Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Join the Crowd Socially Distancing

It’s been a long few months, and we’re seeing a near stampede of families eager to get out and enjoy some time away while still taking measures to keep safe. And with many families looking at a future that has the kids spending time on Zoom classes, lots of families need a some new options. With a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear you can both get outdoors and keep the kids attending their online classes. And it’s hard to imagine a better option than having a quiet morning while the kids complete their schoolwork followed by an afternoon of family hikes, fishing on the lake, relaxing barbecues, and a night of stargazing under the crisp Big Bear sky.

One of the great things about hiking in Big Bear is most of us already have all the gear we need. Most trails are well maintained and there’s no need to invest in expensive hiking boots. Of course, it’s a bit more fun to immerse yourselves in the experience with some great footwear, but it’s usually not needed. And the surroundings are spectacular. Wildlife abounds, and it’s not uncommon to spot bald eagles. Though the namesake bears are usually a bit more elusive, the trails will sometimes be shared with fox, deer, racoons and coyotes. Combine this with the crisp mountain air along with the rustling of the wind through the trees, and you can start to see how relaxing this will be. 

The summer months offer opportunities for the anglers and golfers in the family as well. Rent a boat or try your luck from the lakeshore. Rainbow trout and largemouth bass are the most common catches, and there’s nothing that beats a dinner cooked up with your own fresh catch of the day. Just add a bit of butter and garlic can be all that’s needed to create a memorable dinner for the family.  Bear Mountain Ski Resort is transformed into a 9-hole golf course that’s perfect for all skill levels. And there’s nothing quite like the beauty of playing through the backdrop of the majestic backdrop of Big Bear. 

Your next getaway can start by viewing all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

More March Fun in Big Bear

You might think that with all the great skiing to be found in Big Bear, there wouldn’t be much else going on. You’d be wrong.

There’s more March fun in Big Bear than you can possibly cram in during your stay, but we’re going to help you fill your schedule off the slopes. Here’s another sample of fun things to do during March in Big Bear.

Line Dancing Female Legs in Cowboy Western BootsPull on your dancing boots.Wyatt’s Cafe and Saloon is truly the simple place where the good folks of Big Bear gather. They take the dancing indoors during the colder months. Doors open Fridays at 4 PM with a live band on the stage beginning at 6 PM! Come enjoy the friendly atmosphere with Wyatt’s serving up ranch style food. Wyatt’s is lighting up the night for you to cut up the dance floor with live bands every Friday and Saturday night all year. Wyatt’s is located at the Big Bear Convention Center, and there’s more info here.

PrintOn Saturday March 14th, skiers and snowboarders will assemble at Snow Summit for the annual USARC Ski-A-Thon. This hot FUNdraiser of the winter season is the Skiathon, enabling winter fanatics to have fun on the slopes while working toward the estimable end of supporting the USARC. The funds raised in the annual Skiathon offset the expense of purchasing adaptive ski equipment, training 200 volunteers and professional staff members, and subsidizing the cost of every lesson! A great time supporting a great cause. More details and registration here.

Which Ones PinkThe Cave in Big Bear has a full slate of great bands appearing all month during March. On Saturday March 7th, you’ll enjoy an evening with Cash’d Out, a tribute to Johnny Cash that will have you walking the line straight to your best memories of a man in black. Pink Floyd fans will want to set aside March 21st for Which Ones Pink, one of the best Pink Floyd tribute bands you’ll ever encounter. Finish out March with Guttermouth on March 27th and Catch 40 oz. to Freedom during their appearance on March 28th. You’ll enjoy a professional tribute to Sublime with the greatest hits from now and then. Visit The Cave’s website for more details and ticket information: https://thecavebigbear.com/

As you can see, there’s lots to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes in Big Bear during March, and every event will be better when you end your day back at your Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear.  Check out our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

 

What Are Your Spring Break Plans?

We’re just a couple months out of the Christmas holidays, and we’re already getting calls from guests looking to place reservations for Spring break. It’s good to plan ahead, and this is a great time to sit down with the family and discuss your Spring break plans. As you probably anticipated, we’ve got some great suggestions.

VLE02If you’re in the mood for something exotic, how about planning a getaway on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta? We have over a dozen luxury condos right on the beach, and the weather is often near perfect. The ocean water temperatures usually hover in the 70s, and our resort at Villa la Estancia has all the amenities you’d expect from luxury condo towers right on the beach. No need to wait to feel the sand in your toes or take a refreshing dip in the surf. And you’ll have a great time exploring the local eateries, shops, and night life in nearby Puerto Vallarta. Or bring your clubs to book some green time on the championship golf courses that are just a few minutes away. Check out our condos and book online at this link.

