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BIG BEAR REVIEWS: actual reviews & comments from our Big Bear guests. We have only edited out personal information that could be harmful to them on the internet. Thank you for taking the time to send us your family and groups guestbook reviews and comments.
PROVERBS 25: 11 "An idea well expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver"
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"Joined Fisherman's Club and got 2 free days with our five day weekday vacation at Golden Bear Cottages. Our two story resort cabin had plenty of room for our whole family. We used the BBQ and fully stocked kitchen daily. The Fisherman's Club membership gave us many great offers. Joining the Fisherman's Club was free. We got a FREE day with each paid weekday of lodging at Golden Bear Cottages. We got daily coupons good for 50% off the first hour and 25% off each additional hour for our pontoon fishing boat rental at Pleasure Point Marina (which was just a block from our cabin). We also got 4 restaurant coupons that gave our family 50% off our second meal at some really great eating places in Big Bear Lake that were close to the lodge. Our experience was extremely good and all the people at Golden Bear Cottages treated us like friends, not just customers! The weather was cool. We loved it and will return for another family fishing and boating vacation on the mountain at Golden Bear."
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Erik Watson
San Marcos, CA 08-20-2010 |
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"“We will definitely be back!”
to Golden Bear Cottages Resort.
We had rented a little economy cottage online not knowing it was close to the road and that the street noise might keep us from getting a good night's sleep. The next morning we told Don (one of the owners) what the problem was and he was so understanding, upgrading us to a much larger luxury cottage far from the road at no additional cost! He bent over backwards to accomodate us, even allowing us to check out late the following day. We will definitely come back as well as recommend the Golden Bear Cottages to our family and friends for their vacations.
I rate this mountain resort at the very top for families traveling with young children. This reviewer gives the service at Golden Bear Cottages the very best rating! Yes, we were very impressed!"
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Rick G
Woodland Hills, CA 08-25-2010 |
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"My satisfaction began on the phone with Lisa and her ability to get us just the right place we needed. When I made the reservation, there were four of us going . . . two days later, there were eight who would be in attendance for Labor Day Weekend. She changed cabins for us, even granting some leeway with a four footed guest as well.
What we saw on arrival was perfect . . . perfect cabin, perfect amenities, we were all pleased.
I guess one of the things I loved most was a table for eight in the kitchen. My, the wonderful times we had around that table in those three days. So cool.
We cooked out over a charcoal grill and loved it. The kitchen was filled with just about everything we needed. They even provided the morning coffee. Gorgeous was especially impressed with the linens and towels, high quality.
The toaster died Saturday morning. We had a new one, upon request, within fifteen minutes. Great service and given with a smile.
Maid service every day at Golden Bear Cottages was a nice surprise, but we chose to do most of our own stuff, simply getting new towels, etc. mostly.
There's plenty to do here. Heated pool, childrens play area and many other sporty things we ignored but were available.
The lay out makes for a homey atmosphere. We talked with at least four or five other couples during the three days, as they sat on their front porches. Truely a warm, family place.
Just know you're in the mountains here . . . and go with that spirit. You'll have a great time and we'll be back, maybe when it's just the two of us. We've already picked out the Golden Bear cabin we want. Of course, two grand daughters have picked out the 'Bear Hug' cabin for when they get to come back.
Norm W... a Yelp member since 2009"
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Norm W. Kidd
Highland, CA 09-10-2010 |
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"My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and I loved it! We stayed in 'Grizzley's Den' cabin and it was perfect, very cute and warm with both a heater and wood burning fireplace. When we walked outside in the morning there were icicles hanging from the roof and it looked like a winter wonderland. The couple (Lisa and Lenny) who run Golden Bear Cottages were VERY nice and helpful and their store had a lot of little souvenirs and a wall to rent movies from. The only thing we had trouble with was parking our fairly large dodge ram in the shoveled out parking space, but it was definitely worth it. We are coming back again for my next birthday! It is the top place to stay in Big Bear lake!"
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Ariel Nelson
LA, CA 09-30-2010 |
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"We love This Place”
We make Golden Bear our romantic mountain getaway. Just as a Couple!
Golden Bear Cottage is a beautiful place to unwind when you really need some R&R!! My husband and I have spent our 1st, 5th and eight anniversary at The Golden Bear Cottages. The HoneyPot Cabin is our Favorite! This is the best place. The owners are so nice and helpful."
