Big Bear Lake hotels

One of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake, this sweet bed and breakfast makes it feel like you’re staying in a historic log cabin. All seven rooms have air-conditioning, fireplaces and a dining table to keep guests comfortable, and some even have clawfoot tubs for indulgent soaking. The Clark Gable room is especially noteworthy, as the old Hollywood star actually stayed in it with his wife Carol Lombard back in 1939.

The complimentary hot breakfast served on the wrap-around porch is not to be missed – eating buttery hot pancakes while listening to birds chirping in the towering trees is an idyllic morning wake-up.

The Manor is close to several hiking trails, a 15-minute drive to The Village and just down the street from Big Bear Snow Play. You should note that children under five are not allowed, and for those with furry friends, there are just two pet-friendly rooms available.

One of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake is a marriage between a resort hotel and a swanky home. Seven villas are sized to accommodate various families travelling together – there are two, three and four-bedroom suite options – with the largest able to fit up to 10 people.

Each accommodation has modern amenities like bathtubs, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and balconies with grills, so you can spread out and make yourself at home. The property has a communal billiards room, gym, heated pool and hot tub, and even a kids’ pool. Unlike a home rental, there are staff available 24/7 to help with anything you may need.

It’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to Big Bear Lake and an even shorter stroll to The Village shops. Make sure to swing by the Village Sweet Shoppe to grab taffy candy, fudge and – my personal favourite – raspberry gelato.

Located in the heart of Big Bear Lake, this newly renovated property catches your eye the second you drive through town. The mid-century modern design with touches of Viking-inspired décor stands out among a sea of rustic lodgings, immediately elevating it as one of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake.

There are 42 guestrooms and six cabins, and each one features a warm colour palette, luxe Parachute linens and artwork that reflects the surrounding nature. Perhaps most importantly, there are also lake views. Think mountain vibes with a hipster twist.

If you eventually tire of lake activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, don’t fret. The Village is within a super short walk, so you can go shopping, watch a movie at the theatre or grab a bite to eat at one of my favourite local stops, Himalayan Restaurant, which serves aromatic curries and some of the best samosas around.

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Whether you’re visiting for a ski vacation or summer fun, this lakefront resort boasts a premium location just steps from the marina and the Village. Comprised of 51 rooms, a pool and a private beach, the pet-friendly property provides a welcome retreat in the bustle of high season. Each room is clean and bright, with modern décor that pays homage to its mountain location.

One of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake, you can relax in the hot tub after a day of adventuring or check out a book from the library for a quiet night in. As an added bonus, Tropicali – whose poke bowl I still dream about – is just across the street.

My family loves playing a game of horseshoes or ping pong before heading into town for a stroll and some shopping.

Rustic charm and modern design come together at this mountain retreat that’s consistently named one of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake. Although, to be clear, this isn’t a standard hotel. Located on a quiet residential street, the cabin studios bear a contemporary mountain aesthetic with knotty wood, fireplaces and mid-century modern furnishings.

You won’t find staff bustling around ready to help or bring extra amenities, but that’s all part of its appeal. Grab some groceries from Lakeview Market down the street and grill up dinner on one of the three BBQs. Enjoy your meal and some wine at the outdoor tables sitting among the best nature has to offer.

When you’re ready to wind down, roast some s’mores by the fire pit while stargazing far from the light pollution of the big city.

As one of the few chain hotels in the area, the Big Bear Chateau offers more amenities than its smaller counterparts. Here you’ll find an on-site restaurant (where the complimentary hot breakfast is served) and bar, along with a gym, business centre, pool and hot tub.

It’s also just minutes away from popular attractions my family visits each year, including Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Boulder Bay Park (a fantastic spot for a scenic picnic lunch while the kids climb rocks), and Snow Summit.

Don’t miss the chance to hike the scenic trail behind the property, or walk down the street to the iconic Captain’s Anchorage for dinner or happy hour. End the day with a cozy night in by the fireplace that every room comes equipped with.

Another renovated property, this is one of the area’s finest boutique hotels. The bohemian spot mingles deep blues and forest greens with vibrant pops of colour for a sensory experience in the middle of nature.

Available accommodations include standard rooms, cabins and an enormous lodge that can accommodate up to 30 guests if you rent out the whole thing. Otherwise, you get your own room and bathroom but share certain communal spaces, giving it a lively atmosphere where you’re guaranteed to make a new friend or two.

If you’re visiting in winter, it’s a quick four-minute drive to Snow Summit. The on-site bar, Flatlander, is one of my favourite spots for winding down the evening, and don’t be surprised to see a friendly pup or two at this pet-friendly establishment.

One of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake for families and groups, Worldmark Big Bear goes all in on the log cabin style and provides a true home-from-home experience. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best views in Big Bear.

You can book a studio or one, two or three-bedroom units, each with their own kitchens. I’d recommend swinging by Vons a few minutes away to stock up on groceries. A seasonal pool, hot tubs, playground, basketball court and arcade round out the resort experience.

While you can’t walk to The Village from here, it’s a short drive away, and I usually find parking fairly easily, even during peak season. Note there are no elevators on the property, so make sure to request a ground floor unit if anyone in your party has mobility issues.

Kitschy, romantic and unforgettable are some words people may use to describe this series of themed cottages aimed at couples. You can choose from themes like the two-storey Haunted Mansion, with its own crypt and mausoleum, or the Castle Garden that boasts a moat with a waterfall and an animatronic suit of armour. My favourite is the Enchanted Forest, where you sleep underneath a giant (fake) oak tree.

The Village is a short walk away, so you can enjoy some romantic dinners and drinks for two – the Peppercorn Grille is a particularly lovely spot. As one of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake for couples, it’s not somewhere to bring the family or book for a solo trip, but it’s definitely a place you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Billed as an ‘aparthotel,’ Snow Lake Lodge is one of the best hotels in Big Bear Lake for those travelling in a group. Each condo-like unit has its own kitchen, dining area and other features one might find at home, like a fully stocked kitchen, two bathrooms and even two fireplaces. The on-site laundry room is especially convenient, particularly after an active day of fun on the lake or in the snow.

With close proximity to both The Village and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain – where, trust me, you can easily spend half a day – getting around is a breeze. But if you’re coming in the summer, just note that the units don’t have air-conditioning, which is common for lots of the more historic properties in the area.