| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 42 positive, 0 negative]
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| 11/01/09 |
Positive
|
| My husband and I along with 8 friends stayed in Big Bear Lodge a few weeks ago and could not have been happier with our stay. The house is wonderful and fully stocked. The locations close to the beach and the Indiana Dunes. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it. |
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Michelle, Chicago, IL |
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| 09/26/09 |
Positive
|
First of all this place is MUCH BIGGER than the pictures make it look! I planned a reunion weekend for 12 30-something girls from all over the Midwest and it worked out amazingly! We actually had a personal chef come in and cook for us and serve us at the huge dinner table and he had plenty of room in the spacious and well equiped kitchen! Plenty of pillows and blankets and all of us slept in a bed. Did I mention immenities and the huge screened in porch? FABULOUS!!!! Oh, and very, very clean... Thanks Big Bear for a wonderful weekend!
-Chicago BC Anniversary Reunion |
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Meegan, Chicago, IL
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| 07/28/09 |
Positive
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This home is clean and beautiful. Very large rooms...close to the beach...which reminds me of the ocean, not a lake at all! Wide sandy beaches and clear blue water were great! We borrowed the bikes and rode to the public Michigan City Marina Park. We will return again! Thank you Bob!
Mary Ann |
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Mary Ann, Canton, Ohio
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| 06/19/09 |
Positive
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About 2 months ago my sister called me to suggest a place for an impromptu family reunion. I suggested the Indiana Dunes as it was roughly a midpoint for all attendees. A search on VRBO brought me to the Big Bear Lodge. And am I glad it did. We found the house to be extremely comfortable and well appointed. We had from 8 to 12 adults as some came and went and never felt crowded or uncomfortable. Thank you Bob for making your fine house available. Be sure we will be taking you up on your offer again.
ps. My niece who lives in Chicago also rented a home in mich city the same week. She remarked that after seeing what we got for the same money that she will be calling Bob also should they be returning to mich city. I suggest that anyone interested in this place to get your money down early. You wont be disappointed. By the way, I only got back to Colorado on Sunday. Today, Friday, I received a check for my full security deposit. I'm calling Guinnes, it may be a record. |
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Dave OBrien, Fort Collins, CO
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|
| 01/06/09 |
Positive
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| Me and my friends spend New Years Eve at the Big Bear Lodge. We had a lot of fun!The house it's very spacious and looks better then the pictures! A lot of fun stuff to do, pool table, nice cozy fireplace. Would love to go there again! Thanks Bob :))) |
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Magda, Darien,IL |
|
| 11/25/08 |
Positive
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Four sisters rented this wonderful house for a long weekend. We had planned on eating out, but since we were having too much fun, we cooked most meals in; the kitchen is so spacious, the four of us weren't crowded! The dining room table was the perfect spot to play cards, games and just laugh for three days. As the temps dipped into the 30's the fireplace was the cherry on the sundae. We will be back.
The Kowal Sisters |
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Anonymous |
|
| 10/15/08 |
Positive
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What a wonderful place for a family reunion! From the beautiful beach to spacious comfort of the house, Big Bear Lodge was exactly what we wanted for our getaway. The large, open-area on the main floor was great for gathering before, during, and after meal-time (the fireplace is great!), while the front and back porches provided outdoor entertainment while we were away from the beach.
