Escape to Big Bear: Your Dream Hampton Inn Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Big Bear: My Absolutely Honest Hampton Inn Getaway Review (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, so, Big Bear, right? Picture this: cabin vibes, fresh air, maybe a little snow (depending on when you go, obviously, duh). And the Hampton Inn… well, that's where I landed, hoping for a weekend escape. You know, recharge the soul, maybe write a novel (ha!), definitely avoid all house chores. And here’s the lowdown, unfiltered, because let's be real, perfect doesn't exist. (And if it does, I haven't found it yet.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because it Matters, Seriously):
Pulling up to the Hampton Inn Big Bear was…well, easy. Finding it wasn’t a scavenger hunt (thank heavens, I’m directionally challenged). And the exterior? Pretty standard Hampton Inn fare, which, let's be honest, is reliable. The big "accessibility" question – which, as someone who's watched friends struggle in less-than-accessible places, is always top of mind – seemed pretty darn good! Wheelchair accessible was a definite green flag. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after lugging my suitcase that always feels way heavier than it should be). The front desk? 24-hour, which is clutch knowing I'm a night-owl. They also had those facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't need them, so I can’t fully vouch for them, but I saw signage, and that's a good start, right?
The Room (My Sanctuary, Or So I Hoped):
Okay, room time. This is where the rubber meets the road, and frankly, where I spend most of my time while on vacation, so it's important!
- Air conditioning: YES. Because Big Bear can get hot, even in winter! Praise be.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential. See, I can’t write that novel without the interwebs, can I? And guess what? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I said it twice because it’s that important). Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN – they covered all the bases.
- Coffee/tea maker: YES. Because mornings, people. Mornings.
- Fridge: YES. Leftover pizza? YES, PLEASE.
- Desk: Needed that laptop space.
- Blackout curtains: BLESS. Sleep is a precious thing.
- Seating area: So I can sprawl.
- Extra long bed: I'm 5'8" so that's just an extra bonus!
The room itself? Clean. Standard Hampton Inn clean, which is to say, I didn’t find any horrifying surprises. They had the usual towels, toiletries, hair dryer, iron, etc. – the basic necessities of civilized life. The smoke detector and smoke alarms were comforting, though I didn't test them (obviously). I appreciated the non-smoking rooms, too.
The Experience: A Rollercoaster of Expectations vs. Reality
The Pool & Spa (My Moment of Bliss… Kinda):
Okay, full disclosure: I was dying to use the swimming pool. But the weather was a bit iffy, so I didn't get my swim on. BUT, there was a pool with a view! Now, I didn’t see the view because I didn’t use the pool, but I saw where it was. Maybe next time.
They had a spa/sauna area, too. This is where things got… interesting. The sauna was hot. Like, really hot. After about five minutes I was convinced my internal organs were melting. I think it helped with my stress, though.
Things to Do (Beyond the Four Walls):
Big Bear isn’t just about the hotel room, right? Although, let's be real, sometimes it feels that way.
- Fitness Center: I have to admit, I didn’t hit the gym. I was on VACATION. But it was there, with a gym/fitness area. So, good for the go-getters!
- Things to do listed lots of local attractions. Skiing, of course, hiking, that sort of thing. I wanted to go shopping.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup):
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where the Hampton Inn usually shines, right? I was expecting a full-blown, buffet bonanza. And it was… fine. Standard Hampton Inn fare. Waffles? Check. Cereal? Check. Fruit that looked suspiciously uniform? Check. But hey, it's free, and it filled me up. The breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver when I was running late.
- Restaurants: Nope, not at the hotel. You had to go out. That gave me an opportunity to try places.
- Coffee shop: Nope.
- Snack bar: Nope. But there was a convenience store to grab a snack, which was a bonus.
