Bear Valley Lodge, Arnold

We came over from Tahoe on a last minute idea, mid week, to use some lift vouchers we got. We arrived and the front desk was closed so we proceeded to the bar, to ask if we could get a room. The bartender asked if we had reservations, which we didn't, but inquired about the price of a room. She didn't know, but then the manager showed up and directed some other staff to get us a room price from the front desk. We went to he front desk with this person, but could not seem to find what a room would cost, with out lift ticket included, since we already had lift tickets. They rang up the night clerk who was somewhere on the premises, but they would not tell us a price either, until they came on duty at 9PM So we returned to the bar to wait. While we were there, we talked to a local gentleman, who said he had a condo he would rent to us, and he told us the price, and we decided this was the way to go. Someone who could actually tell us how much was a big bonus at this point. We wound up staying 3 nights in the Powderbears Condo, and would recommend anyone coming to Bear Valley to get in touch with them, because they know what they are doing and how to treat travelers. Bear Valley is a great place to visit, but you need to find accommodations where someone is actually in charge.

The lodge is a trip back to the 70's - except that it is 40+ years old and the rooms and the whole village have never tried to become a very good place for people to enjoy or stay. The negative comments that are found here are VERY TURE, so I don't think I need to repeat them. Look for a nice cabin in Arnold, or get a room in Murphys - that is a much better idea.

I went to Bear Valley Lodge to plan a rehearsal dinner for my son. I drove 3 hours to meet Mark Phillips the manager who didn't show. He never apolagized so I emailed the chef saying in the future I would deal with him. At that point Mr Philips emailed me, finally offering an apologize and stating if I didn't deal with him I couldn't have the affair at the lodge. There is no alternative to the lodge, you're stuck! I do have all the emails if anyone is interested, but it's too much to publish here. I did contact the owners, but got no response. The rest of the staff is wonderful, but dealing with Mr. Phillips is a nightmare.

We have stayed several times over the last 15 years to ski and celebrate together as a family. This year we were somewhat apprehensive after hearing of some recent changes but were pleasantly surprised. The larger Headwaters coffee shop is excellent, the Creekside food was delicious and the Sky High Pizza was well run with excellent food. We still miss the old outside spas and the building is somewhat drafty and walls thin to noises but no place is perfect and the people, the surroundings and the experience is still well worth the trip.

My family has stayed at the BV Lodge during the holidays for several seasons since my children have been little. Very conveniently located near the slopes, low key and kid friendly. However, our past stay a couple days ago was horrible and we will NOT return. Here's why: first, their ski locker at check in was broken (nowhere to store my daughter's new skis). Secondly the satellite cable was not working in our room (that's important to us since we don't have cable at home - it's a special treat on vacation to watch a little after dinner or the slopes). After speaking to the front desk we were told that "someone" was looking into it, although there was no mention of when it would be fixed or an apology. I was also disappointed after a long day of skiing to find out that the hotel bar no longer stocked before dinner drinks such as Cointreau or decent wine. From the looks of the clientele, the bar has apparently transformed into a local water hole catering to local employees or residents(?) As the bartender explained to my husband, "sweetie, we serve only low grade alcohol" with Bud Lite the drink of choice. The Creekside Dining Restaurant experience was not much better. Only a couple of years ago, we frequented this charming French restaurant owned by a couple from Brittany. The food, wine and desserts were fabulous! Now it's owned by a food chain (?) or conglomorate which now owns all the restaurants on the premises, unfortunately. Creekside Dining now does soup/salad bar a la Sizzler (classy!) dessert menu consists only of bad ice cream called Gelato (which it is not), and dethawed petit fours. Couldn't the chef make an effort to at least make one dessert for the evening? A pumpkin pie? A cheesecake? Other negatives: they only serve local wine, soggy fries, mediocre food. Regarding other restaurants: Base Camp out to the main road is now closed (kids used to love the pool table, we liked the chiken pot pie and simple, good food, reasonable prices). Also, it used to be a nice walk from the lodge. The pizza place in the lodge used to be good. It had video games for the kids, nice booths, great tasting pizza, good beer selection. But only open TH - S. Also has been taken over by chain - I have my doubts now. Headwaters Cafe was fabulous in the past for breakfast and lunch with focus on healthy foods - whole grains - buckwheat pancakes to die for - kind of young hippy, coop crowd operating cafe - great place for cappucino before heading for slopes. Unfortunately it was closed unlike in our past visits (also has adopted TH -S hours and has been taken over by chain). The new Headwaters dinner restaurant is suppose to be good...but it was also closed. Used to be a real cool gift shop in there with local art work, unique jewelry, hats, clothing and some children's toys. I was sorry to see it go. Lastly, my family has fond memories seated around the open hall central fireplace playing board games, reading books and talking to other families (many visiting from Santa Cruz). These families were no where to be found this time. Botton line: the Lodge has lost a lot of its past charm. The restaurant quality and selection is not what it used to be, the staff at the front desk seem pretty indifferent to concerns. However, we were lucky to only be charged one night when we decided to leave two nights earlier than planned. Definitely not a place to spend the holidays. We ended up having a much better Christmas at home with better holiday meals.

Beautiful location until you step into the room and it is disgusting. Old food under the beds, poor lighting, bathroom floors and sinks were awful. The food in the Hightower restraunt was poor at best. Particles were floating in our water and the food always under cooked. The other restraunt is so good it is a shame that it is associated with the facility! Staff could care less about concerns.

The location is very convenient to Bear Valley Resort and the village is very charming. Service in the restaurants at the hotel was very slow and food quality was below average. Our room was very cold and the lights in our room kept shorting on and off. Staff did not show any interest in our concerns. We could not wait to come home!

We loved the idea of staying close to the resort. The Lodge itself is gorgeous. The stay was horrible. First of all we should have been warned when there were earplugs on the nightstand. The is absolutely no sound proofing anywhere in that place. We could here conversations of everyone on our side of the floor we were staying on. And everything outside, including all the snowmobiles. The place smelled moldy, and the bathroom was gross. Nice location, needs lots of renovation.