This is my second stay at Big Pines, having stayed here in 2012 also. First: room is GREAT!!! I find Big Pines rooms for the most part inviting and comfortable. Breakfast is still a dissapointment to me. No eggs, meats or any REAL breakfast.The Coffee ( both in-room &,in-lobby) is horrendous, weak, and tasteless. What happened there? Also, why remove all that beautiful Leather furniture from the lobby by the fireplace? That made the lobby inviting, now stuffed full of tables and chairs it feels more cluttered and claustrophobic. Plus, what' s with all the merchandise for sale like a flea market hanging over the breakfast area??? The lobby is WAY LESS inviting and tasteful in it' s layout than it was a year ago. PLEASE put back the leather furniture, that made it MUCH more inviting. Overall, the stay was fine, and I love how pet-friendly Big Pines is also, but some things have changed not for the best at this property. Time to start looking elsewhere. Plus, if Big Pines added a year- round hot tub, the property would be much more inviting I feel, but location is simply it' s biggest selling point, but not much else. The Green Tea Terra Pura bath products are also wonderful, but it's not enough. I would stay again though,, I am not as thrilled as I used to be with this place. Also: inadequate parking is a turn-off.

On January 3, 2013 at about 7:30 PM Hotel Security began frantically pounding on my door. I asked who it was they informed me it was Hotel Security and stated "let me in." I told them I was blind and I wanted to call the front desk to confirm it was security. They continued pounding and screaming "let me in, or I will enter with my key card." I called the front desk and they confirmed it was security. They also told me I must immediately let them in. At no time did anyone tell me why security was at my door. I went to the door and told security that I was not dressed and to please give me a minute to get dressed and I would let them in. Security then used their card and burst into the room. I stood there screaming at them to get out as I was not dressed. After about a minute or two they closed the door and said they were calling the police. I called the front desk in hysterics to let them know that security had just forced their way into my room even though they knew I was not clothed. I was informed that there was a report by another guest of domestic violence in my room. I informed them that this was not possible as my husband was across the street at the sporting goods store, and we could substantiate this by employees at the store. I then decided to call the police. When the officer showed up I learned that no one from the hotel had called the police, and that the hotel employees had actually violated the law. If they had suspected a domestic dispute they were to notify the police. Security forcing their way into a guests room is a civil violation, especially knowing that the guest was not clothed. I was absolutely terrified, and I would NEVER stay at this hotel again. By the way there is no chain or security bar to secure your door from invasion at this property.

We stayed here during a ski trip to Heavenly. It is about 200 yards from the Gondola & very close to McP's pub - a great apres ski! While the facility is defenitely 'old school' - they leave nothing unthought of - no room service, but a delivery menu from "Dining Inn". Makeup towelettes. GREAT HEAT - for the cold nights. Fridge, Microwave, coffee, breakfast of oatmeal, English Muffin, or yogurt. Down side - if you get a room with a 'shared door' between rooms, the walls are paper thin - ask for a room with no shared room.

Most importantly - my husband shattered his knee on our first day there - and they took great care of us - changing our room to a floor level, overlooking check out time, etc. The hispanic staff is more than accomodating. It is not a place for amenities, but if you are looking for great location and great service - this is your place!

Having read mixed reviews that emphasized largely the relative better price point for accommodations in the area, I was a bit concerned. However the experience was far better. First of all one cannot undervalue the location for skiing at heavenly valley village - once our car was parked we didn't have to move it again until we left as we could walk with skis and boots to the gondola, walk to restaurants, movies and casinos. The motel staff, contrary to what others have said, we're friendly, informative and business-like in a nice way. Also the continental breakfast was far better than expected with fresh made oatmeal, yogurt and granola and bagels. The room itself was standard and fine given the rate we paid.