Sessions Retreat & Hotel is a dog-friendly boutique hotel in Big Bear Lake that sits minutes from the lake itself and the surrounding hiking trails that make this mountain town worth the drive. The property centers around art, wellness, and nature, with socially oriented spaces where you can actually meet other travelers and locals rather than hole up in your room. Dogs are welcome in select accommodations—the chalet, the club, and cabin 69—though the lodge rooms aren’t available for dogs, so make sure you request one of the dog-friendly options when you book.

The location works well if you’re planning to explore Big Bear Lake’s main attractions. You’re close enough to tackle the scenic trails around the lake itself, and the nearby town center has restaurants and shops worth wandering through between hikes. If you’re coming in summer, the lake offers obvious water activities, while fall and winter bring a completely different crowd and feel to the area.

What makes Sessions different from typical mountain hotels is the emphasis on community and wellness. There are actual gathering spaces where people congregate, not just a lobby you pass through. The art-focused angle means the design feels intentional rather than like standard hotel decor. This matters if you’re staying more than a night and want some variety in your surroundings.

Big Bear sits at elevation, so if you’re driving up from lower elevations, give yourself time to acclimate and keep your dog hydrated. The mountain air is crisp and clean, but it’s genuinely cold in winter even if you’re used to Southern California temperatures. The retreat’s focus on wellness means they take the experience seriously rather than just tolerating dogs as a checkbox item. If you’re looking for a mountain base camp with actual character and a place where your dog feels genuinely welcome, this works better than the typical highway chain hotel you’d find closer to the city.