May 2013
1 post
“Escape B & B”
WE live in a wonderful retirement community, but once a month, we like to escape to B & B within 2 to 3 hours drive from Davis, CA. As we love to explore different locals, it is rare for us to stay at a B & B where we have stayed before. This place is well worth a second visit. The rooms and common areas are excellent and the breakfast are amazingly tasty and artfully presented. Of the...
April 2013
3 posts
“Who knew? A treasure in Arnold, CA”
Wendi and Bruce truly made me feel as if I were a guest in their home. They were warm, friendly, accommodating, and lovely to get to know. The rooms were so comfortable, and super clean (a must for me when I travel). The grounds were serene, well kept, and beautiful. I had never even heard of Arnold before my trip there, but now I can recommend it highly to others, with the caveat that they stay...
“Amazing weekend getaway”
A group of us rented out the inn for a weekend and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Wendi and Bruce were gracious and their true care for their guests was palpable. They served us the most amazing breakfast - nut-encrusted french toast - keeping in mind some of our party were gluten-free [and made it all vegan most graciously]. They are truly kind, authentic people that want you to feel...
“Renewal of spirit guaranteed”
In anticipation of getting married at Black Bear Inn, my fiancee and I stayed overnight on Saturday March 30th. Having visited the property a couple of times previously, we knew we were in for a treat. We arrived Saturday afternoon and were warmly welcomed by Wendi and Bruce and shown to our beautiful room which just happens to be mere steps from the outdoor hot tub. The weather report indicated...
February 2013
2 posts
“My idea of Heaven”
My husband and I had a wonderful two night stay at The Black Bear Inn. We have spent so much time in the area and this was the absolute best place we have every stayed. Only planned on one night but couldn’t bear to leave so made it two nights. It couldn’t have been more perfect! Excellent food, rooms, privacy and more. We will continue to stay here as long as Wendi and Bruce will let...
“A 5 star stay in Arnold”
Recently enjoyed two nights at the Black Bear Inn, and wished we could have stayed longer. Wendi and Bruce run a definite five star inn, and treat their guests like family, very warm and accomodating. They know the area well, and no matter what activities you may have planned to do while staying in Arnold, they can advise you to make your recreational experience even better, whether it be skiing,...
January 2013
6 posts
“Very relaxing stay”
Inn was beautiful, clean and perfectly appointed. Room and bed were very comfortable. Location very convenient to skiing and restaurants. Innkeepers very attentive but not smothering. Very nice wine and cheese in the evenings. We will definitely stay here again!
4 tags
“A wonderful Inn”
The Arnold Black Bear Inn is a wonderful retreat - we always book our favorite room :) Wendi & Bruce always make us feel right at home. We have stayed here before and this time I needed some TLC because of health issues & they were right there to help me relax & enjoy my stay. Bruce prepared a special breakfast for me & wonderful dinner the 1st night of our stay. My husband went...
4 tags
“We'll Be Back!”
This was our second trip and we have already booked our third. Wendi and Bruce are just awesome. They are so helpful whether it is accomodating food alergies or booking dinner reservations at great restaurants (and then making sure you don’t get lost - THANKS Bruce!). The Inn is beautiful and clean. The breakfasts they serve are the best we have ever had at a B&B. There are so many...
6 tags
“Great experience, highly recommend”
My wife and two sons had a very nice stay at the Arnold Black Bear Inn. The soaring wood beamed ceilings (no nails used) were beautiful to view as we sipped tea in front of the large stone fireplace in the serenity of the great room. The food and wine was excellent, Chef Bruce prepared the most amazing butternut squash bisque, with roasted garlic and chives. The Calaveras room was spacious, nicely...
3 tags
“Warm and wonderful!”
Bruce and Wendi went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more during our stay. Bruce is a talented chef and Wendi is a wonderful host. We were surprised to be such a short drive away from some great skiing at Bear Valley. We look forward to our next visit!
3 tags
“Picture Perfect”
This is more than an Inn this is an experience… Lovely, beautiful and a feast for the heart, eyes and food is amazing! Wendi and Bruce have the art of hospitality The grounds and Inn are so inviting. The great room is big and spacious with views of the outdoors! The Happy Hour they provide with good wine can’t be missed. Would I go again yes and yes! Loved Arnold Black Bear Inn!
December 2012
3 posts
4 tags
“The most beautiful and hospitable in ever!”
