Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear, California

It goes without saying: Los Angeles is not exactly a ski town. As the unofficial capital of Southern California, the City of Angels is better known for sun, surf, and general Beach Boy-esque 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. 

Hotel Marina Riviera quietly opened in June and occupies the former Marina Resort, a Viking-inspired lodge built in 1968. The facade of the building was constructed from bare, unvarnished lumber, and you can still smell the faint scent of cedar while walking around the property. Casetta, which is known for its cute-as-a-button collection of indie chic boutique hotels, purchased the property and updated it in a way that feels modern, yet rooted in its midcentury past.  

“The design of Hotel Marina Riviera was inspired by a deep respect for the property’s original 1968 architecture and its stunning alpine setting along Big Bear Lake,” Sana Keefer, Casetta’s head of brand, told Travel + Leisure. “We wanted to preserve the soul of the building, including its Viking-inspired structure and midcentury character, while thoughtfully updating it for the modern traveler. 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.”

Situated near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains, the small city of Big Bear, California, is one of the closest ski towns to Los Angeles, apart from the nearby Lake Arrowhead. Big Bear is famous for its diverse terrain and powder, and the atmosphere here is decidedly ski town-y, with all the bro-ness and craft breweries that go along with it. Hotel Marina Riviera takes a different approach to Big Bear: with amenities like a lakeside barrel sauna, a year-round heated pool, and a small beach, the hotel feels like a wellness-focused mini-resort.

L.A. is, of course, famous for its culinary scene, and you can have some of the best pizza in the city right on-site at De La Nonna Big Bear, which has a flagship location in DTLA's hip Arts District. And while Big Bear is synonymous with skiing and other wintertime activities, it's a delight to visit in the summer as well, and there was no better feeling than coming back from a hike up Castle Rock Trail to focaccia-style pizza and soft serve ice cream topped with olive oil and a dusting of flaky salt.

While I imagine Hotel Marina Riviera will certainly feel cozy in the winter, I visited in June, and the atmosphere was laid-back and relaxed. At times, I felt like I was at a luxe summer camp for grown-ups.

“This property is designed to slow you down in the best way,” Keefer told T+L. “Whether it’s birdwatching with morning coffee during migration season on the outdoor deck, an impromptu outing on the lake, or a sunset sauna session, the experience is immersive and personal. We want it to feel nostalgic but fresh, like a place you’ve always known, but are just now rediscovering.”

Here’s what it’s like to stay at the Hotel Marina Riviera. 

The Rooms

There are 42 rooms and six cabins at Hotel Marina Riviera, split across seven accommodation types. Travelers can choose from the snug, 260-square-foot Lakeside King, which can sleep two people, to the 700-square-foot Double Queen Cabin, which has enough room for six people. (During my two-night stay, I slept in a Lakeside Double, and I loved waking up to mountain views and a still, glassy lake in the morning.)

That said, no matter what accommodation type guests pick, they’ll be able to enjoy retro ski lodge-inspired design. The color palette here is a moody shade of peacock green, and you’ll notice thoughtful touches like wood accents, vintage-style woodland prints, and a bedside table full of well-loved used books. While I certainly recommend making time for De La Nonna, the in-room minibar is stocked with treats like Chuza chamoy strawberries, Taos Bakes bars, and locally made beef jerky. 

Food and Drink

De La Nonna's Big Bear outpost serves much of the same fare that its DTLA location does, with its toothsome focaccia-style pizzas on offer. I recommend the White Pie, which comes topped with thinly sliced Japanese potatoes and a sprinkle of fennel and pesto. Or if you’re looking for something more classic, try the Pepp (a pepperoni pizza) and spring for the spicy honey for a little added pizzazz. All pies come with De La Nonna’s signature halo of crispy cheese around the edges. 

There are a few unique things about the Big Bear menu. For example, there are no fresh seafood starters, and instead, diners can opt for a tinned fish sampler or a smoked trout dip. There’s still a healthy selection of natural wines, fun cocktails (like the Frozen Sprits, a slushy-like Aperol spritz), and arguably the best Caesar salad in the Southland. Best of all, you can take it all in while enjoying stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

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

While Hotel Marina Riviera doesn’t have any on-site activities at the moment, you would be hard pressed to find a better home base to explore all that Big Bear has to offer. The hotel is less than two miles (about a five-minute drive) from Big Bear Mountain Resort and is located directly on the lake, ensuring that guests have easy access to kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Plus, local company Getboards, which rents boats in the summer and skis and snowboards in the winter, is an easy five-minute walk from the hotel.

Hotel Marina’s Riviera’s prime location also puts you within walking distance of Big Bear’s bustling downtown strip, where you can find wine tasting venues (head to Barrel 33), local restaurant staples like Stella Luna, and a wide selection of souvenir shops. 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

A treatment room is scheduled to open on Aug. 1. (At the time of my stay, the spa wasn't open.) There are other wellness amenities already available in the meantime. This includes a barrel sauna right next to the lake, an indoor sauna, a cold plunge, and a small but mighty fitness center stocked with all the essentials, like free weights, a treadmill, and a stationary bike. If you would like to explore Big Bear in an active way, Hotel Marina Riviera has complimentary bicycles available for guests to borrow.

Family-friendly Offerings

Hotel Marina Riviera doesn’t have any explicit family-minded amenities or offerings at the moment, but the baseline amenities are pretty family-friendly. The lakeside pool is an excellent place for the kids to hang out while the adults soak in the whirlpool bath. The property also has easy lakeside access with a small sandy beach, and there are plans to eventually have kayaks and canoes that guests can take for a paddle. If you are traveling with a large group, consider booking one of Hotel Marina Riviera’s six cabins, which have multiple beds and can sleep anywhere from three to six people. 

Perhaps one of the best things about Hotel Marina Riviera is that it’s pet-friendly, with no weight restrictions, so all members of the family can join the trip. Two dogs are allowed per stay for $100 per pup.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are two accessible rooms at Hotel Marina Riviera, both of which are Lakeside King Rooms. These two units have a private balcony as well as roll-in/walk-in showers. There are elevators that go to the first, second, and third floors of the hotel. Both the lobby and De La Nonna are accessible for wheelchair users as well. If you need extra assistance, it’s a good idea to contact the front desk with any requests you may have.

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 visitors to Big Bear are likely driving in from either Los Angeles or the Inland Empire. Hotel Marina Riviera is about 100 miles (or about a two-hour drive) from the heart of L.A. and about 40 miles (or an hour’s drive) from San Bernardino, California. If you’re flying in from another part of the state, the closest major airports are San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), Ontario International Airport (ONT), or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). There is a public transportation system in the San Bernardino Mountain area, known as Mountain Transit. However, for convenience and comfort, your best bet is to rent a car. Ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber do operate in the area, but since Big Bear is a small town, there’s limited availability, and you may have trouble snagging a ride.

Book Now

Hotel Marina Riviera is a part of Guestbook Rewards, an independent hotel loyalty program that gives members the option to get cash back on stays or the ability to donate to meaningful causes when booking a stay. The hotel also regularly runs special offers on its website. At the time of publication, if you book a stay at the hotel before July 31, you could get 20 percent off your reservation.

Nightly rates at Hotel Marina Riviera start from $199.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.