My Review of Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

Down the winding roads of the San Bernardino mountains is Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa! The only lakefront resort in the charming pine tree filled town. Since it’s summer I tend to go for places like Malibu but this time around I thought, let me spend it on a lake. I booked this trip super last minute and surprisingly, it was a fun staycation not far from home (Culver City).

Where is Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead is only a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles and a total of 83 miles away. However, for an exact ETA just click here to see how far it is from you. It’s a great weekend trip from LA if you’re short on time and want to get away to a more secluded area.

Also, just BEWARE of the narrow winding roads because after speaking to some locals, many cars speed through the roads and end up falling off the cliff. Drive carefully and enjoy the views!

What is There to Do in Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa?

The activities in the resort are many and I am not exaggerating. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for every age group. I will start off by saying that they have put a lot of thought into their amenities and activities. What’s nice about this resort is that many of the activities are included in the nightly rate!

Below is a list of WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR RATE:

1. Movie night in the theater starting at 6pm (snacks available for purchase)
2. Family Game Room with plenty of games for everyone
3. Group HIIT class with a trainer (ask front desk to sign you up)
4. Scavenger hunt for kids
5. Pool
6. Private lake access
7. For a full and complete list click here

What is NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR RATE:

1. S’mores kit $30 or BYO supplies
2. Outdoor activities
   – 45 minute kayaking $75-$95
   – 50 minute boat excursions $235-$259
   – Fishing starter kit $45
3. 50 minute Massages range from $160-$180 | Complete list here

I took advantage of the private lake access which made a difference then going to the public entrance because you can go from your room to the lake and then to the pool. It’s so nice to not have to fight for a spot but rather have a side of a lake all to yourself.

Rooms & Suites | Discount Offers

The rooms and suites will meet your basic needs but they’re not luxurious at all. If Luxury is what you’re opting for then maybe an AirBnB will do the job. The rooms are equipped with everything you will need, for example, a mini fridge, desk, love seat and a bed. I will say that the bed is extremely comfortable though as well as the pillows. The bathroom has more towels than you need which I really liked.

I stayed in the ‘Lakeside Guest Room with a Balcony’. It was descent and had everything I needed. The price per night for each room is $200-$260 depending on the room you book. In addition to the nightly rate, you will be charged a $35 resort fee at the end of your stay. If you have a dog you don’t want to leave behind, pets are $150 extra no matter the length of the stay. However, they must be 50 lbs max and only 2 pets per room.

If you are a government employee, teacher or a service member then you get special discounts! As well as if you are a AAA/AARP member then you can be a part of the offers. For all offers and discounts click here!

Restaurants & Cafe’s in the Resort

If there’s one thing I have to encourage you to do in my review of the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is to eat at their restaurant Bin 189! The food is delicious and there are so many options. I ordered the Alpine breakfast and it was very tasty, especially their potatoes! My sister ordered the waffles and they were good, but a little too sweet for my liking. For the complete menu click here!

They also have a cafe, Aromas Coffee Shop which carries latte’s drip coffee, tea, etc. It’s at the entrance of the hotel once you enter the lobby to the right hand side. But if you’re poolside or on the lake then head to the pool bar and buy all of your snacks, meals and drinks there! It’s in the pool area next to the gate that leads to the lake.

I recommend making reserving a table on weekends. Reservations can be made here! For everything else related to their restaurant and cafe click here!

Who Would Benefit from Staying at this Resort?

Although it’s not specified in the description that it’s catered for families, it is 100% catered to for families. I would come back with my family or suggest this resort to friends who have kids. The pool is filled with kids and the private lake access usually very loud and not quiet and peaceful. If you are looking for a resort that has everything and you don’t need to worry about activities, restaurants, lake access and more then book your stay.

However, if you’d like something more quiet and more adult friendly then I would suggest booking an AirBnB. The upside would be that it’s quiet but you wouldn’t have a pool or restaurant on site. You would also have to book activities on your own. There’s pros and cons to both options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Short answer is yes, it is worth it for the price for everything you have on site. I think if you’re looking for a quick trip that’s not going to require going abroad and is close to LA then Lake Arrowhead is ideal. It’s not popular like Yosemite or Coronado Island but still a picturesque getaway!

I would go during the week to avoid a crowded lake or pool. Overall this is great destination to check out if you’re traveling with kids given all there is to do. Not necessarily a trip for couples or a girl’s trip, but it could work if you’re not particular. Lastly, the staff was really kind and attentive. Eager to help and offered me water when they saw me exhausted from the heat. Check it out on youtube here!

FAQ Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

1. What time is check in and check out?
   – Check in 4pm | Checkout 11am
2. When is the best time to visit?
   – Weekdays in the Spring & Summertime to take a dip in the Lake
3. Are there any hidden fees?
   – $35 Nightly resort fee
4. How long should I stay for?
   – 3 nights if possible to enjoy all the activities and relax