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Reviews of Banning House Lodge

3 out of 5
Banning House Lodge
1 Banning House Road, Two Harbors, CA

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 66 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The only hotel in Two Harbors, perched on a bluff overlooking both bays. It is 115 years old and has a rustic feel. We liked the included wine and cheese as well as the breakfast. Staff was wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

ryan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is really the only solid place to stay in Two Harbors on Catalina. I really enjoyed the staff and Andrew was particularly helpful letting me check in early and assisting my sister who was coming in later in the day while I finished up my run. No Wifi... but who really cares... there is a cell tower right next to the town and you should enjoy the serenity anyways.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nazia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abigail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Can't wait to visit again
We were surprised and delighted by our stay at Banning House Lodge. We had just been hiking the Trans Catalina Trail for 6 days and knew our stay would feel good and needed no matter what but we arrived nearly three hours ahead of our check in time, hoping to drop our packs before heading into town for a bite, and our rooms were already ready! And then we were informed that our reservation came with a bottle of wine. The wine was delivered along with, another lovely surprise, some cheese and crackers and grapes. The room was cozy and clean and the shower was nice and hot. 10/10 recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from Corey on 2022/12/14
We are happy to read such a nice review of our property and thank you for sharing!

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was quiet, convenient and the staff was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Outstanding service!
The service was phenomenal! Carol & her team were all so kind and helpful. They really went above and beyond! The room was clean and comfortable and the views were beautiful! We will definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Corey on 2022/4/29
Thanks for sharing your feedback! We're so glad to have provided you with such a great experience and look forward to welcoming you back.

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property staff was friendly and helpful. The wine and cheese reception is so thoughtful and the breakfast was amazing. The rooms are clean and the view from the patio is breathtaking.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Response from Corey on 2022/4/29
Thank you for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you back in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Tracie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was amazing and love the overall vibe.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Response from Corey on 2022/4/11
Glad to be of service! Thank you for your feedback.

8/10 Good

Gay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place to stay. Great views all around the property. Very friendly staff. Building and nearby area needs some TLC.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Corey on 2022/4/8
Thanks for sharing your feedback!

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from Kristin Metcalfe on 2021/11/4
Thanks for staying with Philip and for capturing several photos!

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyable stay in historic hotel
This is an old property (built early 1900's) with lots of history, as such I believe you need to make allowances for that. The room was cozy and quiet. The bathroom was good, but not great with just a small stand up shower. The public spaces really were terrific, there are at least two outdoor terraces with seating to look over either harbor. There is enclosed spaces with seating and fireplaces. You could easily lounge around in the public spaces all day and be happy. Since it is a small hotel there was never too many people either. Service was terrific and really made the stay enjoyable. Breakfast was good for the trouble that COVID brings. We were very pleased with our stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021
Response from Kristin Metcalfe on 2021/11/3
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review about your stay, Matthew. Thank you for your honest feedback about the bathroom in your room. We are glad you appreciated the property's history and public spaces. We hope to see you again in the future.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff is very helpful and attentive. Continental breakfast was a surprise with a large amount of food, especially the mixed fruit bowl. The welcome wine and cheese was a delightful treat. The setting is serene and beautiful with amazing scenic hiking trails close by. Great way to unplug.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/6/23
Thank you for unplugging with us at Banning House Lodge! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our helpful and attentive staff, continental breakfast, and the mixed fruit bowl. We look forward to your return.

8/10 Good

Krista

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/6/3
Thank you for your review, Krista!

