FiveStarVacationRental.com News and Updates Archives - Page 15 of 18

October in Big Bear Has Something For Everyone. Call Us to Book Your Vacation Rental Cabin

Autumn in Big Bear is one of the most beautiful times of year to join us. The nights start to get a bit cooler, and the mornings are greeted with wonderful refreshing cool breezes. You’ll regret putting off your stay with us here while you roast in the stifling October heat that so frequently hits Los Angeles. Avoid regret. Call us today to book your October vacation getaway in one of our Five Star Vacation Rental Big Bear cabins. Here are some of the fun events waiting for you in October:

Region capture 63 — Oktoberfest Kid's Costume Contest

Oktoberfest continues its annual run weekends until the end of the month. This is one of Big Bear’s most popular events, and there’s something for every member of the family. This year introduces more fun for the little ones with the Kindermeister Party Pack. The package includes admission, Kid’s Meal, Sports Cup (with half-priced refills during your visit), one non-alcoholic beverage and a singing chicken keychain. Oktoberfest finishes its run this year on Saturday, October 27 with the annual costume contests for both adults and children. The adult contest this year will offer up to $1,000 in prizes. Adult costume contest at 9:00 p.m. and Children’s contest at 3:00 p.m. Children in costume get in FREE. This final weekend is always a busy one for us, so be sure to book your cabin early, and bring something fun to wear!

Since 2004, Western Outdoor News has sponsored the Big Bear Lake October Troutfest and it has proven to be a popular outing for all members of the family. Enjoy a weekend among your fellow anglers as you fish for fun and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes! Please visit the website at www.wonews.com or call Western Outdoor News at (949)366-0030. You could actually fish and win money at it. No, you’re not dreaming! October 6th.

Region capture 64 — Curious Owls Greet Nighttime Explorers!

This one just sounds irresistible! Join us on Saturday evenings during October for the Flashlight Safari Through Moonridge Animal Park. This unique experience lets you enjoy Moonridge Animal Park’s nocturnal animals. Gates open 6:15 PM and close at 6:30 PM to start the tour. Bring your flashlight and wear warm clothes. For more information call (909) 584-1299 or visit www.moonridgezoo.org The fun culminates on Saturday, October 27th with Boo In The Zoo. This starts in the late afternoon and continues through the early evening with a truckload of fun including Tricks ‘n Treat–The Graveyard, Pumpkin Patch, Electric Dungeon of Doom, Witches Brew, Scarecrow Land, Witches Lair, and Goblins throughout the park. Dress up the kids, and spend the evening with some real animals!

Region capture 66 — Kids, Costumes, Candy . . . Fun!

Halloween in the Village is a fun and safe way for the whole family to enjoy Halloween. Join us on the evening of October 31st and wander through the village in costume. The kids will have a wonderful time as more than 50 of our merchants join in the fun with loads of candy for the kids. Dress warmly and have the kids bring extra large goody bags. This is going to be a Halloween to remember!

Call us at 310-780-3411 to book your October getaway. Also, we’re starting to fill up our holiday reservations, so don’t delay your plans. Call us and we’ll help you plan a holiday in Big Bear that will bring joy to the entire family. Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a getaway somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Don’t risk your precious vacation time by booking anywhere else!

Spotlight on Villa La Estancia in Mexico

Plan something new for your fall or winter vacation this year. We have luxury units available right on the beach in the Villa La Estancia resort in Nuevo Vallarta. There is a wonderful assortment of activities and shopping available, and there’s always the option to just spend a few days relaxing on the beach.

The Fall weather is delightful with temperatures averaging in the 70’s and 80’s. Getting there couldn’t be easier. Flights are available to the Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR) from San Diego, Orange County, and LAX. Direct flights arrive in about 3 hours, and the resort is a 10-minute cab ride from the airport. Here are a few suggestions for your trip:

Make it a golf vacation

Vista Vallarta Club de Golf has grown in the past decade to become an international destination for golf enthusiasts. Opened in April 2001, the first course at Vista Vallarta is a Signature Design by Jack Nicklaus. Since this course is located on the property’s highest elevation, golfers are treated not only to world class golf but will enjoy breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina and Banderas Bay as well.