In addition, the vast assortment of bicycles were greatly enjoyed by all. |
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Steve B. & Family, Michigan City & Norfolk, VA
219-764-6187 |
|
| 09/18/08 |
Positive
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| This property is amazing! We took are whole family (9 of us) to this house and had a magnificent time. Very spacious...was not crowded. Would rent again...in fact the family has already said they would like to go here again. Great place...recommend highly. |
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Anonymous, Boonville IN
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| 06/25/08 |
Positive
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| We really enjoyed our long weekend at the lodge! It is a great value, very clean, and such a short distance to the lake! It was easy to get to nearby attractions (the Dunes etc.). We are already making plans for a stay next year! |
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Anonymous, Rocky River, Ohio |
|
| 05/13/08 |
Positive
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| Absolutely the best value for a 4 bedroom cabin located just a short walk (through a great neighborhood) from the beautiful beach along Lake Michigan. We just hung out in the great screened porch and by the fireplace after our walks to the beach and short drives to the casinos, restaurants, and shops. The whole family was impressed with the giant "snowflake" windows, gleaming hardwood floors, and unique curved wood stairs. Thanks for making our vacation so enjoyable and affordable. |
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Anonymous, Raleigh, NC |
|
| 03/31/08 |
Positive
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| We rented the cabin in March and it was so cozy and comfortable. The gas fireplace is wonderful. This is a great place to get away! |
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Patti, Beavercreek, OH
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|
| 01/16/08 |
Positive
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| We have stayed at Big Bear Lodge for the past three years for the Christmas holiday. It is a wonderfully warm and inviting place and our family always looks forward to coming back each Christmas. |
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Mary R, Alexandria, VA |
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| 12/26/07 |
Positive
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Our gang of late 50'ers travel during Thanksgiving to ease the stress of grown children having to count us in as part of the rounds of folks to visit on the holiday. Our journey this past Thanksgiving brought us to Big Bear Lodge and we can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was. Bob even offered his property to us a day early so we drove out before the holiday and spent an extra nite. The Lodge is beautiful and Bob is very prompt in answering all questions and providing answers to all questions we had. We definitely will consider renting again. Thank you from all of us - Hank, Pam, John, Loretta, Paul, Diane, Craig and Amee.
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Anonymous, Monroe, MI |
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| 12/05/07 |
Positive
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My girlfriends and I rented Big Bear Lodge for a fall weekend. We especially enjoyed the fireplace and took full advantage of it for 2 nights!
Having bikes on hand was great for those of us who wanted some exercise. For the rest it was total R&R in this great house. Although too cold for swimming we loved walking on the beach which was extremely easy (and close) to get to.
Great rental!!!! |
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Peggy Burns |
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| 07/31/07 |
Positive
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| Big Bear Lodge was one of my greatest vacations ever!!! Me and friends enjoyed spending nights in the screened in porch having cocktails, laughing and enjoying the great weather. The beach was very close and we took full advantage of it. The home comes equiped with anything you will ever need! We will definatly look forward to staying with Bob and Big Bear Lodge for many years to come!!! Thanks again Bob, You're great! |
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Paul Jerosimic, Park Ridge, IL
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| 07/20/07 |
Positive
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| 7/20/07 We just returned from a week long stay at this property. We had 12 total (6 adults, 6 kids). We had a GREAT time and the house was even better than expected. We loved the roomy kitchen and large dining area. We had perfect weather and enjoyed all of the extra's that were available like the bikes, darts, bean bags games, grills, and fire pit. The house was REALLY nice and the photo of the outside do not do it justice. We will definitely come back and rent from Bob again. If you go, make sure to go to Mt. Baldy for more beach/dune fun and have dinner at least once at the Duneland Inn. Bob was super to work with and answered my endless list of questions. The trip got an "A" from all parties involved! |
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Page Rohman, Normal, IL
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| 04/17/06 |
Positive
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After booking with Bob for a week this July for a family vacation I had to cancel. My son and his wife recently found out they were going to have another baby. My daughter in law was afraid she would not be able to make the trip. I e-mailed Bob regarding our cancelation, we did not need a house that large now that my son would not be going. Bob was so understanding and I received my deposit in full within 4 days! Thanks Bob for being so easy to work with! I hope to stay at your home next summer, with one more addition to my family!!
Sincerly,
Pat Martin & family |
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Pat Martin |
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| 02/21/06 |
Positive
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Thanks Bob, This is our third year staying at Big Bear and we find it a great place for our family retreat. With both children and adults we enjoyed sitting around the spacious table playing games, doing puzzels, eating and doing all kinds of activities. We enjoyed going to the movie theater, bowling, and shopping at the outlet mall. The well equipped kitchen and spacious living area made it perfect for our family. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious with plenty of blankets and towels.We hope to continue our yearly visits to Big Bear.
