiled egg, cottage cheese. Yogurt, granola, fruit loops, oatmeal, cinnamon rolls. Sliced melons, pineapple. It is possible to eat enough to last until early dinner at the Reef Restaurant at the Two Harbour "village" which can be reached by BHL van shuttle which usually runs till 8pm. Or hike a quarter mile back on a dark, unpaved road up a steep hill. Lodge has a large classic living room w/ heavy wooden craftsman furniture featuring animal heads including a bison above the mantel. Fire wood is provided for a cozy, warm glow, but the chimney seems to have the flaw of not being able to draw the smoke out. There is no wifi, but phone & lte wireless reception is fine although data usage applies. Entertainment is hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, boating. Old fashioned book reading, snoozing, card or board games are ways to get back to more relaxed times. BHL staff is friendly, low key, helpful, but they leave by 8pm and don't get back till 6am. So you're left on your own. Remember, room service is nonexistent. Bring or buy snacks, booze, etc. before so the lodge shuttle van can take the supplies up. Ultimate place to have a quiet, no frills, relaxing vacation away from it all. 4- Yelp stars. read more

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My husband and I had our wedding and reception at the Banning House Lodge 7/20/2021 and we couldn't have been happier. The grounds and view are absolutely beautiful, and the amazing staff couldn't have been sweeter or friendlier. Special thank you to Yessenia, who was incredibly helpful all weekend - driving the van up and down the hill and answering any questions that any of the guests had. Everyone we spoke to had an amazing time and are already thinking about visiting again soon. read more

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Stayed at Banning House Saturday through Monday, mid December 2018. Room 4 Day 1 - Saturday Carol picked us up at the dock and drove us to the top of the hill to be checked. Very grateful for the ride since we had backpacks. Another couple joined us for the ride and were also glad to get a ride. Carol checked us in quickly and very politely. She advised us that there were only 3 couples staying at the Banning House that night. Beautiful location!?! With amazing views?!? And not crowded?!?! Sounds perfect to us! We got to our room. Looked around, checked the windows, doors etc. the fridge was working (big plus) Upon our inspection of the windows, we found that one of the bedroom windows didn't close all the way. We had read the signs stating to keep outside critters out! So we were trying to oblige. The mattress looked pretty worn :-( Fortunately, it was comfortable. We went to the office to turn in our breakfast menus. Carol offered to give us a ride down the hill, since we let her know we were going to dinner. We thanked her but passed. We wanted to walk down the rock steps and see the town. Upon our return, we quickly found out that the 3rd couple staying at the Banning House was NEXT DOOR to us. Banning House doesn't have tv or WiFi because they want you to feel like you're back in the 1900's. Well, you feel that way because of the paper thin walls!!! SMH. Yeah... let's just say that we tried to sleep while their "tv" was on pretty loud lol Our rooms, 4 & 5, also shared a door that had a large opening on the floor. So that didn't help with keeping any kind of privacy. Day 2 - Sunday Morning came and I was thrilled to go and find us some COFFEE!!!!!! I walked into the breakfast area to be greeted by the sweetest lady ever!! CHELA :) She was super sweet, informative and helpful. We chatted for a bit and I got to know a little about her. Let me just say that I want to adopt her as my grandma!!!! She's so freaking cool and adorable!!! She did ask how our night was and if we were warm enough & slept well.... hummmmm I let her know that we had "noisy" neighbors. Chela was surprised to hear that because she too knew that there were only 3 couples that night. She checked the room list and let us know that they were leaving that morning and that another couple would be coming in that evening. I asked if we could change rooms or make sure that we didn't have neighbors :-/ She said that it shouldn't be a problem and that she would let the lady in the front office know. Evening came, we came back to our room after a 16 mile hike. We were greeted by a young lady. Not Carol but another manager type young woman. She offered us wine and cheese. She took our orders and brought it back to our room. She did apologize about the noise the previous night. This told me that Chela DID relay the message. Thank you Chela! Little did we know that she was gone for the night. Not to return till the next morning. Note - the hours on Yelp say 24/7 but the staff isn't there 24/7. They go home in the evening and return in the morning. We got ready for bed. Ready to pass out because this hike pretty much killed us lol Only to hear that the "tv" is on, on the other side of the bathroom wall. Uhhhhhhh... we couldn't catch a break lol Just saying... turn the volume down please ;) Day 3 - Monday Morning came, finally!!!! COFFEE please! Went to the breakfast area to get my coffee fix and ended up chatting with Chela again. I'm telling you, she's going to be my abuelita :) I can't wait to see her again!!! Chela helped me with a tray, so that we could enjoy breakfast in bed. Yes, I know... romantic ;) We enjoyed our breakfast spread. We went out for a walk before packing up and heading down the hill for our bus. As we were getting ready, I attempted to open the bathroom window to air out the steam. Well, our bathroom window is over the neighbors back porch! I couldn't tell if I was invading the guys space by opening the window or if he was invading my space by sitting next to the window!?!?! Needless to say, I was glad that we were moving on to our next destination on the island. I would rate our stay 2 Stars Due to the beautiful views and Chelas warm smile, I will give it an overall 3 Stars. We stayed at a hotel that was practically EMPTY. To have neighbors each night is ridiculous and poor planning on the managers part (or whoever is responsible for booking the rooms.) You could've moved us or the other party to another room. This would've given everyone a chance to enjoy their stay. I honestly can't wait to comeback to Two Harbors. Where we will stay, is another question. Chela - the cook / cleaning lady deserves 5 Stars all on her own!!! Best customer service and such a beautiful soul! Carla - the driver / check in lady 3 Stars because we "had" to have neighbors?!?! Young Woman - wine & cheese lady 3 Stars because she apologized for the noise but nothing was done to prevent it from happening again. read more

