Catalina Island Seacrest Inn

Clean and COOL with a very comfy bed. (Seriously though, the A/​C was ah-​mazing!) The staff was kind and the wifi works!

I recently stayed here with my friend for my 26^th birthday and it was amazing! The Inn is located a short block from the beach. We stayed in the retreat room which came with a queen sized bed, small fridge, two person jacuzzi tub, and a cute little rubber ducky that we got to keep! I didn’t ask the name of the lady that checked us in and was there for the two nights, three days we were there but she was really nice and accommodating during our stay. We asked to use a microwave and she had one and a toaster in the room located across from the office which was very conveinent. The price was not expensive at all. On top of the roof was a deck that overlooked Catalina Island with a bbq pit and some other bbq items for the guests to use during their stay. The inn had a very cute feel to it, wasn’t too big looked like it only had about 8 rooms, maybe less. I would definitely recommend this Inn to any friends looking to have a good time or couples trying to get away for a romantic vacation. I can’t wait to go back!

We loved this place. It’s quaint, comfortable and close to everything. I didn’t get a massage this time but will next time. Loved the rooftop lounging area. All in all, it was just a great experience. We highly recommend it.

We just got home from a 3 day trip to Catalina. I took my fiancé for his birthday. The last time we both were there was nearly 8 years ago, so I had no idea where to stay or the street names closer to the boardwalk. I used Travelocity and booked two nights.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It’s one block from the boardwalk and has a two story roof deck with an amazing bbq which we used one night. Complete ocean view. Just beautiful, we spent our mornings and most evenings up there. The room was pretty small but it did have a tv and a mini fridge and full bathroom. The staff wasn’t there all the time which wasn’t an issue because they left multiple phone numbers for immediate assistance. Everyone was very friendly, but they didn’t bug you. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. That deck sells this place, it didn’t look like any place else had a deck like that near by! We will be going back and staying there. Maybe upgrading to a bigger room.

The best part about this place is it’s location. It is pretty central to everything that you need and is a 6 minute walk from the terminal. There isn’t much need for a golf cart. However, for $ 200 a night in the dolphin room I can’t help but feeling ripped off. The room is too small to allow a night stand on both sides of the bed. It is clean and quaint but does provide you with the feeling of staying the night at an old relatives house who hasnt washed their comforter since the 90s. The kid at the front desk was not a happy camper, however, he wasn’t the one on vacation. All and all I would stay here again for $ 60 a night or never again… only those two options.

The front desk person is so rude to us. We asked her if we can leave our luggage at the office so we can walk around until our ferry arrives, but she got super cranky and only let us leave it there until 3pm… Our ferry was at 6pm so we were stuck with all our bags for 3 hours. And the room service never came to clean our room for two days… :(

Stayed last weekend for three days of scuba diving. I stayed in the Dolphin room. Small room, but more than met my needs. It was clean and comfortable. They do have a TV and Fridge, but I did not have a need for either. They are located very close the beach and the main road, A short 5 min. walk.
I lost my dive jacket ($ 180 jacket) somewhere between the dive park and the hotel. The staff made my day when they located it and returned it to me.
The hotel is not always staffed, but the contact phone numbers are placed on the office door if you need immediate assistance.

After reviewing other inns and hotels on the island, I decided to take a chance on this location even though some of the reviews weren’t that great.
Prior to our trip I called a few different times to set up ferry transportation and had a difficult time getting calls back. When I was able to verbally contact someone they were nice and helpful.
Upon arrival mid-​week, my husband and I were able to check in no problem but I had to call manager so we could check in and get room. We had reserved the Lighthouse room up on the second level with king bed and soaking tub.
I have to admit my OCD tendencies require overly clean preferences and this location did not meet those standards. However, the room was organized and cute with the theme. The carpet had not been vacuumed and I was a bit hesitant to walk barefoot. The bathroom floor and tub were uneven and very noticeable some the door wouldn’t close properly. I was a little disappointed for the price we paid. We did not have the Groupon price, we booked beforehand. Thankfully we traveled with Febreeze so sprayed some in sheets and bed. Sheets were clean but the room smelled a little stuffy.
I must say the air condition unit worked wonderfully and cooled down room in no time. When we contacted manager to get floor cleaned, she was responsive and it was cleaned as soon as possible. For an older location I didn’t expect much updated accommodations and I was correct but the TV did have cable and the WiFi was a nice convenience (for the minimal work that needed to be done).
Overall, the inn was centrally located and convenient but I would not stay here again. Everyone has their own preferences and tastes and this one just didn’t suite mine.