Also on the property is a beautiful course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Built on the property’s lower west end, golfers won’t believe they have simply taken a different turn from the club house.Here the terrain is extreme with dense jungles, deep ravines and swift creeks. Both the Weiskopf and Nicklaus courses are designed with scenery unlike any you’ll find in the United States. Pack your clubs, and give us a call. We’ll give you all the details for reserving your amazing golf vacation. For more information about golfing at Vista Vallarta Club de Golf, visit their website at http://www.vistavallartagolf.com/indexen.html

Make some new aquatic friends

The Aquaventuras Park is a short drive from our resort at Villa La Estancia, and it’s well worth it. This is a wonderful water park that features up close swimming with dolphins. It’s really an amazing adventure. Testimonials on their website help capture some of the fun in store for you there. Anne from New Jersey writes,

Dancing in the water with a dolphin was unbelievable. I will never forget today!

Jocelyn Limos described her adventure this way:

If you love dolphins like I do, then this is something you need to do for The Experience of a Lifetime. I would do this over and over again. Thank you for my dream come true!

We expect you’ll be writing your own testimonial of the amazing experience you’ll have spending some time with these wonderfully intelligent and affectionate creatures. Aquaventuras Park offers some great discounts for advance booking, so call us at 310-780-3411 first, then visit their website to book your tickets and start planning your exciting getaway.

Pry yourself away from the beach and do some shopping

There’s nothing wrong with spending all day every day on the beach (bring sunscreen!). After all, it’s a vacation, and you should have the freedom to just relax. Despite the amazing beauty of the pristine beach right in front of our resort, we recommend that you set aside at least one day to experience the great shopping, food, and culture in the community surrounding Villa La Estancia. A quick cab ride into Puerto Vallarta will bring you to beautiful shops and world-class dining. Local artisans have their wares on display daily, and we can’t let you go home before you sample at least one of the local restaurants with an ice-cold beverage of your choice. As with most of our Five Star Vacation Rental getaways, the only problem you can expect is that you’ll regret you didn’t book your stay for longer.

But wait, there’s more!

We’ve only just scratched the surface of all the fun things for you and the family on your Villa La Estancia vacation. In a future blog we’ll give you details on horse-back riding, boating, fishing, and other fun things. But don’t wait for us to write about it! Call us and book your vacation, so you can dive into your own Puerto Nuevo adventure.

We have over a dozen units available for rent in Villa La Estancia ranging from our luxurious penthouse suite to lower level suites overlooking the pool. Whichever unit you choose, you can be confident that your suite will be clean, comfortable, and luxurious. Our mission is to make sure your precious vacation time is always enjoyed to the fullest. View our Villa La Estancia properties on this page, or call us today at 310-780-3411 to book your Nuevo Vallarta vacation.

And don’t forget that we also have Five Star Vacation Rentals available in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Big Bear. Each of our destinations offers a wealth of activities for the entire family, so call us to book your next vacation.

Planning the Perfect Oktoberfest Getaway

Oktoberfest Is Here!

Tomorrow is the opening day of Oktoberfest, and it will continue to run through October 27th. Have you made your plans yet? This is one of the year’s biggest events in Big Bear, and it’s something that many families make a regular yearly tradition. If you’ve never been, it will take just one visit to see why it is so popular.

This weekend opens with a salute to America’s Heros. Past and present military, law enforcement and fire fighters will get free admission. There will be a special opening ceremony on Saturday night to offer thanks for the sacrifice of these brave men and women.

The fun of Oktoberfest starts each Saturday at noon with German bands, polka dances, and events for the entire family. There can be some pretty big crowds, so here are a few suggestions to make your weekend more enjoyable.