Cleanliness and Safety (In These Times):
Okay, I’m going to be brutally honest. I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). But I was impressed with the daily disinfection in common areas and the general feel of cleanliness. They also had hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere (thank goodness). They provide Anti-viral cleaning products and also have a option to not have Room sanitization opt-out available so this is more flexible. I felt reasonably safe and secure. It's reassuring knowing the Staff trained in safety protocol.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient, especially since I'm terrible at carrying cash.
- Concierge: Never needed them.
- Laundry service: Excellent for a quick refresh.
- Front desk [24-hour]: A huge plus.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Seemed good, from what I saw. The elevator was a blessing.
The Overall Vibe:
The Hampton Inn Big Bear is… a Hampton Inn. It's reliable, clean, and gets the job done. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s comfortable and ticks most of the boxes. It's a good base camp for a Big Bear adventure.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect, and Neither is This Review!):
Okay, let's get real. Nothing is perfect, and this is where I offer a little emotional vomit on my experiences.
- The lighting in the room. It was BRIGHT. Seriously, hotel rooms need better lighting in general. I had to strategically position myself to find that "cozy" vibe.
- The occasional noise. You know, hotel sounds. Doors slamming, people talking in the hallway (although the soundproof rooms were helpful, they are NOT perfectly soundproof, sadly).
- The impersonal nature of hotels. It's not like staying in some local cabin. It’s a hotel. No home-cooked food, no friendly chats with the owners. But that’s the tradeoff, right?
- The breakfast was not the best!
The Bottom Line: Should You Stay Here?
I'd recommend it, absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and (relatively) affordable base for your Big Bear adventures. The real question here is the Escape to Big Bear: Your Dream Hampton Inn Getaway Awaits!
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Here's what awaits you:
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy spacious, wheelchair-accessible rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and all the essential amenities. Perfect for any traveler!
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Unwind in our spa/sauna, take a dip in the pool with a view (weather permitting!), and soak up the serene Big Bear atmosphere.
- Stress-Free Stay: We're committed to your safety and well-being with rigorous cleanliness and safety protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, and 24-hour staff.
- Explore Big Bear: Easily access all the incredible activities Big Bear has to offer, from skiing and hiking to amazing shopping.
- Delicious Start to Your Day: Savor our complimentary breakfast [buffet] to fuel your adventures.
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Alright, alright, alright… Big Bear Lake, here we come! Officially, I'm supposed to be a relaxed, nature-loving traveler on this trip. Unofficially? I'm hoping to find a decent wifi connection (important, okay?) and not completely embarrass myself in front of, well, me. This itinerary? More of a suggestion box, really. Let’s see how gloriously wrong it all goes.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Unknown (AKA, Check-In Chaos)
- 1:00 PM - Flight from… somewhere. (Don't judge my flight from a random airport, okay? Prices were good!) Landed in Ontario, CA. Ugh, traffic. Already my calm persona is crumbling.
- 2:30 PM - Rental Car Frenzy. Picking up the rental car. Let's hope I don't confuse the gas pedal with the brake again… last time nearly flattened a potted plant. "Compact SUV" they assigned me. Fine. I was expecting to get something larger. It's now 3:00 PM I feel I am being punished.
- 4:00 PM - Arrival at Hampton Inn Big Bear Lake. Finally. The journey up the mountain was… scenic. I drove past some cute little cabins and I almost didn't make it up the mountain (the compact SUV, you know). Check-in, hoping it's less chaotic than the rental car situation. Ugh, a line. This is going to be a long wait. Someone cut in front of me - the epitome of the entitlement. I want to cause a scene but I also don't.
- 4:30 PM - Check-In is Finally Complete! Found my room key - good. Room doesn't look like a prison cell - good, but the view… is the parking lot. Oh well, I guess it could be worse.
- Quick Observation: The guy behind the desk had a way too enthusiastic way about him. Like, he'd clearly drunk the “Welcome to Big Bear!” Kool-Aid and was living the dream. Bless him.