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We had an amazing an relaxing time. Banning House Lodge is definitely the place to go when you want to recharge, hike, or simply just relax. Carol and all the staff are wonderful- and are there for all your needs. It feels family! The view from any point is fantastic. Definitely a gem, surrounded with nature and beauty and history! read more

My husband and I, our daughter and son-in-law that live in Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, and our son and daughter-in-law from Tennessee anchored in Cat Harbor for four days and had the most amazing stay. My husband and I stayed in Banning House Lodge while our kids stayed on the sailboat. The staff at the Banning House were the best I've ever experienced. They truly want your stay to be the best you've ever had. They were so attentive to all our needs, be it shuttle services while we carried ice and other necessities or needing a wine key to open our corked bottles while we enjoyed the amazing views from the porch/patio areas available at the lodge. Time just sort of stands still while on the island and it is the most enjoyable feeling. I have never experienced such a welcome feeling. Would love to come back and hope to soon. Thank you for everything! read more

Banning House Lodge - Catalina Harbor with our daughter and son-in-law's sailboat anchored in the distance. - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

The good: -Location is so beautiful! What views from this historic house! -Room had newer paint and floor finish -Common room is great for playing games, reading, entertaining and has windows with commanding views -Continental breakfast is very nice, able to chat with guests The Bad: -Check-in time is 4 PM! -Woman in charge is bipolar...Nice one minute, then snappy and rude 20 minutes later -Shower water pressure is extremely weak -Walls are very thin....you will hear when your neighbors are peeing and more -Building exterior needs a paint job with replacement of rotting wood. Outdoor atrium area with tables looks like it has not been swept clean in months -Need more staff and a more professional manager read more

Clearly one of the very coolest places I've ever been to... Banning House Lodge, in the very small village of Two Harbors on Catalina Island, quite unique! You may have heard that Catalina's main city, Avalon, is sometimes called "K-Mart By The Sea." Two Harbors is just the opposite. Very quiet, laid-back, romantic and peaceful! It is the perfect escape from the big, big, city. You can get here from Avalon on the roads, or, the best way, which is taking the Catalina Express from San Pedro (Los Angeles) directly to Two Harbors. This boat trip takes about 90 minutes and is half the fun! For best effect, try to arrive around sunset, you will not believe how cool and beautiful it is. You can arrainge to have the Banning House Lodge van pick you up at the dock! http://www.catalinaexpress.com/ We spent our days hiking around the island. Evenings we'd visit the restaurant or the bar. They have a special drink that's called Buffalo Milk, but it's actually vodka based and there isn't really any buffalo milk in it! There can be quite a boating crowd down by the bar and restaurant. If you want to get back to a more busy environment there is transportation available to Avalon. The lodge was built in 1910, as a summer home. It sits high on a hill with excellent views of the ocean and the island. There are 11 rooms in the lodge, each with its own bath. There are plenty of areas at the house to just hang out and relax, be sure to see my photos. Also be sure to visit the website, there you can see the description of each room. It's really nice! read more

