Casetta Hotels has reopened the Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake, Calif., following a comprehensive renovation. Originally built in 1968, the lakefront lodge has been restored and reimagined with a nod to its mid-century roots by Electric Bowery, a Los Angeles, Calif-based design studio. The lodge’s original Viking-inspired architecture now frames 42 warm, wood-accented guest rooms incorporating natural materials and layered textures, many of which feature uninterrupted lake views, according to Casetta, which operates a collection of boutique properties.
The opening of Hotel Marina Riviera is designed to signal the next chapter in Casetta’s evolution and reflects the brand’s ongoing mission to create inviting spaces that honor a building’s original spirit and architectural character.
“Hotel Marina Riviera has long been a cherished retreat in Big Bear and we’re honored to restore its legacy while introducing fresh experiences for modern travelers,” Raymond Landa, general manager of Hotel Marina Riviera, said in a statement. “This marks a meaningful expansion of Casetta’s presence in Southern California and a continuation of our brand’s mission to breathe new life into storied properties. Hotel Marina Riviera creates a place that feels nostalgic yet new—an all-season retreat that delivers steam, snow, and a room with a view—reflecting the soul of the mountains, the spirit of the Casetta brand and the year-round beauty of Big Bear from cozy ski weekends to sun-soaked summer lake escapes.”
Guest rooms are designed to evoke a sense of understated luxury through a warm, earthy palette of clay, terracotta, umber, brick and pine and grounded by natural oak. Deep forest-green walls envelop the space, offset by tactile accents like chunky knits, bespoke furnishings by local artisans and hand-finished woodwork in graphic plaid, according to the company. Meanwhile, in the lobby, custom millwork gives way to a fireplace lounge and analog record nook.
Now open inside the newly restored hotel is De La Nonna Big Bear. The cult-favorite pizzeria represents the region’s only true waterfront destination, according to the company, which further noted the restaurant blends après-ski ease with casual West Coast cool, framed by snowy peaks and golden-hour views.
The retreat’s wellness-forward amenities include a year-round heated pool, cold plunge, hot tub and barrel sauna offering a sensory journey, while sunset-facing fire pits set the scene for long conversations, according to the company. A private beach club will soon join the mix as part of an effort to create a vibrant new setting for lakeside lounging.