Catalina Island Inn

We loved the oceanfront balcony room and the amazing view during our three-night stay. It was slow season, so we got a great rate. The front desk folks were super nice, and we loved the place and hope to come back. The location was fabulous, half a block from the ocean and about half a mile from the ferry terminal. Shuttles made it easy to get to Wrigley Monument and other local spots in town if you signed up for the app. As others have mentioned, the walls are fairly thin, and we could hear people when we had neighbors. Bring earplugs, as you would anywhere short of the Four Seasons.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, which made the stay more pleasant, and the price seemed fair for the area. The Catalina Island Inn is older and has its quirks, but it’s a decent option if you’re not expecting luxury. The room itself was comfortable, with a medium-firm bed that felt good. The bathroom was surprisingly nice and in good shape. There were some drawbacks. When I first entered the hotel, I noticed a damp, musty smell like wet socks, and the building felt quite humid, though that may come with its age. The sheets were mostly clean, but I spotted a few small marks, and the lampshades looked a little dirty, probably from ordinary wear. The floors creaked a lot, and I could easily hear guests walking upstairs and talking through the walls on both sides. The bed creaked whenever I moved, which could bother light sleepers. Pricing felt fair for the experience. If you want more of my candid reviews around the area, you can check my profile, though I always encourage people to visit places themselves and form their own opinions.

The location is great, but the price doesn’t feel justified when the room and bed are both tiny. The worst part was their “policy” against securely storing luggage after checkout. They let you leave your bag in an open area behind check-in where anyone can come and go and take it. Great “service”!

The location is GREAT, and we found a grocery store nearby while exploring after check-in. Beyond that, the room didn’t look like the photos on the travel sites, and there were stains all over the carpet in our room, as well as in the hallway and stairs. Our room was at the top, about five sets of stairs up, and there’s no elevator. I’m a side sleeper and needed an extra pillow. Calling the staff was useless, even from an outside line. When I asked the lobby clerk after we came back, he said he’d have one sent right up, but it never arrived. You’re pretty much on your own here. The Inn feels more like a motel chain.