- 5:00 PM - The First Mission: Food. A quick TripAdvisor research tells me: Peppercorns Grille. It's supposed to be good, and close. Okay.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Peppercorns Grille. The place was warm and inviting. The service? Not so great. The food? Okay. I had the ribs. They were a little dry. Sigh. Not the culinary masterpiece I was hoping for.
- Anecdote: The kid at the next table kept dropping food. It was a strategic bombing, I swear. The parents just stared. I almost offered to help them clean up. Almost.
- 7:30 PM - Walk Around Big Bear Lake. The day is done. I will go to bed. It is too cold to be outside.
Day 2: Lake Day… and an Existential Crisis?
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at Hampton Inn. Free breakfast! I will take it. The waffles looked… questionable, so I went with the usual sugary cereal.
- 9:00 AM - Rent a Boat. I decided to go to a Boat rental shop and rent a boat.
- 9:30 AM - The Lake Experience. The big problem: I didn't know how to drive the boat. I was basically in the middle of the lake - on a boat. My fear went away and I had so much fun.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Time!. I stop by a lake-side restaurant.
- 1:00 PM - Hiking. Went to a trail. I walked the trail. I thought about my life. The trail was good. It was peaceful.
- 3:00 PM - Return to the hotel.
Day 3: Snow Valley and Farewell
- 8:00 AM - More Free Breakfast. Pancakes this time. They're surprisingly decent. Score!
- 9:00 AM - Head to Snow Valley. The day is going to be all about the mountain!
- 9:30 AM - Snow Valley.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at the restaurant.
- 2:00 PM - Farewell
The "Maybe Later" List (AKA, Things I Probably Won't Do, But Let's Pretend):
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo: Seems sad. Maybe it's okay?
- Shopping in the Village: I'm not a shopper. Unless there's a really good bookstore.
- Stargazing: I'll try. If the sky is not obscured by those trees.
Emotional Verdict:
So… this is Big Bear, huh? It's… something. The scenery is stunning, the people are mostly pleasant (except that car rental guy. Seriously). My expectations were high. The reality? A messy, somewhat awkward, but ultimately kinda cool adventure. I wouldn't trade it. I'm already planning my next trip… with the expectation of more car craziness, questionable food, and the neverending quest for decent wifi.
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Okay, Okay, So "Escape to Big Bear" Sounds Amazing. But...Is it *Really* Worth the Hype? (And Am I Being Catfished by Instagram?)
Alright, let's be real. My feed's basically a Big Bear propaganda piece at this point. But honestly? Yes. Mostly. Look, I went in expecting… well, a slightly nicer Motel 6 with a mountain view. I mean, Hampton Inn, right? Chain hotel. And then *bam*: woke up to that crisp mountain air streaming in, snow softly dusting the pine trees, and I was like, "Huh. This isn't so bad." Especially after that ridiculously good breakfast (more on that later...).
Here's the thing: Big Bear itself *is* beautiful. Like, jaw-droppingly so. And the Hampton Inn, while not a *luxury* experience, is seriously comfortable. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and that breakfast...seriously. But more on that, later.
The key is to manage your expectations. You're not in the Ritz-Carlton. But you're also not roughing it. You're getting a solid, comfortable basecamp for exploring Big Bear's awesomeness. Think of it like a really reliable, extremely attractive friend you can completely depend on.
The Breakfast Matters. Seriously. What's the Deal with this "Ridiculously Good Breakfast?"
Okay, so here's where I might lose some credibility, because I am *obsessed* with breakfast. And the Hampton Inn's version? It’s… well, it’s *good*. Like, surprisingly so. I’m not talking Michelin-star levels, obvi, but the waffles? They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and I may or may not have eaten three one morning. The little fruit bowls? Perfectly refreshing. The coffee? Actually drinkable. And the scrambled eggs? Not that weird, rubbery stuff you get at some hotels. I'm telling you, after a long hike, it's the best thing ever.
