Seeing the big picture in a growing market
Turning a standard hotel into a special destination.
Big Bear is Southern California’s largest ski area. In the face of recent ski and snowboard industry growth, investment groups strategically acquired resorts around the country to maximize market share. The Big Bear area was redeveloped, inspiring interest in the massive and growing opportunity it presented as the nearest mountain destination for millions in the Southern California region.
“The Big Bear region is a massive draw for LA, OC, and San Diego summer and winter sports enthusiasts. We were surprised that no other hotels were offering the vibe and service that young visitors would love. We were able to assist in the design of an inside/outside F&B concept that created a destination restaurant and bar for the hotel, and could support a large increase in banquet business. We were glad to help re-shape the Marina Riviera experience and add to its vintage design and history."
- Mike Georgopoulos, Partner, RMD
Premier partnership
Montecito Venture Partners saw an opportunity to develop a unique and stylish lifestyle resort in Big Bear. They acquired the famous Marina Resort, situated in the area’s most premier location at the foot of Big Bear Village, a short distance from the Bear Mountain lifts.
They knew they needed to rethink the design and flow of the property to create a destination that would inspire longer stays. They also recognized the need for a consulting firm that specialized in bar, restaurant and nightlife projects, and understood the connection between the resort and lifestyle experience.
Bold vision made real
RMD was engaged to expand their vision and bring it to life. Our plan was to rebrand and redevelop the hotel, and to add amenities to position the resort as Big Bear’s number one stay destination. These amenities included the development of an indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, which would service all seasons. Additionally, a new pool bar was drafted in the redesign to service the lakefront pool and recreation area.
These improvements would also create the ideal space for future wedding and corporate private events, as well as holiday concert events. Additional amenities would include on premise sports rentals, as well as a styled out, 4×4 limo shuttle bus, with flat screen TVs that would whisk you back and forth to the mountain at any time during the day.
RMD worked with Montecito Venture Partners and OBR Architecture to concept, space plan, and develop the restaurant and bar outlets on the property. Additionally we assisted to create a customer lifestyle experience that extended beyond the bar and restaurant outlets to all amenities being offered by the resort.