How
to choose the right Big Bear accommodations...
and other useful travel info
Ever
wondered about all the different lodging options in Big Bear Lake
and what would work best for your tip. We'll try to comprise a FAQ
for you and assist you with your trip planning. We'll
add to it as subjects come up, so hopefully you'll find the answers
you are looking for. If not, please feel free to contact us and
we'll try to assist directly.
Quick
Summary about Big Bear Lake: (just to make sure you are
on the right site). Big Bear Lake is located in S. California as
most of you probably know. It’s a ski resort at approx 7000
feet with two ski and snow boarding resorts (more on that later)
and a beautiful Lake. (Hence the name Big Bear Lake). Big Bear is
a major drive-to destination because of its close proximity to most
all S. California towns and is easily reached in about 2 to 2 ½
hours from most S. Cal areas.
When
considering your lodging options consider who you are traveling
with and what you are here to do. If its just a small group, you
and your spouse/friend/partner, you don’t like cooking and
just need a place to sleep to go skiing for example, a motel
or hotel works probably just fine for you.
If
you are coming up with a larger group of friends its probably more
economic to rent a vacation
rental, split the cost, have a place to cook so you don’t
have to spend all your money on take out and have a place to hang
out.
Equally
a family with kids and maybe the family dog are best of renting
a cabin or vacation rental home in Big Bear. First off having the
dog is most likely make a hotel/motel unpractical and a rental has
better accommodations for the kids. Lots of them have fenced yards
for pets/kids, are equipped with game rooms, TV’s, books,
games and more. So after a day on the lake or the slopes you have
a home to come to and kick back. And don’t forget the spa
that a lot of them offer…
Locations
to choose from: Now you just have to figure out where.
The most common areas for rentals in the Big Bear Valley are Big
Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin and Sugarloaf. Sugarloaf is the
furthest from the Lake but only a 10 minute drive and rental prices
are going to be cheaper then right in Big Bear. Big Bear City is
only a short drive on the east end of the lake and Fawnskin is on
the north side of Big Bear Lake.
View
Larger Map
So
now that you got your bearings of the towns here are a few more
options within Big Bear Lake. The areas within Big Bear Lake are
described as:
Boulder
Bay (west end of the Lake), Village area (that’s where all
the shopping, restaurants, moves etc are), Moonridge is close to
Bear
Mountain Ski resort or choose a home close to Snow
Summit. But really, if you are coming up for skiing,
ask for a home close to a Shuttle and then you pick your ski resort
and switch back and forth with the ski resort shuttle buses without
having to worry about parking.
If
you are coming with a boat, ask for a private lakefront rental or
lakefront
lodge with a boat slip and you are set. Another option
is to use a Marina to park your boat while you are here.
Now
when you call to book your lodging: Just give them a bit of info
on what your main reason for your trip is, who you are traveling
with and if there are special concerns like wheelchair access or
single story home. Some homes can have steep stairs up or down outside
or inside the cabin, so if you are bringing your grandparents with
you, mention it so you can avoid any disappointments or problems.
Types
of rentals:
When you compare prices, also compare the services. Some rentals
are fully equipped with linens, towels, fully stocked with pots
and pans, while others might just have the bare minimum if anything.
Some vacation rentals will do the housekeeping for you at the end
of the stay as part of their service while others make you clean
or you loose your deposit. So find out what you are paying for.
Another thing is easy of check in and hours. If you get there late
Friday evening, you want to make sure you can still check in.
Traveling up the mountains is a beautiful drive
and here are a couple tips for a smooth trip.
In the winter months: always carry chains for your vehicle. Winter
storms can hit unrepentantly and even if you are already here when
the snow hits you might find that stores have sold out the chains
required for your tire. Now granted there are worse things then
being stranded in a romantic cabin during a winter storm, but try
to explain that to you boss on Monday morning… so to be safe,
carry chains. And even if you have a 4 Wheel drive vehicle, be prepared.
Cal Trans has two road restrictions:
R-1:
Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses).
All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either
snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except
four-wheel drives with snow tread tires.
Four wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES - no exceptions.
These restrictions are announced on the radio so listen up when
you see that weather conditions have changed. If you got your laptop
or blackberry with you, you can also check out the CalTrans website
at http://www.dot.ca.gov/ or call 1-800-427-ROAD for current highway
conditions.
Traveling
with kids and pets
Because of the nature of the mountain road with its twists and turns,
be prepared that some of your passenger might become sick. Consult
with your doctor and/or vet about the use of a drug to minimize
motion sickness. And just take it easy traveling and plan for a
few stops along the way.
Big
Bear Lodging Summary
Here
is a list of available type of Big Bear Lodging
Big
Bear Vacation Rental Homes and Cabins
Great
if you come with a group of people or family and would like to be
able to cook and spread out with extra room. You want to find a
fully equipped home that offers all the conveniences of home. If
you have children or pets find out if the yard is fenced or if the
home has TV/VCR and games for your family. For more info on how
to choose the perfect vacation rental home see big bear rentals
Big
Bear Lodges
Some
lodges offer lakefront cabins, playgrounds, pools and entertainment.
Rent several cabins at a lodge for a family reunion and you will
be close together, yet everybody has their own personal space. If
you are bring you pet, find out if they are pet friendly before
you book.
Big
Bear Hotel / Motel
Best
if you are a small group and don't want to cook and you are planning
to spend most of your time outdoors. Staying at a motel is the most
economic way to stay in Big Bear. Great if you just need a place
to hang your hat.
Bed
and Breakfast in Big Bear
Enjoy
a Big Bear Bead and Breakfast experience in one of the many charming
B&B's in Big Bear lake.
Big
Bear Camping
Experience
Big Bear nature close up. Each one is a link that will list a series
of options for you to explore. As you can see, your Big Bear Lodging
has a variety of options to make your trip to Big Bear perfect,
no matter what the occasion or however small or big the group
Big
Bear Recreation -
Big
Bear Real Estate -
Dining in Big Bear -
Big
Bear Cabin Rental -
Big
Bear Shopping - Events
in Big Bear - Big
Bear Specials - Services
- Big
Bear Maps - Big
Bear Weather & Snow Conditions
- Contact Us
- Big Bear Live
Home - Site
Map
- Big
Bear Real Estate Guide - -Big
Bear Real Estate Guide
- Big Bear Guide.com -
Commercial Real Estate Resources - Vandema
- Crossvilleliving.com
-
Countryhorse.com
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