StarGazers Inn & Observatory

Going-Out-Of Business Sale

   After 5 years in operation, StarGazers Inn & Observatory in Big Bear Lake will be closing its doors.  This unique, celestially-themed inn has been a stellar success with guests, but it has been a financial disaster for innkeeper, Doreen Wiggins. Wiggins spent 3 years and $500K developing the property into a luxury bed and breakfast with accommodations that discriminating guests have come to expect. 

   More like a mini-resort, StarGazers Inn featured Big Bear’s only indoor heated saline pool, steam and dry sauna, game room with billiards, darts, karaoke, and large movie and game libraries.  Each stay also included an entertaining Star Party and stargazing from the inn’s private onsite observatory. Centrally located on a wooded acre, the natural grounds provide a backyard habitat for area wildlife and entertainment for guests as they enjoyed a gourmet breakfast in the inn’s dining room. 

   Catering to couples in search of a romantic getaway, 5 guests rooms provided luxurious queen featherbeds, gas fireplaces, and private baths with a deep-soak candlelit spa tubs for two. Guests always found romance under the stars as they fell asleep under thousands of “stars” professionally created by Starscape Illusionists. 

   StarGazers unique Romance Packages included a “Name A Star” gift and had been featured on The Travel Channel’s "Most Unique Valentines Packages" episode and on KCAL Nine On the Town’s "Most Romantic Southern California Getaways". Elmer Dills, noted travel writer, featured StarGazers Inn on ABC7 Eye Witness News, reporting "My newest B&B discovery is easily one of the most interesting and unusual B&B's I've come across in California ... The Innkeeper is Doreen Wiggins who will go all out to ensure that your stay is memorable." Even with all this press, rave guest reviews on BedandBreakfast.com, and the inn’s designation as the #1 Bed and Breakfast in Big Bear Lake on TripAdvisor.com, the occupancy rates never reached profitability.   

   According to Wiggins, “Beside the Private Home Rental issue, there are many other factors that contribute to the low occupancy rates experienced by commercial lodging.  These include poor damage control to overcome the ongoing impression by tourists that Big Bear’s forests are charred and that the lake is dry.  Also, many only think of Big Bear as a winter resort, if they think of Big Bear at all.  For tourism to flourish, Big Bear’s image needs to change from a poor man’s day trip to a year-round alpine resort with luxury accommodations, day spas, galleries, fine restaurants and shopping, concerts and special events.  The City, Resort Association and Chamber of Commerce needs to establish an advertising budget to market each season equivalent to what the ski resorts spend to market Big Bear in the winter.  Only then will Big Bear truly become the year-round destination resort it is capable of being.” 

   Since Wiggins hasn’t been able to find a private investor to help her keep the inn, she has listed the property for a quick sale at $889,900, far below the $1.5 million dollars that the 6 bedroom, 9 baths, single family residence appraised for last fall.  The conditional use permit to operate a bed and breakfast goes with the R1 zoned property. With conversion to R3 zoning, additional guest rooms could be added on the acre property. The City is also looking into expanded usage of R3 properties.  The inn’s furnishings, décor, equipment, observatory, business and inventory are negotiable. An Open House & Going-Out-of-Business Sale is planned for Labor Day Weekend.  Call 878-4496 to make an appointment to preview items.  

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