Lagonita Lodge, Big Bear Lake

I own a timeshare and did the week exchange here. There was nothing I liked about this place, the one bedrooms should be called a single, meant for four people, we had three and it was a very confined space. I had emailed Lagonita Lodge several times regarding other reviews and explaining to them that i was allergic to the bug spray they use all over to deter the ants and could they please make sure i was not in an ant infested condo. I never got a response back and when we got there the first unit 132 had ants everywhere, then they sent me to room 232 and there were ants there also. I was furious, i went to the front desk and they said there was nothing they could do, but Jake (bless his soul) actually got me a decent room on the third floor.....and no ants!!!!! When i asked why there were so many ants they basically told me we were on an ant hill.....Janice was helpful, but watch out for Katie, because she could care less about your vacation and making it right. The nicest people there were the cleaning ladies.

Only some rooms have nice lake views and you CANNOT reserve one. The only way to get it ask to see a room and if they show you a good one, take it. If not do not bother because you will be shafted. VERY VERY VERY noisy with kids playing all the time.

I visited this place last year. The front desk gave me a room key of what it turns out to be, their very best room. I liked what I saw. New granite kitchen with small dish washer, superior view and one very small bedroom. LR was open to the kitchen and lanai. What I got when I traded a time share was something much different. I traded for a two bed two bath. I got a corner second level with a lanai overlooking a parking lot, though the room had a partial lake view. Partial because if you have a first level or second level all most all views bill be obstructed or be in a very noisy area. Most third levels have a good view of the lake. They all should as the property is one of the few places in Big Bear on the lake. A point, so some rooms will come with at least a 180 degree view. Keep this in mind when requesting a room. Now to the amenities, my kitchen was dated albeit comfortable with all appliances in good order though not as well appointed as I would expect for the price. $300+ a night. The faucets in the showers and sinks were all in need of replacement as they were very hard to operate, I doubt many children would have been strong enough. One master double bed and two twins in the second BR. The master was in dire need of a new mattress from people sitting on the foot of it. It was firm but the foot dropped off lending no support for you feet and ankles, which if you have ever slept on a mattress like that will keep you awake all night from your knees and legs aching. It did me and ruined the experience for me. My wife being shorter wasn't affected. The Internet and half the cable tv signal was out for about two out of seven days. Even when the tv did work only the higher channels came in clear on a very dated old set. I can live with no tv, that's why I go on holiday. But I do need internet to keep track of business. If you have and like the noise kids make you will like this place. The constant skate boarding around the walkways will make sure you get no peace. Better yet the swing set with its younger and more prone to crying crowd will keep you up to at least ten PM, their so called " quiet time". One of my favorites sounds emanated through the ceiling above me coming from a ten year old girl I nick named "THE STOMPPER. She alone made me conscious of every minute of the day while she was awake, and a few when she was asleep. Now that I'm home I ask my wife if she can walk as loudly as that little girl, making sure her heals hit the floor with the same impact of a 24 ounce framing hammer. It reminds me of the good time I had at Lagonita Lodge. A lodge that I have warned you about, so you can't bitch if you do decide to ever stay there, and to think it will be less than two weeks when I will have had chance to catch up on all the sleep I lost while I was there. So In reality, you'd be much better off just renting the most expensive cabin on the lake that you can find. It would still be a much better value than staying at Lagonita Lodge. That and you might be able to hear the motor boats on the lake if you stay far enough away from the kids and their skate boards. I have found the name and number of The Stompper, though her mother will only let her out on non school nights.

We have stayed at Lagonita Lodge 6 times over the last 2-1/2 years in both summer and winter, and have had a great time every time. I'm very surprised by the last negative review. As for the lake views - the vast majority of the units have lake views, and we've always requested (and received) lake views - except for the 2-br Bearcrest units we've stayed in, which we knew were in the back and wouldn't have lake views. Every time I go, my guests and I are always pleased with the quality of the rooms, the great location, the pool, jacuzzi, game room and daily activities. Lagonita Lodge has a great location – right on Big Bear Lake, just a couple minutes from the “village” and the ski area. There are plenty of amenities and things to do, but it still has a peaceful, comfortable feel, like you’re in your own lakeside vacation condo where the adults can hang out and relax, and the kids can run around, play and have fun. The staff and the guests were all very friendly (except one time last January we did encounter a rude woman at the front desk, but in February, she was gone). The sunrise and sunset over the lake, and moon rising over the lake, are breathtaking. We also always see some assortment of wildlife - big raccoons, lots of bushy grey squirrels, ducks and geese, schools of baby catfish, blue jays, and once even a bald eagle. All the units have 1-2 beds in the bedroom, a sofa bed in the living room, fireplace, TVs w/ DVD and/or VCR, a full kitchen, and balcony or deck. Furnishings aren’t fancy – they’re basic and “mountain lodge” style, but functional, spacious and clean. Amenities – there's a boat dock and boat, kayak and paddle boat rentals and fishing right outside your front door, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, small fitness center, nice semi-outdoor adults-only jacuzzi, a rec center w/ pool tables, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, toys, etc., and an adult-only lounge w/ big screen TV, DVD, pool table, game area, library, computers and internet access. There’s a small playground and (rocky) beach for swimming in the lake. They also have board games and video rentals, and you can even check out crock pots, muffin tins, and other misc. cooking items. Activities: There are several activities every day, most of them free or nominal charge, including: Friday free wine and cheese reception, Thur. taco night, Saturday pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinners (all $6 adults/$4 kids), boat tours, black jack, pool/ping pong tournaments, root beer float social ($3), scavenger hunt, arts & crafts, line dancing, trips to the bowling barn, snow shoe tour, nature walks, karaoke, etc. Last summer, for example, there was a pirate ship that would pick you up at the resort, take you on a cocktail cruise to B’s Barbecue in town, and take you back, for just $15. In the winter, there's places for the kids to sled right on the property, and down the street. Long story short, I absolutely recommend it. In fact, we're going back again in July with the whole family.

The staff is extremely rude!!!!!! we were told we were going to get a room with a view and we did not. Our room had no lake view. I would never stay here again. Worst place ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great place for kids. They have a heated pool indoor & jacuzzi, recreational rm. My husband & I were very happy w/the room. It was clean. the rooms are big with fireplace. You can also check out game boards & other activities for the family in the main office. Highly recommended.

Lagonita Lodge is in a great location, right on the lake with large, well furnished rooms, nice bathrooms, fireplace, kitchen, balcony, pool, 2 spas, boat dock, recreation room with lots of activities, playground for the kids, bbqs, elevators, free wireless internet service, and excellent service... you can't beat the price for the location... It's an older lodge but well taken care of and very comfortable. Can't wait to go back again!