Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Point Those Skis Downhill, but Which Hill?

Ski season is upon us, an we’re getting calls from increasing numbers of downhill fans. It’s a fun time of the year, and we hope this is a long season. One of the great things about this time of year is the many choices you have to pursue your ski passion. We’re pleased to have some of the most luxurious destinations to make your time off the slopes almost as fun as your time on them. Here are a few great options we have.

skiingBig Bear is our most popular ski destination.  The great thing about skiing in Big Bear is how convenient it is to get to the slopes. Many of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins are within walking distance of the slopes, and all the rest are a short drive away.  Choose one of our luxury Big Bear cabins, and you’ll have a struggle each day to leave the luxury of your cabin for the thrill of the slopes. Book a couple extra days, so you can get a full measure of enjoyment from both. View our Big Bear cabins and book online at this link.

If you’re a Mammoth Mountain fan, we’ve got a couple of great options. We have two adjacent condos at Juniper Springs Lodge that provide a great home base for some serious skiing. This is a true ski-in/ski-out destination, and the ski lift is right outside your door.

Park City consistently rates as one of the top 10 ski resorts in North America, and we’ve got a great way for you to enjoy your stay there even more. We have a slope side condo located at the base of Park City Mountain next to the Three Kings, First Time, and Eagle chairlifts. Located in the Snow Flower resort, this has some great amenities to enjoy off the slopes as well. One of the most popular is the heated pool kept at a toasty warmth year round.

Whichever one of our destinations you choose, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin, condo, or estate is going to be a luxuriously relaxing part of your next ski getaway.

Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property allows you to experience the absolute 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.

Why Choose Five Star Vacation Rentals?

FamilyHiking_StockEvery week we take an opportunity here to cover some interesting event or activity at one of our destinations.  It’s easy to understand why.  Our guests are an active bunch, and they tend to hit the ground running when they arrive for their Five Star getaway.  And our properties are located in some of the most amazing destinations.

You have a lot of things to consider when you plan your next vacation or weekend getaway, and big part of that decision is the place you’ll stay once you arrive.  Though you may sleep less on vacation, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a comfortable bed waiting for you when you’re ready to catch a few winks.  We are unlike virtually every other option out there.

Hotels are a common choice for many travelers, but there are definite drawbacks.  Even the best hotel can take on the feeling of a college dorm if you just happen to book your stay at the wrong time.  Common hallways are often filled with uncommon noises at all hours.  It only takes one rude guest to rouse an entire floor of sleeping vacationers.  We all have stories along those lines, don’t we?

In addition to the roulette of noisy  neighbors, hotels also require more time and planning to do even the most simple things you do at home.  With some rare exceptions, you cannot simply roll out of a hotel bed and make yourself a yummy omelette, some toast, coffee, and orange juice in the morning.  Even hotels that offer a breakfast service would prefer that you don’t show up in your pajamas and slippers for the meal.  Greeting the morning with the requirement that you get dressed and share the time with complete strangers is a major detraction from the enjoyment.

This is where a vacation rental makes a huge difference.  It literally becomes your home away from home.  It has all the convenience of home, but you’re magically transported to a destination that offers more fun and relaxation than home.

Five Star Vacation Rentals takes this concept light years beyond and lets you experience your vacation in a manner that is typically reserved only for the extremely wealthy.  We have assembled top-notch luxury properties in some of the West’s most desirous locations.  These properties offer craftsmanship and luxury furnishings that are intended to amaze our guests.  And that’s the typical reaction we get.  For the duration of your stay with us, you’ll experience a level of quality surroundings that are difficult to duplicate.  Beyond the luxury and fine craftsmanship around you, you’ll get to spend more time with fewer distractions simply enjoying yourself with your loved ones during your time away.  And isn’t that what you’ll appreciate most?

Want to experience this amazing quality for yourself?  We maintain luxury rentals in Big Bear,  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

 

More August Events in Big Bear

Most of us are acutely aware that summer is rapidly slipping away from us.  If you haven’t already started, in just a few short weeks you’ll be shopping for school supplies and new clothes for the fall semester.  You’ll be swapping out your summer schedule for the busier one that happens each year when the kids return to school.  There’s still time to make this summer one to remember with some great activities planned for August.