Janet and Gene Phillips, Carol and Tony Miller, Nick, Nathan and Bradley, Sandy and Don Holland and Lydia all say thanks again. |
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Janet Phillips, Goshen, Indiana
574 642-3943 |
|
| 07/28/05 |
Positive
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| We truly enjoyed our week at Big Bear Lodge. Didn't quite know what to expect, but the accommodations exceeded our expectations. We loved the porch out front to sit and relax, plus the well-equipped kitchen and awesome dining table was wonderful for serving meals great and small! The house was lovely -- the little extras, like leaving all the bikes for guests was most welcome, and Bob was very helpful in explaining the ropes to us. It was all so very user-friendly. Thanks, Bob, and we hope to make it up there again soon. |
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Dan & Pat Joyce |
|
| 06/18/05 |
Positive
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This house is an amazing rental. I have never seen
a house with so much. Bikes, beach chairs, board
games. I rented Bob's home for my friends and I to
stay after my bridal shower. We loved it. It is very
clean, modern and accomodating for large groups.
Bob is easy to deal with and deposit is returned
very quickly. We plan to rent again next summer for
a girls getaway weekend!!!! |
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LeeAnn, Chicago, IL
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| 04/21/05 |
Positive
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We also found this fabulous rental home on this very web-site! We planned a Spring break vacation in Michigan City to visit family living in the area. We weren't really looking forward to the temperatures typically found in March in lakefront Indiana...but boy were we surprised!! We actually had better weather and temperatures than Virginia! Bob is EXCELLENT to deal with:answering all questions in detail and provides great directions. The house is extraordinary! My family of 5 plus grandparents in their 80's were exceptionally pleased with the homey atmosphere. The floor plan of the house is open, inviting and relaxing; with screened porch, and multiple baths. The children especially enjoyed the close proximity to the lake, bikes, computer, and air hockey.
We've already made a file with all information for our next trip to Michigan City. |
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Chrissy Shelton, Ashland, Virginia
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|
| 02/25/05 |
Positive
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| Thanks Bob, for the rental. My parents, sister and her family, as well as my family of 5 enjoyed our second visit in your lovely home. Your log home is very accomodating for the 10 of us. We enjoyed cooking in the roomy kitchen and just hanging out in the great area. Thanks for the memories. |
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Carol Miller |
|
| 10/30/04 |
Positive
|
Our group had a wonderful 3 night stay at
Big Bear. This modern log cabin has a great
kitchen and comfortable beds in a cozy
atmosphere. We took advantage of the gas
fireplace and the enclosed porch and also
enjoyed the short walk to the beach. |
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Mary, Ottawa, IL |
|
| 10/07/04 |
Positive
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| A++ Big Bear Lodge was everything Bob promised and more. We had a wonderful time at his beautiful home. We will be doing business in the future. |
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Michael Murphy, Chicago, IL |
|
| 09/15/04 |
Positive
|
| Aug.14-28,2004 were extraordinary days for me and my family. The lovely and welcoming house, with books and DVDs made for much relaxation and entertainment for ages ranging from 6 to 71!Proximity to the gorgeous beach made it so easy to come and go. Can't wait for next year. |
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Anonymous |
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| 09/04/04 |
Positive
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Comment Text: We found this delightful rental for our extended family group of 11 (7 adults, 4 teens) right here on this internet site -- and it was a great vacation!! Bob was great to work with -- answering any and all questions we had ahead of time. The home more than met our expectations -- especially the thrill of stepping inside the front door the first time and seeing the large, lovely Great Room with curved staircase and petal windows. Welcoming and impressive. We enjoyed lazy mornings on the wide, deep front porch watching the low key happenings of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is very residential -- not on the lake -- but pleasant with mature trees and sunlight dappling through. We had absolutley NO BUGS all week. The 5 minute walk to the beach is easy and "Lake Shore Drive" along the lake front is great for biking and walking. Not much of a yard, but a garage with bikes and beach equipment that we used. Lovely screened in porch and open deck out back. We used both the gas grill and the fire place. Kitchen and dining areas are very generous -- easy for a large number of people in which to cook and eat. (Bring own bakeware.) Living area is open, spacious and lovely with the light, knotty pine walls. We pulled a few extra chairs in off the porch to add to the 2 couches already in the living room. TV/DVD with a great selection of DVD's to choose from. Fun to explore the low key tourism in the area, but the best times we had were on the beach, taking walks, going for ice cream at Oink's, and watching sunsets over the Lake.