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C Shibley
Diamond Bar, CA 09-04-2010 |
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"Perfect family reunion at Golden Bear... We stayed with a large group that booked almost the entire resort property for a family reunion. This vacation resort at Golden Bear Cottages were beautiful rustic cabins in the cool mountains at 7000 foot elevation. The prices were very fair and reasonable. The cabins and grounds were very clean and well kept. The office staff went out of their way to be friendly and accommodate all of our needs. The maids and landscaping staff were always trying to do something special to make our week-long stay very comfortable. All of our group left satisfied. Thanks to Don, Karen, Lisa, Len and all the staff at Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear. See you again. God bless!"
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A S Karenton and extended family
Santa Ana, CA 10-21-2010 |
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"Comments and review: We have loved it at Golden Bear. We have stayed at Golden Bear Cottages for numerous getaways and vacations. Our favorite cabin is number 7 Knotty Pine. It has been like our home away from home."
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Leonard Deaton
Palmdale, CA 11-01-2010 |
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"Wonderful Time!!! Great family owned business and this reflects in the way they treat you, the quick responses they respond with and the overall feel of comfort and support in their cabins. Great time, arrived Saturday afternoon to a valley of green, reds and beautiful oranges, to awaken early morn to hard rain to full awaken later to a valley completely full of pure, white snow. Simply incredible!! My partner and I played in a nearby park, with the sun shining and other people and families just taking gorgeous pictures and looking around in amazement. The owners and staff were very helpful, made nice acquaintance for a minute with our neighbors, then just enjoyed an immensely romantic time away from L.A. and the kids :-)... Thank you!!"
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Ashlee Ellis
Brentwood, CA 11-29-2010 |
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"Each year, since 1995, our family has been patronizing Golden Bear Resort. We have rented several different cabins over the past 15 years and for stays of 2 to 7 nights. Sometimes once a year, sometimes 2 or 3 times a year.
We have become friends with Don and Karen DiCarlo, and their daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, Lenny Duran. Truly nice folks.
Some suggestions: if you will be there between the months of October and March or April, take tire chains; If you plan to use the pool or spa, take a few bath towels from home; take a portable radio with fresh batteries; include a clamp-on light cuz kitchen lighting may be a bit dim; pack a couple candles for the dinner table; if you cook, take a sharp paring knife, chef's knife, and a cheese grater; maintain a sense of adventure. And, if you take your pet, please clean up after it.
Regarding the tire chains: please understand that it snows in Big Bear. Duh. Last winter, one storm dumped about 5 feet, leaving roads and driveways blocked. You can imagine the complaints from those who choose to be clueless about being prepared for what is normal in SoCal's mountains in the winter.
Even with chains, very few vehicles, even 4WD, can manage 4 or 5-ft deep snow, especially, if it is dense. Powder snow is easy, though. If you have tall and narrow snow tires and a heavy old pickup or suburban, you should be OK in really deep snow, but if you have wide tires, or low-profile rubber on your sportcute, be sure you have snowshoes or cross-country skis.
We always take supplies in case we are stranded by a road closure or need to deal with an electric power failure. Big Bear experienced a major earthquake in the early 90's. It will happen again. It also is in a wildfire area. So–unless you choose to be a victim, be prepared. This said, Golden Bear keeps emergency supplies on hand for guests for those times when Momma Nature reminds us who is the boss. For you ham radio licensees, two good repeaters are KI6BB, 147.330, negative, PL 131.4, and Keller Pk 146.385, positive, PL 146.2. You can always raise someone on Keller.
Golden Bear is not a 5-star hotel. It's better, but it is not perfect, meaning that the doors on the older (some date from before 1910) cabins may be a tad drafty. Some cabins have sinks with the cold/hot faucets reversed. Who cares? The hot water is hot. If you want a sterile place, stay in town at one of the big places or at one of the resorts where the cabins are cookie-cutter, but if you want an enjoyable stay in a traditional and rustic mountain cabin, choose Golden Bear! We do and will continue to use it for family stays and anniversary stays. Stays at Golden Bear have become one of our family traditions.
One last thing. Breakfast at Grizzly Manor, across from Big Bear Middle School, is de rigeur at least once during a stay. Unless you arrive at dawn, expect to wait outside. Rain or shine, hot or freezing, there WILL be a line. Sign in, pour yourself a coffee, and wait outside with locals and fellow visitors. The Griz is tiny, but the portions will satisfy a hungry teenage boy, and you'll still have leftovers for lunch and supper.
Steve and Michele and family,
Banning, California."
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Steve Higbee
Banning, CA 12-03-2010 |
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"Golden Bear Cottages---Reviewed. We have been coming here since I was a kid! The cabins are so cozy, the owners and staff have always been great and accommodating, and it's in a quieter area. The pool is great during the summer, and it's a perfect hideaway when it snows. It's one of those places where we really feel right at home. The prices on the cabin rentals and gift shop are always fair too."