GolfVacationHow about a golf vacation in La Quinta this spring? We’ve assembled a group of the finest properties adjacent to the championship courses there. And with Palm Springs just a short drive away, you’ll enjoy some of Southern California’s finest restaurants and tourist destinations during your stay. Add a trip up the arial tramway for an afternoon in the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park at the top of the 2.5 mile cable ride. There are few things more relaxing than spending the morning under the deep blue skies with the mountain views beyond followed by relaxing just off the fairway with a cool drink on the patio of your Five Star Vacation Rental. It’s a perfect recipe to help you recharge your batteries and reconnect with your family. Check out our La Quinta properties and book online at this link.

FamilyHiking_StockBut Big Bear is our most popular destination. We’ve assembled a great collection of quality luxury homes and cabins to choose from for your Spring break getaway. And springtime in Big Bear is simply beautiful. You’ll enjoy crisp evenings, and there are miles and miles of well-maintained hiking trails for every level of hiker. For the anglers in your group, the Big Bear fishing season starts in early April and continues throughout the summer. And there’s plenty of great shopping and eating choices in the Village with some great night spots as well. And the golf course at Bear Mountain comes alive in May when the Big Bear driving range opens on May 8th.

We’ve got great choices, and you just need to make yours. And whatever destination you choose, you can be sure we’re working to make sure you time with us is enjoyable and will leave you feeling pampered.

Check out all our La Quinta vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals in  Nuevo Vallarta, and Big Bear. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property allows you to experience the best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Happy New Year From Five Star Vacation Rentals

HappyNewYearWe’re a few days out from New Years, and we want to take this opportunity to thank our guests for another great year. We have much to be grateful for, and we’re glad to have been able to participate in many great life events with our guests over the past year.

We’ve seen weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, office ski parties, graduation celebrations and more relaxing family vacations than we can count. We’re honored to be a part of these significant moments with our guests, and we’re excited to see what the new year will bring as well.

Family of Feet warming at a fireplaceIf one of your New Year’s resolutions was to spend more quality time with your family, we’re here to help. Most families get precious few days away together, and it’s important to maximize the time. Hotels are common choice, but there’s much more relaxation and quality time to be found in a Five Star Vacation Rental. Unlike hotels where your door opens out to a hallway travelled by strangers at all hours of the night, your vacation rental is your dedicated space. The only people wandering around will be the people you brought with you.

Additionally, your Five Star Vacation Rental is perfect for families to relax together. The adults can settle in by the fire and talk late into the night without concern about the kids. They’re just down the hall safe in their own rooms. And sleepy mornings are so much better when you don’t need to muster the troops, get dressed, and go in search of a restaurant for breakfast. Just head over to your fridge, and begin your day at your pace with your own food as early or as late as each of your wants.

You can make 2020 better than ever by planning your next getaway with us in a Big Bear vacation rental. Start by viewing all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

Procrastinators Don’t Ski Enough

We’re already hearing people talk about their New Year’s resolutions, and we’d really rather just put that off a bit longer. We’re excited about Christmas, but we think it’s perfectly fine to wait to make any serious resolutions. But one thing we’re not delaying is our ski plans, because procrastinators don’t ski enough. So if you’re looking for another hint, now is the best time to book your ski getaway.

Ski GetawayThe ski conditions are looking pretty good, and our bookings are increasing (with our non-procrastinating guests). If you’ve never booked a ski outing with us, it can be a great experience. We have a good selection of luxury properties to choose from. Many are a short drive to the slope and several are just a few minutes’ walk away. We have a couple that are ski in/ski out as well. Your ski getaway is enhanced  in amazing ways when you can skip the part where you load up the car, drive to the slopes, and then search for a parking space.

Family Wearing Socks Warming Feet By FireAnd having a Five Star Vacation Rental waiting for you at the end of the day only enhances your enjoyment. Pick a property with a spa, and you can relax in the soothing hot water to ease away any aches or pains from your day on the slopes. Follow this up with a great meal you can prepare in your kitchen. And finish the night relaxing by the fire and planning your return to the slopes in the morning. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, or gathering a group of friends for a ski getaway, Five Star Vacation Rentals is a perfect choice. But remember to book early, because procrastinators don’t ski enough.

Your next ski getaway can start by viewing all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

 

Holidays in Big Bear

There’s a reason why Big Bear is our most popular destination. It’s simply one of the most beautiful places you can imagine, and this beauty is enhanced during winter when it takes on a magical feel. We love the sounds of kids giggling as they build their first snowman, have their first snowball fight, and learn the joy of warming frozen toes in front of a fireplace. It’s a family experience where you can turn off your phones and enjoy some truly amazing family time by celebrating the holidays in Big Bear.

