Getaway Escape House in Big Bear

We have used the Cabins located in the Big Bear area a couple of times now, and the main reason we returned was the location. However, there is significant room for improvement when compared to other 'log-hut' and 'cabin' experiences we've had across the California coast, Oregon, and Washington. I want to be upfront — I am being critical here because Postcard Cabin (formerly Getaway Cabins) charges premium prices, and if you want to compete in that segment, you must deliver a premium experience. The bathrooms are unnecessarily cramped. A simple curtain and raised platform would save space compared to the bulky glass door currently installed. The water heater desperately needs an upgrade — running out of hot water after six minutes is unacceptable. Look at what competitors are offering. The heating system in the rooms is also extremely sensitive, making it hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. We ended up cracking a window open overnight — in the middle of winter — just to balance it out. Lastly, the platform beds urgently need better ergonomics. Without a mattress holder (even a simple 2x4 at the foot of the bed), the mattress slides down the glossy wood surface overnight, causing the pillows to sink into the platform. It’s a basic fix that would greatly improve the comfort level. In short, the location is great, but at these price points, the cabins themselves should be much better thought out.

Pros: Cabins are generally as advertised, clean and customer service in top notch. Customer service is responsive and even accommodated a request for our friends to have cabins near one another. There is not much to do within the venue but that was my goal. Cons: The only reason I am not giving 4 or 5 stars for this experience is that (1) the heater at the "Esther" room was not operating during my stay in mid-March when it was snowing and raining and (2) the dog treat was not provided. For about $500 for two nights on a Sunday - Tuesday in the off season, this is a luxury for a lot of people. It was about 30 degrees at night and there was a small back up heater that we used. I had to also borrow blankets and drink whiskey to stay warm. We could not use the shower since it was so cold at night. They offered to move us to another cabin but that was not practical at 9 pm without nights and a modest blizzard outside. Running Springs is prone to temperamental weather so Post Cabins is responsible for providing habitable units as advertised. They did offer a $75 refunds which was a nice gesture but insufficient given the extreme circumstances. If you plan to go, make sure the HVAC system is working. Hope this review helps others. There are comparable options nearby for a fraction of the price. It seems this venue is becoming more and more corporate for better or for worse.

Stayed here for 2 nights with my dog and a friend. Upon arrival, there was a weird odor in the cabin. It smelled kind of old/musty, which may be the plumbing. Anyway, the beds were pretty comfy, but the pillows were not. It kept getting flat and was straining my neck. It was enough space for 2 people. My biggest complaint though was the shower water doesn’t stay warm for very long. I ended up taking a cold shower. Overall, I don’t think this was really worth it for the price. this is the last time I fall for an Instagram-y place that really wasn’t all that great. Also, we didn’t get to use the firepit due to the weather, but charging $7 for a s’mores kit is crazy. They should at least include that for what we pay already.

Completely unprofessional and irresponsible. We arrived a bit late for check-in, only to find that our assigned cabin had already been given to someone else. We got this notice after check-in time. This led to an unnecessary and uncomfortable conflict with the guests occupying what was supposed to be our unit. On top of that, we were charged twice. When we asked for an explanation, they didn’t apologize — just refunded the extra charge as if nothing had happened. It honestly feels like they run the place with a “try and get away with it” mindset, hoping people won’t notice overcharges. To make things even worse, the inside of the cabin was disgusting. Dog hair was everywhere, on the floor, the furniture — even in the bedding. It made us seriously question whether the sheets were even washed between guests. Completely unacceptable level of cleanliness. This place is a mess — untrustworthy, dirty, and absolutely not worth your money.

This was a nearly perfect experience save for one minor, yet jarring issue at the end! Getting there was easy, all the cabins are not too far off a main road. Each cabin comes with its own unique name and parking spot. They are all adequately spaced out so privacy is not a concern. We found the cabin to be very tidy and clean, with well laid out instructions and tips for various things inside. The environment has suitable space for 2 so more than that would be a tight squeeze. Though the kitchen and bathroom are on the small size, they come equipped with many items such as bowls, utensils, soap, towels, and a heater. However, it would have been nice to see a hair dryer be made available. The extra cost for the campfire made for a more fun experience, especially if you spring for a cabin with a better view. The wood provided is said to last a few hours and ours lasted about as long, though you can purchase more for an added cost. Booking with a discount code definitely offers the best value. I happened to book via a Black Friday discount for 30% off, but they seem to always have codes floating around, especially through emails, so its best to get on their email list. As for what happened at the end? With a little over 30 minutes before the official check out time, housekeeping banged on our door while we were in the middle of getting dressed. We were literally yelling for them to not open the door and that we were still inside the cabin! I don't think this is a common occurrence, but it did happen so it left a bit of a stain on an otherwise great trip.