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Dana T
Redlands, CA 01-31-2011 |
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"My daugher and I had a great time at your cabin and we will for sure come back. We loved the friendly staff! If you want to go to the best place to stay, Golden Bear is it!
My daughter Madison wants to bring her grandma the end of April!"
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Kimberly Kuhn
Los Alamitos, CA 02-11-2011 |
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"We love staying at your lodge, we alway's stay there it feel's like home when were able to visit. My Daughter and I will visit again soon in March. I have been sick and unable to visit since last year. Finally my doctors gave me an ok, so we booked our vacation. Money has just been tight due to my disability, so thank you for the kindness and the discount. See you soon at Golden Bear Cottages!"
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Susan Zekas
Fontana, CA 02-21-2011 |
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"We went in the Winter & it was the most Unforgettable Experience of our lifetime! We felt like we were in a 'Storybook Fairytale' the cabins are a dream and transported us back in time. There is so much to do on the property our girls 6 & 13 did not want to come back home and the hospitality from the owners was Amazing we were treated like Family!! I do not have enough words to describe our wonderful vacation experience!! We can not wait to go back in the Summer!!!
The Colón family from Los Angeles"
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The Colon family
Los Angeles, CA 03-06-2011 |
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"We took a group of 8 friends up to Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear to celebrate a Birthday and we had a GREAT TIME! We stayed in Cabin #25 which was spacious, clean and very comfortable.
The cabin was located less than a block from Pleasure Point Marina which made it very convenient to go out trout fishing (which was great by the way). Don at Golden Bear even gave us a coupon for a discount on a boat rental and a good fishing report.
In our opinion, Golden Bear Cottages is one of the best places for cabin rentals in Big Bear, CA and we are looking forward to coming back as soon as possible. We will try to plan for a Christmas holiday season trip."
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Mike C
Moreno Valley, CA 04-29-2011 |
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"We rented out one of the large cabins for a young adult retreat from our church. Booking was really easy, and Lisa was really helpful.
The cabin was comfortable and had everything we needed for our weekend. None of the usual pitfalls of group cabins: low water pressure or unpredictable temperature fluctuations. Those things were a big deal for our group and Golden Bear Cottages resort cabins had everything covered.
Our group had a great time sitting around the tables in the kitchen playing games and talking. They had nice appliances for all the food prep we did, and plenty of kitchenware.
It's close to Big Bear Village and the Alpine Slide, so our group had the flexibility of making up our schedule as we felt like it. We even decided to visit the on-site jacuzzi, and the managers went out of their way to make sure we could access it even though the operating hours had ended.
I'd recommend this place to other church groups for their retreats. It's not uber-modern so if you like flat screen TVs, this comfortable historic place probably isn't for you.
It was perfect for our church group's needs, and we enjoyed our weekend there!"
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Paul H
Valencia, CA 04-08-2011 |
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"Golden Bear Cottages resort is a great place to stay! A top AAA historic resort property. I give the Golden Bear my best rating"
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Nancy Salinas
San Gabriel, CA 06-03-2011 |
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"Both the cabins and the grounds were very will kept up. Came back for our second time. We stayed for seven days for our vacation. It was very peaceful and relaxing. All I would like to suggest is the cabin we were in could use a little shelf in the kitchen to put extra food on, but that's just me. Everyone should go there and enjoy themselves. There's a nice heated pool and a very nice play area for the kids with lots of tall shade trees to keep you cool. I'm very sure we will be coming back. P.S The Maid Service was very will trained and very sweet the same with the grounds keeper. Bruce & Fay"
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Bruce & Fay Malone
Riverside, CA 07-23-2011 |
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"This was a great facility for our group of girls for a week-long Cheer Camp. Lisa was just amazing !!!
Stayed August 2011, traveled on school business for a retreat with a group of about 75. Great Value for a mountain group resort. Top Quality and Cleanliness. Superior Service!
Group Booking Tip: talk to Lisa"
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Tony R
Claremont, CA 08-17-2011 |
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"For the past 10 years my family has been visiting Big Bear Lake during the summer time, and we always stay at the Golden Bear. The cabins are the perfect sizes for all families and everything is close together so everyone can visit each other. They have a great pool and a fun recreation place where people can play basketball, volleyball, horseshoes and ping pong. It's a great family place and we wouldn't stay any else in Big Bear! This year we stayed August 11-16 and traveled with our extended family of four generations. We will happily return again"
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Gretchen Skruggs
Encinitas, CA 08-20-2011 |
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"My review of Golden Bear. Can't wait to go back to your Cabins. I felt relaxed and at home, Very clean, roomy and comfortable. Very friendly staff."
