A Viking-Impressed Lodge on Massive Bear Lake Will get a Stylish Replace

Massive Bear made the information for its record-breaking snow this winter, and whereas the mountain city has lengthy been a favourite and easy-to-hit weekend vacation spot for Angelenos and Southern California residents, lodging haven’t precisely leaned design-forward. However due to Casetta Group — the boutique lodge administration model behind Casa Cody in Palm Springs and soon-to-be-opened Resort Lucile in Silver Lake — there’s a brand new place to remain that’s each cozy and fashionable, a contemporary mountain retreat for vacationers who admire additional touches.

Historic properties and buildings with a narrative are Casetta’s forte, so it made sense that the Viking-inspired lakefront lodge, initially designed by architect John Woods, caught their eye. Welcoming friends since 1968, the now-reimagined Marina Riviera nods to the constructing’s mid-century bones however leans Scandinavian ski chalet stylish with a lightweight timber-clad exterior. Situated on the south shore of Massive Bear Lake, the whole property enjoys stellar views — whether or not you’re watching the dawn out of your balcony or night alpenglow alongside the water’s edge.

Boutique-Fashion Rooms and Cozy Cabins

Charming, high-touch interiors are a Casetta trademark, and the group has labored its signature magic throughout the 42 visitor rooms. Impressed by Massive Bear’s woodsy environment and the traditional ski lodge, design agency Electrical Bowery went with moody fall hues and pops of shade from layered linens (sure, they’re Parachute, and sure, you’ll want to take them residence), accent pillows and throw blankets. The classic flora and fauna-inspired artwork and comfy range fireplaces play properly towards all of the pure woods and stone. 

Premier kings with fireplaces are on the third ground, whereas customary kings and ADA queens are on the second. The primary ground homes double queens and “third-wheel” rooms — good for mates or small households, as they’ve a queen mattress and twin bunk. Eco-minded facilities embrace tree-free PlantPaper bathroom paper, certified-organic MoonCloth Designs tub merchandise and beautiful Finery kimono robes, which can be found to buy from the entrance desk or the net Casetta store. Though there may not be any in-room coffee-making facilities, the 24-hour concierge group can whip up a number of sizzling drinks, together with cappuccinos and sizzling candies.
For just a little extra privateness — and since typically a weekend getaway within the mountains feels extra acceptable when spent in a tiny residence — the lodge has six cabins throughout Massive Bear Boulevard. Designed by Hausman Inventive, the residential-style layouts comprise two bedrooms, one rest room and a full kitchen geared up with all the things wanted to whip up a multi-course meal or the necessities. There are separate residing rooms with fireplaces and a few fairly comfy-looking couches. Unbiased vacationers who admire extra space — but in addition like quick access to lodge facilities and concierge service, each only a textual content or quick stroll away — will probably be very comfortable spending a weekend or longer in one in all them. 

Eating Choices Are Coming

Not solely does Marina Riviera sit on a chunk of prime lakefront actual property, nevertheless it’s additionally inside a five-minute stroll of The Village at Massive Bear Lake, which suggests there’s no must drive when you wrap up mountain climbing, snowboarding (in the course of the season, a complimentary shuttle runs friends to the slopes at Massive Bear Mountain Resort) or sightseeing for the day. With the lodge’s foyer (friends at present examine in downstairs at Room 201), bar and restaurant nonetheless to come back, The Village has a number of nice choices for consuming out. Standouts embrace island-style Tropicali, lately voted the number-one poke spot in America and number-one restaurant in California by Yelp, and the informal counter-serve Café Crêpe. For wonderful Italian, La Pergola Trattoria is open nightly for dinner and for brunch on weekends. To fill up snacks and sundries, cease by the Bear Cabinets Market.

There are sufficient out of doors actions — mountain climbing, climbing, lake-swimming, and so on. — to fill all of the weekends between now and Labor Day. And when the nights quiet down, anticipate to slip into your gown and crack a can of Nomadic wine beside the fireplace with a sport of Scrabble (ask the entrance desk about borrowing board video games). These lakefront views will probably be arduous to beat.