Cycling raceBig Bear has one of Southern California’s most active cycling clubs, and they have a number of scheduled events coming up in August. You can join the Big Bear Cycling Association several days each week for a variety of group rides for the full spectrum of riders.  Some are geared toward experienced competitive riders, but many are intended for guests and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Big Bear by joining other riders on scenic routes.  One of their biggest rides of the year is coming up on Saturday, August 6th. The Tour de Big Bear spans over 100 miles, and covers some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in the area.  Shorter distances are available as well.  Visit their website for more information and to sign up: http://tourdebigbearhc.com/.

As we’ve mentioned in our recent blogs, August also sees the arrival of the annual Renaissance Faire with all the great food, fun entertainment, and amazing period performers.  This is one of our most popular events, so you’ll want to book your vacation rental cabin or estate early to make sure you’re all ready for some great jousting over a cup of mead. The Renaissance Faire runs weekends August 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 at Pederson’s Mill in Fawnskin.

Here’s a quick rundown on just a handful of other events you can enjoy during your stay with us.  This is just a small sample!

Wednesdays enjoy some good old fashioned line dancing at Wyatt’s Saloon at the Convention Center.  Free lessons and music provided by DJ Joe Vonesh.  Doors open at 4pm, and dancing starts at 7pm.

Fridays and Saturdays are Honkey Tonk nights back at Wyatt’s Saloon.  Enjoy live music with some foot-stomping great times.  Doors open at 4pm, and the fun starts at 6pm.

HikingFeetSaturday mornings in August the Big Bear Discovery Center offers guided nature walks.  These are a great opportunity to explore the amazing beauty that surrounds us here in Big Bear and learn some amazing facts about the history of the area.  Visit their website for details: www.mountainsfoundation.org.

Combine these scheduled events with Big Bear’s amazing hiking trails, boating, and scenic beauty, and you can see we’ve got lots of great fun in store for you during your stay with us in Big Bear.  And if you’re interested in relaxing elsewhere, we’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

 

August in Big Bear

August is huge in Big Bear.  It’s the month we see some of our favorite activities finally arrive each year.  And with these activities, we usually see a surge in our reservations, so make your plans early to get the best vacation rentals!

Cast political correctness out the window and come celebrate the 15th Annual Big Bear Renaissance Faire.  You’ll find yourself transported back to a simpler time when men were men and turkey legs were the size of your head.  You’ll get to watch the knights in a friendly jousting tournament, and be sure to find the Queen for a special treat.  There’s amazing food, entertainment, and non-stop fun.  It’s an event you’ll return to year after year.  This is one of Big Bear’s most popular events each year, so you’ll want to plan ahead.  The faire runs weekends, August 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21.  Visit this link for more details and to purchase tickets: http://bbvrsinc.org/tickets

Another favorite coming up in August is the 27th annual Antique Car Fun Run over the weekend of the 12th through the 14th.  This annual event is a must-see for all car enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the history of automobiles.  You’ll get to see some of the finest examples of superb craftsmanship and engineering found anywhere on four wheels.  Meet the owners of these fine automobiles and listen to their stories of discovery and restoration.  You’ll find more than one amazing beauty that spent much of its life hidden away in a barn somewhere before one of these intrepid collectors found it and restored it.  This event is free to the public, so get more details and exhibitor info at this link: http://www.antiquecarclub.org/funrun2016.html

Along with these two big annual events, you’ll have plenty of ongoing events to choose from as well during August.  There are weekly community bike rides, live music on weekends, line dancing and hiking clubs.  Big Bear is a great destination to do some of your favorite things while surrounded with the tremendous natural beauty of the area.