Buy your tickets in advance

There can be a line to buy tickets during peak hours, so one quick way to get the fun started right away is buy your tickets in advance. There are a variety of ticket prices and packages available, and you can purchase them at this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1758871515?ref=eorgbtn

Come hungry!

One of the great delights about Oktoberfest is the wonderful food. From amazingly tender pork roast to consistent favorites like the German Sausage Sandwich, you can count on finding so many food options that you’ll want to stay longer just to sample more of the wonderful cuisine. Knockwurst, bratwurst, and Polish sausage abound, and virtually every dish will be topped with generous amounts of German potato salad and sauerkraut.

For the less adventurous among you, there’s also a full American menu available with hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and the like.

Come thirsty!

There are over a dozen different beers to choose from as well as a good supply of wine too. O’Doul’s Free Shuttle will be operating each evening offering a free ride back to your cabin from the festivities.

And when you finish sampling the amazing food and drink at Oktoberfest, be sure to visit the visit the Budenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths). These shops offer an amazing assortment of fine chocolates, beef jerky, kites, old fashion clothes, gifts and artwork. The Avenue of the Booths is an especially big hit with the kids. You’ll find face painting, bounce houses, pony rides, and a petting zoo.

Be prepared to laugh and enjoy yourself

The entertainment never ends during Oktoberfest. There are fun contests for the entire family as well as bands and dancing. It’s a great time for the family to just relax have some real fun. Sundays are family day with half price adult admission and free for children 12 and under. The Children’s contests including Pretzel Eating and Boot Holding. Children’s contests take place at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Sundays and are free for children.

Enjoy it all from the comfort of your Big Bear Five Star Vacation Rental Cabin

Oktoberfest is even more enjoyable when you stay in one of our luxurious Big Bear Vacation Rental Cabins. We still have a number of cabins available, so give us a call at 310-800-5454. We’ll be happy to help you put together your first or fifteenth visit to Oktoberfest. Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page.

We also have vacation rentals available in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. And we specialize in helping our guests create vacations with memories that will last a lifetime.

If We Let You In On a Secret About Our Big Bear Cabin Vacation Rentals, Will You Promise To Tell All Your Friends?

Several years ago your intrepid blogger decided to take the entire family to the mountains for a wonderful Christmas celebration in a luxury cabin. And knowing this business as he does, he did something that we have been recommending to our friends and repeat guests often: Make your reservations by August.

Now August is not normally when our thoughts turn to holiday preparations. But when it comes to planning a truly memorable and exciting holiday, you should take care of it early. People often decide very late that they’d love to have a unique Big Bear Christmas, but if you wait too long, it may not happen. Often times by early November we see our available dates rapidly disappearing. And our most popular cabins are often booked solid even earlier.

So this year don’t delay your plans. Call us early, and start planning for this year’s getaway that will have you all smiling long into the new year. Here are a few suggestions we have for your holiday vacation:

Cabin #1 Big Bear Mountain 4 Bedroom Beautiful Slope Side Cabin

Consistently one of our most popular cabins, this beauty is just minutes away from the slopes at Bear Mountain. It’s a roomy 4 bedroom with room for 13 guests. You’ll also enjoy two master suites and a large spa There is a new pool table and a 7 person spa waiting for you to enjoy after a day on the slopes. There is something for everyone in this cabin which has a large flat screen television in the great room for you to enjoy. One of our recent guests described this cabin as “absolutely beautiful.” We’re confident you’ll agree. View more details here, or call us at 310-780-3411.

Cabin #20 Grand 8 Bedroom Estate At Castle Glen

We still remember the first time we saw the inside of this luxurious cabin. The soaring 35′ ceilings are just amazing. It has 8 bedrooms with three of these master suites in 6700 square feet of custom craftsmanship. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see the finest granite, marble, hardwood, and stone finishes. There are 7 bathrooms as well. With room for 16 guests, this is a perfect choice to gather the extended family for a Christmas getaway you’ll all cherish. The property features a theater room with a 10 foot screen, so you can gather the family to watch your DVD of It’s A Wonderful Life on Christmas eve. View the photos and more details here.