Oh Unilocalers, you all live up to your cranky Unilocaly names with your sour, dour, doom & gloom reviews. Take two aspirins and call someone who cares about your ugly views on life. We checked into the Seacrest Inn today with bated breath and knees shaking in fear of the naysayers’ jaded reports. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this quaint inn. Super friendly staff, let us check in by 1:00 pm, clean, spacious loft room, little soaps & toiletries fully stocked, great decks, close to the action, brand new towels, huge jacuzzi, returned my call, and oh wah, big deal, no starchy, sad little continental breakfast. Put on your big boy/​girl pants and walk a block to the nearby bakery. 5 stars, would return, would recommend this to anyone!!!
No Unilocal,my sweet deets are sufficient and don’t need to add any more corny-​ass details. Not everyone is 20-​something with nothing better to do than ramble on to hear themselves babble.

We stayed in this lovely Inn last weekend. We didn’t want to go home on Monday. Denise and Wendy know the island well and couldn’t have been sweeter. Our room was spotless with nice amenities air conditioned nice bathroom and a heavenly bed! Location of the Inn is ideal just a few steps to the ocean and all the nice resturants and shops. Roof top deck is a perfect palce to sit relax with beautiful views and even a built-​in BBQ for those willing to grill. There are a couple different areas to sit comfortably on the patio furniture and lounge chairs to enjoy a nice glass a wine, drink and the scenery. Oh we will definitely plan on coming back soon. Thank you Wendy thank you Denise. Many thanks to Patron GT.

I was very pleased with our stay at the Catalina Island Seacrest Inn. The manager was very friendly and helpful, getting us checked in and holding our bags until the room was ready (we showed up early).
Location is prime, just a few blocks from the main shopping/​dining/​beach area.
The rooms were clean, and well stocked. The air conditioning worked wonderfully. The TV was small and you couldn’t see it well if laying down in bed, but I wasn’t too concerned (we weren’t there to watch TV). Free WiFI was great and fast. The rooftop patio was neat with chairs and tables to relax and enjoy the view from.
Overall, I’m very happy with our experience and would definitely recommend it to others!

15 years ago, we spent our Honeymoon at the Seacrest Inn. 15 years later, we went back, and there have been some changes over the years.
Denise is awesome. Great phone demeanor, really good with local information, and even a great family person overall. We didn’t know her before our latest trip, but she’s a positive asset to the Inn.
The Seacrest Inn gets 5 stars because it’s a part of our history. There are a few areas of improvements and changes over a decade and a half, but every time we come to Catalina Island, this is where we go.
The Not-​So-​Good: Like others have mentioned, this is missing the «Breakfast» part of «Bed and Breakfast». Denise was kind enough to invite me for a Keurig coffee (which I passed — not a Keurig fan), but the fact that it’s advertised and still on the website (!) makes me wonder how much abuse Denise has to endure over that every time someone discovers no continental breakfast is offered. It doesn’t take much to break out some Danish, Coffee, OJ and fruit, but apparently, the owners just aren’t doing it. Owners, stop advertising it. Seriously, it’s poor form.
The other thing is that the neighboring property owner must be the biggest prick in the world, because the side entrance to The Palms Room that used to be grand and have a stairway is now fenced with his property. It was disappointing. Due to his stupid friggin’ fence, one of the other rooms had to be renovated (the one we spent our Honeymoon in!) and the private entrance was eliminated.
So to the property owner next door:
They used to give a free split of Champagne for the first night (and on our honeymoon, every night, which definitely kicked up the festivities a notch!) — that went the way of the breakfast, and the personalized soaps, and the dodo, sadly.
Finally, there was no real curtains. There were window coverings, but they didn’t keep out the light and allow you to sleep in after a night of drinking. So when the sun comes up, you are lulled back to reality with light and the sound of golf carts.
One morning our room wasn’t cleaned — we forgot to put out the sign (I thought it was a privacy sign, so we didn’t put it out — guess I better drink less so that I’m not impaired in the morning). Still, we got towels and while someone isn’t always on the property, a cell phone number posted on the office door results in quick service.
And not sure, but when you go up the stairs, you hit these springs with your feet and it makes a Boi-​oi-​oi-​oing sound. I never understood that — someone hit me up with the explanation on that — makes it hard to sneak on the balcony without everyone knowing we’re sneaking up. Sheesh! ;)
Now the good:
Denise, of course, was helpful and gracious about us storing our luggage when checking-​in and checking-​out. We don’t always pack light, so it’s appreciated. Their customer service was awesome, and attention to detail was cool.
We did not get a Groupon deal, but we got a little something off for our anniversary, so that was really nice. They didn’t have to do that.
The rooftop that we had 15 years ago was your grandpa’s rooftop. Today, they have an amazing grill area with a view and even a massage area. It was nice to eat off our buzz on the rooftop and watch the stars. Definitely one of the best views that far into the city. We don’t sunbathe, but if we did, this would be a great place to do it.
Free Wi-​Fi, if you want to waste your day on the ‘net.
No nosey «Kravitz-​like» management. They leave you the hell alone, like you’d want. It’s really nice when you realize that someone’s not always fishing for compliments and affirmations, or assaulting you with «hows your stay, have a nice day“s throughout the property, or cornering you with useless blather.
The room had a fridge, which means we didn’t have to buy every soda, every snack, and everything one at a time. A huge benefit. Stock up on water if you’ll be there a few days. You’ll go through it.
The Inn is right next to the center of the city, which we love. We can go right to Lover’s Cove, or left to go shopping and the beach, or straight onto the pier.
I never see anyone else on the property. We ran into a couple… (although I suspect, it was more like «interrupted»… oops! nod nod, wink wink)… once on the roof, and then saw not another soul the entire week after the aforementioned accidental walking up on the SexyMcFuckersons. If you guys are reading this, you should probably crank up the moans a little to give two people fair warning as they approach.
It was cool because we felt like we had the entire Banning House to ourselves.
That’s another thing: it’s a historical property. It’s really a classic property, and deserves credit for being maintained so well.
All in all, we would go back. This is «our place», and it’s quaintness, history and charm is worth our loyalty. See you guys next year.

