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4- and 5-star hotels in Big Bear City
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star stays in Big Bear City, from modern A-frame retreats and hot-tub cottages to a manor house and ranch-style cabins. It suits couples, families and small groups who want mountain space and a quieter base than the lake's north shore.
Staying in Big Bear City
Big Bear City keeps a quieter, more residential feel than the developed Big Bear Lake city on the north shore, and it works as a gateway to the lake's eastern attractions and the Big Bear Airport. Visitors come for hiking, biking, fishing and winter sports at nearby resorts, and the mix of full-time residents and vacation homes gives the community a relaxed, local atmosphere. Its position makes it a convenient base for exploring the whole Big Bear Valley.
These hotels sit among the residential streets east of the lake, with addresses on Fairway Blvd, Pine View Dr, Villa Grove Ave, Maltby Blvd, Anita Avenue, West Rainbow Boulevard, Shore Dr. Barker, N. Shore Drive and Constellation. Distances to the centre stay small, from 0.4 km to 2.7 km, apart from Bear Lodge 1541 at 8.9 km. Couples get hot tubs, fireplaces and terraces; families get family rooms, kitchens and games; short-break visitors get cabins close to town.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub
801 E Fairway Blvd, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 5-star cottage on E Fairway Blvd, about 1.4 km from the centre, with a hot tub and a fireplace for cool mountain evenings. Families have room to spread out thanks to family rooms and a full kitchen, and free parking plus free wifi keep the stay easy. Couples and small groups who want a self-contained base close to town will find it fits.
See 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTubPine View Escape
423 Pine View Dr, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay herePine View Escape is a 5-star property roughly 1.3 km from the centre, handy for guests who want to be near town yet have parking on site at no extra charge. A jacuzzi and table tennis give the days some shape without leaving the grounds, and wheelchair accessibility is built in. It suits active couples and small groups who like a game between outings.
See Pine View EscapeBasecamp Modern A Frame Retreat
553 Villa Grove Ave, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereThis modern A-frame retreat sits about 2.0 km from the centre, with a terrace and jacuzzi that make the most of the mountain setting. Free car parking and wheelchair accessibility round out the practical side. Its 5-star standing and distinctive A-frame style appeal to design-minded couples or friends who want a characterful cabin rather than a conventional room.
See Basecamp Modern A Frame RetreatCabin Chic
538 Maltby Blvd. Big Bear City California U.S.A., Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereCabin Chic is a 4-star cabin about 1.3 km from the centre, with a fireplace, kitchen and free wifi for relaxed self-catering stays. Skiing and tennis are both within reach, so it works for guests planning days on the slopes or the courts. Non-smoking rooms throughout and free parking suit families and small groups coming by car.
See Cabin ChicGold Mountain Manor
1117 Anita Avenue, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereGold Mountain Manor on Anita Avenue is a 4-star property around 1.4 km from the centre, with a garden, terrace and games room that give it the feel of a proper mountain house. A spa and lounge add quieter options, and breakfast in the room is available. Guests can also head out for skiing, fishing or horse riding, making it a good fit for couples and families.
See Gold Mountain ManorApple Bear Cabin
312 West Rainbow Boulevard, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereApple Bear Cabin puts guests about 0.4 km from the centre, the closest position on this list, with a 24-hour front desk for late arrivals. A fireplace, kitchen and patio make it comfortable for longer stays, and free parking and free wifi are included. Families and groups who want to walk into town and still have a cabin to come back to will like it.
See Apple Bear CabinOwl Pine Ranch
801 Shore Dr. Barker, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOwl Pine Ranch on Shore Dr. Barker is a 4-star cabin roughly 1.3 km from the centre, offering a jacuzzi, spa and fireplace alongside a kitchen and terrace. A 24-hour front desk, free wifi and free parking remove the usual logistics. It suits families and groups who want space, a laundry service and easy access to skiing, fishing and golf.
See Owl Pine RanchWilson's Getaway
101 N. Shore Drive, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereWilson's Getaway sits about 1.4 km from the centre and welcomes pets, which sets it apart for guests travelling with a dog. A jacuzzi, fireplace and terrace give the cabin its comfort, while a kitchen and laundry service support longer visits. Bike rental is on hand for getting around, and the 24-hour front desk helps with late check-ins.
See Wilson's GetawayStar Gazing 1701 by Big Bear Vacations
1270 Constellation, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereStar Gazing 1701 is a 4-star vacation rental about 2.7 km from the centre, with a kitchen and dishwasher for self-catering and free wifi and parking included. Its single-unit setup keeps things simple and private. It suits a couple or small group who prefer a quiet, out-of-town base with their own cooking and washing-up sorted.
See Star Gazing 1701 by Big Bear VacationsBear Lodge 1541 by Big Bear Vacations
1044 Bruin Trail, Big Bear City, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereBear Lodge 1541 stands furthest out at about 8.9 km from the centre, so it rewards guests with a car and a taste for seclusion. An arcade adds entertainment indoors, and free wifi, parking and a laundry service cover the essentials. Wheelchair accessibility is in place. It fits families or groups who want a quieter mountain stay away from the busiest streets.
