We were invited to an informal wedding at the Banning House Lodge in Two Harbors, Catalina Island, CA. The innkeeper, Kate Panzer, took care of everything including reserving us space on the ferry from Long Beach to Avalon and booking us on the Safari Bus tour to Two Harbors. The lodge itself is setup with a walk in refrigerator full of food and wine available for guests - and the honor system is setup so you can help yourself at your convenience and add the charges to your room. Being from the east coast, I'm an early riser and Kate showed me where the coffee is and how to run the machine to accomodate my early rising and coffee addiction. Kate and her staff worked hard round the clock with smiles on their faces. Everything was professionally handled and the presentation of wines and food was flawless. With no TV or internet, it is truly a chance to relax, hike the trails and walk down to the beach. If rides are needed, Kate and staff have walkie talkies and are able to provide transportation to/from anywhere in Two Harbors. She handled storing and transporting our luggage to the ferry when it was time to leave. I highly recommend the Banning House Lodge for a get-away or event. The rooms are spotless, spacious and I just can't say enough wonderful things - the other wedding guests I compared notes with felt the same way. I can't wait to go back!

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.

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.

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.