Spent the weekend at this hotel and hated it. I have read the other reviews and it seems like we got the worst room in the hotel. We got the «Wicker and Roses» room. The wicker was a tiny corner shelf under a TV. A small TV which had no remote control! WTH? The roses were the horrible old bed cover that smelled like your grandmother’s attic. There was an awful lamp on the one bedside table and only one picture on the walls. The lamp on the other side of the bed didn’t work. Couldn’t call anyone for help, because after 5 or 6pm, no one is there. The person working goes home!
The bathroom had cracked tiles on the floor, missing grout and needed a good cleaning. We had no tub like in some of the other rooms, but had a narrow dirty shower. We had no extra towels, no robes, nothing like the other rooms seemed to have.
The bedroom was so small that there was only about 6″ between the foot board and the wall. It was so difficult to get around the bed.
Here’s the worst part — we paid $ 230/​night for this smelly, tiny old room. Never again.

We TRIED booking a room here but they do not answer the phone!!! It’s the most frustrating thing in the world. Terrible customer service! Did the receptionist die or something? I left 3 messages and called about 25 times over the past 2 days and have heard NOTHING back.
I really hope the manager of this hotel reads this because I really really wanted to stay here for a nice weekend getaway but the terrible customer service team ruined that for me. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done.
I suggest booking a room elsewhere, perhaps somewhere that answers their fucking phone.

I’m very happy to say that after reading the older reviews, we were pleasantly surprised by the convenience, comfort, cleanliness and cordial staff.
Firstly, the older reviews were when the hotel was under a different management than now. It is true you need to be able to climb stairs, no elevator but no biggie for us. Our room, the Captain’s Quarters was fantastic.
Items of interest:
If u want the windows open at night, you’ll probably hear the gas powered golf carts most of the evening and starting early in the am. After it kept us up the first night, we just closed the windows and put the a/​c on. Again, not a big thang for us.
The huge jacuzzi tub is the bomb! Just what the doctor ordered every evening.
The room has a mini fridge but no microwave. We didn’t need the microwave anyway.
Denise in the office was accommodating and informative.
The rooftop deck is amazing! When we come back, we’d like to stay in the Loft room which opens up to the deck. Perfect for our office time and happy hours.
The bed was comfy with one exception. If you are used to soft down pillows, bring your own. These are foam and not my fav. Hopefully they will correct.
The only other thing I would note is there are no coffee pots in the rooms. At first, that was an issue but CC Gallegers is just a few steps away and they have great organic coffee.
All in all, we’ll be back and definitely stay at the Seacrest Inn!

