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01
"Great for family with small kids!
Review added this week -- NEW.
Golden Bear Cottage #18 was perfect for traveling with a 2 and 4 year old to experience and play in the snow for 4 days! We were there over New Years Eve. We parked right outside our cabin and had a front yard play area - not to mention the resort play area right in our back yard that had two swing sets and slide. We didn't have to leave the resort as we brought our own food(very economical) - plus there is a hill on the property where our kids enjoyed sledding most days. We chose to drive to Big Bear Village to walk around and go tubing which is only 1.5 miles down the road. I read some of the past reviews on TripAdvisor and yes - some of the towels and comforter may be older but the maids bring you fresh ones everyday and and they are always CLEAN. They are perfect for a historic cabin. The cabin had everything we needed as far as the kitchen goes and we were very happy with our stay. We did decide to leave one day early as my husband and I were done with the snow and cold! :) Lisa was very accommodating and offered us a $50 credit and also another $150 credit if they were able to rent our cabin out that night. We do plan to come back when the kids are a little older. Our cabin #18 is a studio cabin where my family of 4 stayed. My husband slept on the pull out sofa while me and my 2 and 4 year old shared the queen bed. You have a nice front yard area to play and your back yard is the play area of the resort. The studios are only about 700 square feet or so. Next time we will get a bigger one or two bedroom bedroom cabin so my husband can sleep when the kids wake up early. Thank you Lisa and everyone at Golden Bear. We look forward to staying with you again!"
Ventura County GirlCamarillo, CA 01-31-2015
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02
"Big Bear Lake guest review and group comments: 'mejores retiros de grupo de la iglesia de montaña de Big Bear Lake California'...Thank you, we had a great time at the beautiful Golden Bear Cottages Resort!"
Gerardo ResendizAnaheim, CA 01-15-2015
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03
"“Cool rustic cabins, very accomodating staff”
We give Golden Bear Cottages Resort 5 of 5 stars. Reviewed February 2015... NEW.
My wife and I booked a cabin here for a ski weekend recently, and decided to bring our little Sheltie dog. Didn't realize at the time of booking that only some of the cabins allow pets, and naturally had picked one that didn't. We explained our situation to Lisa at the front desk, and boy did she go the extra mile to accommodate us - even sweet-talking some other customers into a room exchange so as to make it all work. (We were so impressed, my wife even brought her flowers the next morning). Don (Lisa's father) was also very helpful and gave us to easy tips on building a proper fire. The cabins themselves are quite rustic and quaint in 'lodge' style, with the usual and expected concessions to being, like, a hundred years old. The cabin had a great stone fireplace, comfortable bed, well-equipped kitchen and a full bath. The location is good, just down the street from Boulder Bay. There's a friendly ski rental place ('Massive Ski Rental') just a couple doors down where I was able to rent in the morning and avoid the crowds at the mountain. Overall, a great experience. We'll be back!"
Doug G.Orange, CA 02-19-2015
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04
"Reviewed by our group today, “The Golden Bear Cottages was the perfect location for our Middle School and High School Winter Retreats!”
Our Review:
We brought a group of 50 Middle School students one weekend and a group of 50 High School students the next weekend, and the location was perfect! The staff was friendly and helpful, the cabin accommodations were the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, and the kitchen in the big cabin was large enough to cook for over 70 people! This is a great place for a group retreat!
Our church group stayed twice in February 2015. We traveled with family and friends and these are our review ratings:
*****5 of 5 stars for Golden Bear Cottages Location.
*****5 of 5 stars for Golden Bear Cottages Sleep Quality.
*****5 of 5 stars for Golden Bear Cottages Service.
*****5 of 5 stars for Golden Bear Cottages Value."
Douglas C., Youth PastorVentura, CA 03-11-2015
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05
"Great historic cabins:
5 of 5 star rating. Review NEW via mobile device...
