Lagonita Lodge: Your Affordable Lakefront Escape in Big Bear

When I first booked the Lagonita Lodge, I was skeptical because the price seemed too good to be true. But boy, was I wrong! I had snagged a one-bedroom apartment-style room with stunning lakefront views for less than $200 a night over Thanksgiving weekend. It was perfect for families, and there were no hidden fees or catches. What a hidden gem!?!

My son had so much fun in Big Bear that he asked to go back for his birthday weekend. So, of course, we booked the lodge to return for that weekend in early February. This time, the price was slightly higher, a little over $200 per night, but it was also in the middle of the snow season. Our room was even better than the last time, and we were blown away by the views of the lake, the snow, and the icicles hanging from the balcony.

I wish I had stumbled upon the lodge earlier. It has many fun amenities and activities that cater to kids and adults alike. With its spacious rooms, incredible views, and classic entertainment, the Lagonita Lodge is undoubtedly worth a visit. Without further delay, here is a complete rundown of what to expect during your stay.

Lagonia Lodge quick information

The one-bedroom, lake view suite

During both our stays, we were fortunate to get tranquil rooms on the top floor, complete with jaw-dropping views of the lake and vaulted ceilings. The room was cozy and had a toasty gas fireplace and heater, which made our stay super comfy.

The views

Over a Thanksgiving weekend, we stayed in room #334 in building #4, and my parents were in #333. Both rooms were great, but my parent’s room was a little newer and had better views. Although our views in #333 weren’t bad at all.

My favorite room, so far, has been room #326 in building #3. It seems like the further you get to the east, the better the views get. Here are some pictures from our February trip.

Living room

The living room is spacious and has two comfortable sofas. One is a pull-out queen-size sofa bed, perfect for our son. The coffee table is roomy enough for board games, and there’s a television with a DVD player for entertainment. They rent DVDs from the front office if you’re in the mood for a movie night, or remember to pack your own!

Kitchen

I like staying in places with a kitchen, and these are fully stocked with all the essentials, including dishes, utensils, a coffee maker, a toaster, and more.

Bathroom

The bathroom conveniently has ample storage space for toiletries and hair tools. The storage drawers, medicine cabinet, and abundant counter space make it easier to stay organized. For parents with young children, you’ll also appreciate the tub-shower combo, which is perfect for bath time.

Bedroom

In the apartment-style room, there’s a separate bedroom with a queen bed, a television, and a closet. The first room we had was equipped with a dresser for clothes, and the second one had shelves.

Other room options

In addition to the one-bedroom, the lodge also offers two and three-bedroom suites, which are preferable for larger families or groups of friends who are traveling together. However, I haven’t been able to book one of the two bedrooms, so they might need to be booked further in advance.

We’ve only stayed in rooms that have a lake view, but not all of the rooms have views. For both of our stays, I reserved using Booking.com*, and the room type clearly included “lake view” in the description.

Amenities

Pool and spa time

My son had a great time at the heated indoor pool and spa. Although it’s not the newest, it’s well-maintained, and you don’t have to brave the freezing cold in winter as it’s indoors. For parents who want to sit and relax while their kids play, there’s a table with chairs.

What makes this pool even better is that they have staggered hours, so adults can have some peaceful swimming time without any boisterous kids doing cannonballs and such. There’s also an outdoor spa that’s exclusively for adults.

Fitness center

I haven’t had the opportunity to use the fitness center yet, as I prefer working out in my room using the Dribbleup app. However, the fitness center is located right next to the indoor pool. Although it’s relatively small, it is stocked with everything you need to get a good workout and break a sweat.

Game time

The lodge has two indoor game rooms – one for families and one for adults. The family room is massive and offers a variety of activities, such as pool tables, foosball, ping pong, and a television.

On the other hand, the adult lounge features a pool table, a library, a computer, and a television, which I completely forgot to check out during our two stays. I enjoyed the family room so much that I never even gave a thought to visiting the adult lounge. Next time!

Outdoor playtime and barbeques

When the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor cooking, there are two gas barbeques you can use to whip up some delicious food while admiring the views of the lakeside.

If you’re traveling with kids, the playground is a big hit with little ones – my son loved it! In fact, even in the snow, lots of other kids having a blast on it. I really appreciate it when hotels provide playgrounds like this, as it’s a fantastic way to keep kids entertained!

There’s also a large grassy and dirt-covered area that’s perfect for playing. During the colder months, it gets covered in snow, making it an excellent spot for snow fights and sledding. While there aren’t many significant hills for sledding, it’s still ideal for younger children.

Activities

To add to the fun, there are daily activities you can partake in, such as bingo, bunco, rock painting, yoga, a wine welcome reception on Thursdays, and more. Here’s a list of the activities available during the week of our last stay. While this can change, it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Laundry

If you’re staying long enough to do laundry, there are washers and dryers you can use near the front office.

Front office and friendly service

I haven’t spent much time in the front office, which is probably a good thing. However, every time I visit, I am greeted by the friendly staff, who are always happy to help.

During both of my stays, the staff was knowledgeable and explained how to get to my room, sign up for activities, and take full advantage of the amenities available. They were also happy to accommodate my requests to be on the top floor and in a room adjacent to my parents, which made our stay more enjoyable.

In the front office, you can find fresh popcorn, a coffee machine, and snacks available for purchase. If you’re in the mood for some movies, you can rent DVDs as well.

Ok, really, are there any cons?

I really enjoy this place, except for the beds and pillows. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more particular, and I find the beds to be too firm, and the pillows are way too flat. However, my parents didn’t seem to have any issue with theirs, so it’s a personal preference thing.

But it hasn’t discouraged me from planning another stay in the spring. I’m thinking of bringing a couple of pillows and maybe even a travel foam topper, which may seem a bit over-the-top, but why not? There’s enough room in the car, and I want to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Dogs

Your furry friends will have to sit this one out. Lagonita Lodge has a strict no-pet policy that only permits service dogs.

Location

Lagonita Lodge is situated approximately one mile from both Big Bear Boulevard and The Village. Personally, I find this location preferable to staying in or around The Village as it tends to get crowded, with cars backed up for at least a mile in the evenings trying to make their way in. The lodge is nestled away next to the lake, providing a serene and peaceful ambiance.

When we go out for dinner, we usually head to some easy spots along Big Bear Boulevard, such as Azteca Mexican Grill and Big Bear Mountain Brewing. If we want to go to The Village, we tend to go earlier in the day to shop and grab lunch before the crowds start to build up. In this way, we feel like we get the best of both worlds.

It ultimately comes down to your preference. If you like being in close walking distance to restaurants and shops, then staying closer to The Village would be ideal. However, the lodge is conveniently located and it’s just a short drive to all of the nearby locations. During the warmer months, it’s possible to walk to The Village and other places along Big Bear Boulevard if you don’t mind walking a few miles.

Things to do near the Lagonita Lodge

Enjoy your stay and breathtaking views at the Lagonita Lodge! For more ideas about where to eat and things to do nearby, check out How to Get Away for the Weekend at Big Bear Lake.