I found this little gem through a Groupon deal ($ 110/​night for the Seashell, Palms, or Retreat Room), with which I reserved a room for my birthday weekend on the island. The reservation process was pretty smooth. The only problem I had was that I couldn’t reach them before my reservation because the phone lines were often clogged due in large part to the popularity of their Groupon promotion and the fact that their phone hours end at 4p. It’s a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ chance that you’d get a response to your voicemail, but when they do pick up, they’re very helpful.
I read some pretty bad reviews on this place, which made me a little anxious, but I’m glad I took the dive because it was a very positively memorable experience!!!
The hotel is very cozy and each of the rooms has its own private entry, making it seem more like a tiny apartment complex. I only interacted with Denise during our stay, but she was very lovely from beginning to the end. Instead of a continental breakfast, you are given a $ 10 voucher to be used at select restaurants in town (including the Lobster Trap, CC Gallagher, and Pancake Cottage). A randomly-​selected rubber ducky greets you in the room, but you can always swap it for the rubber ducky of your choice from the office, an option which I loved! Since we were celebrating my birthday, I was awarded a bonus birthday rubber ducky, with the color hat of my choice! Also, if you check in on your birthday, you get a percent discount of the age you are turning (e.g. if you’re turning 70, you will get 70% off!).
I elected the Seashell Room because I was way excited about the two-​person tub/​jacuzzi (which is an option in multiple rooms). When you walk in, there’s a narrow hallway that leads into your room. The bed is springy and small, but we didn’t come to Catalina to sleep! There’s a «den» that comes with a faux fireplace and two chairs to sit in front of it with (haha cute). They also provide you with magazines that give you plenty of useful information about the island, including tours, restaurants, and nightlife. The entire room was clean and decorated to its theme, including the shower curtains, displays, and bedding! There is a closet in the bathroom that has a spare blanket, an ironing board, and two bathrobes. The room comes with a small TV and a mini fridge, which was super convenient! They also have complimentary WiFi on the premises. They also provide you with an ice bucket, bottle opener, and ear plugs — very handy!
The bathtub was huge, but the jacuzzi was very loud, so we didn’t keep it on for very long. They provide you two small bottles of bath bubbles, which will foam as you turn the jacuzzi jets on, so do not use them both at once because you will find yourself searching for air among the sea of bubbles!
The hotel is very close to the beach, but Avalon is so small that practically everything is a 3-​minute walk from the beach. They also have a BBQ and lounge area on the roof, which has a pretty nice view of the mountains and the ocean. We were able to store our luggage at the office before our check-​in time, and after our check-​out time, which made it every convenient to traipse around town and explore!
This inn is very cozy and Denise was very knowledgeable and friendly. My only complaints were that they were often unresponsive to my phone calls before my reservation, the bed was not very comfortable, the staff is not available after 4p, and I was able to hear my neighbors laughing through the walls at night. I can understand how these inconveniences might warrant certain Unilocalers to dock so many stars and write such terrible reviews, but my boyfriend and I were not expecting a 5-​star room. We checked into a cozy inn, so we expected a comfortable, homely experience.

i don’t understand why it doesn’t have a 5 star rate! This place is as good as it gets, the room was clean, we even had a roll out bed, extra bedding, pillows, etc. we got the Mermaid room. The check in was quick and easy, she showed us the room and gave us our $ 10off breakfast coupon (GO TO THE PANCAKE COTTAGE, THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS!!!) we stayed here sat-​mon on Monday our boat didn’t leave till 4:30pm, they let us leave our stuff there, which was great, I cant wait to come back and will definitely be staying here.

I do not understand why this place doesn’t have better reviews. Here’s what’s wrong with the complaints I’m seeing:
— «didn’t have a DVD player». Seriously? Why are you watching DVDs in your hotel room on Catalina island?! Go out and explore the island or don’t go on vacation.
— «not fancy enough» if you’re looking for fancy hotels go to Vegas. This is a quaint little island town and the seacrest fits into it perfectly.
— «small rooms» yeah it’s not a huge room but it’s cute and it’s all you should need for your stay in Catalina. Our room had a great hot tub that we thoroughly enjoyed during our stay.
The seacrest also has a really awesome roof deck with possibly one of the best views in the middle of Catalina, and a great grill for people to use. The staff was very friendly and gave us a nice tour of the room when we checked in. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who isn’t too stupid to work a hot tub. We will definitely be back.

Only third story rooftop patio near the shore. Nice rooms. Jacuzzi tub is awesome. No DVD player. They do have a mini fridge. Friendly owners. They leave you a duckie to take home. You can store your things while you wait to check in and before your boat leaves. :)

Was very skeptical after many bad reviews. Took a shot and was happy to report the room was very clean and we were happy with our stay. The location is close to the shops and water and the price was right. We received a $ 10 coupon for a wonderful breakfast at the Pancake cottage (believe the hype and only order 1 plate, the servings are huge). We will definitely return.
Only reason I didn’t give a 5 star was because it is impossible to get ahold of someone over the phone prior to our stay (they do not answer and do not return messages).