Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear, California

It should go without saying that Los Angeles It’s not exactly a skiing town. The City of Angels, as the unofficial capital of Southern California is known more for its sun, surf and Beach Boy vibes. But one of the best ski spots in the region is located just two hours from downtown L.A.—and it just got a splashy new hotel. 

The Hotel Marina Riviera opened quietly in June. It occupies the former Marina Resort which was built in 1968 as a lodge with Viking influences. The exterior of the building is made from unvarnished, bare lumber. It still has a faint cedar scent. CasettaThe hotel was bought by, known for their cute-as a button collection of boutique hotels with an indie-chic feel. They updated the property to make it feel both modern and rooted in midcentury history.  

Sana Keefer (Casetta’s Head of Brand) said that the design of Hotel Marina Riviera is inspired by the original 1968 architecture of the property and its breathtaking alpine setting on Big Bear Lake. Travel + Leisure. “We wanted the building to retain its soul, with its Viking-inspired design and midcentury character while updating it thoughtfully for the modern travelers.” The refresh draws inspiration from Big Bear’s après-ski history, classic roadside lodges, and the timeless appeal of mountain getaways, all viewed through a contemporary lens.”

Near Big Bear Lake, California. San Bernardino MountainsThe small town of Big Bear in California is the closest ski resort to Los Angeles. It’s only second to the nearby Lake Arrowhead. Big Bear’s powder and terrain are legendary, but the town has a decidedly ski-town-like atmosphere, complete with craft breweries and bro-ness. Hotel Marina Riviera offers a new approach to Big Bear. With amenities like a lakeside barrique sauna, an indoor heated pool year-round, and a tiny beach, it feels like a wellness mini-resort.

You can enjoy some of the best pizzas in L.A. right on site at De La Nonna Big BearIt is a flagship location In DTLA’s trendy Arts District. While Big Bear may be synonymous with winter sports, the area is also a great place to visit during summer. There’s nothing better than returning from a hike along Castle Rock Trail with a soft serve ice-cream topped with olive and flaky salt and focaccia style pizza.

Hotel Marina Riviera was laid back and relaxed in June. I can imagine it will be cozy in the winter. Sometimes, I felt as if I was in a luxury summer camp for adults.

Keefer, a T+L reporter, said that “this property is designed in a way to slow you down.” It’s a personal experience, whether you are bird-watching and drinking coffee in the morning during migration on the outdoor deck or taking a spontaneous trip on the lake. It should feel like an old place that you have always known but are only now discovering.

Staying at Hotel Marina Riviera is like no other. 

The Rooms

Hotel Marina Riviera offers 42 rooms and 6 cabins, divided into seven types of accommodation. The 260-square foot Lakeside King can accommodate two people. Or, the 700-square foot Double Queen Cabin can accommodate six people. (During my 2-night stay, I slept on a Lakeside Double and loved waking up in the morning to the mountain views and glassy, still lake.

No matter which accommodation guests choose, they will be able enjoy retro-styled ski lodge design. You’ll find a peacock-green color scheme, with thoughtful details like vintage-style prints of woodlands and a bedside bookcase full of used books. De La Nonna is definitely worth a visit, but the minibar also has local beef jerky, Taos Bakes, and Chuza chamoy strawberry. 

Food and Drink

De La Nonna’s Big Bear branch serves a lot of the same food as its DTLA outlet, including its delicious focaccia pizzas. The White Pie is topped with thinly-sliced Japanese potatoes, fennel pesto and a sprinkled of fennel. If you want something classic, go for the Pepp (a pizza with pepperoni) and add the spicy honey to give it a little extra pizzazz. De La Nonna’s signature halo is a ring of crisp cheese around the edge of all pies. 

Big Bear’s menu is unique in a number of ways. The menu at Big Bear is unique in that there are no starters of fresh seafood. Instead, you can choose a tinned sampler, or a dip made with smoked trout. You can still choose from a wide range of natural wines and fun cocktails, such as the Frozen Sprits (as slushy like Aperol spritz), or the arguably best Caesar salad on the Southland. Enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding mountains and lake while you enjoy this delicious meal.

Even if you don’t stay the night, De La Nonna would be a fun place to relax lakeside—this is definitely a place to see and be seen in Big Bear.

Activities and Experiences

Hotel Marina Riviera is currently not offering any on-site amenities, but it’s a great place to start exploring all of Big Bear. The hotel, located on Lake Tahoe and less than 2 miles from Big Bear Mountain Resort (about 5 minutes drive), offers guests easy access to canoeing and kayaking. Plus, the local company GetboardsThe hotel is a five-minute stroll from the rental shop, which rents out boats in summer and skis or snowboards in winter.

The Hotel Marina’s Riviera is located in the heart of Big Bear, just a short walk from downtown. You can also find wine tasting places (head to Barrel 33), local restaurant staples like Stella LunaThe area is home to a variety of shops selling souvenirs, as well as. If you are visiting in the summer (as I did), make sure to take full advantage of all the trails that are available in the area—the Castle Rock Trail is a 1.6-mile route through the San Bernardino National Forest that has sweeping vistas of the lake and San Bernardino mountains.

The Spa

The opening of a treatment room has been scheduled for August 1. At the time I was there, the spa was closed. Other wellness amenities are available. The small but powerful fitness centre is equipped with the basics, such as free weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes. It also has a barrel sauna located right next to the Lake, an indoor Sauna, a Cold plunge, and even a barrel bath. For those who want to experience Big Bear on an active level, the Hotel Marina Riviera provides complimentary bicycles for their guests.

Offers for Families

The hotel does not have any family-friendly amenities at this time, but its standard amenities are family-friendly. While the adults relax in the whirlpool, the kids can enjoy the lakeside pool. The property has a small sandy lakeside beach and plans to have kayaks and paddle canoes for guests. Consider booking one of the six cabins at Hotel Marina Riviera. They have multiple beds that can accommodate anywhere from 3 to 6 people. 

Hotel Marina Riviera welcomes pets of all sizes and weights. There is a $100 fee per dog per stay.

Accessibility and sustainability

Two accessible rooms are available at Hotel Marina Riviera. Both are Lakeside King Rooms. The two accessible units come with a balcony and walk-in/roll-in showers. The first, second and even third floors are all accessible by elevator. The lobby as well as De La Nonna is accessible to wheelchair users. You can contact the front desk if you require extra assistance.

Sustainability-minded choices at Hotel Marina Riviera include things like water bottle refill stations, Aesop soaps (a sustainable and ethical soap brand) in the bathrooms, and Earth-friendly toilet paper. 

Location 

Most Big Bear visitors are driving from Los Angeles, or the Inland Empire. Hotel Marina Riviera is located about 100 miles away from Los Angeles and 40 miles from San Bernardino. If you are flying into the state from another area, the nearest major airports include San Bernardino International Airport SBD, Ontario International Airport ONT, or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The San Bernardino Mountain Area has a public transportation network known as Mountain Transit. For convenience and comfort you’re better off renting a vehicle. Lyft, Uber, and other ride-hailing companies are available in Big Bear, but they’re limited and it may be difficult to find a car.

Book Now

Hotel Marina Riviera belongs to the Hotel Marina Riviera group. Guestbook RewardsWhen booking a hotel stay, members can choose to receive cash back or donate to worthy causes. Also, the hotel’s website regularly features special offers. You could save 20 percent on your reservation if you booked before the 31st of July.

Get special rates on nights at Hotel Marina Riviera Start at $199

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.