I also want to give a shoutout to the staff who were super friendly and kept the place stocked even when it was REALLY busy. I saw a dude drop his entire plate and the girl cleaning up just smiled and got him a new plate. Good people! That's breakfast karma right there.
My only complaint? They ran out of bacon one day. *The horror!* But hey, even paradise has its flaws, right? And the waffle’s made up for it.
What's Actually *In* the Room? Because I've Had Some Hotel Horror Stories…
Okay, deep breaths. I understand the hotel anxiety. I've seen it all: questionable stains, the lingering scent of mystery, the dreaded "what is that noise?!" But rest easy, my friend. The Hampton Inn rooms in Big Bear are actually quite nice. Clean, modern, and (thankfully) no funky smells.
You get the usual suspects: a decent-sized TV, a comfy bed (important!), a mini-fridge (for that all-important beer and snacks), and a surprisingly good bathroom with strong water pressure (essential after a day on the slopes!). They even have a coffee maker so you don't have to wander around in a caffeine-deprived haze first thing. And the best part? They have blackout curtains. SLEEP! Bliss!
I’m not going to lie, the first time I walked in I was like, "Wow, this is…actually nice." A far cry from the "smells like old cigarettes and regret" vibe I sometimes expect. Just promise me, you'll tip the cleaning staff well. They deserve it.
Okay, So You’re Sold on the Hotel. But Is Big Bear Actually Fun? I'm More of a "Netflix and Chill" Kind of Person, You Know?
Okay, I get it. The couch is a powerful force. But hear me out. Big Bear… it’s got something for everyone! Even the Netflix-and-chill-ers. And, honestly, after a weekend there, you'll be begging for a hot shower and the couch again!
Skiing and snowboarding, obviously. Snow Valley and Bear Mountain are right there. But even if you're not a skier (like me! I'm more of a "fall down a lot" type), there's still tons to do. Snowshoeing is amazing, the views are *unreal*. Hiking in the summer is beautiful (but bring water!). And then there's the lake! Boating, fishing, chilling by the water… It’s pure California bliss.
Plus, the town is cute! Lots of little shops and restaurants. You can wander around aimlessly and discover something new. My personal recommendation? The Copper Mountain Inn for a pre-dinner cocktail. They’ve got a firepit, the ambiance is great, and they have the best Old Fashioned I've had in ages. Do it.
Anything I Should Pack That I Might Not Think Of?
Okay, here's the inside scoop from a seasoned Big Bear visitor (and, admittedly, a bit of a pack-rat):
- Sunscreen! The sun is brutal, even in winter. Seriously. Don't be that lobster-red tourist.
- Layers! The weather can change on a dime. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're freezing your butt off.
- Lip Balm! Mountain air is dry. Your lips will thank you.
- A portable charger! You'll be taking a million photos. And your phone will die. Trust me.
- A good book (or download some podcasts)! For those cozy evenings in the hotel room, or while you're waiting for the waffle maker to be available.
- Snacks! Because let's be real, you'll get hungry between meals. Granola bars, trail mix, whatever keeps you going.
- And a REALLY comfortable pair of hiking boots or snow boots. Don't underestimate the need for proper footwear. Your feet will hate you.
Oh! And maybe a small first-aid kit. Just in case... you know... scrapes, bumps, and over-enthusiastic waffle consumption injuries. Let's just say, accidents DO happen.
Traffic!! The Bane of My Existence. What's the Deal Getting In and Out of Big Bear?
Ugh, traffic. The reason we all know we need a vacation after the vacation. The Big Bear situation, it's...variable. Depends on the time of year, the day of the week, and if the mountain gods are feeling particularly generous. Weekends in ski season? Expect delays. Holidays? Forget about it. Sunday afternoons leaving Big Bear? Pack a lunch. Seriously.
My best advice? Go early! Arrive on a weekday when possible. Or leave *really* early or *really* late. TrafficEasy Hotel Hunt