Very comfortable, and clean cozy cabin. Needed to stay one night. Staff was very friendly and accommodating for my walk-in booking. They even arranged a late check-out so that I wasn't stuck waiting at the Ontario airport for my late afternoon flight. Thank you. We will stay again on our return getaway visits to Big Bear Lake. We also posted a review on TripAdvisor to let everyone know how special we were treated!"
Deborah T.San Leandro, CA 03-24-2015
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06
"Returning Guest Comments: My family and I enjoy staying at AAA approved Golden Bear cottages very much!. We've been there 6 times so far, and every time we go it has been wonderful. The staff is great...friendly...and make sure we have a pleasant stay. The cabins are clean and well furnished. I highly recommend Golden Bear Cottages resort !"
Maria ArmentaSan Bernardino, CA 04-06-2015
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07
"New guest comments: We had a great four day stay at Golden Bear Cottages recently. It was a joy to chat with Don over the weekend, Great owners. Thank you"
Lance GrubenOceanside, CA 04-16-2015
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08
"New guest comments: We just stayed with Golden Bear Cottages again this past weekend for my husband's birthday on 4/24. Their customer service was with a smile from reservation to checkout and we can't say enough about it. Thanks for a great time in a perfect cabin -#8! We will be back!"
Amy WhitakerLos Angeles, CA 04-28-2015
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09
"New review comments: I love Big Bear. Stayed at Golden Bear Cottages on Valentine's weekend love it. The cabin was very clean and the staff gave us a warm welcoming feeling ... Thank you!"
Cindy MurilloHighland, CA 05-08-2015
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10
"Reviewed in Facebook: Alianza Nueva —
5 star review for Golden Bear Cottages resort!
Our two parishes St. Malachy and Mother of Sorrows just recently had a retreat in the location.. And we all loved it! We are very thankful for the wonderful place and we loved the place! En Espanol, 'mejores retiros de grupo de la iglesia de montaña de Big Bear Lake California' Thank you Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake for the first of what we hope is many church group retreats to come! God willing."
Alianza Nueva St Malachy ChurchLos Angeles, CA 11-30-2014
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11
"Emily F. on Trip Advisor.
★★★★★ days ago.
Golden Bear Cottages review.
I loved staying here! The place is right off the main road and easy to find! The cabin was big and very clean and accommodated our entire group easily. The staff was super friendly from when we arrived to when we left. We had an amazing time staying here and would come back again with no hesitation!"
Emily FLos Angeles, CA 11-02-2019
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12
"Review posted on Facebook: Brian Manly —
5 star review.
Just got back into town from Golden Bear Cottages . My 6 year old and I stayed in Igloo# 12 great for 2 people. Sledding hill on the property, free videos and games for the kids. Cabin was clean! The owners were great !!!. Close to everything. Can't Wait to Go Back"
Brian ManlySylmar, CA 12-15-2014
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13
"John Claunch — Reviewed on Facebook.
5 star review for Golden Bear Cottages Resort from a returning guest and friend.
Love staying here all year round. Comfy spot close to all the mountains have to offer!"
John ClaunchSan Bernardino, CA 04-16-2015
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14
"We just spent the weekend at Big Bear Cottages, my daughter and her best friend say it was the best vacation trip ever!! Don went above and beyond making the girls feel special and even opened the spa for them even though they were the only ones wanting to use it! God bless you all for making us feel so special.We will definitely be back! Thank you."
Stephanie RomeroBullhead City, AZ 05-19-2015
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15
"A special thank you and response: We had an enjoyable time just relaxing in the cozy cabin #6 Pooh's Corner. Our dog Bleu enjoyed the pet yard too! Thank you, Robert and Patrick Watters.
Thank you for staying with us at Golden Bear
Cottages.
We appreciate your loyalty and friendship, which goes so
much further than just being a customer. We
want to be sure that we did everything possible to make your
stay pleasant. If there is anything we could have done to
make your stay more enjoyable please feel free to contact us
at 800-461-1023. Our valued guests are the best source of
ideas for us simply because they are the ones who stay in
our cottages and sometimes see things that we
may miss. God bless,
look forward to having you stay with us again in the
future."
