Big Bear Lodge

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, 5-minute walk to Lake Huron

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Big Bear Lodge

Front of property - evening/night
Property amenity
Porch
Family Apartment, Kitchenette, Lake View | Private kitchen | Fridge, coffee/tea maker, freezer
Fireplace

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
2052 US Highway 23 S., Alpena, MI, 49707
  • Place, Starlite Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Lee's Miniature Golf
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, Partial Lake View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(32 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Family Apartment, Kitchenette, Lake View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 614 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Bed

Junior Apartment, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Lake View

  • 495 sq ft
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave, Lake View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(36 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Alpena

Big Bear Lodge places you next to Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park and within a 5-minute walk of Starlite Beach. This 20-room motel has in-room conveniences like refrigerators, coffee makers, and TVs.

What's nearby

  • Thunder Bowl Lanes - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Starlite Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Lee's Miniature Golf - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Northern Lights Arena - 7 min drive - 3.4 miles

Getting around

  • Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pompeyo’s Mexican Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Big Bear Lodge

Motel with free parking, 5-minute walk to Lake Huron
Guests staying at Big Bear Lodge enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and barbecue grills. If you decide to drive, there's free parking. The front desk has multilingual staff that can answer questions about the accommodations, services, and more. Additional amenities include a picnic area and a garden.
TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Playground

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Individual decor
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-10 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Big Bear Lodge Alpena
Big Bear Alpena
Big Bear Lodge Motel
Big Bear Lodge Alpena
Big Bear Lodge Motel Alpena

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Big Bear Lodge?

Big Bear Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see near Big Bear Lodge?

Located steps from Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park, this motel is in Alpena, and within a 10-minute walk of Lake Huron and Starlite Beach. You'll also find Thunder Bowl Lanes and Lee's Miniature Golf less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Big Bear Lodge?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Big Bear Lodge have a casino at the property?

No, Big Bear Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Big Bear Lodge?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about Big Bear Lodge?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a terrace plus some guestrooms include kitchenettes and partial lake views.

Are there hot tubs at Big Bear Lodge?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Big Bear Lodge have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Big Bear Lodge doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Big Bear Lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Big Bear Lodge.

Are there connecting rooms at Big Bear Lodge?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Big Bear Lodge?

The closest major airport to Big Bear Lodge is Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional), which is 7.6 mi away (14 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Big Bear Lodge?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Big Bear Lodge.

Reviews

Big Bear Lodge Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 387 out of 658 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 187 out of 658 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 62 out of 658 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 658 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 658 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Diana

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The property owners are extremely nice and welcoming. There's plenty to do in the area and the area generally felt safe. However, the room was not clean and filled with dust and spiders everywhere. We killed over 15 spiders during our 2 night stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heath

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place exceeded my expectations- it was such a cute mom/pop spot. The fridge and microwave both worked great, good selection of channels on the tv. The room was a little on the small side but very clean. My kids were a little bummed the playground was disassembled but they had the beach and park right across the road to make up for it!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Place was very cute and clean. It is not a new place and travelers with high expectations need to pass but the beauty of this place is its 70’s charm and owners!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This adorable mom&pop operation was a really lovely place to stay. It reminded me of the trips my family used to take in the 1970's and 1980's. The beds were very comfortable and the little kitchenette had everything we needed. Clean and cozy and cute as can be.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I just loved it there it was clean , nicely decorated , up to date but stll the look of a mom & pop's hotel also loved the walk across to the beach even when is under renovation.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This charming “Mom & Pop” motel is older but well maintained and very clean. Our room was small with 2 double beds. Very friendly greeting and efficient check in. Parked right by our door, had an actual key for the room. Air conditioner worked well, lots of towels. Walked to the restaurant next door. Excellent dinner with view of Lake Huron.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Debra

Business traveler
They really need to fix the entry door bottom seal, it’s broken and let’s all the spiders in
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely mom and pop place.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

PAULA

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice quaint Mom & Pop owned property. Enjoyed my stay. Convenient to town and nice view of Lake Huron.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The managers were accommodating and friendly. Rooms are quaint.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The couple in the office was so friendly that I feel bad leaving a sub par review… The room is soooo tight. My husband and I had a hard time navigating around each other. Can’t imagine 4 people sharing this room, Furnishings are “meh.” The closet is sort of scary. I wouldn’t sleep next to it. Shower is spacious but there was hair on the wall - not mine. Underside of the toilet seat was not clean. Bathroom floor not clean. Bathroom door has some damage at the bottom that needs to be attended to as well. The exterior door threshold needs to be repaired. AC unit had to run constantly to keep the room cool and the fan would not run on a low speed so it was noisy. At least I couldn’t get it to go at a lower speed. I’m very surprised that this little hotel’s score was a 90 - “wonderful.” I’m thinking 75. Bugs need to be cleaned away from the exterior light fixtures to make the room more welcoming from the outside. Water pressure was good in the shower but there is nowhere to set anything down by the sink. Again, I can’t imagine 4 people sharing this room and bathroom. On a positive note, grounds were quiet. Looking forward to seeing a few lighthouses.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shiu

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quaint place with modern amenities. Mom-and-pop motel, locally owned, and well maintained. Owners and managers pay attention to every detail of the property, inside the rooms and outside. Very pleasant experience. Will definitely visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Cute mom & pop motel. Great location to beach, restaurants. Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a enjoyable stay. It was comfortable except for I struggled keeping the A/C regulated. My wife and I would stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed Staff were helpful Quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lake was right across the street...walkable to several different good resturants
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Olivia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property was quiet, quaint, and close to town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly owners. Beach was just across the street.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025