Looking for some relaxation elsewhere? We’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Fishing in Big Bear is Better Than Ever

Do you love fishing? Do you love lakes brimming with catches just waiting to happen? Imagine there’s a fisher’s paradise hidden away within proximity to Los Angeles and surrounding areas. It’s a place called Big Bear, and there’s no better time to go fishing there than in the summer. Baseball might be America’s Favorite Pastime, but we think fishing is probably number two. In Big Bear, it’s definitely number one, and you’ll see why when you visit. With cool breezes, an easily accessible lake, boat rentals available, and water full of fish, it’s no wonder sportsmen flock to the area.

Rainbow trout is the most popular fish species to be found in Big Bear Lake. You may know that these fish are only populous in bodies of water that have great depth. Luckily, the lake accommodates plenty of these fish, and you can take advantage of their presence by fishing in deeper waters. The western side of the waters is known to be particularly favorable to trout fisherman, but you may encounter them at nearly any part of the lake.

Trout aren’t the only residents inhabiting Big Bear Lake, though. You’re also likely to catch some largemouth bass. This species is known for its aggressiveness, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be caught. Quite the opposite, in fact! The lake offers conditions that bass thrive in, and they’re likely to bite almost any bait that’s in the water. If you position yourself near weeds, docks, or rocky areas, you can expect to round up more than a few of these fishes.

Other species such as catfish and panfish are also plentiful in the waters. Many of these are active in both the day time and the nigh time, so you can grab a catch any time you’d like. We weren’t kidding when we said Big Bear is a fisherman’s paradise. It isn’t just for pros, though. Big Bear Lake is a fantastic place for aspiring fishers to get their grounding, find success and learn more about techniques.

There are several establishments, in fact, that offer guided fishing tours for those who want to learn more before setting out solo. Cantrell Guide Service and Fish Big Bear Charter Service can turn fishing into a fun group activity. If you’re ready to cast your bait like a pro, you can rent a pontoon, get bait, and cover all your other fishing needs at one of the marina’s many experts.

If it’s outdoors fun you’re after, Big Bear is one of the top destinations. Five Star Vacation Rental also offers luxury accommodations in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Summer Fun in Big Bear

Fly-fishing.
Fly-fishing.

The arrival of summer is welcome as southern California welcomes warmer weather and kids rejoice at a break from school. If the anticipation has distracted you from actually making plans, you aren’t alone, and it isn’t too late to pull off a great vacation. Summer in Big Bear is kind of a big deal, and you can join in the fun. With an abundance of attractions found in the area’s natural beauty, it’s the obvious choice for a getaway, and renting a luxury vacation home can be the cherry on top of everything. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or solo sports, Big Bear is at its best in the summertime.

moored boat in marinaOne of the most popular activities to partake in is fishing. You can embark on this adventure alone or with the whole family, and if you want to enlist help from a professional, you can join a group led by a fishing guide. You’re likely to find species such as trout, bass, catfish and crappies in the lake’s populous waters. Big Bear has a well-earned reputation as a fisherman’s paradise, and visitors can even rent their own fishing boat from one of the lake’s several marinas.

Speaking of boats, if fishing isn’t your scene, you can simply traverse the waters. Fishing isn’t the only use for the lake. Spending a day on a boat is a great chance to relax, unwind, and take in the sunshine. In addition to fishing vessels, a variety of marinas offer pontoon boats and kayaks to explore the lake with. With average temperatures that rarely surpass the 80s, the blue lake and inviting breeze can provide an unbelievable respite.

Hiking and biking provide additional activities to enjoy in Big Bear’s great outdoors, and museums and shops provide indoor attractions, too. Retire to a luxury vacation rental, and you’ve got all the makings of a great trip. Top-of-the-line amenities, a stunning floor plan and a gourmet kitchen make a rental home the right choice.

Should you choose to accept the mission of making Summer 2016 unforgettable, we can help. Big Bear is our most popular destination, but you can also enjoy some quality time in our other great luxury vacation rentals:  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. With Five Star Vacation Rentals, you can be assured that your vacation time will be a time of true relaxation and enjoyment for your family.  We recognize that most families today get precious little vacation time, and we work hard to help make sure your time away will be memorable and meaningful. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and help you put together a great vacation.  Give us a call 310-780-3411.