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This place is truly unique. Our room was exactly as expected from viewing online. Our stay was serene (only two rooms in the whole lodge occupied). Despite the lodge being quite antique, we had zero issues with water, pluming, lights or anything at all. My only concern was the bathroom window with no curtain/blinds. That was a bit awkward. Oh, and the complimentary breakfast?! Don't miss out on that because there aren't many options and whatever is available is pricy. The Banning House sets up a wonderful breakfast bar with bagels, cereals, fruit and toast. They also offer cheese & wine at 5! Loved this place and would recommend to anyone looking to escape and do nothing! Total Zen zone. Shout-out to the awesome housekeeping lady, Chela! She was so helpful and sweet. WHAT I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN: * There's is literally NOTHING to do at Two-Harbors. When I say nothing- I mean NOTHING, other than site seeing, a bar (that closes at 8), and spotting Buffalos. * If you want to go to Avalon, it's an hour away and for a whopping $100 per person! Yes, you heard right. * The Banning House has been rumored to be one of So Cal's most haunted hotels. * Best time to visit is during the summer. A lot more to do. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our stay and enjoyed experiencing this cute, little tucked Island. read more

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Just had a great visit to Two Harbors and lovely stay at Banning House Lodge! We had the pleasure of the employee, Carol, helping us out during our stay and she was so friendly and helpful, including providing rides to and from the lodge down to beach, answering questions we had, and quickly attending to requests. The lodge itself is great, very peaceful and beautiful views. Yes, the building and rooms are on the older side so the walls are a bit thin, but we found ourselves mostly hanging out on our back balcony or the gorgeous common area at the front to enjoy the views with the complimentary wine and cheese in the evenings and continental breakfast in the morning (and fresh baked cookies!) I would definitely recommend staying here to anyone looking for a nice little getaway and who enjoys outdoors and a rustic and historic vibe. read more

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Very nice place away from the crowds. Views of both harbors from the patio. Bed comfortable. And morning Continental breakfast good. This is a historic place. So you will hear your neighbors. Not real loud. So not advisable for a wild nights romp so to speak. Your neighbors will likely be very displeased. Retreat would be a better way to view this property. You can hike from the property to many locations. Super staff who are friendly, informative and locals. They love there area and the many visitors who return. Which I will too. Such a pretty area! Thanks and Enjoy read more

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From the minute I arrived Nataya made us. feel welcomed! It was a little windy but we really enjoyed the views. We will be back with our friends and take over the lodge. It really smells like a lodge. read more

Our stay here was unparalleled. Banning House is a very well-kept bed and breakfast with lots of amenities to offer. Keep in mind that this is a bed and breakfast, so they do not have a kitchen and you can't order room service. The charm of staying here is that it is a rustic home with beautiful views in a perfect location overlooking the Pacific. Banning House sits on top of a steep hill, so there are amazing views in every direction. Very close to the restaurant, close to hiking trails, and just a few minutes from the dock. Be ready to hike up, or you can ask the staff to come pick you up in the van until 7 PM. In the off-season, rooms can get a little chilly at night but they do have radiators in every room. Breakfast is served every morning, and wine and cheese is served every evening. A heavenly stay in a completely unique location. Very romantic and perfect for couples. read more

Banning House Lodge - View of the western harbor - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

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Truely an amazing experience. Carol met us at the dock and took care of us for the duration of our stay. This place is so unique and not for everyone. It is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Carol and the staff make this a special place. read more

I booked a stay here as a gift for my fiance's birthday and we had a pretty horrible experience.  First, definitely don't book with a third party.  We booked through booking.com and I called to confirm (thank goodness!) and they told me that they hadn't gotten the reservation.  After multiple days of calling (where they wouldn't let me cancel and rebook because the cancelation policy is a month out) and after sitting with booking.com as they resent the reservation 3 times, I got a call from the front desk (who hadn't answered my calls for the past week and who the booking office told me is the only person who can accept it).  She told me matter of factly that that's just what happens when you book with a third party - they often lose the reservation.  She refused to help me or let me cancel it and said there wasn't anything I could do but keep calling.   Anyway, we finally got it sorted after literally hours on the phone and we arrived at the property.  In the photos online, you expect it to be nice and cozy and comfortable.  We got there and checked into our room and were immediately just kind of let down.  It clearly hasn't been updated in years - the walls are dirty, the rooms are bare, the furniture is stained, and there is random caulking holding things together.  The common area looks stunning in the photos but in real life it feels dusty and not well cared for.  The sheets on the bed were itchy and my fiance was up most of the night because he was worried there were bugs of some type because the rest of the room was old and uncared for.  We heard the people in the room next to us calling to leave early because their kids were so uncomfortable (the walls are paper thin so you can hear). I genuinely don't understand all of the good reviews - the setting is stunning but the place itself was less comfortable than sleeping in a tent would have been. read more

