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Black Bear Inn Bed and Breakfast Review

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Black Bear Inn Bed and Breakfast

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 5.0/5

Fodor's Review:

South Lake Tahoe's most luxurious inn feels like one of the grand old lodges of the Adirondacks. Its great room has rough-hewn beams, plank floors, cathedral ceilings, Persian rugs, and even an elk's head over the giant river-rock fireplace. Built in the 1990s with meticulous attention to detail, the five inn rooms and three cabins feature 19th-century American antiques, fine art, and fireplaces; cabins also have kitchenettes. Never intrusive, the affable innkeepers provide a sumptuous breakfast in the morning and wine and cheese in the afternoon. Pros: Intimate, within walking distance of several good restaurants, massive stone fireplace in great room. Cons: Not appropriate for children under 16, pricey.

  • Hotel Details: 5 rooms, 3 cabins
  • In-room: kitchen (some), DVD, Wi-Fi.
  • In-hotel: Wi-Fi hotspot, no-smoking rooms, no kids under 16.
  • Rate includes: Full breakfast
  • Credit Cards: AE, D, MC, V
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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by BanksTX from Athens TX on 10/6/08
We stayed at Black Bear Inn in August 2008. From the moment we arrived until our too-soon departure, all was exactly as we had hoped. The breakfast each morning was not only to-die-for but also picture perfect too! And the wine and hors d'oeuvres gathering in the afternoon was a wonderful way to end the day in beautiful Lake Tahoe. The restaurant recommendations for dinner each night (we chose Cafe Fiore', Mirabelle and Evan's) were all 5-star, each different in atmosphere but all delightful and delicious. The location of the Inn is convenient to many activities, a short walk or drive, but is in a secluded area away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets. We stayed in one of the cabins and felt like we were in our own private antique-furnished cabin in the woods. We also toured the rooms in the lodge which were equally tranquil and beautifully furnished. Jerry, Kevin and their staff strive to make their guests feel at home and they truly succeed. We will definitely visit Black Bear Inn again...and again...and again.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by HavKidsWillTravel from Cincinnati, OH on 9/22/08
We stayed at the Black Bear Inn in last weekend and I can say, without a doubt, this was one of the most wonderful experiences we've had while travelling. Jerry and Kevin, the innkeepers, have created a beautiful oasis in South Lake Tahoe that, in my opinion, rivals some of the best hotels in this country. The Inn and rooms are furnished with beautiful antiques and everything was spotless. We stayed in the Fallen Leaf room which has a small balcony overlooking the beautifully manicured grounds. The bathroom was large & well equipped. The room had a large television and a DVD player - you can choose from what appears to be over 100 DVD's from their library to watch during your stay.
The evening wine & appetizer hour allowed us to meet the other guests each evening - we looked forward to returning to the Inn each evening simply for the company! It was like coming home to see family (ok, better than family) after a day of sight seeing. The breakfasts each morning are incredibly delicious - served on china with beautiful table linens. I highly recommend buying their cookbook as you will want to recreate these meals at home - they were THAT good.
The attention to detail at this Inn is top notch. Every detail has been thought of you and you are made to feel like you are a very special guest. You really do need to experience it first

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by baylorbetty from Dallas, TX on 7/19/08
I was looking for a cozy, tranquil get-away, and I certainly found it! Everything about this inn is impeccable. Whether I was sitting on the deck enjoying the beautiful grounds or curled up in a comfy leather chair enjoying a book, I couldn't have felt more peaceful and relaxed. Jerry and Kevin were wonderful and always helpful with recommendations. I'm still raving about the breakfasts I enjoyed there--simply out of this world!! I'm already planning my return; it was one of the best vacations ever!

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by tomftworth from Forto Worth on 7/11/08
We have stayed at the Black Bear Inn several times since discovering it in 2000. Each stay exceeds our expectations. The rooms (both the cabins and in the main lodge), the lodge, the food, the atmosphere all make your stay unforgettable. Your every need has been anticipated. Our most recent stay was to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We stayed in the Snowshoe Thompson cabin and had total privacy. We enjoyed the wine and cheese in the evening as it gave us a chance to meet the eclectic group of guests and compare adventures. Kevin and Jerry were most accommodating; from greeting us upon arrival to helping us locate the perfect restaurant for our anniversary dinner. We loved each breakfast so much I bought their cookbook. We look forward to our next visit to Tahoe and the Black Bear Inn.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by dallaspair from Dallas on 6/26/08
We’ve traveled the globe, and this is our favorite B&B anywhere. Hosts Jerry and Kevin provide a luxury setting and make you feel right at home. Part of the charm of staying at a B&B is feeling like you are staying in a home instead of a hotel, and this one is stunning. Lots of wood, stone, and western antiques. Each evening there is a wine and cheese happy hour, so fellow travelers can gather and compare notes on their day’s adventures. And their breakfasts are over the top. If you love good food and being pampered, we recommend the Black Bear Inn.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by dsiroky from Mesa,AZ. on 10/16/07
For two teachers, our October break was made totally perfect by the lovely stay we had at the Black Bear Inn. We were greeted by Jerry, whom I soon found to be very charming, and next we met Kevin, who showed us to our room, and both charmed us with their talents in the kitchen. After two lovely days and nights, we found ourselves totally relaxed, rested, and nurtured by the atmosphere at Black Bear Inn. The room was perfect with a comfortable bed and a fireplace and balcony and a huge bathroom. Each breakfast was out of this world, so much so that I bought 3 cookbooks! I longed for nothing as we relaxed and got acquainted with the other guests. The dining area is very conducive to a very warm conversation with others, or not! The stay was too short and we are already plannning another trip!

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by sldrp from Phoenix, AZ on 6/20/07
Perfect place for a romantic escape. Stayed in one of the finely detailed cabins, very comfortable beds, awesome breakfast, great service, and all around a very fine place to stay. Would definately recomend Black Bear Inn to anyone wanting to stay in a quiet place in South Lake Tahoe. Be sure to bring along a camera, the location is beautiful.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0
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