Building the Best Summer Vacation

We all know how quickly time flies when you’re having fun. If you have kids, you know that it doesn’t fly when you’re waiting to have fun. Summer vacation might be the single most important part of a kid’s life, and that puts a lot of pressure on a parent to deliver, lest it turn into a bummer of a summer. Maybe this year you should accept the challenge and endeavor to make it the best summer ever. You have the power to do it, and if you play your cards right, you can make memories that last a lifetime.

Once you’ve decided to accept the mission, where do you start? Planning a vacation isn’t easy, especially when you’re under pressure to make it the best summer vacation of all time. As with most things, however, you can lessen the burden if you start planning in advance. Creating an agenda and working on it gradually will help you reduce stress, save money, and, ultimately, pull off your plan. You might want to start planning a few months before summer break, so that you can have arrangements in place before you break the news to the kiddos.

The first item on your agenda will likely be deciding where you’d like to go. This might seem like an easy one, but hey, there are a lot of enticing places and choosing can be difficult! If you’re planning a fun time for the whole family, finding a place where everybody can enjoy themselves is key. Five Star Vacation Rentals offers a group of luxury rentals throughout Southern California and Mexico, so any place you can book a Five Star accommodation is a great place to go.

It can be tough to choose. Big Bear and Nuevo Vallarta are two of our top destinations. Big Bear offers outdoor activities and natural beauty that parents and kids will both appreciate. Snow covers the area throughout the colder seasons, but in summer the weather is warmer. Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, is an exotic destination that features beautiful beaches and fantastic entertainment. In the summer, the warm white sand and cool ocean invite visitors to flock and enjoy the scenery.

Choosing where to vacation isn’t easy, but choosing Five Star Vacation Rental is. Big Bear is our most popular destination, but you can also enjoy some quality time in our other great luxury vacation rentals:  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. With Five Star Vacation Rentals, you can be assured that your vacation time will be a time of true relaxation and enjoyment for your family.  We recognize that most families today get precious little vacation time, and we work hard to help make sure your time away will be memorable and meaningful. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and help you put together a great vacation.  Give us a call 310-780-3411.

Invest Your Tax Return in a Big Bear Getaway

Are you, like countless other people, counting on getting a tax return this season? If so, it’s proof that you’ve worked hard and long the past year. A famous philosopher once said that all work and no play is a really bad idea, so why don’t you take the extra funds from your tax return and book a weekend getaway in Big Bear? Whether you envision a family trip or some time for the grown-ups, Big Bear has all the activities you can imagine, and Five Star Vacation Rental can supply the luxurious cabin to make your getaway complete.

Taking a vacation can alleviate all of the stress you didn’t even know you had. A 9 to 5 job or even a less traditional schedule can place a burden on you that will eventually begin to wear you down. People who truly love their jobs still need to take time off, and you’re no different. Putting your tax return towards a vacation rental in Big Bear may be one of the best investments you make. So if your trip is for relaxation, what exactly does the town have to offer?

That depends on your definition of relaxing. If you’re a naturophile, Big Bear’s lush forests, hiking trails, and scenic lake will be enough to draw you in and clear your mind. You can walk out the front door of your vacation rental and take in the beauty that surrounds you. If you’re more relaxed by the idea of pampering, though, Big Bear offers a number of luxury spas where you can unwind, get a massage, and indulge in other treatments that will melt your stress away. Perhaps the most effective luxury to invest in, however, is a premium vacation rental. No matter what you do during your trip, retiring to a cabin with all of the amenities and luxuries you need will truly make your trip unforgettable.

Big Bear is ta fantastic destination if you’re seeking relaxation and a quick getaway, but Five Star Vacation Rental also serves locales such as Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. We provide the same level of luxury in all of our accommodations, and we aim to make clients feel relaxed when they rent one of our properties. If you are ready to plan a getaway to Big Bear, or any of the other areas we serve, you can call 310-780-3411 to speak with our staff.

