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Banning House Lodge – reviews, photos

1 Banning House Road, Two Harbors, Catalina Island, CA 90704
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33 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    13
    14
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    1
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Date Rating
orange county, california
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
“Good,bad and ugly.....such a shame it's not cared for!”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 August 2011
6
people found this review helpful

Good:
you are really "away from it all" here..quiet with no tv/phones..beautiful harbor views,nice hiking and beautiful ocean waters to enjoy. The one restaurant was surprisingly good, with fresh fish and attentive service. Hotel staff are pleasant despite being asked to do too many jobs. For example, the driver of the van who picks you up ,also checks you in and helps clean your room, in between answering the phone and picking others up. Silly.
Bad:
Our first room #12 had one tiny mirror up way high above the bathroom sink. I could see my forehead...and no other mirrors in the room period. Dust was everywhere...the cabin was surrounded by dirt....I think they could spread some gravel around to help with this..or some pavers.Everything just feels dirty.
Ugly
Mildly green grime on most of the shower door (room #11 now) was just gross. It needs a good scrubbing but likely to be replaced. Flies..lots of them.in the breakfast room landing on the food.. How bout screens or fly fans? The "guest"refrigerator also filthy. I couldn't believe it when the multitasking driver/front desk/etc.person opened it and with a straight face told us we could put our food in there. Not a chance.
In conclusion it's a shame that these owners charge nearly $300 nite, own and control this beautiful historic site, and scrimp so shamefully on staff, maintenance and the whole dirty area in general. It needs to be owned and cared for by someone who really cares.

Room Tip: The view from room 12's deck is great ...if they get a new bed and clean/replace that shower.
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  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask wroth about Banning House Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cypress, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Great Birthday Surprise for my husband”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 July 2011

We had talked for years about wanting to explore "the other side" of Catalina and maybe we'd camp over there. Instead, I booked this as a surprise getaway for my husband's birthday and we both loved it. Our view from room # 8 was wonderful, complete with "Wilson" the buffalo roaming in the field below on our 2nd morning. We stayed 2 nights which gave us 1 day to hike and 1/2 day to rent a kayak and go snorkeling. It was the perfect romantic, fun getaway.

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Carolynlbrown about Banning House Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great place and the staff was wonderful”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 July 2011
2
people found this review helpful

What a great place and the staff was so helpful and wonderful. The breakfast was fine. Breads,coffee and cereal. The location was perfect. The view from room 2 was beautiful. If you are going to Catalina go to Two harbor Side. Remember there is only one place to eat which is just ok but, worth the stay.

  • Stayed July 2011
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Travelerperson53 about Banning House Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
San Diego, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Always a please to stay at the Banning House”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 June 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We fell in love with Two Harbors and had the opportunity to stay at the Banning House this year. We loved it so much we decided to have our wedding there! The people are friendly and very laid back. If you like this type of atmosphere this place is for you. It's a very old, historic site so don't expect new plumbing, etc.... but why would anyone go to two harbors expecting something like that. It is a place to get away and relax and just have fun.

Thank you to the staff at the Banning House for such a wonderful wedding! We loved spending our time there and the pictures were amazing!

Room Tip: Reserve your room well in advance for summer.
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  • Stayed June 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask JenJenOb about Banning House Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Marina del Rey
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
“Comfy King Bed with Extraordinary View”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Pricey, but the only game in town. Fantabulous views, really nice, helpful staff, nice honor bar set up--if you don't have a boat or want to camp this is the place to go. Rooms 7 & 8 have amazing picture window views of Cat Harbor & comfy King beds + plenty of space. Cocktail hour on the patio is always nice with complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Rooms need some refurbishing--don't expect 4-star quality, but the views & being at 2 Harbors with comfortable bed, private bath, & lovely patios with good drinks make this a very special place for a nice get-away.

  • Stayed June 2011
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask PickyTraveler26 about Banning House Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Banning House Lodge

1 Banning House Road, Two Harbors, Catalina Island, CA 90704
Price range (per night):* INR4,985 - 15,067

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