10/10 Excellent

Ava

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/6/3
Thank you for your outstanding review, Ava!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This property is fine. Jaeden and her staff are great, and want to make your stay exceptional. Where this property loses points is the general upkeep and state of the property. It is a very old building that needs quality refurbishing. The location is amazing, and with some work, gardening, and maintenance this could be an exceptional get away property. There is no television or wifi. I think they used to serve breakfast before Covid, and now it is continental style delivered in a bag. We ate on a lovely, outdoor patio overlooking Two Harbors. Right now it is a bit overpriced, in my opinion. But everything is expensive in Catalina right now.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/6/3
Thank you for your review and feedback of our property. We appreciate your comments, and will relay them to the team here at Banning House Lodge. Thank you kindly for choosing to stay with us.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/4/2
Thank you for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breathtaking retreat
We loved it! Quiet retreat, we’ll definitely be back. Rooms are well kept and the scenery is breathtaking. Thank you to Yesenia who was helping guests that weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from Hotel Management on 2021/3/23
Hello, thank you for your kind words about our hotel, and also about Yesenia. We appreciate you choosing the Banning House Lodge, and we hope to welcome you back to Catalina Island again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What a spectacular Hotels.com deal!!! We’ve always wanted to stay at the Banning House Lodge at Two Harbors on Catalina. Accommodates outside of Avalon are pretty scarce, limited to camping . . . So when we saw Banning House on Hotels.com, we jumped! The complication in the off-season is the Catalina Express boat visits Two Harbors sparsely and not at all on Tuesday and Thursday. A little research lead us to a night at Banning, a gorgeous 5 mile hike to Little Harbor to catch the Wildlands Shuttle to Avalon where we stayed Tuesday and went home via San Pedro on Wednesday. Now, the hike is no amateur-hour . . . and begins with a steep but picturesque road climb outta the Isthmus (Two Harbors). Passing windswept peaks, oceanviews of leeward and windward sides of this spectacular Island and the impressive mainland peaks of Palos Verdes, the San Gabriel’s and Saddleback Mountain above Mission Viejo across the channel on our way to the shuttle stop at Little Harbor and Shark Harbor. At nearly 65, my wife and I made the trek in just over 3 hours with a few lingering aches and pains. But, in my Boy Scout days outta Cherry Cove, I seem to recall making this hike is just over 2-1/2 hours. Gone are the days of my boundless energy, instant recuperation and body made of rubber. But we both enjoyed the scenic aspect that nearly no one ever sees of this legendary Island across the channel. We’re now resting comfortably in Avalon, treated to a memorable full moon and river!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer, Seattle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this beautifully updated historic property. We enjoyed sweeping views from well appointed rooms and decks. The staff were friendly and very helpful, making us feel so welcome. The nightly wine and cheese service was exceptional. We really appreciated all of the precautions the staff took to distance, clean, and generally keep all of us healthy. So much outdoor space here at the Banning House, we felt very comfortable visiting!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
Response from Hotel Management on 2020/11/23
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for your kind review. We are so glad you enjoyed the sweeping views, our friendly and helpful staff, an the wine and cheese amenity. We appreciate your business, and hope you will stay with us again soon!

10/10 Excellent

bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful views and convenient.
Very comfortable, incredible views and short walk down to the, beach, restaurant and General store. Can't wait to get back when we don't have to practice social distancing.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Response from Hotel Management on 2020/11/11
Hi Bryan, Thank you for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed the incredible views, the beach, restaurant, and General Store. We'd love to welcome you again soon.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from Hotel Management on 2020/11/11
Hello, We are very disappointed to learn of your experience at Banning House Lodge. Would you mind sharing more about your experience, so we can make things right? Thank you kindly.

10/10 Excellent

James, Auburn, CA

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location. Friendly and helpful staff. Quiet area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/7/6
Thanks so much for the wonderful review! We'll be sure to pass the comments onto our team and hope you stay with us again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice. Always sweet at the Banning House
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/7/1
We're so glad you had such a wonderful time! We hope you stay with us again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Gem in Two Harbors
Upon arrival we were immediately greeted by Carol (she is the best!), shown to our room and presented a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers which hit the spot after a long day spent in Avalon and an hour taxi to Two Harbors. Carol explained we were staying in a WWII army barracks which was so cool. The lodging was up the hill from the town and Carol was on-call to give us a ride whenever we wanted. We walked most of the time; not a bad little jaunt. Due to Covid we had to select our continental breakfast the day before and it was promptly delivered at our requested time. Yummy! Room 10 was well sized for 2 couples although one couple had to sleep on separate twin beds, but that was no biggie. Beds were very comfortable. Note: there is no TV or internet connection. There was an outdoor common area with patio type furniture including tables and chairs. There was also an indoor common area with sofas, tables and chairs and games and puzzles to keep yourself entertained. Situated uniquely, you get both beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/6/29
Thanks so much for the wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and provided exceptional customer service. We'll be sure to pass the kind comments to Carol! We hope you stay with us again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/6/29
Thank so much for the positive review! We hope you stay with us again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved this place.
One of the best places in Catalina. We already reserved an other 5 days in the future. Staff is very helpful and professional. The whole place is a great.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/3/13
We're thrilled to read you booked another 5 days! Thanks so much for the wonderful review and we're happy our team provided excellent customer service during your stay. We can't wait to welcome you back!

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The hotel has magnificent views and a wonderful free wine and cheese social.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/2/25
Thanks so much for the positive review! We hope you stay with us again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Paty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/2/19
Thanks so much for leaving a positive review! We hope you stay with us again soon.

