Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island

One night wasn’t nearly long enough. The location is great, close to town but far enough away for a quiet evening on the balcony, and the food at Sunset Bar & Grill was delicious. We had the chilequiles and tres leches stack for breakfast, and both were amazing. What really made the stay for us was the staff. Our shuttle driver Jose was so sweet and helpful, and Francisco was amazing. Nicole and Dawn were welcoming and so helpful. If you want a beautiful place to stay on Catalina, this is it.

The place itself is clean, pretty, comfortable, and well maintained, in a peaceful mountain setting. Jose, the shuttle driver, was fantastic, and the restaurant staff were quick, friendly, and genuinely attentive. Abby and Dawn at the front desk were outstanding, professional and welcoming, and exactly the sort of people a hotel should be proud to have. But Ophelia at the front desk nearly ruined all of that. She kept talking over me, wouldn’t let me finish a sentence, and was openly hostile for no reason. When I asked for a 12 p.m. checkout, she repeatedly threatened to charge me for an extra full day. It was a very minor request, especially during a slow week with low occupancy because of nonstop rain. I was checking out on a Friday, and there was no reason for that attitude or those threats. I’ve never dealt with a worse front desk employee. Ophelia was rude, needlessly hostile, and completely out of line for a hospitality worker. She’s the main reason my impression of the hotel fell so much. Everyone else was wonderful, but her unacceptable behavior left a very negative mark on an otherwise great stay.

Ophelia at the front desk was sincerely friendly and helpful, and got our first trip to Catalina off to a great start. The property has a nice room and a nostalgic style, and the shuttle service was great, with friendly, helpful drivers. We’ll stay regularly.

The Catalina Canyon Inn was very clean, though the rooms are on the small side. Staff were friendly, attentive, and easy to talk with, and the complimentary shuttle was really convenient. We only wish we’d known about it from the start, lol. There’s also a nice pool and the property has its own restaurant and bar. We really enjoyed the stay and would recommend it.