#29 Chalet Summit 9 Bedroom Next To Snow Summit

Chalet Summit is another of our cabins that is perfect for your extended family or multi-family holiday. It has 9 bedrooms with 8 of them master suites. You can wave goodbye to all those years of lumpy rollaway beds and old Uncle Clarence’s horrible snoring on the sofa. You’ll enjoy the new hardwood floors and wonderful amenities including the spa. It’s just a few minutes to Snow Summit, the lake and Big Bear Village. It’s got plenty of games as well including a pool table, foosball, PacMan and more. We’ve got more photos and details on this page.

Browse all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Book your stay online, or call us at 310-780-3411. Remember, your vacation time is too important to gamble with. Stay with us at Five Star Vacation Rentals for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing we’re working to make sure your stay is delightful and creates a great memory for your entire family.

More September Fun In Big Bear. Book Your Vacation Rental Cabin Now!

September is spilling over with fun things to do in Big Bear. We’ve already had two blogs posted covering some of the September events. Our first one covered Labor Day and the tons of fun planned. We covered things to do in the first half of September in another blog. You really need to get away for some of these great things to do:

As we noted in our last blog, the Big Bear International Film Festival takes place September 14-16th. Film screenings and workshops will be held at the PAC and the Village North Theater.For more info please call (909) 866-3433 or visit their website: www.bigbearfilmfestival.com This is considered one of the top film festivals in the country.

Region capture 58 — It's Finally Here . . . Oktoberfest!

One of Big Bear’s most popular events starts in the middle of September. It’s Oktoberfest, and you definitely need to be here for this one. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for seven consecutive weekends, September 15 through October 27 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, located at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. The times are Saturdays 12 noon to 12 midnight and Sundays 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Book your ticket online for $1.00 OFF! For more information call 909-585-3000. Opening weekend (September 15-16) is dedicated to American Heroes. All past and present military, law enforcement, fire fighters and their immediate families will get free admission.

And if great international beers don’t meet all your needs, the Village Business Association presents their annual Autumn Wine Walk on Saturday, September 15th. You’ll enjoy strolling Big Bear Village shops while sampling fine wines and light hors d’oeuvres. $30 per person (Pre-sale) • $35 per person (Day of the Event if Available) Purchase tickets at Hunter Halls, Paisley Boutique, Cedar Rose, Room-to-Room, Home Warehouse Design Center, and Shirt Shanty in the Village. Check-in to get wristbands starts at 3 pm Saturday at the Xmas Tree Lot (corner of Pine Knot and Village Drive). For more information, please contact: Cheri at (909) 878-8044.

Region capture 59 — Fishing For Fun and Profit!

Calling all anglers! Aaron’s Big Bear Big Bass Tournaments hosts their final tournament of the year on September 22nd. This is a great chance to rent a boat, grab some bait, and spend a fun afternoon on the lake. Who knows? You may be the big winner! For tournament details please visit the website www.bigbearbassfishing.com. The event and weigh-in will be held at B’s Backyard BBQ. For more details please call 800-475-3166.

Region capture 60 — Fruits, Vegetables, Arts, Crafts . . . Farmer's Market.

Get some tasty accents for your Five Star Vacation Rentals Big Bear cabin with locally-grown farm fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers all summer long. The Farmer’s Market also features unique arts, crafts and handmade items by local artisans. Enjoy the fun and flavors every Tuesday all summer long at the Big Bear Convention Center. For more information, call (909) 585-3000.

Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

If you have any questions or would just like more information about booking any of our units, please talk to one of our friendly rental agents at 310-780-3411. Don’t gamble on the quality of your next vacation. Call us to book a vacation getaway your entire family will absolutely love.