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Jane Roeschley
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|
| 09/04/04 |
Positive
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We found this delightful rental for our extended family group of 11 right here on this internet site -- and it was a great vacation!! Bob was great to work with -- answering any and all questions we had ahead of time. The home more than met our expectations -- especially the thrill of stepping inside the front door the first time and seeing the roomy, lovely Great Room with curved staircase and petal windows! Welcoming and impressie. We enjoyed lazy mornings on the wide, deep front porch watching the low key happenings of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is very residential -- not a view of the lake or a "vacation home" feel to it -- but oh, so pleasant.
We had absolutley NO BUGS all week. The 5 minute walk to the beach is easy and "Lake Shore Drive" along the lake front is great for biking and walking. Not much of a yard, but a garage full of bikes and beach equipment which was very useful. Lovely screened in porch and open deck out back. We used both the gas grill and the fire place. Kitchen and dining areas are very generous -- easy for a large number of people to cook and eat. Bring own bakeware. Living area is open, spacious and lovely with the light, knotty pine walls. We pulled a few extra chairs in off the porch to add to the 2 couches already in the living room. TV/DVD with a great selection of DVD's to choose from. Fun to explore the low key tourism in the area, but the best times we had were on the beach, taking walks, going for ice cream at Oink's, and watching sunsets over the Lake. |
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Jane Roeschley, Graymont, IL
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|
| 01/15/04 |
Positive
|
| My husband and I and our 4 children, ages 10-15, stayed for weekend at Big Bear Lodge in Nov. 2003. We took a day trip to Chicago and went to a Notre Dame football game. The location of the lodge was perfect for both and the home itself was terrific, just beautiful. We all had a great time in spite of the drizzly weather. There were great choices for restaurants and the lakefront was beautiful. We did brave a walk in the rain and it was worth it. Our Day Trips were very manageable in either direction and we all enjoyed coming "home " to the Lodge which was spacious, clean and had every thing we possibly could need. Boys loved the dart game and there was plenty of room to spread out. Would love to see it in summer, but it was a great cozy fall/winter getaway. Thanks -- we had fun!!! |
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The Berrymans, Old Lyme, CT
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| 10/21/03 |
Positive
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| Based solely on website information, we rented the lodge for 1 week in August 2003. It was wonderful, and we have already recommended it to friends. All of the amenties were present and there was plenty of things to do with kids (aged 3 to 10)in surrounding areas. The beach, about a five minute walk away, is terrific. Also, Bob is great to deal with!! |
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Anonymous |
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Homeowner Response:
Thank you "anonymous" Your referral was appreciated, they said they loved it and stayed an extra day.
Bob
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| 09/25/03 |
Positive
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| I spent time at the big bear lodge in june of 2003...It was the best time ever. Thank you so much Bob, and i plan to try to organize another trip! |
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Ashley
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| 08/29/03 |
Positive
|
The week we spent at Big Bear Lodge in August, 2003 exceeded our expectations!
Everyone, from toddlers through grandparents, had a great time. We all love the beach and so enjoyed our many hours there!
Big Bear Lodge is so spacious, lovely, comfortable and well-equipped!
A good time was had by all!
Dick, Retta & Family |
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Dick Pitrak & Retta Rocks, Elmhurst, Il 60126
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| 08/16/03 |
Positive
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| Fantastic place to stay.........had all 6 of my children and 1 grandchild and we never felt crowded or inconvenienced.........beautiful, comfortable, relaxing but the best part was the Bob Gibson.........thoughtful, considerate, and caring.........you couldn't possibly feel more welcome anywhere except in your own home |
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Peter K. Vaslow, Bethesda, MD
301 951-3899 |
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| 08/09/03 |
Positive
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Bob and Kelley, You have a great home!
