Hi again,
we are still deciding where to stay for a White Christmas.
I am looking for a chateau / lodge which is modern and has a nice atmosphere, within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
We are not going to ski, more to look at the scenery and enjoy an open fire and good food etc
What sort of hotels / accommodation would you recommend?
We will be flying from Australia to LA.
Thanks in advance
Donna

The Lake Arrowhead Resort has recently been remodeled. It is adjacent to the Lake Arrowhead Village with its specialty stores, outlet shops and restaurants:

www.laresort.com
http://lakearrowheadvillage.com/

Big Bear has a nice little village shopping area. There are motels & cabins but not much in the way of lodges right in the downtown area. Try: www.northwoodsresort.com/, which is one of the newer properties downtown.

Of course, there is no guarantee of snow, but we were in Lake Arrowhead for New Year 2006 & 2007, and it was pretty white.

Thanks Lvk,
the Lake Arrowhead Resort sounds like a good place to stay.
The site for the Arrowhead Village was very helpful.
Thanks in advance
Donna

You are welcome, Donna. I just noticed your "good food" requirement. Unfortunately, Arrowhead and Big Bear are not known for excellence in dining, but there are some decent choices:

Bin 189 in the Resort was very good the last time we were there. The Mexican place in the Village is pretty good, too --great margaritas.

A short drive away from the Village:
My friends rave about Antler's Inn in Twin Peaks, but I haven't been there. It's supposed to have a very woodsy, romantic atmosphere.

The Cedar Glen Malt Shop makes great burgers. The Cottage is a very casual pizza/Italian food joint.