Pack Your Bags. You Should Be in a Big Bear Vacation Cabin Rental in September!

September is a wonderful month to visit Big Bear. The mornings are cool and crisp and you escape the heat of Los Angeles. Plus, there’s a great collection of things to do. In a previous blog we detailed some of the fun events planned for Labor Day weekend, but there’s much more to do during September in Big Bear.

Cycling enthusiasts from all over the western United States trek to Big Bear each year to take part in the many scheduled rides. It’s easy to see why. Big Bear’s cool clear air is a delight for cyclists. The Big Bear Cycling Association has rides planned several times each week, and rides are available for all skill levels. Reserve one of our great vacation cabin rentals and either bring your own bikes, or rent them when you arrive. Bear Valley Bikes has a great selection of bikes tailor made for the roads and trails in Big Bear. Visit their website for more details: http://bvbikes.com/bike-rental/

Region capture 53 — Running Trails in Big Bear

Load up the family, and pack your running shoes. It’s time for the Endure the Bear mountain trail run. This starts in the Village and heads into the beautiful National Forest Trails on the south shore of Big Bear Lake. The run features routes for all levels from 50K, 30K and 15K as well as a 5k Family Fun Run & Walk. Finish Festival and activities both at Friday night registration and Saturday Race with live music, vendors and more. Friday evening September 7th and Saturday morning. Visit the website for more details on this and the many other outdoor events scheduled in September in Big Bear. http://www.openairbigbear.com/

17th Annual Harley Bike Run fundraiser for Big Bear’s Moonridge Zoo Grizzly Bears. Open to the public and all bikes welcome! Saturday September 8th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Poker Ride – Prizes – Vendors – BBQ and Live Music. Register at Chad’s Place in the Village 40740 Village Drive. All proceeds to benefit the Grizzly Bears at Moonridge Animal Park. For more information call (909) 878-4200.

Grab those oversized sun glasses and floppy hat. It’s time to hit the streets of Big Bear and look like you’re a famous movie star hoping to go unnoticed. The Big Bear International Film Festival takes place September 14-16th. Film screenings and workshops will be held at the PAC and the Village North Theater. Grab some popcorn and candy. And be on the lookout for some really famous faces. Who knows who you may see? For more info please call (909) 866-3433.

Call us today 310-780-3411, and one of our friendly staff will help you plan the ideal Big Bear getaway. We also have beach homes available for rent in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Manhattan Beach, La Jolla, and Laguna Niguel. Look over our cabins on our Big Bear page. Visit our Southern California Beaches page to see all our available beach properties. We also have vacation rentals available in Park City, Palm Springs/La Quinta, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

Don’t Take Our Word For It. Our Guests Speak Out About Their Five Star Vacation Rentals

As most of you know, we’re pretty enthusiastic about our vacation rental units. And we have good reason. At Five Star Vacation Rentals we pride ourselves on offering the most luxurious top-quality properties to our guests. Our properties are located in the best neighborhoods and offer a level of comfort that we’re convinced you just won’t find anywhere else. But that’s just us talking. Why not listen to what some of our guests have to say?

Considering a family vacation to Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico? Listen to what Alan and Audrey N. had to stay about their stay in our luxurious penthouse condo in Villa La Estancia:

1-mexico-balcony-view2 — Relax and enjoy the ocean view

Wow! Thanks we had a fabulous time. So much so that we plan on returning and soon! Your residence is great, the premises well maintained . . . We have already recommended your property to several friends. The nearby town of Bucerias was delightfully Mexican and we enjoyed several meals there. Also the Mega store kept us well supplied. We even had hotel provided babysitters (employees) on two nights- Emma (excellent) and Lulu (also very good). We ended up renting a mini-van which suited our two families quite well. Most of all, we enjoyed how family friendly the locals were to us and our young children- it was one of the most relaxing trips we’ve taken with the kids.