6/10 Okay

Bassam

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely off season location
Nice setting, wine and cheese everyday at 5pm is a nice perk. The communal room is very nice (fire place, games) but if you’re staying near it there could be noise during cleaning in the morning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2020/2/3
We're thrilled you enjoyed your accommodations and our amenities. We value your feedback and will be sure to pass the comments onto our team. Thank you so much for staying with us and we hope you come back soon,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/12/3
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful rustic lodge. The scenery surrounding it is breathtaking.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/12/2
We're so glad you had a wonderful time! We hope you stay with us again soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast and wine with cheese was great in the evening. Beautiful location but No TV
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/11/15
Thanks so much for leaving a review! We're thrilled you enjoyed our location and amenities. We hope you stay with us again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Sandcplus3, Laguna Beach, CA

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lodge was built in 1910 and is just lovely. No frills but exactly what we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/11/12
Thanks so much for the positive review. We're thrilled to hear you love our lodge! We hope you stay with us again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Debra H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A nice mix of seclusion and excitement
Beautiful house with great views from all areas.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Put Banning House Lodge on your Bucket List
wanted to take staying a night at Two Harbors off my bucket list amazing so worth it escaped just before Buccaneer Days the bar at Harbor Reef great for watching MLB playoffs don't wait too late to go in though last call if slow could happen anytime after 8 pm
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/11/12
Thanks for leaving a positive review and we're thrilled to hear your stay checked off an item on your bucket list! We hope you stay with us again!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They have very nice windows that work well to let in sea breezes. Wonderful continental breakfast. Difficult for people with limited mobility to get from harbor to property except at certain times,,but felt the staff did the best they could to accommodate guests considering most of time only one staff member on property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Banning House Lodge on 2019/11/12
Thanks so much for the great review. We're happy to hear you enjoyed our breakfast and that our staff did their best in assisting any mobility issues your group had. We value your feedback and we'll be sure to pass these comments onto our team. We hope you stay with us again!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Room 8, Very Large room with King Size Bed and view of Cat Harbor
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Banning House Lodge Representative on 2018/12/10
Thank you for choosing to stay with us at Banning House Lodge! We are looking forward to your next visit.

2/10 Terrible

Alfredo

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Banning House Lodge Representative on 2018/12/12
We are sorry to hear that you had a negative experience at Banning House Lodge and would appreciate it if you would reach out to us so we can discuss this further. Thank you.

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place with great service.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Dear Peter, Thank you for your kind words about the lodge and staff. We look forward to welcoming you again. Warm regards, Danny Hogan Assistant Manager, Hotels

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Brad, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Initially when I found out there was NO TV., NO INTERNET., I was concerned. However, after some adjustment it turned out to be just what we needed. Two Harbors is such a quiet place to visit we were able to really relax and disconnect from the busy of daily life and also reconnect with "each other" without distractions. You don't hear traffic noise., we saw a few deer grazing., people hiking, & diving., many fish feeding and jumping. It felt like stepping back in time when less was more..., Under the right conditions we highly recommend. Not luxury - but has just what you need to relax. PS - bring a book!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Dear Brad, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We know not having access to internet or televisions can be disconcerting, but I am glad to hear you were able to find your relaxation and step back in time to when less was more. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Banning House. Warm regards, Danny Hogan Assistant Hotels Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great experience beautiful place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Hello, Thank you for your kind words about the Lodge. We hope to welcome you back soon. Warm regards, Danny Hogan Assistant Manager, Hotels

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
As good as it gets
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Dear Victor, It sounds like you had a good time at the lodge! We look forward to welcoming you again. Sincerely, Danny Hogan Assistant Manager, Hotels

8/10 Good

Cyndi, Manhattan Beach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Historical hotel with lovely views- so nice and quiet. The room is basic but clean and comfortable. The great room with an outdoor patio is very nice. We sat out there with some wine and were visited by an adorable little fox who kept coming by. Not your typical place! Charming!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Dear Cyndi, I am happy to hear you enjoyed your stay as well as the visit by our Catalina Island Fox mascot. Him and I look forward to welcoming you again to Banning House. Warm regards, Danny Hogan Assistant Manager, Hotels

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just book it. Trust me.
AMAZING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from Danny on 2018/11/25
Dear Amanda, Thank you for your enthusiasm! Though my opinion may be biased, I'd have to say I agree. Banning House's unique setting (as well as the people who run it) is something spectacular. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Sincerely, Danny Hogan Assistant Manager, Hotels