Big Bear Hostel review for budget stays near the Village

Guests value it as an affordable, family-run alternative to hotels near the Village; it describes itself as family friendly, not a party hostel. Its site also mentions a free trolley to the ski base area.

Rooms range from mixed and women-only bunk rooms to private rooms and one en-suite room. Reviews split between very positive and disappointed.

Big Bear Hostel is located at 527 Knickerbocker Road in Big Bear Lake, California. The property offers private rooms equipped with smart televisions. Shared living spaces include a larger television for communal viewing.

Guests are provided with bedding, a towel, and soap. However, visitors are asked to bring their own personal bathroom amenities. The buildings and individual bedrooms utilize keypad entry for access.

The hostel features central heating but does not have air conditioning; fans are available in the rooms. On-site co-hosts manage the property, which is presented as a home-style lodging rather than a place focused on parties.

Outdoor common areas and nearby attractions

Outdoor amenities include a children's playground, a firepit, gas barbecues, and a horseshoes pit. The property also has outdoor furniture and a parking lot. The Village, with its restaurants, shops, lake access, and a bus stop, is within walking distance.

Winter activities mentioned include skiing and snowboarding. Water sports are primarily associated with warmer seasons. Mountain biking is an option available for much of the year.

The hostel provides a shared kitchen and a shared living room for guests to use. These common areas provide space for preparing meals and relaxing.

The location is about 1.3 miles from Snow Summit's main address. The property is described as a budget-friendly option situated close to the Village and the ski shuttle.

Score breakdown

Our overall score for Big Bear Hostel is 6.8 out of 10. This score is determined by the weighted sum of four criteria, each measuring a different aspect of the visitor experience.

Criterion scores

Rooms and comfort, which measures the rooms, the beds, and the shared spaces, received a score of 6.5 out of 10. This criterion accounts for 40% of the total score. Strengths noted for this aspect include low-cost beds near the Village and the availability of private rooms. A limit is that comfort is basic.

Value, measuring what you get for what you spend, scored 7 out of 10, representing 20% of the overall score. Guests value it as an affordable, family-run alternative to hotels near the Village.

Service, which assesses how guests are looked after, earned a 6.5 out of 10, also contributing 20% to the total score. The site mentions a free trolley to the ski base area as a service feature.

Location, measuring where it sits and what is close by, achieved a score of 7.5 out of 10, making up the final 20% of the overall score. Free parking is a strength related to its location.

Our verdict

Our verdict is that Big Bear Hostel is an affordable, family-run base near the Village. Comfort is basic, and opinions are split among visitors. It is described as family friendly, not a party hostel.

Accommodations and connectivity

Big Bear Hostel offers a variety of private rooms. Room 9 is a private option with its own bathroom. For those needing specific features, Room 10 is an accessible room equipped with a twin-over-full bunk bed and a fold-out laptop desk. This accessible room also includes visual and audible fire alarms.

The hostel describes its large private rooms as particularly quiet, making them suitable for remote workers. These rooms come with tables and chairs that can be utilized for remote work and video meetings. For internet access, the coworking setup combines Spectrum internet service with T-Mobile 5G connectivity.

Group stays and accessibility features

Big Bear Hostel accommodates various group events, including retreats for youth groups, family reunions, and church groups. For larger group rentals, the property includes Juniper Ridge Cabin, HoneyBee Cabin, and LotsaBeds Cabin.

The accessible bathroom at the hostel is outfitted with grab bars, a floating sink, a shower chair, and a long-hose shower head.