Upland_0 — Enjoy some time in Laguna Beach

Beng S and family stayed at our ocean view Laguna Beach Gem, and had the time of their life. This Laguna Beach property has amazing ocean views and offers unsurpassed luxury.

On behalf of my family, I wanted to thank you for making your Laguna Beach home available to us. Your home is absolutely beautiful – we love everything about it and the views are amazing! Everyone had a wonderful time – we all wished that we could have stayed longer to really enjoy your home. Hopefully next time we’ll stay longer so we can truly relax and enjoy the beach!

103Oriole_1 — Room for 2 families and amazing luxury

Tim L was very impressed with our Estate by the Lake in Big Bear. This amazing cabin sleeps 16 and has a sunken outdoor spa. Here’s what Tim had to say:

I was just looking at pictures of our trip to Big Bear and can’t believe how much fun we had. I’m the first to e-mail a company when I’m not happy, so thought I should be fair and e-mail you to say how happy I was. Absolutely one of the coolest and most flawless trips ever…thanks for a great memory, well above anything I expected!

Call us at 310-780-3411 to book your vacation getaway now. Browse all of our Big Bear vacation rental cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable.

Plan Your Labor Day Getaway in One of Our Big Bear Vacation Rental Cabins

September is a great month to visit Big Bear, and Labor Day weekend is full of fun things to do for the entire family. Be sure to book your stay early, since many of our cabins are already booked for the weekend. There is so much going on, that we recommend you plan on arriving Friday night, so you can get an early start with your weekend adventure on Saturday morning.

Here’s just a sampling of the fun events for that weekend:

The Convention Center is hosting The Fall Festival on September 1st from 10am to 5pm with family fun, arts & crafts, great food and live entertainment. Crafters and artists sell goods and demonstrate their fine-tuned crafts. Browse shops for handcrafted gems like hand-carved bears, handmade dolls, hand-thrown pottery, homemade jams and unique wire-wrapped jewelry.

Amazing Hand Made Quilts

Mountain Treasures 14th Annual Quilt Show on September 1st and 2nd from 10am to 4pm at the Big Bear Middle School. This 2 day show is sponsored by Busy Bears Quilt Guild. All quilts in the show are made by our local guild members. A variety of quilting techniques are displayed on the quilts, and many items are for sale. Proceeds support community groups.

Moonridge Animal Park is hosting an Ice Cream Safari on Saturday September 1, starting at 11AM and lasting until the ice cream is all gone. This positively yummy event features different flavor ice cream stations around the zoo to give you the ultimate ice cream event. $5.00 for 5 scoops, what a deal!

Jim Curry’s Tribute to John Denver at Bear Cave Event Center at Bear Creek Resort on September 1st and 2nd. John Denver fans will appreciate the amazing talent of Jim Curry as he recreates an evening of songs and memories that you’ll surely love. Contact Jaqueline for tickets (909) 866-2253

Music in the Mountains 2012 “Surreal Neil and Super Diamond ” at Discovery Center Amphitheater. You’ll delight in the music of Neil Diamond at this evening of fun. Tickets: $65 VIP Event Membership package for 2 – $25 general admission adults – $10 teens. Please visit website to purchase tickets and for more details. Location: 40971 North Shore Drive . For more details visit the website: www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com

Family biking with the Big Bear Cycling Association is available. The club sponsors rides for bikers of all skill levels. Visit their website for more details and scheduled rides. www.bigbearcycling.com

Call us at 310-780-3411 to book your Labor Day getaway now. Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Don’t risk your precious vacation time by booking with anyone else!

If You Stay In a Hotel Instead of a Five Star Vacation Rental Your Car Insurance May Go Up

Summer is quickly passing by, and you have yet to plan your family vacation. That’s okay; we’re here to help. But you must listen to what we say, or you could end up with a life of regret. Seriously.

