Casetta Hotels Expands SoCal Footprint & Brings Mid-Century Cool Back to the Mountains with the Revival of Big Bear’s Iconic Marina Riviera

A Beloved Lakeside Landmark Returns as One of Big Bear’s Most Distinct Hospitality Destinations, Blending Mid-Century Mountain Charm with Casetta’s Signature Sensibility

BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF. (JUNE 17, 2025) – Perched on the quiet edge of Big Bear Lake, a mid-century icon quietly returns to form with the reopening of Hotel Marina Riviera this June 2025. With a refreshed point of view and a reverence for its mid-century roots under the Casetta Hotels banner, the lakefront lodge has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined—its 1968 bones lovingly preserved, its spirit revived with Casetta’s signature sensibility. The lodge’s original Viking-inspired architecture now frames 42 warm, wood-accented guest rooms (with natural materials, layered textures, and a hint of retro alpine romance)—many with uninterrupted lake views. Anchoring the new culinary chapter is De La Nonna Big Bear, a convivial, mountain-cozy iteration of the beloved L.A. eatery, bringing wood-fired comfort and communal warmth to the lakeshore. With its year-round heated pool, cold plunge, barrel sauna, and sunset-facing fire pits that light up the evening sky, the revived Hotel Marina Riviera reclaims its place as Big Bear’s most stylish retreat, rekindling the communal spirit of Big Bear’s golden age, made for modern travelers chasing a softer pace.

“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,” said Raymond Landa, General Manager of Hotel Marina Riviera. “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.”

Mid-Century Modern Mountain Meets Viking Lodge-Inspired Design

Originally built in 1968, Hotel Marina Riviera has been subtly—and stylishly—reawakened by Los Angeles design studio Electric Bowery. The mid-century lodge’s Viking bones remain, but they’ve been rearticulated through a contemporary lens that favors texture, tone, and a reverence for place. The renovation nods to Big Bear’s après-ski past and roadside Americana with a modernist restraint, merging alpine nostalgia with the louche charm of a ‘70s mountain escape. The result is a soulful mountain retreat—equal parts retro reverie and modern respite—where heirloom textures and contemporary refinements exist in quiet harmony with the natural surroundings.

Guest rooms evoke a sense of understated luxury, wrapped in 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. Murals of pastoral scenes nod to a bygone era, while accents in lake-blue, mossy green, and burnt orange echo and mirror the tones of the surrounding topography and landscape just beyond the windows—creating interiors that feel instinctive rather than styled.

In the lobby, custom millwork gives way to an atmospheric fireplace lounge and analog record nook—spaces designed for lingering and slow afternoons. The adjacent restaurant, nestled into a softly glowing alcove, features inlaid wood paneling, Japanese tilework, and mirrored surfaces that catch and reflect the ever-changing light of the mountain. Throughout, the design whispers rather than shouts—a quiet dialogue with its surroundings that is nostalgic, immersive, and where every detail feels tethered to the terrain.

From The City to The Snow: De La Nonna Brings Big Bear’s Only Lakeside Dining Experience to Life With Signature Pies, Natural Wines & Nostalgic Italian Fare

From the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the snow-capped serenity of Big Bear, De La Nonna—the effortlessly hip, pizza-slinging darling of L.A.’s Arts District—arrives with its signature warmth and unfussy spirit, reimagined for the mountains. Now open inside the newly restored Hotel Marina Riviera, the cult-favorite pizzeria brings with it the comforting indulgence of delicious pies, a curated natural wine list, and the kind of communal energy that lingers long after the last slice. As Big Bear’s only true waterfront dining destination, De La Nonna Big Bear blends après-ski ease with casual West Coast cool, framed by snowy peaks and golden-hour views. Anchored by the trio of longtime friends and collaborators—Chef Patrick Costa, Creative Director Jose L. Cordon, and Operations/Beverage Director Lee Zaremba—the mountain outpost doesn’t try to reinvent the De La Nonna magic; it lets it breathe at a higher elevation, keeping things breezy and beautifully unfussy with relaxed vibes and high-impact flavor, resulting in a space that captures the relaxed rhythm of lake life without losing its edge.

Guests can expect nostalgia-tinged Italian-American comfort and a menu that evolves with the moment. Traditional pies include the classic Margherita, the cult-favorite Eggplant Caponata (a standout even for skeptics), and signature square slices that highlight fresh, fermented, and in-season ingredients. Rounding out the menu are craveable seasonal sandwiches such as the Fried Eggplant and Italian Hero, bringing together après-ski indulgence and Southern California’s seasonal bounty, with a curated soundtrack to match. The beverage program introduces Big Bear’s first true natural wine bar, featuring a sharply curated list of biodynamic and organic bottles—a love letter to small producers and thoughtful sourcing. Frozen and shaken cocktails strike a balance between playful and elevated, from the fan-favorite Frozen Spritz to the bold Negroni Strawbaggio, best enjoyed fireside with a view of the lake. Inside the restaurant, vintage finds and natural wood offer a relaxed sense of style, while the outdoor terrace invites guests to sip, unwind, and watch the sun slip behind the pines.

Beyond the pizza and pours, De La Nonna Big Bear offers more than just a restaurant—it serves as a year-round gathering place that channels après-ski energy and summer dinner party ease. With fireside cocktails, a dynamic lineup of DJ sets, wine takeovers, and impromptu dinner parties on the terrace, it’s where mountain-town allure meets creative city energy—and every visit feels like a moment worth savoring, and everyone is invited.

