See all properties

Big Bear Lodge

2.0 star property
Enjoy the free WiFi at this Alpena motel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Big Bear Lodge

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

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
2052 US Highway 23 S., Alpena, MI, 49707
  • Thunder Bowl Lanes
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Starlite Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Apartment, Kitchenette, Lake View

Family Apartment, Kitchenette, Lake View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Apartment, Kitchenette, Lake View

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

View all photos for Junior Apartment, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Lake View

Junior Apartment, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Lake View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Apartment, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette, Lake View

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave, Lake View

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave, Lake View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, Partial Lake View

Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, Partial Lake View | 2 bedrooms, individually decorated, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

About the neighborhood

Alpena

Close to airport.You'll be steps from Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park and a 5-minute walk from Starlite Beach. Thunder Bowl Lanes and Lake Huron are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Motels in AlpenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Thunder Bowl Lanes - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Starlite Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Thunder Bay River Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Northern Lights Arena - 7 min drive - 3.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Austin Brothers Beer Co. - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Big Bear Lodge

Enjoy the free WiFi at this Alpena motel
As a guest of Big Bear Lodge, you'll find a terrace, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff. WiFi is free in public spaces. Big Bear Lodge also features a garden and a picnic area. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Alpena motel.

  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Big Bear Lodge offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Cable television is provided.

Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. This Alpena motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Similar properties

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Bathroom | Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
4.0 out of 5, Very Good, 1,006 reviews
$93 nightly
The price is $105
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Playground

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, and Union Pay. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

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

How close is Big Bear Lodge to the airport?

Big Bear Lodge is 7.6 mi (14-min drive) away from the Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Big Bear Lodge?

As of Jul 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Big Bear Lodge on Jul 27, 2025 start from $120.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Big Bear Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Big Bear Lodge.

How close is Big Bear Lodge to the beach?

This motel is a short 4-minute walk from Starlite Beach and 0.8 mi (1-min drive) from Thomson Park. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Big Bear Lodge offer free breakfast?

Big Bear Lodge does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Big Bear Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Big Bear Lodge?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

Is there free parking at Big Bear Lodge?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Big Bear Lodge have a pool?

Big Bear Lodge does not have a pool.

Does Big Bear Lodge have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Big Bear Lodge to downtown Alpena?

Big Bear Lodge is 1.3 mi away from Alpena.

Big Bear Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 360 out of 616 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 177 out of 616 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 616 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 616 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 616 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Donald, Rainbow

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel staff is friendly and the motel is clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Will stay here again. Not sure what the he area might be like at summers peak, but quiet in late spring
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Place to Stay

Great place to stay. Warm hospitality from the owners along with a nice experience with the overall quality and stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

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

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice

Very nice place! The beds are super comfy. Probably one of the best hotel beds ive slept on in my travels
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

chayna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stay here if you need a place to stay 😁
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice roadside motel, Alpena MI

Nice older motel that room had been renovated. Across street from Lake Huron and park.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

April

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older but clean; we stayed here for the night that we were in Alpena. It was during winter; very pleased that the room temperature wasn't freezing cold when we checked in. Parking lot and walk ways were cleared, salted not slippery. We'd definitely stay at this Ma&Pop lodge again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Logam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners are great.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Old Time Motel- Excellent!

If you need a fancy place with new everything- stay away- BUT if you like (or love in my case) small older motels stay here. Clean, showers great- new bed and excellent cable system. Stay away from the chain hotels and give this place a try!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Douglas

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Do not stay here

When i booked the room i had listed we were traveling with animals. The hotels website says nothing about no pets. AFTER I booked 2 non refundable rooms about an hour later i got a message from the hotel on the hotels.com app saying no pets were allowed and no marijuana on the premises. Me and one of me fellow travelers both have United States registered service dogs and the man at the front desk was extreamly rude, was asking VERY inappropriate questions about my disability and was trying to turn us away. He then grilled us on weather we had marijuana on us or in our vehicle's. It was very uncomfortable. I tried to tell him that its against the law to ask me what my specific disability was and that he could only ask what services the dog performs and he was getting angry about it and argumentative. 10/10 would not recommend this place. Also when booking both rooms were listed as "lake view" there was 0 view of the lake from our rooms. It actually sits pretty far from the lake and has houses blocking almost everything. This hotel is shiesty and was pulling some wierd stuff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Not bad for the price

We had a very clean room. Bring your slippers because the floors are cold. Also the heater was noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean rooms. Facilities are old, but in very good condition. Bedding was clean, comfortable beds and pillows.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed, clean room and a great shower
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Eliza

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived late and property advised that due to water boiler leak the room heating was down. They would put a space heater in the room and leave it unlocked. When we arrived the heater must have tripped the circuit breaker because it was off as were most of the plugs in the room and lights in bedroom, closet, bathroom and lamp. No one returned calls or texts. We stayed in dark room and used our phone flashlights for bathroom, shaving, showering and getting dressed. I don’t think it’s overly safe to leave a room open with an unattended heater, or not have any way to reach the property or front desk after 10PM in case there is a serious issue. In the morning manager / owner was nice and certainly polite but not too worried about going to see the issues or finding a way to remedy the inconveniences.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Worth a visit

This place is very transparent. They claim the property is 70 years old. It being as old as it is it’s very nice. Shows some aspects of age but I enjoyed my stay. For the price I got what I paid for. If need I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Adam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Have never stayed anywhere that was so clean! Housekeeping gave us a room refresh on Saturday for our weekend stay. The room has a lot of character complete with original tile! Was an amazing location. Price for what you get is completely fair. We really enjoyed our stay. Thanks Big Bear we had a great time visiting Alpena!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cute retro hotel

Cute family owned hotel. It’s an old place that has been refurbished and retained retro style with modern conveniences (wifi, refrigerator, microwave).It’s well taken care of, clean, comfortable, and in good location. Proprietors were very friendly. My only recommendation for the owners is add some curtains to better block out light (this is a common hotel issue). I will definitely stay here again if in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lenny

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jon

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was probably built in the 60's and hasn't had anything done as far as improvements since. Don't know where it got its 9.0 rating, was very disappointing.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024