Don’t Rent a Hotel When You Can Stay in Style

Different people have different standards when traveling. Some people will prioritize finding the most affordable accommodations, while others will demand the most exquisite luxury. What if the most luxurious accommodations were also the best value? Well, folks, it isn’t too good to be true. Allow us to present the following reasons why choosing a vacation rental might, in fact, be a better bang for your buck. Not to mention, a better experience and a better place to make memories.

The differences between a hotel room and a vacation rental are plentiful. While a hotel may place you in a cramped room within close proximity to loud neighbors, a vacation rental gives you all of the space and privacy you could ever crave. You need not worry about crying babies or any other late-night sounds drifting over from adjacent rooms. Instead, you can relax and rest freely in a space that’s entirely yours.

Region capture 19Unless, of course, you decide to share it! A vacation rental is the ideal way to share a vacation with your family or with other travelers. Unlike other accommodations, a rental gives you the ability to welcome guests as you please. Parking is also no longer an issue. While a hotel might charge you to park, the area surrounding your rental is also free game for your use, so you and any guests joining you can park without worry. Eliminating the potential charge of parking can result in substantial savings.

You can also save by utilizing the gourmet kitchen in your vacation rental and cooking meals instead of eating out. While sampling local food is, of course, part of your trip, you can make memories cooking with professional-grade amenities. This can save you the cost of several meals and make your vacation even more special. If the goal of your trip is to relax and escape, you deserve a space in which you can do so. A vacation rental from Five Star Vacation Rental offers features and luxury that beat what any hotel might offer as well as an experience that is truly invaluable.

While Big Bear is our most popular destination, you can also enjoy some quality time in our other great luxury vacation rentals:  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta. With Five Star Vacation Rentals, you can be assured that your vacation time will be a time of true relaxation and enjoyment for your family.  We recognize that most families today get precious little vacation time, and we work hard to help make sure your time away will be memorable and meaningful. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and help you put together a great vacation.  Give us a call 310-780-3411.

Big Bear Vacation Rental: Slope Side at Bear Mountain

ClubViewHD_27When your family decides to plan a vacation getaway, what are the most important elements?  It varies a bit from family to family, but there are some common features that pretty much every family wants. In this week’s blog, we’re featuring our Big Bear vacation rental, “Slope Side at Bear Mountain,” and we’re sure it’ll hit the mark for even the most demanding members of your family.

For starters, it’s located in Big Bear — our number one vacation destination.  Big Bear has more to offer for a vacation rental than you can possibly experience in a single weekend or even a full week’s vacation.  As the winter approaches, winter sports start taking center stage, and our Cabin #1 is ideally situated to take ClubViewHD_46full advantage of the snow activities.  It’s just a 2 minute walk to the slopes at Bear Mountain.  Can you imagine rolling out of bed, enjoying a nice breakfast with your family, and then walking a couple minutes to a great day skiing? For many of our guests, it’s a dream come true.  And this cabin is ideal for extended family and friends. It has room for up to 13 guests, and a big 7 person spa to relax after your day on the slopes.  It has 4 bedrooms and three baths with a set of bunk beds the kids will enjoy.  It’s also a short drive into The Village, so you can spend some of your downtime shopping and enjoying the local cuisine. But we think you’ll have the best time just relaxing in this Big Bear Vacation Rental.

ClubViewHD_33But you may choose to take all your meals in once you get a look at the fully-equipped kitchen.  You’ll find everything you need to create wonderful meals.  And since you run the kitchen, you get to choose your favorite foods cooked exactly the way you want.  Best of all, there’s no waiting for a free table in a loud restaurant, and there’s no need to tip the staff (unless the kids help out, and you want to reward them!). It’s a wonderful family time in a beautiful home nestled amid the trees adjacent to the slopes.

View more photos and details at this link.  You can book online, or give us a call at 310-780-3411 for more details on this or any of our other Big Bear vacation rentals.  At Five Star Vacation Rentals, we’re dedicated to offering the best quality cabins and estates, so you can just relax and feel pampered during your stay with us.  We strive to make sure the hardest part of your visit will be when you have to pack up and go back home.