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A super spot on a magical island, The Banning House Lodge was delightful. Don't expect all the comforts of home! No Wi Fi - No TV and plenty of quite space to enjoy the surroundings. The Staff was welcoming and attentive. The COVID Protocols they employ are considerate and still provide plenty of service. Thanks to all for a great few days! read more

This is such a cool spot!! The views are amazing. The historic vibes are awesome. The thing that really did it for us was the CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Yessenia picked us up by the pier and was so friendly giving us the tour up the hill. Then she gave us a tour of the beautiful property. Then she delivered the wine and cheese appetizer!! Oh and I forgot to mention that I happened to say something about my daughters birthday so when she delivered the wine and cheese there was a hand written card and cookies for her!!!! We will be back for sure!! This is not some modern fancy pants place but I'd say it's even better due to the great customer service and quaintness of the spot. read more

Banning House Lodge - Birthday card for my daughter!! So sweet!! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Avalon, California

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Stayed here at a whopping $340 per night for one night in the suite. Basically this place will treat you nicely until the moment you check out- after that, you're basically trash to them. I get that this is probably a one-stop shop for most people, so they don't expect you to return. They have a pretty cheap attitude about things. For instance, if breakfast is served from 7 am - 10 am, expect that all the food will be swept from the counters the second that clock ticks on the hour. They don't care if you're still eating, and they don't have the decency to ask if you want to grab something before they clean up. Oh, 10 am? Food is gone. They might as well steal the plate right out of your hands, too. Wine hour was 5 pm - 6 pm, and the same attitude was applied. The main host forgot to set out half of the cheese varieties, so she approached us and mentioned that she had brie and gorgonzola to offer as well, only it was at the end of the hour. My eyes immediately lit up, because what's wine without brie? I said, "Yes, I would love that!" And she goes, "Which one?" Okay, why not both? Of course I chose the brie, but where is the customer service? Both of those cheeses were supposed to be offered throughout the hour, so you would think she'd like to make up for the mishap. Oh well... Finally, the day we checked out, our boat was not arriving until 6 pm for pickup. When we had originally checked in, the host had let us know it was okay to store our luggage in the office after we checked out until we leave. So we did just that and toured the town for a little while. We came back around wine hour and decided that we would film on our camcorder since we hadn't filmed it the first time around. Of course, the host approaches us and says, "Wine hour is only for in-house guests." Okay...nobody was reaching for a glass of wine...and she treated us like a couple of homeless people who were breaking in or something. Very unwelcoming and insincere attitude...and NO SMILE. We mentioned we were only videotaping, and then she said, "Oh, and is that your stuff in the office? Okay...yeah..." Basically, what she wanted to say was, "We got your money, thanks, now get your ass out of here." So ugly, so low class. Pretty shocking for a business like that. Anybody that understands customer service would have the decency to say something like, "Oh no, there is plenty wine and cheese. Please have a glass while you're awaiting your departure. Thank you for staying with us." But of course, they're the only hotel in Two Harbors...so why would they care... Like I said, cheap attitude. And, to top it off, we were not average guests, we stayed in the suite. And for that price, you can bet more than a few glasses of cheap wine were paid off... read more

Clean, beautiful and unique lodging. Everyone was welcome and friendly! Staff was helpful, kind and friendly. Room was so comfy!! read more

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If I could give more than five stars I would. The host picked us up from the ferry. It's not far but a ride up the steep hill with luggage was appreciated. The hotel's charm lies in its size and simplicity. 12 rooms. No TV. No restaurant. Our room was small but perfectly adequate for what we needed. Comfy bed and hot shower. Don't be fooled by the term 'Continental breakfast'. You can eat as much as you like from a delicious spread with breads, bagels, home-baked goods, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, cereal, yogurt, juice and fresh fruit. Each afternoon wine and cheese are offered from 5 pm until 6pm. There is a wide selection of good quality wine with a variety of cheeses and crackers. You may even see a fox scrounging on the patio. Dinner is not available at the hotel but the local restaurant is a short walk/ride away. The views are amazing. Customer service is absolutely the best. We will definitely return to soak up some more peace and quiet. read more

