Name: Banning House Lodge
Address: 1 Banning House Road, Two Harbors, 90704, US

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2026

Keith

Cottage charm with lots of great common areas on the patio and fireside / game room. Personalized service and a healthy breakfast.
Love this secret gem

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2025

Neil

Clean, cozy, and friendly staff. Cycled from Avalon and stayed overnight. Views were amazing. Nice wine and cheese offered at 5:30pm and good breakfast before biking back. Only one restaurant opened this time of year and they drove us there for dinner which was great since we had no car. Would definitely stay here again.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2025

Thomas

This was a rustic 1920 hotel. It was great... The wild foxes and ravens...it was great. And the staff, the girls they were great to. Picking me up in the middle of nowhere and taking me back. The bus service is the best. And breakfast is good to, o and then the wine and cheese hour.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2025

Cherie

Everyone who works at The Banning House is friendly and willing to help. Katie was great!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Rob

If you like older historic accommodations that are rich in history, then you would enjoy this place. Big, tasty cookies waiting at check in and bottled water next to comfy beds, coffee and muffins were waiting in the dinning area for early birds before breakfast was served. Transportation available to get down the hill to a restaurant and beachside bar made things very convenient. I plan on staying again and sharing this experience with my friends and family.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Marianne

Great views. Friendly staff. Very good breakfast. Shout out to staffer Katie 👏

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Sandra

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.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2025

Kathryn

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2025

joe

Amazing

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2025

Queena

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!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2025

Sophie

The staff are welcoming and well informed on local attractions.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2024

Kosta

Awesome views and common areas with fireplace balcony wine and cheese in evening. Great experience!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2024

Sonia

Quite and tranquil atmosphere. Sam is is the best !!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2024

John

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2023

ryan

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2022

Abigail

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2022

Mary Ann

It was quiet, convenient and the staff was excellent.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2022

Rebekah

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2022

Susan

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.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2022

Tracie

Staff was amazing and love the overall vibe.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2022

Gay

Wonderful place to stay. Great views all around the property. Very friendly staff. Building and nearby area needs some TLC.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2021

Matthew

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

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

12 May 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2020

Tamara

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!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2020

Jennifer

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2020

bryan

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2020

James

Beautiful location. Friendly and helpful staff. Quiet area.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2020

Douglas

Very nice. Always sweet at the Banning House

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2020

Jeffrey

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2020

Andrew

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2020

George

The hotel has magnificent views and a wonderful free wine and cheese social.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful rustic lodge. The scenery surrounding it is breathtaking.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Breakfast and wine with cheese was great in the evening. Beautiful location but No TV

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2019

Sandcplus3

The lodge was built in 1910 and is just lovely. No frills but exactly what we needed.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2019

Debra H.

A nice mix of seclusion and excitement

Beautiful house with great views from all areas.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2019

Arthur

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

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Room 8, Very Large room with King Size Bed and view of Cat Harbor

Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2018

Peter

Great place with great service.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Aug 2018

Brad

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!

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Great experience beautiful place to stay.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2018

Victor

As good as it gets

Excellent

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2018

Cyndi

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!

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2018

Amanda

Just book it. Trust me.

AMAZING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2018

James

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!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2017

Nomad girl

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.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

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.

Partner