See Bear Lodge 1541 by Big Bear Vacations
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| Pine View Escape | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.3 km |
| Basecamp Modern A Frame Retreat | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | 2.0 km |
| Cabin Chic | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.3 km |
| Gold Mountain Manor | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 1.4 km |
| Apple Bear Cabin | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| Owl Pine Ranch | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 1.3 km |
| Wilson's Getaway | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 1.4 km |
| Star Gazing 1701 by Big Bear Vacations | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 2.7 km |
| Bear Lodge 1541 by Big Bear Vacations | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 8.9 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For hot tubs
Five properties list a Jacuzzi: 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub, Pine View Escape, Basecamp Modern A Frame Retreat, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway. The first three are 5-star stays within 2.0 km of the centre, while Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway add fireplaces and full kitchens for longer cabin stays.
88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub · Pine View Escape · Basecamp Modern A Frame Retreat · Owl Pine Ranch · Wilson's Getaway
For families
Family rooms appear at 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub, Gold Mountain Manor, Apple Bear Cabin, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway. Kitchens or kitchenettes, fireplaces and gardens or patios at these addresses give families room to spread out, and Gold Mountain Manor adds a games room and a spa.
88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub · Gold Mountain Manor · Apple Bear Cabin · Owl Pine Ranch · Wilson's Getaway
For outdoor activity
Cabin Chic, Gold Mountain Manor, Apple Bear Cabin, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway all list skiing, fishing, canoeing and horse riding among their facilities. Several also add golf course access, and Cabin Chic has a tennis court and picnic area for days off the trails.
Cabin Chic · Gold Mountain Manor · Apple Bear Cabin · Owl Pine Ranch · Wilson's Getaway
For a central base
Apple Bear Cabin is 0.4 km from the centre, with Pine View Escape, Cabin Chic and Owl Pine Ranch all within 1.3 km. These four keep you close to town while still offering cabin facilities such as fireplaces, kitchens and, at three of them, a Jacuzzi.
Apple Bear Cabin · Pine View Escape · Cabin Chic · Owl Pine Ranch
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Big Bear City is typically reached by car via State Route 18 from the west or State Route 38 from the south. From the Los Angeles area, take Interstate 10 east to State Route 38 through Redlands and Mentone, or Interstate 15 to State Route 18 through Apple Valley; the drive takes about two to three hours depending on traffic. Public transportation is limited, with Mountain Transit providing bus service within the Big Bear Valley. Having a car is recommended for getting around, especially to trailheads and remote areas. In winter, carry chains and check road conditions, as mountain passes can be snowy.
When to go
Summer and early fall offer warm days and cool nights, ideal for hiking, biking and water activities on the lake. Winter brings snow, attracting skiers and snowboarders to nearby resorts. Spring can be unpredictable with lingering snow at higher elevations, and fall colours arrive in October. The area is busiest on weekends and holidays year-round, so weekdays are quieter, and each season provides distinct outdoor opportunities.
Questions, answered
Is Big Bear City the same as Big Bear Lake?
No, they are separate communities. Big Bear Lake is the city on the north shore, while Big Bear City is an unincorporated area to the east; the two are often referred to collectively as the Big Bear Valley. These hotels all sit in Big Bear City itself.
Do I need a car to get around Big Bear City?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. Public transit exists but is limited, and many attractions are spread out. Parking is generally available at trailheads and in town, and every hotel on this list offers free car parking.
How far are these hotels from the centre of Big Bear City?
Most are close: Apple Bear Cabin is 0.4 km from the centre, and Pine View Escape, Cabin Chic and Owl Pine Ranch are 1.3 km away. 88 Acres Cottage, Gold Mountain Manor and Wilson's Getaway are 1.4 km out, Basecamp Modern A Frame Retreat 2.0 km, Star Gazing 1701 2.7 km and Bear Lodge 1541 8.9 km.
Which hotels have a hot tub?
A Jacuzzi is listed at 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub, Pine View Escape, Basecamp Modern A Frame Retreat, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway. The first three are 5-star properties, and Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway also list spas.
Are the hotels good for families?
Family rooms are listed at 88 Acres Cottage in Big Bear w HotTub, Gold Mountain Manor, Apple Bear Cabin, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway. Gold Mountain Manor also has a games room, and several of these offer kitchens or kitchenettes.
What winter activities are available near these hotels?
Winter offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing at nearby resorts like Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Skiing is listed among the facilities at Cabin Chic, Gold Mountain Manor, Apple Bear Cabin, Owl Pine Ranch and Wilson's Getaway. Always check road conditions and carry chains.
What is the elevation, and will it affect me?
Big Bear City sits at approximately 6,700 feet above sea level, which can cause shortness of breath for some visitors. Take it easy on the first day to acclimate.
Are there restaurants and shops nearby?
Big Bear City has some local eateries and stores, but for a wider selection head to Big Bear Lake's Village area, which is a short drive away. Gold Mountain Manor also lists a bar and snack corner and breakfast served in the room.