My experience at the Banning House Lodge was spectacular! The staff is polite and professional. The guests were very pleasant. In the morning they offer breakfast on the patio, overlooking the ocean! In the late afternoon the guests return to share Wine & Cheese, while admiring the stunningly beautiful views of the "Two Harbors!" Inside the 1910 Lodge there are gorgeous views of the "Two Harbors" from the top of the hill. The shuttle van is available, I chose to walk along the stone path. After sailing and swimming the quiet, serene setting is relaxing! Thank you very much the "Banning House Lodge!" read more

My husband & I were married on 11/2/19 at Two Harbors. We, along with several of our guests, stayed at the Banning House and everyone was blown away by the beauty & hospitality that it had to offer. The Lodge transports you back to a simpler time before smart phones and social media and instead encourages guests to socialize with each other, to take part in breakfast or a glass of wine together. Our guests took in the views, relaxed by the fire in the great room, did puzzles and simply enjoyed one another's company. The staff is incredible - particularly Nehtia. They went above and beyond to ensure that guests were shuttled as needed and that everyone arrived for our wedding on time and made it home safely following. Additionally, we had family and friends stay at both Villa Santa Rosa & Villa Santa Santa Cruz. Wow - were they beautiful! Spacious, clean, stunning views. Several wedding guests are already planning trips back! My husband and I have already booked our one year anniversary trip, though I am sure we will return before then and stay once again at the Banning House as we have several times in the past. Thank you so much, Catalina Island Company & Banning House staff! read more

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Carol picked us up at ferry short walkable drive to the bed & breakfast. I was quite nauseated from the ferry trip so she was kind to offered me ginger tea with honey which helped. We received a bottle of wine but no cheese tray. We stayed in room # 1, beautiful room but the wind rattled the window all night. I'm a light sleeper so I wouldn't recommend that room plus it was near the front desk and shuttle pick up. I didn't know they made cookies in the evening until we checked out, another patron told us about it. It would have been nice to know. We felt a little jipped. The breakfast was nothing special regular continental breakfast. We were looking forward to something homemade. The only restaurant on the island was lively and delicious. The hiking trail along the coves was amazing. Best part of the island. read more

So the Banning House lodge is great if: a) you hate camping b) you hate sleeping in a sleeping bag and freezing your ass off c) you hate cooking over an open fire d) you hate pissing in the wilderness and/or outhouses and e) there are no other lodging areas on the north end of the island. I enjoy camping, and letters b-e, however sometimes it is a nice break to sleep in a real structure, on a real bed, and have a real toilet/shower get-up. This place is expensive in the summer months, but they have every right to be, its either you stay there or throw some pocket change together and camp. There are a handful of rooms, quaint, and old-fashioned decorated. The beds squeak, there are bugs, the linens are vintage, and it is like any cabin you've been to in the mountains. But remember, it works if you hate letters a-e (see above). Most rooms have a nice view of Two Harbors. The bathrooms are clean, the sheets were clean, really can't ask for much when you're only other option is camping, ya hear? The staff is great, they wheel you down to the main town-area (or you can walk up-hill, take your pick), they put on a nice and simple continental breakfast, Friday night was a wine social night (pay for wine in a glass or bottle and they provide snacks). There is always coffee or tea ready in the kitchen area. You can also store beer or wine or food in their large walk-in refrigerator. They have a system where you can take a bottle of wine from their selection, and scouts honor you better write you name down and the name of the wine so they can charge you later. Alas, this place is great if you are not in the mood to camp. And don't have high expectations, it is not a resort or brand new swanky hotel, it is a lodge with a cozy and welcoming vibe. read more

This place was amazing! We went here for a relaxing time for pre wedding day! We were greeted by the doc by Christine and given a quick tour of the area and hotel! They brought us wine and cheese tray and gave us ideas where to hike! It was nice and quiet before the noise and bustle of Avelon for our wedding! It was a great idea to go here for a day before for just my groom and I! Thank you to Andrew for getting us to our boat on time and helping us with our luggage back on the cyclone to Avelon! Special thanks to Deedee with Catalina Company for helping us schedule our dream wedding! read more