Everything about our week at Big Bear Lodge was
so wonderful and convenient. Your set-up is so
good and it worked so well for our family
gathering. I love your home. I plan on doing
this again as soon as we can do it. Th |
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carol mahoney, houston, texasB
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| 07/15/03 |
Positive
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The gang,(11) spent the week of 6/21
through 6/27 at Big Bear and had a glorious
time. Plenty to do and see and the home is
just terricif. Dealing with the owner, Bob
Gibson, was a pleasure and his timely and
thoughtful to our questions made our stay
that much more enjoyable. No doubt we'll
make a return visit. |
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pete pedersen, Niles, IL
847-854-1342 |
|
| 07/13/03 |
Positive
|
Bob and Kelley Just returned from Big Bear.It was WONDERFUL. We're
interested in a date for next summer. Let us know how soon we can reserve.Our
kids (ages 23-30) loved house-the bikes and garage were perfect forlittle
granddaughters;dartboard was much enjoyed;kitchen & big dining room table were a
hit; we had a campfire on patio last night--perfect ending to a perfect
vacation. |
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Steve, Barrington,Il |
|
Homeowner Response:
Glad you enjoyed it. We will start to accept reservations in November.
Thanks,Bob
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| 06/22/03 |
Positive
|
| Big Bear Lodge was awesome. Our group of 7 adults and 2 children were comfy and very pleased with the clean and convenient accomodations. Lots to do at the house and nearby. The 4-car garage is perfect for little ones for biking. We all used the bikes. The beach truly looks like you're at the ocean. We will definitely return. |
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Cindy Anderson, Xenia, OH
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| 05/20/03 |
Positive
|
| We just got back from there and had a great relaxing vacation. The house is really large and the layout is great for a large family or a couple smaller families. The beds were comfortable and all the linens were great. The trip to Chicago by train is easily done since South Shore Line has a stop right in Michigan City to catch the train for $7.00. From there you can stop off anywhere in the city. |
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Cari Snyder, Sioux Falls, SD
605-338-2999 |
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| 10/20/02 |
Positive
|
| We stayed at Big Bear Lodge in July 2002 and had a wonderful time! The house itself was beautiful, spacious and perfect for our needs. We loved the selection of books and movies available which were certainly an added bonus. More than anything we dearly appreciated the available bikes! Every morning a contingent of us would get up early (6am) for our daily ride to the coffee shop. We soon felt like "regulars" and enjoyed the light banter and conversation of those who have lived and/or vacationed there for years. Biking up and down along Lake Michigan and in and out of the neighborhoods was beautiful and tranquil. We also enjoyed the shopping in New Buffalo......all in all it was a great vacation. We couldn't have asked for anything better! |
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Darcy Dwyer, Tampa FL
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| 10/08/02 |
Positive
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| We stayed at Big Bear the end of August 2002. We had a wonderful time! The beach was beautiful and just a short walk away from the home. The home was spacious and well set up to accomodate the 8 adults and 2 toddlers that were in our group. We were pleased at the variety of games, bikes, golf clubs, etc. that were provided in the home. We spent many hours playing darts on the screened in porch, and enjoying the tranquility of the back yard. The house was located conveniently to many things to do and sites to see. What a great week we had. |
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Lynee Martens, Elkhart, IN |
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| 09/10/02 |
Positive
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Our family had the opportunity to stay at Big Bear Lodge in July of 2002. We have previously stayed in both New Buffalo and Union Pier and were familiar with the area but had never visited Long Beach before.
Our first impression of the cabin when we walked in the door was how spacious the home was. Comfortably decorated and suitable for ample guests, our visit was wonderful from beginning to end. The kitchen was furnished with multiple appliances as well as a washer and dryer unit. Our previous rental units weren’t as spacious nor did they have the laundry facilities.
Although the beaches in Union Pier are beautiful, my husband and I enjoyed viewing the beautiful residences as we walked along pristine Long Beach. We also appreciated the fact that bicycles and golf clubs were provided by the lodge which eliminated the need for us to pack extra equipment.
Our family plans to visit Big Bear Lodge again next summer for an extended stay. |
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Kathy, Lincolnshire, IL |
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| 08/09/02 |
Positive
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| It was better than advertised! |
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Nancy Kelley, Chicago,Il |
|
| 08/09/02 |
Positive
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| We had an excellent week, thank you! |
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Carrie
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