You take a real gamble with your vacation when you stay anywhere else but in one of our luxurious rental properties. Aside from the fact that our feelings will be deeply hurt, you could well be destined for a real vacation nightmare. In an earlier blog we detailed the heartache you’ll face before you even get to sleep on your first day in a hotel vacation. We start this week’s blog on the night you arrive at your hotel after you’ve finally got the entire family in bed. It’s been a long day, and the family finally starts drifting off to sleep.

NoisyNeighbors — Be sure to ask for extra pillows. You're going to need them.

A few moments after you start to swim out into the warm fluffy ocean of vacation dreams, you learn that 4am is the exact right time for members of the Audubon Society to embark on their birdwatching trek for the day. Now fully awake, again, the entire family listens intently as the birdwatchers slowly file past your room with each practicing a specific bird call they will be using to coax birds closer throughout the day. While you’d really rather be sleeping, you are all astonished at the amazing variety of bird calls produced by the 150 or so bird lovers passing just outside your door. And as the hallway finally begins to quiet down, your room begins to brighten up. The sun is rising on the first full day of your vacation.

TimmyDidntSleepWell — When Timmy doesn't sleep well, he's grumpy all day

The entire family is grumpy, tired, and hungry. But since you’re not in one of our luxurious Five Star Vacation Rentals, there is no kitchen, no refrigerator, and no microwave. You’ve got to trek outside in search of food.

But first you have to find your car. A late-model white SUV sure seemed like a good idea at the dealership when you bought it, but now you’re looking at a sea of them in the hotel parking lot. No worry. You pull out your key dongle and holding it high above your head you trigger the car’s alarm. You hear a distant honking and start working toward the sound. In almost no time at all, you find your car. Unfortunately, you also find that some lovesick teenager has scratched the message, “I hate you Brad” across the hood of your car. It seems Brad also drives a late-model white SUV, and his ex-girlfriend is no better at finding his car than you were at finding yours. Oh well.

Undaunted, you pile the family into the car and commence your search for food. You’re determined to make this a fun day. You tell them to look on the bright side. At least you’re not Brad, and your car insurance rates had to go up eventually anyway.

Is this really what you had in mind?

Most families get only one vacation a year, and many families can only get away once every few years or so. Your vacation time is too important to leave to chance. Every year families return from vacations with stories of fun things they did, but all too often these stories are tempered with tales of horrible hotel rooms, noisy neighbors and lousy parking. So let’s divide up your vacation and make sure this one is a winner. You start planning for fun things to do in one of our many destinations, and we’ll be sure to have only the most luxurious quality cabins, condos and homes ready for you when you arrive. Almost all of our units offer private parking in only the best neighborhoods. We promise that your car will not be marred with the message, “I hate you Brad,” or we’ll give you your money back. Honest.

Five Star Vacation Rentals — This is not our actual staff, but we answer our phones just like these people

In the meantime, please call us at 310-780-3411 to book your vacation getaway. Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable.

It’s our goal to make sure that you enjoy your second, third, and fourth stay with us even more than your first.

Last Minute Magical Fun in Big Bear

We just got a note from one of our favorite magicians alerting us to a very special evening of magic and humor for the entire family. On July 20th and 21st the Big Bear Performing Arts Center will host “Magic Beyond Belief.” It’s a captivating show of theatrical sleight of hand, magic, and illusions accented with comedy. It’s also a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most talented magicians fresh from international appearances and Hollywood’s Magic Castle.

The show is being produced by Steve Owens, an internationally famous magician and showman. The performances start at 7pm each evening and are perfect for all ages. Visit Steve’s website for more information: http://magicbeyondbelief.moonfruit.com/. You can purchase your tickets online at this link.

We have cabins available for the weekend, so enjoy an evening of magic and then relax in the wonder of one of our luxurious Big Bear cabins. View all of our Big Bear cabins at this link. Or call us at 310-780-3411. One of our helpful vacation coordinators will be happy to help you locate the best cabin for your Five Star Vacation Rental weekend. We may not be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat, but we’ll help you put together a magical vacation for your entire family!