Holidays in Big BearChristmas in Big Bear is a great option both for a small family or a larger get together with extended family and friends coming together to celebrate. And we have options for groups of all sizes. For many Southern California families, Christmas in Big Bear can be the perfect opportunity to experience the special day with snow-covered hills and glistening trees surrounding you. There are few things more satisfying than Christmas morning with a fire going in the fireplace while the snow-covered trees fill the view out the windows.

Happy New Year 2020New Year’s brings another way to celebrate the holidays in Big Bear as we ring in 2020. Bundle up and gather the family for the 55th annual Snow Summit Torchlight Parade. Watch over 100 skiers and snowboarders light up the night as they make their way down the face of the mountain in the dark with torches to create a spellbinding spectacle of light. The parade runs down the slope at Snow Summit and starts at 8pm.

Wyatt’s Family New Years Eve Party is happening at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon and offers Big Bear’s only true family New Year’s Eve celebration featuring children’s activities, live music, and dancing. Doors open at 5 PM at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. This year’s festivities feature the legendary Doo Wah Riders. Having appeared in concert with the likes of Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, and Dolly Parton, the Doo Wah Riders are country with a unique, original sound. It is high energy country with a Cajun twist. The Doo Wah Riders take the stage at 8:00 PM.

You can end this year better than ever by spending your holidays in Big Bear. Start by viewing all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

Plan Your December Big Bear Getaway

Beautiful family smiling happy and confident. Eating roasted turkey and toasting with cup of wine celebrating Christmas at homeWe’re entering our favorite time of year, and we’re standing by to help you plan your December Big Bear getaway. Use our online booking and search feature to see what properties are available at this link. The holidays are upon us, and Big Bear is a favorite destination for many of our guests. The winter weather transforms Big Bear into a beautiful and whimsical destination. It’s a great time for many southern California kids to get their first chance to build a snowman, slide down a snowy hillside, and engage in a family snowball fight.

girl playing with a snowmanChristmas in Big Bear can be the start of a new family tradition. Since many of our properties can easily accommodate a dozen or more guests, it can be a perfect option for gathering extended family and friends together in the luxury and comfort of a Five Star Vacation Rentals cabin or estate. And if the weather cooperates, you may all find yourself waking on Christmas morning to a wintery snow fantasy right outside your windows. It’s an entirely different experience when Christmas morning involves gathering everyone from their different parts of the cabin instead of waiting for them all to arrive from different parts of town or across the country.

After you finish opening your presents on Christmas morning, you may want to head over to Stillwell’s restaurant for the Christmas buffet running from 12 to 3. Choices include signature entree items, a carving station, omelettes, a waffle and pasta bar, hot and cold sides, soup and salad, home made desserts and unlimited champagne or mimosas for the adults. Reservations are needed, so plan ahead and visit their website at this link.

Region capture 17The skiers in the family usually find the slopes are great right around Christmas time, and they will be open all through the holiday season. In addition to skiing, Big Bear Snow Play is a great place for the entire family to enjoy inner tubing down their slope and riding their “magic carpet” back to the top again to do it all over again. Head to The Village to take holiday pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus every weekend from 10 AM – 4 PM through December 22. And all season long The Village will be decorated with twinkling lights.

To plan your holiday getaway, view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  We have offices in Newport Beach and Big Bear. Here are links to our properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

November in Big Bear

We’re rapidly approaching the holiday season, and this is a great time to plan a getaway for November in Big Bear. Snow often starts falling in November, and that means we get booked up fast with skiers and winter sports fans.

Couple clinking glasses with huge amounts of beer in Bavarian pubOktoberfest continues weekends through November 2nd ending with America’s Heroes Weekend offering free admission for past and present military, law enforcement & fire fighters. Oktoberfest is a great event for the entire family. In addition to a robust assortment of international brews, it’s a cultural event that celebrates some of the truly fun elements of German life. You’ll enjoy great music, dancing, contests, and more. And many events are designed with kids in mind including a bounce house, face painting and a fun mechanical horse.

