Love Love & Luggage: Suitehearts
Lagonita Lodge – Big Bear Lake
If you love cozy lakeside stays with tons of space, Lagonita Lodge delivers—but with a few quirks worth knowing.
Check-In Experience
Unconventionally late check-in at 5 PM. Arrive 4:59? Too early. Try 5:01? Better. They’re religious about it—no exceptions. Two front-desk ladies: one an absolute angel, cheerful and helpful. The other? The bear statue in the lobby had more warmth. She served attitude like it was a resort fee (there isn’t one). Even an elderly guest caught the smoke. When we finally got to our room, it still wasn’t ready—two housekeepers lounging, one casually eating. Zero urgency at all!
Parking
Super easy, plenty of spots.
Location
Perfect—literally steps from the lake.
Amenities
Great for adults and kids: rec room, indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi deck with gorgeous lake views.
Room
Huge condo-style suites: separate living & dining areas, balcony, full kitchen. But cookware/utensils weren’t clean, infotainment is ancient, and the bedroom TV wasn’t hooked up—I had to HDMI it myself. Lots of space, but showing its age.
Check-Out
Odd—some days 12 PM, some 10 AM. Double-check. Checkout bonus: elevators died, so we carried all our luggage down the stairs—because why not end with leg day? After a long hike, lol.