/
8.4

380 reviews

Big Bear Lodge

Big Bear Lodge

2052 Us Highway 23 S, Alpena, 49707, Michigan, United States

Choose dates to view prices

Skiing

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Air conditioning

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Big Bear Lodge

Big Bear Lodge is a 2-star motel in Alpena, Michigan, United States, located about 1.3mi from the city center. The address is 2052 Us Highway 23 S. With 380 reviews and prices starting from $90 per night, this budget-friendly base invites travelers to explore the area.

Featured amenities include free WiFi, free private parking on site, air conditioning, a private entrance, terrace, lake view, garden view, and landmark view, plus a patio, kitchenware, kitchenette, garden, and non-smoking rooms with free toiletries. A playground, picnic area, and beach access round out the on-site options, and parking on site is free.

Amenities include skiing and a golf course (extra charges), offering options for active days, while tranquil lake and garden views provide relaxing evenings.

From Queen Rooms with Lake View to Junior Suites with Garden View and Apartments with Kitchenettes, the lodging lineup caters to different travel styles. Some layouts offer two beds—two twins or two doubles—while others feature a single queen bed. Kitchenware and kitchenette options appear in select units, and all accommodations are non-smoking with free toiletries.

Private entrances lead to terraces or patios with lake or garden views, perfect for a quiet start to the day or a relaxing end to the evening. On-site highlights include a playground, a picnic area, and beach access, plus free on-site parking. For those craving activity, skiing and access to a golf course are listed as options for an extra fee.

Cash is not accepted; accepted payment methods include Discover, Diners Club, American Express, JCB, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and UnionPay. This range helps travelers settle in smoothly and makes the stay a practical, budget-friendly base for exploring Alpena.

Closest airports

Alpena County Regional Airport

5.8mi

Most popular amenities

Skiing

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Air conditioning

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Patio

Kitchenware

Garden view

Kitchenette

Landmark view

Playground

Picnic area

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Rooms

Show 13 photos

Room - 2 Twin

2 Twin Beds

300 sqft

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

The spacious twin/double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Show 18 photos

Room - 2 Double, Partial Lake View

2 Double Beds

Refrigerator

More details

Show 13 photos

Standard Room

1 Double Bed

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Double or Twin Room with Shower in Big Bear Lodge

Show 31 photos

Room - 2 Double

2 Double Beds

300 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

Garden view

Private Bathroom

x4

+

x3

More details

Queen Room in Big Bear Lodge

Show 27 photos

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

225 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

Garden view

Private Bathroom

+

More details

Junior Suite with Garden View in Big Bear Lodge

Show 14 photos

Junior Suite, Garden View

2 Queen Size Beds

495 sqft

Lake view

Landmark view

Garden view

Private Bathroom

+

More details

Show 29 photos

Family Apartment, Lake View, Kitchenette

Kitchenette

More details

Show 9 photos

Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Queen Room, Lake View

1 Queen Size Bed

Refrigerator

More details

Junior Apartment, Lake View, Kitchenette

2 Queen Size Beds

Kitchenette

More details

Guest reviews

8.4

380 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Lucy

10

May 2025

Cute property, just right for a single person stay. Good location. Enjoyed the excellent restaurant next door. I also liked that I could park right outside my door. It was comfortable inside and had all the amenities. Nicely decorated. Cute outdoors too. Friendly staff.

My only complaint was that the heating (thermostat) seemed a little off. But that could be because it was radiator heating and the temps took a while to rise and fall. It certainly was warm enough on the chilly nights I stayed there in late April! But it was hard to get the heat to come down when I wanted it to; the thermostat didn’t seem to respond much when I turned it down, so it almost got a little too warm at times. Also - It didn’t feel entirely safe to walk much further than next door, but that’s not the fault of the hotel. I just wished the busy highway had a crosswalk in that location.

🇺🇸

Mad-traveler

9.1

June 2025

Well taken care of 1950's lodge (motel)...exceptionally clean!! Rooms were very small, but comfortable and had everything we needed! Great vintage looking mini fridge/freezer, microwave and best of all...a drip coffee maker! Great location, across from a very large city park with beaches on Lake Huron....as well as a great town center!

Room size was small, but not prohibitive for our needs!

🇺🇸

Anonymous

10

August 2025

The motel is about 70 years old, so it is like stepping into the past. Everything is kept very tidy and clean. We were booked for four night but an event I was in had to be extended. The property owner was able to make a last minute adjustment which I so appreciate! Price was very reasonable for the area and is right across from the beach.

🇺🇸

Joseph_ambrose

8.2

May 2025

This is a 70 year old brick motel on Lake Huron. We were attending a trade show and the show hotels were sold out. Next to Big Bear Lodge was a very nice restaurant with bar, a park was across the street, there was a childrens play ground, and you could look at Lake Huron write out the window. Building is old, but everything works.

There was not desk.

🇺🇸

Theodore

10

June 2024

Quaint and classic. Room was very clean and nicely appointed for a small mom and pop establishment. I was greeted warmly by the proprietors and had a very nice stay.