An American veteran salutes the American flag.Celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11th at 11am with The American Legion Riders. Everyone is invited to join in at Veterans Park with veterans and families of service personnel – past and present – to participate in a procession and ceremony. The American Legion Riders Chapter 584 and the City of Big Bear Lake will host this special program that honors our Veterans who have served and who are serving in the Armed Forces to protect our nation. For any additional information, please email alrchapter584@gmail.com

The Cave is featuring a month packed with some of the best original and tribute bands around. Bruno Mars fans will want to catch 24K tribute on November 9th. On November 15th, catch Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist, occasional lead vocalist and co-founding member of the rock band Kiss.The Who Experience arrives on November 16th. And on May 19, 2019, Laine Hardy performs. He was crowned winner of American Idol season 17 at 18 years old. Since the show, Laine – now 19 – has spent much of his time writing songs and preparing his debut project.

Shopping for Christmas Holidays, woman at market display window choosing Christmas tree decorations, balls and other seasonal art crafted products of modern, vintage and traditional stylesNovember 29 through December 1st enjoy the 35th Annual Big Bear Mountain Christmas Boutique at the Big Bear Convention Center. With over 50 arts and crafts vendors, the Mountain Christmas Boutique offers a variety of truly unique, handmade gift items and collectibles. And the kids will enjoy free visits with Santa and holiday arts and crafts.

As you can see, we’ve got a great November in Big Bear ready for your enjoyment. You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

Winter is on the Way

Are you feeling it yet? Winter is on the way, and with it will come our favorite time of year.  Winter brings so many fun things to Big Bear, and we often get booked solid as a result. There’s no time like the present to book your reservation for this great time of year.

Family on Ski LiftThe ski season officially opens this year on November 23rd. Early snow can push this forward, but late snow usually means the slopes will be machine groomed to start. Either way, our skiers will want to make sure they grab one of our great locations for the season. If you’ve ever skied Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, you’ve surely noticed there are cabins lining the slopes and a community of cabins within walking distance. As you can imagine, these are ideal for skiers, and here are a couple we rent:

9280550014Our Cabin #9 is a short walk to the slopes at Snow Summit. It’s on a quiet cul-de-sac with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and room for 11 guests. And when you’re not on the slopes, it’s a perfect retreat with a spa and all the comforts to let you relax and recuperate after a full day on the slopes. The master features a Jacuzzi tub, and there’s a spa for you all to share as well. It has a pool table, foosball, and granite counters in the kitchen.

Cabin 13Located right on the slopes at Bear Mountain is our Cabin #13. This features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and room for 14 guests. That first morning you’ll find the amazing advantage of avoiding the long lines and frenzied parking when you can just strap on your skis and head right out your back door. There’s really nothing quite like it. And this one also caters to your relaxation off the slopes with a pool table, foosball, and spa.

We have plenty more luxury properties to choose from that are a quick walk or drive to the slopes. You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your winter vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.

 

Why Choose a Vacation Rental Instead of a Hotel?

We’ve been in this business so long, sometimes we lose sight of the main reasons people come to us instead staying at a hotel. We’re aware there are many good hotels out there, and many offer great amenities. So what’s the difference, and why choose a vacation rental instead of a hotel? There are quite a few good reasons, and here are our top ones.

Vacation Rentals Offer More Privacy

Empty Hotel corridor with row of doorsA common feature of every hotel is the fact that you’re sharing the space with other people. And sometimes you’re sharing the space with a lot of other people. Even the finest hotels have common hallways, and if you’re unfortunate enough to get a room adjacent to the elevator or stairwell, you can count on a steady flow of traffic past your room at all hours. This is especially bad if you have the misfortune to choose your stay at the same time as a group like the Duluth Yodeler’s Association. They’re a fun group, but a bit less fun when they’re yodeling in the hallway outside your room at 3am.

Vacation Rentals Offer More Convenience

Breakfast in KitchenSometimes a hotel is the best choice if you’re staying in a downtown area, but with the right planning, you can often find a good vacation rental even in those locations. Mornings in most hotel rooms start with formulating a plan for breakfast that typically involves going to a local restaurant. And during busy times, it involves waiting for a table at that restaurant. With your vacation rental, you greet each morning with all the conveniences of home. A quick stop by the market on your way in, and you’ll have a full kitchen stocked with all you need to make your own breakfast. While you’re still in your pajamas, and without waiting for a table.

Vacation Rentals Offer Better Value

Group of friends outside cabinThis is especially true when you plan a big family, work, or church event around your vacation rental. Finding rooms for a dozen people can be very expensive and involves lots of logistics to get everyone in the same place at the same time for meals, meetings, and activities. Many of our properties have room for a dozen guests or more, so even our most expensive properties suddenly become less expensive than a basic motel room when the cost is shared across a large group. And you’ll have the added benefit of spending more time together, which is probably the main reason you planned your event anyway, right?

Big Bear is our most popular destination, and you can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.