The hype
Location is a 10/10, but the rooms are tired and the service is hit-or-miss depending on who is working the front desk.
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a walkable home base in Big Bear Village with a pool and don't mind trading modern luxury for a rustic, slightly dated lodge vibe.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right in the Village (walk to everything)
- Seasonal outdoor heated pool and hot tub (a hit with kids)
- Lobby with a roaring fireplace feels genuinely cozy
Quick Take: It’s a standard Holiday Inn wearing a flannel shirt—great location, but the 'rustic' charm often just means old plumbing and thin walls.
Reviewed by @Arjayricafort949: I booked this trip to Big Bear on a total whim and it paid off. My Platinum status scored me a sweet upgrade and bonus points at check-in. The vibe is super cozy with fire pits and mountain views—perfect for a spontaneous winter escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort' label is a stretch—it's a motel-style layout with a nice lobby. Don't expect luxury service.
- You want to park your car once and walk to dinner/shops
- You are traveling with kids who just want a pool and arcade
- You need a pet-friendly spot and don't mind the steep fee
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Often 'on request' only. Complaints about missed spots and dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major red flag: Recent reports of plumbing failures. Generally functional but dated grout and fixtures.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Reports of broken AC, peeling paint, and slow drains are common.
- Linens & towels: Standard Holiday Inn quality—clean but often thin and scratchy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like a nice wood fire; rooms can smell musty or overly perfumed to mask odors.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin walls (voices, TV, plumbing from next door)
- Hallway noise from kids running (family-heavy crowd)
- Pool noise if facing the courtyard during summer
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort fee is approx. 8% or included in some rates; covers parking and wifi
- Pet fee is steep: $150 per stay (max 50 lbs)
- Pool is seasonal (May-Oct), but hot tub is year-round
What to pack
- A portable fan (rooms get stuffy/hot even in winter)
- Earplugs (essential for thin walls)
- Swimsuit (for the hot tub, even in winter)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (4th floor) rooms to minimize overhead footsteps
- Courtyard View rooms *away* from the pool for a balance of view and quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the arcade or pool (noisy)
- Rooms near the ice machines/elevators
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would like to request a room on the top floor (4th floor), away from the elevator and ice machine. If possible, please avoid a room directly overlooking the pool deck to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open year-round?
No, the outdoor pool is seasonal (typically May-Oct). The hot tub and sauna are open year-round.
Does the hotel have AC?
Yes, but it can be ineffective. In winter, the central heat often cranks too high, leading to the common 'sauna room' complaint.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It's available at Stillwell's Restaurant on-site, but many guests prefer walking to nearby cafes.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is generally included in the resort fee/room rate, but garage space can fill up on busy weekends.
Is it walkable to the ski resorts?
No. You can walk to the Village, but you'll need to drive or take the shuttle (check schedule) to Snow Summit (2 miles) or Bear Mountain (4 miles).
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but it costs $150 per stay and there is a 50 lb weight limit. Max 2 pets.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to Grizzly Manor Cafe for massive portions (get there early).
- ✨
The 'fireplace' in some rooms is a nice touch but don't rely on it for heat—the central air does that (too well).
- ✨
There is a 'secret' back exit from the parking lot that dumps you right onto the main drag, saving a walk through the lobby.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'water outage' of Jan 2026 was a disaster where guests had no flushable toilets for 24 hours—check recent reviews before booking.
💡The elevators are painfully slow and often have a line during check-out time.
💡The 'arcade' is just a small room with a few dated machines, not a full entertainment center.
💡Housekeeping is 'on request' for many stays, meaning you might not get fresh towels unless you ask.
💡The wifi can be spotty in the far corners of the wings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake is located and what's nearby.