This was the worst Airbnb I have ever visited and does not meet the normal high standards of airbnb. The unit is decorated nice enough so that you will want to stay at the property. Beyond that, the rental company is a nightmare and the unit was disgusting.
First, because we were coming off of the 6:30PM Ferry from Long Beach, we were designated as "late check ins" even though there are only so many ferries with times known in advance for months or weeks. There are two options for a "late" check in - pay $30.00 to have someone meet you to hand off a key or send in a picture of your credit card via unsecured email or text and they will then release the code! This information was not shared before booking - only that there is a process for late check ins, but on mention of the fee or credit card option. Had I known this I would not have booked with this company or perhaps would have taken an earlier ferry. It is pretty reasonable to arrive at a property in the late evening and the facility should be able to handle this without putting the customer's personal credit card at risk. When I expressed my concern the facility could not have cared less. Additionally, after you book on Airbnb you are required to sign two contracts via a separate system. I am booking on airbnb because it's easy and I can communicate through the portal. I do not like it when companies take their communications off of airbnb. This is not what you want to deal with as you spend thousands of dollars on a property!
When we arrived I was struck by how filthy the unit was. There were smudge marks all over the kitchen appliances. The island had not been wiped off. There were smudge marks all over the windows. The floors were so dusty that my feet turned black. Cobwebs in every corner. Bird excrement all over the window of the golf cart. It was disgusting. It was clear this unit had not actually been cleaned. There were stains randomly on sheets, pillows, etc. I noticed mold on one accent pillow. I felt so gross the entire time!
Last but not least, the unit is run down. The toilet broke on the first night. To their credit there was an after hours maintenance line and they did call us back pretty quickly. They instructed us to turn off the water to the toilet and that someone would be come by to fix it. However, after that there was no follow up.
Please do not patronize any property run by Catalina Island Vacation. They treat you like a common criminal despite ponying up thousands of dollars for the property!