Banning House Lodge

Location: 1 Banning House Road, Two Harbors, California, 90704, Two Harbors, US

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Guest houses

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 04:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.

Amenities & Facilities

• Fireplace in lobby
• Arcade/game room
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Luggage storage
• Fireplace in lobby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Arcade/game room
• Library
• Wedding services
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Coin laundry on site

Rooms Available

• Room, 1 King Bed

  1 King Bed

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room (Crow)

  1 Queen Bed

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room (Carria)

  1 King Bed

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room, 1 Queen Bed, Balcony

  1 Queen Bed

  Features a private balcony

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room, Multiple Beds

  1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room, Multiple Beds, Balcony

  1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

  Features a private balcony

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

• Room (Cliff)

  1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, a hair dryer, and towels

  Comfort - Ceiling fan

  Need to Know - Housekeeping on request

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Marianne (10/5): - Great views. Friendly staff. Very good breakfast. Shout out to staffer Katie 👏
• Sandra (10/5): Thank you, thank you, thank you. - I traveled solo to the lodge for a much needed time of rest and recharging. My time at the Banning House did not disappoint. It was incredibly relaxing, quiet and peaceful. I felt at home being able to lounge in any of the many comfy nooks and read. The wine and cheese experience was wonderful and the ability to grab a snack or a refreshment at any time was great. I had the most amazingly comfortable bed. I can honestly say that I had the best night of sleep in a very long time. The staff was very kind and helpful. I am very appreciative of my time spent there.
• Kathryn (10/5): - We loved the history associated with this property. It is charming, clean, and welcoming with great views of both harbors. It was a pleasure to be greeted by responsive and kind hearted staff. We will continue to visit here. A great quiet getaway.
• joe (10/5): - Amazing
• Queena (10/5): - The staff is excellent. Katie was so helpful and kind. Every staff member that I encountered were super friendly and sweet. Brin and Zoe, great example! Great place to be to enjoy a quiet and beautiful getaway. I would definitely return and just may do that with my family for the holidays!
• Sophie (10/5): - The staff are welcoming and well informed on local attractions.
• Kosta (10/5): - Awesome views and common areas with fireplace balcony wine and cheese in evening. Great experience!!
• Sonia (10/5): - Quite and tranquil atmosphere. Sam is is the best !!!
• John (10/5): - 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.
• ryan (10/5): - 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.
• Abigail (10/5): 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.
• Mary Ann (10/5): - It was quiet, convenient and the staff was excellent.
• Rebekah (10/5): 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.
• Susan (10/5): - 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.
• Tracie (10/5): - Staff was amazing and love the overall vibe.
• Gay (8/5): - Wonderful place to stay. Great views all around the property. Very friendly staff. Building and nearby area needs some TLC.
• Matthew (10/5): 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
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (10/5): 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.
• Tamara (10/5): - 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!
• Jennifer (10/5): - 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!
• bryan (10/5): 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.
• James (10/5): - Beautiful location. Friendly and helpful staff. Quiet area.
• Douglas (10/5): - Very nice. Always sweet at the Banning House
• Jeffrey (10/5): 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.
• Andrew (10/5): 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.
• George (10/5): - The hotel has magnificent views and a wonderful free wine and cheese social.
• Verified traveler (10/5): 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.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful rustic lodge. The scenery surrounding it is breathtaking.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Breakfast and wine with cheese was great in the evening. Beautiful location but No TV
• Sandcplus3 (10/5): - The lodge was built in 1910 and is just lovely. No frills but exactly what we needed.
• Debra H. (10/5): A nice mix of seclusion and excitement - Beautiful house with great views from all areas.
• Arthur (10/5): 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
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 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.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Room 8, Very Large room with King Size Bed and view of Cat Harbor
• Peter (8/5): - Great place with great service.
• Brad (8/5): - 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!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great experience beautiful place to stay.
• Victor (10/5): As good as it gets - Excellent
• Cyndi (8/5): - 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!