My only real concern and not really a complaint is there was only one lock on the door which was just a standard exterior keyed door knob. A secondary deadbolt would have been nice as well as a peep hole in the door. Otherwise I was completely happy with my stay and will book again when I come to the area.

🇺🇸

Mitchell

8.2

December 2024

The bed was comfortable, and the owners were very welcoming and accommodating. Restaurant next door was really great. Nothing fancy here.

The room was a little cramped, and the heat wasn't working due to boiler springing a leak, so a small electric heater was provided. However, it shorted out the elec. circuit sometime in the night. I woke up late for work in the dark.

🇺🇸

Mary

8.2

October 2023

This motel is probably not for everyone, but for those who like this type of stay, it's great! This is like a Sunrise Side Michigan version of hotels along Route 66. It's an old "mom and pop" hotel so you have to go realizing you are staying in rooms that are about 70 years old! It was VERY clean. The bed, although it looked like a double was a VERY comfortable queen. The location was good, and the poeple were DELIGHTFUL!!! There were no maintenance issues, everything worked as it should. And the price was very reasonable.

Again, this has to do with expectations. The room was very tight, and things were small. The bathroom was particularly tight and small. The shower head sent out a stream that was a bit "prickly" but it was lots of water, good water pressure and hot. And, the decor was old, of course!! No breakfast, (at least that we were aware of.)

🇺🇸

Anne

10

October 2023

The "mom and pop" owners were very nice, courteous, and thoughtful. You can see the personal care they put into each and every facet of the motel. They even planted milkweed in the garden boxes to attract and feed endangered butterflies. The building is a little older, but the rooms are super clean, smell great, have fresh paint and newer furnishings, and are aired out and cleaned daily. The shower was unique in that it was the most gentle "power washing" I've ever had, and it was AMAZING. They should sell those nozzles in the lobby, because I want one right now. I even left my pillow behind by accident, and the owner called me until he reached me to let me know so I could come back for it. This is not the first time I've done that, but this is the first time I successfully retrieved it.

I detest this economy that has forced them to raise their prices similar to the larger chain hotels in town. I feel that may put them at a disadvantage. However, I've stayed in those other hotels over the years, and my experience here was better than about 4 other larger hotels in town.

🇺🇸

Richard

9.1

August 2024

Very retro 50’s/60’s RT66 Mom & Pop kind of place, but right next to the Huron lake shore and all conveniences in Alpina. The proprietors were sweet and friendly, and our suite was very roomy for three. Excellent price for August high season!

Nothing really negative for us three senior guys who appreciate the “good old days” feel of the place.

🇺🇸

Kate

9.1

June 2024

I really enjoyed the cleanliness of the room, the way the owners shared why they came here and how they bought the property and how they felt “ at home.” It was pleasantly and conveniently located to all the attractions that we had planned to visit. The owners made us feel like we were part of their community. They truly make their guests feel at home. I would highly recommend this nice little place to anyone visiting Alpena.

Points of Interest Around Big Bear Lodge

Airports

Alpena County Regional Airport

5.8mi

Amenities of Big Bear Lodge

Skiing

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Air conditioning

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Patio

Kitchenware

Garden view

Kitchenette

Landmark view

Playground

Picnic area

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Stay rules - Big Bear Lodge

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Big Bear Lodge

Is there parking available at Big Bear Lodge?

Yes, Big Bear Lodge offers free private on-site parking, and no parking reservation is required.

How much does a stay at Big Bear Lodge cost?

At Big Bear Lodge, prices have a starting point of $90. It's essential to note that rates might adjust based on room choice and your stay dates. Input dates for accurate rate checks.

Which room categories can I book at Big Bear Lodge?

Big Bear Lodge offers a variety of rooms including Double or Twin Rooms with Shower accommodating up to 4 adults and 3 children with two double beds, Queen Rooms for 2 adults and 1 child with queen-size beds, and spacious Junior Suites with Garden View for 4 adults and 3 children with two queen-size beds. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms. Room sizes range from 226 sqft for Queen Rooms to 495 sqft for Junior Suites.

What are the main attractions at Big Bear Lodge?

Guests can spend their time at Big Bear Lodge enjoying a variety of leisure activities. They can take advantage of the skiing, golf course, and beach facilities offered by the hotel. For those seeking relaxation, the garden, terrace, and picnic area provide serene spots to unwind. The lake, landmark, and garden views enhance the overall experience. Guests can explore the surrounding area by taking a stroll through the private entrance or enjoy the fresh air on the patio. Additionally, the non-smoking rooms equipped with air conditioning ensure a comfortable stay. Whether guests choose to spend their time outdoors or indoors, Big Bear Lodge offers a range of amenities for a memorable and leisurely stay.

What methods of payment does Big Bear Lodge accept?

Big Bear Lodge accepts payment methods such as Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Visa, Maestro, and UnionPay. However, cash is not accepted for payment at Big Bear Lodge.