Robert WattersLos Angeles, CA 05-21-2015
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16
"Review also posted on Facebook: Enjoyed a quiet and restful weekend at Golden Bear Cottages in Big Bear Lake. Loved being in rustic but clean and comfy cottage #18 amid towering and majestic pine trees. Beautiful blue skies and time to enjoy quality time with my husband Ken. — Photo with Don DiCarlo and Karen DiCarlo at Golden Bear Cottages. Thank you and God bless."
Rachael ClarkSan Bernardino, CA 05-29-2015
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17
"Guest comments: Recently made our reservations for our son's wedding July 2016. Don, you are awesome! Thank you so very much. We'll be in touch with Lisa for more planning in the coming months."
Donna BaileyTwentynine Palms, CA 06-06-2015
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18
"Our Guest Review and Comments: We enjoyed our stay. Very nice grounds at Golden Bear Cottages and peaceful and quiet thanks we will be back. Thank you, we loved having you as our guests. Don, Karen, Lisa and Len"
Mickie StagnaroWilmington, CA 06-15-2015
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19
"Latest Guest Comments: Thank you for the 5 star treatment for the last 4 days. I couldn't have chosen a better place for me and 60 of my closest friends to celebrate my 70th Birthday. Thank you Don, Lynn and all those wonderful Presbyterians!!!"
Donald BeardHuntington Beach, CA 07-20-2015
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20
"Top Rating. Review also posted on
on Google+...
I have been coming to The Golden Bear Cottages for the past 14 years. I have used them for family reunions of 100 to groups of students of 25. I have found the owners to be very accommodating and friendly. I love the property. The cabins are always clean and spacious, there are lots of things to do on the resort property. They have swimming, horseshoes, playgrounds and areas to roast marshmallows. It is a short five minute drive to the city or the lake. There are hiking trails and other things to do nearby. I love this place and that is why I have visited at least 7 times."
Don SkaggsOrange County, CA 08-25-2016
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21
"Loved the rustic, homey comfort. NEW REVIEW.
We also loved the friendly, helpful owners and staff, ready to sort out any details for us and tell us all about things to do and places to eat in and around Big Bear Lake. The historic old-time mountain cabin feel with Knotty Pine wood reminded me of childhood trips to the mountains back East. The fully stocked kitchen has everything needed and is supplied with non-cookie cutter dishes, unlike the whitebread corporate mountain places. Our cabin had a big Jacuzzi bathtub too. Only difficulties for me were the extra-firm bed and the oven without visible numbers. I'd recommend this place for families and people who like to feel comfy without sterility when they are in the mountains.
Make sure to talk to the owners to help choose the cabin or cottage right for you. We stayed in late August 2015 and we traveled with four of our friends. Our review was also happily posted on Trip Avvisor."
Liz Q.Pasadena, CA 09-14-2015
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22
"Love this place!!
A 5 star review on Tripadvisor.
My parents first brought me to Golden Bear (for a short time called Kirkbride's) in the early 60s. I met my first girlfriend here as a teenager and later spent time here with my mom before she died. My oldest daughter learned to swim in their big heated pool. I loved this place then and love it now. It has been cared for and upgraded over the years, but still retains it's timeless, rustic charm.
On our most recent trip, we were greeted by Don who had everything all ready for us. We chatted for a while, then headed off to unpack. My wife set up shop in the kitchen, fully stocked with about every utensil you might need. It was a little too warm outside to use the fireplace, but I made up for it by firing up the charcoal barbecue outside our cabin and grilling some steaks. We had two of our grandkids with us (making us a 5-generation Golden Bear family!). During our stay, we either started or finished each day with a swim in the pool and a soak in the spa. There was also boating close-by at thhe marina, fishing, ping pong, volleyball, horse shoes and basketball. (We played volleyball too, but we didn't bring enough people to get a real game going.) After dinner, we'd play games on the large dining table or watch a movie together in the living room. When we called it a night, the kids retired to their own bedroom; we had peace and quiet!
