Alpena's friendly Mom & Pop Lodge where guests feel at home and become regular friends. Great value for the dollar and views of Thunder Bay-Lake Huron across the street. Clean and comfortable rooms, recent updates include new beds, new linens (blankets and comforters) and new floors. All rooms well equipped with coffee makers in room, refrigerators, microwaves and a flat screen tv.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
2052 US Highway 23 S, Alpena, MI 49707-4523
Big Bear Lodge
90 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I took my father, who is an avid rock collector, to Alpena to explore Rockport State Park. Going by reviews Big Bear Lodge seemed to be just what we were looking for.
Arriving we were welcomed by Louie and Hanlie the owners. Both are warm and friendly people who take pride in their establishment. When I informed them of the reason for visiting, Louie provided information about the quarry and both he and Hanlie offered a few suggestions on local eateries.
The room was exceptionally clean. Beds were on the soft side, but comfortable. I would recommend Big Bear Lodge to anyone looking for a clean room, a quiet nights sleep, and the knowledge you are doing business directly with the owners of the establishment.
My rating is the highest I can give and as I feel it should be, is based on comparative experiences and expectations of a business in this price range.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 24 Jan 2023
Thank you, we truly appreciate your kind words and our housekeepers are also encouraged when guests notice the efforts they had put in.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is such a cute vintage motel. We stayed in one of the junior suites, so we were able to cook dinner a few nights rather than go out for each meal. The beds were comfortable, although they were full sized (the room description says queen). It was perfect having the two bedrooms because my husband and I could continue to watch TV after my daughter went to sleep. We were also able to watch something other than SpongeBob while she was awake, lol. The towels were also nice. They were thicker and softer than normal hotel towels. My daughter enjoyed playing on the playground while I was cooking dinner. My only minor complaint is that I was having trouble with the WiFi going in and out at night, but that was only an issue due to my insomnia.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our basic queen-bed room was petite, as were the furnishings. The room was clean enough to recommend to your mom, with new wood floors. There was a playground in the back plus a city park, Lake Huron beach, and splash park across the street. Traffic on U.S.-23 in front of the motel isn't too busy during the week and is quiet at night. The hosts, Louie and Hanlie, were wonderful people and helpful in our questions about the community.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 15 Sept 2021
We appreciate your kind words and we are happy to hear that you enjoyed our great location in our sweet little city.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First off please know this isn't a 5 star hotel and shouldn't be looked at that way. However this hotel does offer 5 star hospitality. The owners are very nice and you can tell they take pride in their hotel from taking you to the room personally, clean rooms, and overall just nice people. I will definitely stay again when I'm in Alpena.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 15 Sept 2021
Thank you Nick, it is easy to be nice because we are blessed by the best guests we could ever hope for. It is our greatest pleasure to provide the cleanest comfortable and cozy rooms that we can .
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here on a weeknight while in the area site seeing. They seemed to be pretty much full. Couple at the counter were friendly. Reminded me of someplace you might see along a two lane highway back in the 60s. Lots of ornaments around the property including a large carved bear.
Room was very small, but clean and bed was comfortable.
My biggest concern was that the only lock on the door was the lock in the handle. No deadbolt or chain. Also, no curtains, just the blinds.
Nice change of pace from the cookie cutter chain hotels.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 15 Sept 2021
Thank you David, we are always pleased to hear that guests appreciate and enjoy our old style but clean and comfortable accommodations. We will take your other comments to heart in considering further improvements to the property.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We decided to stay here after reading the mostly good reviews. Well here's what happened. We stopped to pay and drop off our luggage because we had plans for the evening. We wanted to pay cash since we held the room with a card but was told that we couldn't do that. Not sure why? Next we went to our room by the over grown weeds in the planters outside our room. Went in the room and was overwhelmed by the strong scent of air freshener. Room was so old and out dated. It was moldy, floors were sticky, beds were creaky and uncomfortable. Bedskirt was stained with (possibly vomit)? Both of us saw live bugs on the floor, a beetle, spiders and something else. A large web. No dead bolts on doors. Shower stall was tiny. Dark musty towels thrown on the end of the bed for the bathroom. Nasty little sliver of soap to use. So disappointed in this place. Spend the extra money to go elsewhere. Even the office staff were very strange. Oh and at night expect the road in front of the lodge to have people drag racing, screeching tires ect.. keeping you awake.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Ā stay somewhere else
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 24 Jan 2023
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give us a review. We strive to provide cozy, clean and comfortable rooms to our guests. If you encounter any problems please always report to management when you are still present Do that they can take immediate action. We sure do not recognize our rooms in your description: We do not use air fresheners, we take v great care to prevent mold, musts, stains and insects. Even the two bars of soap are standard hotel room sizes. Yes, the building is old, but it has been remodeled and the furniture, fittings and amenities have been updated.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iām not a āmotelā kind of girl unless there is no choice, but have had excellent luck in the last few years finding quaint little motels when needed. The Big Bear Lodge is owned by a lovely couple who take your reservation right over the phone. Excellent location right on the main drag of Alpena, right across the street from Lake Huron. Clean and comfortable with some expected wear & tear. Homey decor - cute mint green mini fridge with freezer and microwave in the room.
The only things I missed are countertops in the bathroom to store my toiletries (very small sink) and the number of outlets that you find in modern hotels. (We always bring our own multi outlet extension plugs when we travel.)
All in all, a nice place for our one night passing through the area on our US 23 Historic Route Roadtrip!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from JACOBUS ENGELBRECHT, Innkeeper at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 13 Jun 2024
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We really love it when guests enjoy our clean and comfortable rooms on the beautiful sunrise shore of Lake Huron. It also inspires our great team of housekeepers to know their hard work is noticed.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The motel is owned by a lovely couple and they have turned this older strip motel into a quaint and cozy motel. The beds are comfortable and water is hot. It is across the street from a park and beach. There are lots of flowers. They were very accommodating as we had special parking needs. They also have a picnic area and kids playground. This is our second time at this location and we will return - the next time we are in Alpena.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a very cozy, cottage-like atmosphere. Great rate & amazing shower power. The husband/wife owners are the sweetest. They are knowledgeable about the area & escort you to your room. Be sure to watch for the Big Bear Lodge sign or you might drive past it. Small place, tucked away...full of uniqueness & character.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus E, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 29 Feb 2020
Thank you āBraunygirlā, we are so glad that you found us, we really do not try to hide away :-). But seriously, we are glad that you enjoyed our humble lodge and its authentic retro showers šæ, we sure enjoy meeting our guests.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a 2 bedroom jr suite for 2 nights. It was a nice clean suite, bathroom in each room with a full kitchen including all supplies needed. It was quiet and clean. Great little mom and pop place for sure. The owners were nice and helped asap when needed. Would reccomend this nice little motel for sure.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jacobus Engelbrecht, Owner at Big Bear Lodge
Responded 24 Jan 2023
Thank you serhanlulu, your recommendation is highly appreciated.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Alpena area.
PRICE RANGE
RMĀ 396 - RMĀ 440 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganAlpena
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