Wow! Everywhere we turned, there was a spectacular view. And then we saw the buffalo, just enjoying the views with us. Room 12 was worth paying extra for. It was huge, private and had a wonderful deep tub. If you are on a tight budget, their regular rooms are nice and you can use the entire "house" anyhow. There is a sun room, a porch, a lodge room with a big fireplace with real wood burning. Bring a good man or woman and you are sure to fall in love (or fall in love again). read more

We usually camp at Two Harbors but decided to make it easier this year and stay at the Banning House, and we are so glad we did! The staff was amazing and drove us around, which made it especially easy to get up and down all the hills. We will never camp again! It's very charming there and feels as if you have stepped back in time. It is so peaceful and beautiful there. A great mini-getaway if you can't afford a major vacation. The only thing they need is a spa! We will definitely be back in the fall! read more

This place is spectacular. If you are looking for a quiet romantic getaway, or a nice place to spend time with family, The Banning House is the place to go. Sal and Eddie manage the property and are just terrific. They are kind and genuine and completely add to the experience. They have tons of knowledge and such joy and pride for the island that makes for a truly marvelous experience. There is a shuttle that they run from the Banning House to the town whenever you need a ride. The walk is only about 5 minutes but its uphill and kind of hard to do in the dark so the shuttle is handy, plus it helps when you have luggage. Anytime you need a ride you can call and they are usually there within 5 minutes. The grounds are gorgeous. Everywhere you turn there are spectacular views of both harbors. The patio is so nice to sit out and look at the view in the afternoon/evening or at breakfast, the inside common area has a fireplace and is cozy with games and books to use. The whole house is open to the guests 24 hours a day so you can always go and check out the common areas. There is also a water cooler, ice, and hot tea available at all times and coffee if someone is available to make it. The guests can use any of the dishes, wine glasses, or any other kitchen utensils whenever needed and can also use the kitchen fridge or even cook. There are no televisions and no wi fi which is wonderful for a truly unplugged stay. We were able to get 4g on our iPhones with Internet though if you really need it and our cell reception was fine. We also downloaded movies on our iPad for the evenings. The breakfast is continental but with lots of extras. They had toast, fresh bagels, pastries, muffins, hard-boiled eggs, Fresh pineapple, grapes, clementines, cereal, milk, juice, coffee, meat, cheese, and yogurt. It wasn't anything spectacular but it was fresh and nice that its included with the hotel stay and your only other option for breakfast is the galley down in town, which isn't great. The view at breakfast is lovely. We stayed in room 12, which is the Carriage house. It has a king bed, a Jacuzzi tub, and an electric fireplace. It is extremely spacious with great antique furniture pieces. There is a couch facing Cat Harbor and a comfy chair as well. The room has 4 good-sized windows that overlook Cat Harbor. It's a bit harder to see the harbor from the bed but from the couch there is a great view. The bathroom area is nice as there are two separate areas, one room has a sink and toilet while the other has the bath/shower and another sink, so its nice to have two separate sinks in two separate areas to get ready in. The lotion, shampoo, etc. are very nice. The carriage house is the only room not attached to any other guest rooms so it is off to the side and more private. It is attached to a room 13 that an employee stays in but there was no one there the weekend we were there. That being said there are still people that can walk by the windows on a hike so it's not as private as we thought it would be. The king bed is wonderfully comfortable and the Carriage house is the only unit with a bathtub. It's an absolutely wonderful room to enjoy the peace and quiet. Rooms 1-6 are in the main house area. Rooms 7 and 8 are attached to each other but they are in a separate unit directly facing Cat harbor. Room 7 and 8 have king beds and a shower and they are very private. Where they are situated no one can walk in front of them. Another more private room is room 11 or the crow's nest. That one is on the second floor of the main house above the living area and away from the other rooms. It has a queen bed, shower, and private balcony. There are a few rooms great for families as well that have more beds in them. Rooms 7,8, and 12 are the only rooms with king beds. All and all the stay was absolutely lovely. I will write separate reviews on the activities and restaurant but there is only one restaurant in town, the harbor reef restaurant that is extraordinary. Fresh caught fish of the day was outstanding; there is also a wonderful bar. There is a general store you can get food to cook back at the hotel, and a snack bar. As far as activities there are snorkeling, diving, kayaking, skiff rentals, fishing pole rentals, paddle board rentals and beach to walk on. There is a shore boat that takes you to and from Avalon but the times and hours not frequent. Tuesdays and Thursdays during the off-season the Catalina express does not travel to Two Harbors. read more

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