• Amanda (10/5): Just book it. Trust me. - AMAZING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
• James (10/5): Away from it all - Banning House Lodge really is great. Be prepared to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Two Harbors itself is small and peaceful and Banning Lodge, just up the hill, offers relaxing tranquility overlooking the bays on either side. The place is very comfortable, with all basic amenities one needs. Expect comfy beds, clean rooms, outdoor seating, expansive views, friendly staff, a good breakfast, open fires and a good selection of board games. Don't expect wifi, TV, room service or any of the banal "luxuries" in other hotels. This is rustic comfort done right. The staff are always on hand to help out, there's free wine and cheese in the early evening, and if you're lucky you'll see the inquisitive local island fox. Our room had a small fridge, and hairdryer - nice touches, as well as great furniture and a comfy bed. Will hope to come back to escape it all!
• Nomad girl (8/5): Rustic charm - Great place if you love rustic charm, a sense of history, and nature. Bed was comfy. Rooms was clean but very basic. Nice sitting areas throughout the lodge, especially on the outdoor porches which are on about 2/3 of the lodge. Nice little nooks in the lodge sitting rooms for reading and gathering as well. Breakfast in the morning and snacks all day with a sweet Happy Hours between 5-6 p.m. each day (free wine and cheese). Staff is wonderful- friendly, helpful, and professional in the right measure.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Two Harbors Getaway - Great view of Cat Harbor from our room. Good Continental Breakfast wide variety of food. Homemade cookies. Wine and cheese 5_6 nightly.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Beautiful, and serene - Ocean views on both sides of the island. Terrific Great Room with games and fireplace. Surprising fun winter getaway.
• Verified traveler (10/5): beautiful location, great staff - lovely location where you can see both harbors. staff is terrific and we enjoyed the wine and cheese and breakfast.
• Tim (10/5): went during the week and end of season. - Had the place to ourselves, nice staff. great views.
• Sara (10/5): - This is such a special place. Excellent service and a wonderful stay. We will definitely return.
• Thomas (8/5): A Treasure - Although I've been visiting Two Harbors for more than 60 years, this was my first stay at the Banniing House. My friend and I both agreed it is a treasure, and TH continues to be an idyllic place. BH is a very old structure, not modernized, but well maintained, clean and comfortable. The staff is very helpful and cheerful. The common areas have wonderful views and are a great place to meet other guests or just to sit and enjoy the scenery. Although I didn't have one, on a clear night, one could easily see the mainland lights and ponder the reality that just 20 miles away live 3+ million people. The features that make BH a wonderful place to stay, also facilitate its one drawback, loud conversations from gatherings in the common areas do travel to the rooms. Not a particularly big deal for me, but light or early sleepers would be wise to include ear plugs in their travel kit.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great Place - I highly recommend this place! Best views, great rooms, great hospitality!
• Christina (10/5): true vintage character with stunning views - I love historical properties so the leaded glass windows that actually opened to stunning views on all sides of the property, the large bath with penny tile and cedar planked floors made me feel lucky to be in such a unique place. I only stayed one night but fell in love with Twin Harbors quiet and remote location.
• Susan (10/5): A Hidden Gem - Everything about the Banning House Lodge is amazing, although it is clearly not for everyone. It's a 12 room property from the 1920's - well kept, well maintained, and a tribute to the simple life. There is no internet & no TV - just the best view of both of the two harbors at the Isthmus on Catalina Island. The room are quaint, clean and cozy, and the friendly service is impeccable. They host a nightly wine and cheese service (all good quality stuff), and the guests gather on the veranda to relax and visit. The breakfast is fresh and good. The walk down to the main part of the island (a restaurant and general store, along with rentals of bicycles, kayaks, etc.) is maybe a quarter mile, but the staff are more than happy to drive you down and pick you up in the lodge van. I imagine that it gets busy and noisier in the summer, but our mid-week late September stay was wonderfully relaxing. We will certainly be going back.
• Sarah (10/5): Great Breakfast and nice location - Great hotel for families or couples. Breakfast was really good.
• Lee (8/5): Step back 100 years! - Built about 1909, this home turned into a B&B is great! Wonderful views of the isthmus and two different harbors, with friendly staff. We and our bags were picked up right off the dock for the short ride up to the lodge. We enjoyed renting kayaks one day, and hiking the trails on day 2.
• Verified traveler (8/5): A Quiet Rural Peaceful Getaway - The Banning Lodge is located in Two Harbors, on the more rural end of Catalina Island. This is a perfect spot for folks who want a more private, peaceful location, in the off-season anyway. It is a late 1800s home converted into a lodge with some outbuilding rooms as well. Our room had a great view of the Fourth of July Bay. We had a relaxing time.

Photos