One of the first things that stood out was the long list of DOs and DON'Ts on signs and in the paperwork... I suspect they get their share of party people who need a reminder of the rules. There's a small outdoor pool aside the parking lot (we didn't swim there though). To use the beach they give you a private beach pass (the beach is private and the passes used by many motels) and it's a fairly quick walk (5 min drive) to get there. The motel's breakfast area is small and fills up very fast on the weekend. The buffet was basic but adequate. Overall decent value.

We spent 5 days here just last month. I found this motel via the internet and it sounded pretty nice. We were not disappointed. The room was larger than several other places we have stayed, and the housekeeping was first rate. This motel must be doing something right; it was either full or very close to that each night we were there! And yet, it was amazingly quiet at night. There is a nice deck with tables, chairs and umbrellas - perfect for playing our continuous domino tournament and just enjoying the sunshine.

The only drawbacks are:
The 'breakfast; - it was really poor; after the first morning we fended for ourselves!
The towels - often VERY thin and stained, which we sure didn't expect!

All in all, the Big Pines is a nice place to stay, within walking distance of the shops, casinos, and private beach. Too bad the 'war zone', as we call it, is right across the street, but that is no fault of the motel. I guess it will be there forever, since the developers/backers have reportedly gone bankrupt.

We plan to stay at Big Pines again next summer on our annual sojourn to Tahoe.

Great experience from check in to leaving, clean room, friendly staff. The uncommon extra mile effort was when Nicole assisted me to take care of an important, time sensitive business matter which required the use of the office computer and fax. I inquired where i might find a Kinko's and without hesitation Nicole offered her technology resources. This took place after i had already checked out! From time to time people need a helping hand but in my experience it is uncommon to find folks who will offer it. Big Pines Mountain House is the exception, thank you for a wonderful stay!

We stayed at The Big Pines Mountain House for 3 nights in August to get away from the heat in the valley. Our room #131 had 2 queen beds and was of adequate size. The room had a microwave, a refrigerator, a safe an iron and ironing board and coffee maker. The sink was outside the bathroom which is always a plus. The beds were fine with plenty of pillows. We were on the first floor and as this is an old building the floor above squeaked every time a footstep was taken in the room above as it did from the hallways. The walls are very thin and every plumbing noise made in rooms above or adjacent was very loud. The pool was supposedly heated but even on the very warm days we were there the water was very cold.The beach which is shared with several motels is 5 blocks away and is very nice with rental equipment and food. The continental breakfast was very poor . The oatmeal cooked in a crockpot was terrible. There was no bread for toast,only bagels with no cream cheese and some granola. If you go the price is good, but stay on the top floor,plan breakfast out and go in the pool if you are a polar bear.