Big Bear Lodge

This motel is probably not for everyone, but for those who like this type of stay, it's great! This is like a Sunrise Side Michigan version of hotels along Route 66. It's an old "mom and pop" hotel so you have to go realizing you are staying in rooms that are about 70 years old! It was VERY clean. The bed, although it looked like a double was a VERY comfortable queen. The location was good, and the poeple were DELIGHTFUL!!! There were no maintenance issues, everything worked as it should. And the price was very reasonable.

Again, this has to do with expectations. The room was very tight, and things were small. The bathroom was particularly tight and small. The shower head sent out a stream that was a bit "prickly" but it was lots of water, good water pressure and hot. And, the decor was old, of course!! No breakfast, (at least that we were aware of.)

The "mom and pop" owners were very nice, courteous, and thoughtful. You can see the personal care they put into each and every facet of the motel. They even planted milkweed in the garden boxes to attract and feed endangered butterflies. The building is a little older, but the rooms are super clean, smell great, have fresh paint and newer furnishings, and are aired out and cleaned daily. The shower was unique in that it was the most gentle "power washing" I've ever had, and it was AMAZING. They should sell those nozzles in the lobby, because I want one right now. I even left my pillow behind by accident, and the owner called me until he reached me to let me know so I could come back for it. This is not the first time I've done that, but this is the first time I successfully retrieved it.

I detest this economy that has forced them to raise their prices similar to the larger chain hotels in town. I feel that may put them at a disadvantage. However, I've stayed in those other hotels over the years, and my experience here was better than about 4 other larger hotels in town.

nice location, staff was very friendly, rooms were clean and cleaning staff did nice job cleaning

it’s a small gripe but while trying to rest, on the second day about 5 PM the fire alarm beeped several times, and was very loud and startling. my husband tried to lay down to rest with me and we hoped it wouldn’t happen again and it did. front desk guy said their daughter lives in an end unit and burns toast sometimes or something? just would rather not have a fire alarm hooked up to every other unit that scares the crap out of me bc of someone else’s actions. other than that, it was a great little spot.

I was initially attracted to the Big Bear Lodge because I was planning a trip to Alpena and the price was good. The reviews from single female travelers influenced me as well, as I am a single female traveler. I loved the unique nature of the place and the location was an easy walk to the lake.

I didn't have any complaints at all. I imagine people who prefer chain hotels might not like it - but I don't find chain hotels very interesting or unique.

Very friendly staff. Very comfortable beds, and very clean and well maintained room.

It’s a little hard to see on the way in, it could use a bigger or attention grabbing sign, and the reception is a little hidden. I pulled into the main parking lot, but had to go back out on the main road to get to reception since the only way to get to it with a car was a one-way parking area.

Very friendly, helpful staff. I felt safe staying here as a solo traveller. The property is older but is well kept and immaculately clean. Bed is comfortable.

Wiifi can be unreliable, but there was only 1 day it wouldn't connect. The rest of the time it was great. I connected my tablet and left it on, in the room, for the rest of the time I was there! I think a brighter table light would be helpful for those of us who are book worms.

The suite we rented was perfect for our needs. The kitchen definitely exceeded my expectations in that everything we needed (except the actual food) was there. I loved that there were private entrances to each room in our suite, too. Though we didn't use that feature this time, it's great to know that that's available. Everything about our stay at Big Bear, met and exceeded our expectations.

Literally my only, very gold plated, complaint is the water pressure in the shower. And that alone isn't enough for me to be mad. Everything else was so amazing!!!!

Excellent location within walking distance to a number of restaurants and close to the lake with very nice walking path. Check in was a very efficient and hosts were friendly.

Rooms are small and a bit dated but this didn't negatively affect our stay at all.

It was quiet. I could park in front of the room without having to climb any stairs. Being close to a good restaurant for the evening meal was nice.

The bed was too soft. No view unless you like the parking lot. No desk or table to write, read on, or use to have a morning coffee with the cold breakfast I had brought.

The lobby was awesome! It fit right in with a lodge theme with bear, moose, turkey etc. The owners were very friendly and had candy on the counter for guests.

No free breakfast, but they had a great fridge, microwave and coffeemaker in the room. You could make your own, if you brought food.