“Opening De La Nonna Big Bear feels like coming home in a new way,” said Jose L. Cordon, Creative Director of De La Nonna. “It’s about bringing the spirit of our L.A. community to the mountains, while giving ourselves the chance to slow down and reconnect with what inspired us from the start. There’s a different rhythm up here—people are more present, more open to lingering—and that’s exactly the energy we wanted to embrace. Whether it’s a shared pie after a day on the mountain or a spritz by the lake, our hope is that this becomes a place to gather, unwind, and savor the simple magic of good food and even better company.”

Thoughtfully Curated Amenities Evoke Nostalgia, Invite Relaxation & A Return to Nature

Rooted in the rhythm of the land, designed to slow time, and poised to be recognized as Big Bear’s premier mountain wellness retreat, Hotel Marina Riviera invites guests to reconnect with nature, with one another, and with themselves. From crisp alpine mornings to starlit evenings by the fire, every detail is crafted to inspire stillness and spark wonder. The retreat’s wellness-forward amenities form a ritual all their own: soak, plunge, float, repeat. A year-round heated pool, cold plunge, hot tub, and barrel sauna offer a sensory journey from steam to snow and back again, while sunset-facing fire pits set the scene for long conversations and even longer stargazing. Soon, a private beach club will join the mix, creating a vibrant new setting for lakeside lounging, celebratory gatherings, and slow afternoons by the water’s edge. Whether seeking the thrill of the slopes or the quiet of a forest trail, guests are never far from Big Bear’s natural wonders. The hotel’s ski shuttle ensures seamless access to winter adventure, while warmer months invite hiking, boating, and mountain biking. At every turn, Hotel Marina Riviera balances comfort with awe, where watching the sunrise over the lake feels like a ceremony, and winding down by the fireplace becomes a treasured part of the day’s rhythm.

Surrounded by alpine beauty in every season, Big Bear is a year-round playground where the days shift with the landscape. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and fireside après; summer invites hiking, boating, and long afternoons beneath the sun. No matter the time of year, Hotel Marina Riviera serves as both basecamp and escape, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to evoke romance, stillness, and a deeper connection to the natural world, whether you’re watching the sunset, lounging lakeside, or savoring the quiet glow of a firelit evening.

Where the Mountains Meet the Moment: Hotel Marina Riviera Redefines Lakeside Gatherings

At Hotel Marina Riviera, gatherings feel less like events and more like memories unfolding in real time. Weddings take on a dreamlike quality as couples exchange vows beside the lake, framed by alpine air and golden light. Corporate retreats shed the usual formality, trading boardrooms for lake views and breakout sessions for fireside conversations under the stars. From lakeside breakfasts to sunset dinners, every moment is elevated by nature’s rhythm and beauty as well as the hotel’s signature sense of ease and effortless hospitality, creating space for both celebration and reflection.

Despite its peaceful yet secluded perch, the hotel is refreshingly accessible—just over two hours from Los Angeles and Orange County, and under three from San Diego, Hotel Marina Riviera offers that rare kind of escape: close enough to feel spontaneous, far enough to feel transformative. For couples, teams, collaborators, and those seeking meaning in the moment, Hotel Marina Riviera delivers the setting and spirit to make every gathering unforgettable—naturally, beautifully, and après everything.

An Exciting Year Abounds for the Casetta Hotels Brand
As part of the Casetta Hotels portfolio—a collection of boutique properties celebrated for breathing new life into historic spaces through modern design, elevated hospitality, and a deep commitment to sustainability—Hotel Marina Riviera showcases the brand’s thoughtful approach to revitalizing legacy destinations. Its opening signals 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, thoughtfully adapted for today’s discerning traveler. Known for transforming storied structures into intimate, design-forward destinations, Casetta blends preservation with innovation—infusing each project with sustainable practices that honor both place and planet. Originally rooted in Southern California, where acclaimed properties such as The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, Casa Cody in Palm Springs, and The Surfrider Malibu have become beloved escapes, the brand has established a strong regional foundation and is now thoughtfully expanding beyond. Following the recent May debut of Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico, the brand will also welcome Hotel Lucile in Silver Lake in Summer 2025, with a new hotel in Hudson, New York, on the horizon for 2026. Casetta will further foster a sense of community and guest loyalty through the introduction of an exclusive members’ club, offering privileged access and bespoke perks across its entire portfolio, including Hotel Marina Riviera.

For more information, please visit www.hotelmarinariviera.com and www.casetta.com, or follow along on Instagram at  @hotel_marinariviera and @casettahotels.

About Casetta 

Italian for “Little House” or “Lodge,” Casetta is a hospitality brand led by boutique hotel lovers dedicated to creating effortlessly unique stays and dining. Driven by a passion to embrace the past and connect to the present, Casetta’s hotels are architecturally significant, each offering a distinctive history and personality, which the brand honors in order to create timeless, culturally rich spaces refreshed with modern amenities. Casetta is passionate about investing in community engagement, actively partnering with the surrounding neighborhood and its leaders to design warm, inviting spaces that speak to each property’s locale, fostering a strong sense of place while developing one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate with both locals and guests alike. Visit us at Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake, Calif., Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico,  The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, Calif., Casa Cody in Palm Springs, Calif., and The Surfrider in Malibu, Calif., with Hotel Lucile coming soon to Los Angeles.

For more information, please contact: 

Claire Marshall/Skylar Terrana
Modern Currency PR  
casetta@moderncurrencypr.com
209.918.6245