AMERICANS ARE HITTING THE ROAD IN RECORD NUMBERS

Posted by News Editor Jun 9

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AMERICANS ARE HITTING THE ROAD IN RECORD NUMBERS, MARKING A RETRO MOTEL COMEBACK AS TRAVELERS SEEK SPONTANEITY OVER STRESS

-Nature, Connection to the Landscape and Ease of Operation are Key Points-

Big Bear, CALIF. – The U.S. road trip returns as travelers steer clear of airports with a renewed appetite for nostalgia-driven escapes. Nestle up to nature, drive to your doorway, arrive and depart without a set schedule – these are the tenets marking a trend that seems destined to stick. According to the Hilton’s 2026 Trend Report, 71 percent of Americas are planning to drive on their next vacation, reshaping how Americans think about the journey and sparking a renewed love for the classic retro motel.

...........Clocking in at 6,752 feet above the Southern California sprawl, Big Bear offers the classic alpine escape memories are made of. Slow days fishing on the 22-mile freshwater lake, late night pool swims, pine-scented hikes … the real deal is delivered here. Add a host of vintage motels that have been thoughtfully retooled with a fresh traveler sensibility, and an escape to nature’s nest is just a drive away. www.BigBear.com.

RETRO MOTELS MAKING A COMEBACK

...........Mid-century motels are experiencing a major revival, transformed from neglected roadside stops into trendy boutique destinations. These "retro-cool" properties blend 1950s/60s nostalgia—neon signs, vintage design, car-to-door access and tactile over digital-only experiences. It’s nostalgia with a twist, and affordability as an add-on plus. The DNA of a classic motel feels more grounded, human and experiential, many set in neighborhoods where exploring is encouraged. Park it and go!

TOP PICKS IN BIG BEAR

The Burgundy Inn

...........If vintage is the call with a new retro spin, pull into the Burgundy Inn, a fresh 55-guestroom lodge recently retooled to flirt with one’s playful side. Originally built in 1896, the layout screams cut loose with some rooms appointed with hanging swings, vintage fixtures and faux fur throws. Noted as the ideal combination of alpine air, mid-century warmth and vintage soul, this is the stop for family fun on steroids. A mix of guestrooms, cabins, lofts and chalets round out the options. www.theburgundyinn.com.

Arkouda House & Arkouda Cabins

...........Debuting in summer 2026 with a wellness retreat bent, Arkouda House defines the Big Bear ethos with 20 design-forward guestrooms with a lifestyle-driven hospitality model. Originally built in 1960 as the Honey Bear Lodge, this modern alpine hotel is streamlined with natural materials that work well within the mountain environment. The multi-million-dollar transformation and the nine stand-alone Arkouda Cabins, opened in 2025 -- rumored to be a secret hideaway of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe -- mark a new direction for the destination. www.arkoudastays.com.

Noon Lodge

...........A local favorite and for good reason; maybe it’s the location, built on an inlet of Big Bear Lake with kayaks at the wait, or the hands-off appeal of a classic cabin rental not layered with check-in and turndown.  Built as Henry's Cottages in the early 1950s, Noon Lodge has a rich history and connection to the Big Bear valley. A stark mix of rustic charm and modern design mark the fresh units, with bright orange entries and key wraparound amenities including multiple firepits, lake access, seasonal pool, bocce court and three barbeques. This is a do-your-dishes-upon-checkout, tucked away in a quiet, all-Alpine residential area. www.noonlodge.com.

Fox N Bear Cottages

...........Nostalgia hits a high note at this property, originally built in the 1940s as a classic postwar mountain getaway. Twelve individually themed cottages dot the property with old-world fireplaces, kitchens, picnic areas and barbeques for the ultimate summer party. This is a classic example of the small roadside motel, offering car-to-door access, plenty of alfresco space for kids to tap off steam with eclectic furnishings and themed cottages such as Silver Fox and Kodiak Bear. Guest quarters have thoughtfully kept pace with modern times, making this a true gem along the lake. www.foxnbearcottages.com.

Colorado Lodge

...........From what was once housekeepers’ cabins in the early part of the century, the rural Colorado Lodge has been rediscovered and revamped as a six-cabin boutique retreat set on two acres of rugged pine forest. The current design-forward units are fresh, modern and somewhat surprising with Nordic-inspired design featuring Baltic Birch-lined walls, custom cabinetry, angular tile and large windows to catch the natural light. All are pet-friendly with select private hot tubs and exude a wave to early Big Bear culture. This is the stop for the reflective traveler seeking solace and serenity. Its excellent location, on a residential street between the Village and Snow Summit, also make it an ideal base for skiers. www.thecoloradolodge.com.

Fireside Lodge

...........A classic throwback originally built during the post-World War II roadside lodging boom, the Fireside Lodge offers a mix of budget-conscious suites, cabins, chalets and motel rooms in a multi-format mountain lodge vibe. Built in 1946 and renovated in 1996, this is one of Big Bear’s true mountain gems and the definition of retro. Visitors can expect the classic alfresco barbeque, seasonal outdoor pool and garden setting rich with wildlife. www.firesidelodge.net.

Hotel Marina Riviera

...........Set in a sleek Mid-Century Modern design, the 42-room lakefront lodge with six sister cabins debuted in 2025 as a thoughtfully restored boutique icon, preserving its Viking lodge-inspired architecture with vintage, nature-inspired art and mountain details. Directly on Big Bear Lake, the inn unfolds with firepits, a signature De La Nonna restaurant, family pool and cold plunge and barrel sauna with lakeside views. Guests can expect a simple escape, park-to-door access and refreshing attitude steeped in Big Bear style.  www.hotelmarinariviera.com.

BACKGROUND

...........Visit Big Bear welcomes nearly 7.5 million visitors annually who explore its 823,826 acres of national forests, 22-mile freshwater lake and unique alpine setting. Located two-hours from Los Angeles, the four-seasons destination sits at 6,752 ft. (2,058 meters) offering 300 average days of sunshine, a vibrant ski season with two resorts and 3,100+ unique lodgings from modest A-frames to lakefront resorts.  Located in San Bernardino County approximately 105 mi./ 169 km. northeast of the Los Angeles basin, Big Bear’s gateway airports include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana (SNA). Visit Big Bear is a nonprofit destination marketing organization designed to enhance the economic vitality of the community by increasing tourism revenue. For more information, go to www.bigbear.com.