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Tina Garcia
San Bernardino, CA 08-23-2011 |
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"My comments:
Lisa was the greatest!! So nice and accomodating to our needs. So nice to get great service. Unfortunatly we were unable to get there as we planned this week due to an unexpected trip for my husband. We were hoping to get there the next week and because of the accommodating staff, we did. We have stayed there before and the owners/managers Lisa, Lenny, Don and Karen and property staff are always great. There are not alot of cabins in Big Bear that compare!! A+ rating"
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Sandra McNabb
Orange, CA 08-24-2011 |
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"We love Golden Bear Cottages!!
by KSD63, a Citysearch member.
Our entire family just left beautiful Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake, California. They hosted our family reunion for the first time. Even though we usually change locations every year, the whole family group decided to come back to Golden Bear again next year (and some of our family members who live closer are planning to come back this winter fot Thanksgiving holiday). Golden Bear has the perfect facilities to host a large family reunion of our size, which was about 200. It is the best place to stay. The owners and their entire staff were absolutely phenomenal! They catered to all of our needs and bent over backwards to make sure we had a great time. All of the cabins were clean and well stocked and the maids made sure that we always had cleaned towels and that our cabins were well kept. Even though we were all more than content to spend most of our time on the beautiful grounds and in our quaint, rustic cottages at Golden Bear we planned one special outing in Big Bear each day for those who wanted to participate. We were amazed at the number of things there are to do in Big Bear! In the 15 years that we have been having our big reunion we have never enjoyed a more serene and beautiful location with so many activities available to family members of all ages(and it is so close to home). I am a photographer and I enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful wildflowers and even got shots of a mama and baby bear who were out at 6:00 a.m. Several of our famiy members enjoyed a Civic Light Opera performance at the Performing Arts Center. Others went on the scenic skychair and caught the most beautiful views of the entire valley below. Some of our younger family members did a lot of hiking and found that there were trails for all levels of hikers. Biking and quad riding went over really well with some of our more hearty famlly members. Many of our elders enjoyed the sunset cruise around the lake. I don't think any of us realized how many multi-million dollar mansions were around the perimeter of the lake! It was breathtaking. There was also lots to do for the chidren. Their favorite places were the zoo, the Discovery Center, and of course, going in a boat on the lake. All in all this was the very best reunion we have ever enjoyed - and we owe it to Golden Bear Cottages. This is my review of our retreat. Our families will be booking their cottages for August 2012!!!!"
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Katrina Sandeillo
Camarillo, CA 08-28-2011 |
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"Golden Bear Cottages resort is clean, fresh, everything in working order, and friendly staff.” Stayed for a week in August 2011, traveled with all my family. Also reviewed on TripAdvisor September 2, 2011. NEW COMMENTS. We've been there with our family a few different times and always go back. I think it's the best place and its a great place to stay for family and kids."
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Mrs. Mendellos
Los Angeles, CA 09-03-2011 |
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"Review comments: I love your facilities and return there every year. Our family really looks forward to spending our vacation at Golden Bear Cottages. We weren't able to come last year. Hope to see you again this year for our regular vacation"
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Sandra Stewart
, AZ 11-10-2011 |
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"“Very Impressed” Reviewed November 19, 2011.
Our family found this resort cozy and the family staff helpful. Very happy with the cottage we had, it was cozy, very clean and good kitchen equipment. The staff were really friendly and helpful. We will certainly stay there the next time we go back to Big Bear. We stayed in November 2011, and traveled with our family. Golden Bear is a good value. The location and sleep quality is very good. This is the best place to stay with a family in Big Bear."
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Penny W
Burbank, CA 11-19-2011 |
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"Thank you Golden Bear cottages for the wonderful mountain getaway. I surprised my kids with one last summer hooraah before the much anticipated 'Back to School' season started. It was such great time to all be together and enjoy all the beautiful surroundings that the golden bear cottages and Big Bear have to offer. We absolutely loved the cozy and quaint feel of the cabins, the 'night at the movies' by the poolside, and the beautiful location. It was so convenient to travel to so many attractions yet we felt like we were right at home. The kids loved it so much they can't wait to go back again next year, or maybe again in the winter. Thank you to everyone... Don, Karen, Lisa and Lenny"
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Nancie Filkins
Chino, CA 09-25-2011 |
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"I was invited to go to Golden Bear with my best friends family. These fully restored historic cabins are spacious and full of amenities. It snowed the day after we arrived and the area looked like a picture post card. The staff was professional and gracious; they took care of our every need. Thank you (especially Lisa) for one of the best times in my life."
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Faye Kenoly
Big Bear Lake, CA 12-20-2011 |
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