I can't say enough good things about the staff here. I've met Don, Lisa and Lenny. (We hope to meet Karen on a future visit.) They're all genuine, caring people who work hard to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Over the years, we've only had one questionable experience at Golden Bear. That happened in 1992 when our peaceful night's sleep was interrupted by the Landers Quake. But don't blame the staff. I'm pretty sure that was San Andreas' fault.
Seriously, though... if you want to stay in a traditional hotel, Golden Bear may not be the place for you. But if you want the feeling of having your very own clean rustic cabin in the woods, all I can say is, 'welcome home!'"
Steven HRancho Cucamonga, CA 09-04-2015
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23
"5 star group review posted on Facebook -- Our two parishes St Malachy and Mother of Sorrows just recently had a retreat in the beautiful location.. And we all loved it! We are very thankful for the wonderful place to have group retreats and we loved the place! Thank you Golden Bear Cottages!"
Alianza NuevaLos Angeles, CA 09-20-2015
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24
"Facebook and Tripadvisor 5 star posted reviews -- We Loved staying at The Golden Bear Cottages. and would recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a Big Bear Get-Away. Loved staying at The Golden Bear Cottage. We can't wait to come back!!! The rustic cabins are cozy & quaint. Friendly staff that treat you like you are part of their family. We will return.....Woohoo!"
Karen Stuetz-GarlandLong Beach, CA 09-28-2015
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25
"Our Great stay in Big Bear Lake
and a top review from our family.
We stayed with our family at Golden Bear Cottages this past weekend had a wonderful time. The clean historic cabins were just the right size and close to the village. We went kayaking, went into town for shopping and also went for a GREAT hike on the Castle Rock Trail. During our stay Golden Bear was very responsive and offered great advice on places to go. There were plenty of towels and the daily maid service was an unexpected bonus. Furthermore, after the weekend, we realized that we forgot a bag (full of my daughter's items) and they called and arranged for the bag to be transferred 'down the mountain' to a VERY convenient place for me to pick up. What great service!!! Thank you for a great family vacation weekend!"
Dan M.Rancho Cucamonga, CA 11-07-2015
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26
"Amazing!!
We give 5 of 5 stars. New review on Tripadvisor.
I had the most amazing experience here. The price was very good for my 3 day stay here. The cottage was clean and beautiful and the people here are friendly. I would highly recommend any one. Me and my boyfriend were looking for a cozy and quiet place and we did find it at Golden Bear Cottages!! I'm so happy we decided to stay here we will be back very soon for vacation!!!"
Angelene MLos Angeles, CA 10-11-2015
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27
"Comments and review: We really enjoyed our stay at the Golden Bear Cottages. Clean cabin! The kids loved playing in all of the snow areas around the resort! Thank you"
Maritza PalmerFontana, CA 11-25-2015
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28
"My husband, Joseph Sweeney, and I stayed in number 6 a few days ago with our dog, Roxie.
I thank you so much for making our stay in Big Bear extra special. We enjoyed talking to
you before you showed us to our cabin. There is nothing more you could have done to make
us feel so welcome. We will definitely recommend The Golden Bear to our friends.
Thank you and we will see you on our next trip to Big Bear!
Leslie"
Leslie and Joe SweeneyOakland, CA 11-28-2015
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29
"OMG, thank you. We loved our Thanksgiving holiday stay. Thank you so much.
Alisha, Michael and the kiddos.
Sent from my iPhone.
On Dec 1, 2015, at 8:00 AM, Golden Bear Cottages wrote:
Thank you for staying with us at Golden Bear Cottages.
We appreciate your loyalty and friendship, which goes so much further than just being a customer."
Alisha SekerakSan Diego, CA 12-01-2015
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30
"Our Note: Thank you for staying with us at Golden Bear Cottages...
We appreciate your loyalty and friendship, which goes so much further than just being a customer.
Guest Reply sent from their iPhone: No, thank you! We very much enjoyed our time there in your cozy cabin! And I will definitely go back and also recommend you to my friends and family! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!"
Claudia DiazTustin, CA 12-22-2015
