Choosing an Airbnb in Big Bear Lake
Rather than staying at one of the area's many hotels or resorts, consider booking an Airbnb for your next Big Bear Lake getaway. Airbnbs can provide a more authentic mountain town experience with amenities and comforts not always found at hotels. And with hundreds of incredible Airbnbs scattered throughout the Big Bear Valley, you'll have no problem finding a rental cabin, cozy home, or even a lakefront property perfectly suited for your travel party and budget.
Location
When searching for the ideal Big Bear Lake Airbnb, pay attention to the neighborhood or area its located. Properties closer to the shores of Big Bear Lake itself often command premium pricing but provide easy access to marinas, fishing spots, hiking trails circling the lake, and lakefront dining and entertainment. Popular lakefront communities include Boulder Bay, Metcalf Bay, Pine Knot Marina, and Moonridge. Cabins and vacation rentals farther from the lake may offer more seclusion and be surrounded purely by forest.
Amenities
Given Big Bear Lake’s picturesque setting and wealth of outdoor recreation, amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, grills, and lake views prove particularly desirable. Scour Airbnb listings for keywords like “lakefront,” “hot tub,” “fire pit,” and “mountain views” if those features top your wish list. That said, make sure to still confirm amenities by reading full listing descriptions thoroughly before booking.
Occupancy
Airbnb occupancy limits in Big Bear Lake generally fall anywhere between two people for a cozy studio cabin all the way up to 14 or more guests for a sprawling lakefront mansion able to accommodate large groups or multiple families. Know how many people you’re comfortable hosting and filter Big Bear Lake Airbnb search results appropriately to surface listings matching your ideal occupancy.
Booking Your Big Bear Lake Airbnb
You’ve scoured listings, weighed amenities, considered locations, set occupancy filters, and finally found that perfect Big Bear Lake cabin or home away from home for your upcoming getaway. Before sending a booking request, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Read Listing Details
Carefully reviewing full listing details instead of just photo galleries alone prevents unwanted surprises down the road. Host rules, check-in/out times, pet policies, internet availability, parking, and even seemingly minor details like the lack of air conditioning can all impact the success of your Airbnb stay. Read all listing info thoroughly before requesting bookings.
Communicate with Your Host
Reach out to Airbnb hosts with any questions unanswered by listing details. Responsiveness and hospitality level also help indicate what staying with a particular host might actually be like. Pay attention to response times and tone when making inquiries.
Consider Reviews
Recent guest reviews provide unbiased insight into cleanliness, listing accuracy, hospitality, amenities functionality, neighborhood nuisances, noise levels, and overall stay enjoyment. Pay particularly close attention to aspects called out repeatedly in both negative and positive reviews.
Finding the Right Big Bear Lake Airbnb
An Airbnb stay essentially invites guests directly into the homes of Big Bear Lake residents themselves. You browse listings not as uniform hotel rooms, but as the wonderfully unique and varied cabins, homes, apartments, and condos reflecting the diverse tastes of owners and investors attracted for years by the area’s small town charm and abundance of natural beauty.
Approach finding that perfect Airbnb rental near Big Bear Lake then not with the mindset of a demanding customer, but rather an eager visitor hoping to experience firsthand what gives the San Bernardino mountain community such widespread appeal among return visitors and homeowners alike.
Base search filters and amenity priorities on the vacation experience envisioned, whether an action-packed weekend filled nonstop with skiing, snowboarding, boating, fishing, hiking and more or rather days spent simply relaxing fireside amongst the pines in cozy but comfortable lodging.
And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions before, during, or even after a stay. The area’s renowned hospitable nature extends every bit as much to visitors bunking Airbnbs for a night or two as the friendly neighbors residing in Big Bear Lake year-round.
FAQs
What is the most popular area to stay in Big Bear Lake?
The most popular area to stay is along the shores of Big Bear Lake itself in communities like Boulder Bay, Metcalf Bay, Pine Knot Marina, and Moonridge. These offer easy access to the lake for fishing, boating, swimming and proximate trails.
What amenities should I look for in a Big Bear Lake Airbnb?
Popular amenities to look for include hot tubs, fire pits, grills, full kitchens, and lake views. Carefully read the full listing descriptions to confirm availability of desired features.
How far in advance should I book a Big Bear Lake Airbnb?
Airbnbs in Big Bear Lake tend to book up months in advance for popular weekends and holidays. For the best selection, try booking at least 2-3 months early, especially for summer trips.
What should I communicate with hosts about before booking?
Before requesting to book, reach out to hosts with any questions about amenities, sleeping arrangements, check-in procedures or anything else not clearly outlined in the Airbnb listing.