So beautiful in the winter with the snow on the ground. The food is amazing and the hosts are so friendly and accomodating! I had special dietary restrictions and they were able to work around it by just letting them know in advance.
7 tags
“One of the best inns ever”
Bruce & Wendi are the innkeepers of this splendid inn with lofty open beam ceilings, cozy rooms individually themed according to wine region, and a lovely yard perfect for weddings or vow renewals. Bruce, a certified chef, makes a killer signature nut encrusted french toast and gets his bacon at a special butcher shop that is over an hour away from town. I am thankful to be the consumer of...
5 tags
Fabulous B&B!
This is a very lovely and charming inn nestled in the woods. Owners Bruce and Wendi are so friendly and hospitable. The service is excellent and the food is superb! You will not be disappointed. This is a great place to relax and unwind. My husband and I highly recommend this inn!
November 2012
1 post
5 tags
“Winter Wonderland B&B”
What an awesome place for some great food and relaxation. Bruce and Wendi are the most gracious hosts and the food is amazing. Wine and cheese in the early evening was wonderful. Sitting in the hot tub looking at the snow, need I say more. If you are looking for an unbelievable place to relax and have amazing food, this is the place to go. We can’t wait to go back.
October 2012
6 posts
4 tags
“The Best!”
Wendi and Bruce are superb hosts, the place is beautiful and the breakfasts to die for. Wine and cheese in the afternoon was a wonderful touch. They spend a lot of energy on presentation and it shows. My best friend and I went for 4 days to get away from the stress of work and home and it couldn’t have been better. I highly recommend. We are hoping to get our group of 5 couples to spend a...
8 tags
“Great B&B! We plan to return and are sending...
Bruce & Wendi were spendid hosts. The accommodations were fantastic… Clean, cozy, amenities in perfect shape. Hot-tub was a plus that we took advantage of ever afternoon before evening wine & cheese :-) I mean, come one… that last sentence alone says it all, right? Breakfasts were lovely and wonderfully prepared by Chef Bruce :-) Super quiet, wonderful, cozy rooms. Great big...
8 tags
“Our stay with friends at Black Bear Inn”
We stayed here at the end of a road trip with another couple who highly recommended the Inn. This was their second stay. It will definitely not be our last. Bruce and Wendi greated us to the Inn as if it were their home (it is) and for the next three days it felt as if we were staying with very good friends. The location is perfect for getting away from the city, only a short drive from...
5 tags
“60th Birthday Celebration”
I have lived in Arnold for 7 years and just found the most wonderful hidden treasure. I was looking for something special for my husband’s birthday. I found out about Bruce and Wendi and my dreams came true. I worked with them to come up with a special menu of my husband’s favorite dishes. They prepared a personalized menu, printed with the evening’s gourmet dishes, a customized...
5 tags
“Our Stay At Black Bear Inn”
The Inn is a delight, from the moment one first walks through the front door, to the decor in our room (Calaveras) and its huge shower, the splendidly comforatable mattress to the wonderful breakfasts prepared for us by Anita. The afternoon wine, cheese and fruit were an added treat. We don’t know when, but we plan to return one day, perhaps in Spring when the Dogwood are in bloom.
Room...
5 tags
“Stay at the Black Bear Inn when near Arnold”
Quiet, comfortable and warm. The beds are soft and cushy, plenty of pillow choices and nice clean and efficient bathrooms and showers and tubs. Anita was a wonderful host during the day and early evening and went out of her way to make us feel important. Very tasty breakfast especially the Joe’s Special (the owner’s way).
September 2012
3 posts
4 tags
“lovely place”
Me and my daughter stayed here for two nights in August in between attending the Jackie Evancho concert at Ironstone Vineyards. Very interesting place, what with the bear footprints on the path and the racoon family on the front lawn! The breakfast was actually a work of art and it was almost a shame to tuck into it - except that the flavours surpassed even the exquisite presentation. Wendi and...
6 tags
"excellent"
After landing a last minute ticket to a Tony Bennet concert at Ironstone Winery in Murphys, we were hard pressed to find rooms on short notice especially as it was Labor Day weekend. Luckily, one room in the area was available at this lovely inn. As noted by others, excellent wine in the evening and a fine breakfast in the am. Wendi is a true gem and very, very helpful. We look forward to...
4 tags
“Ultimate in relaxation”
Beautiful inn B&B. Very comfy room. Great yard with hot tub. Delicious breakfast, elegant and tasty without being overly filling. Wine and cheese with gourmet picks by owners. Near Murphys CA which has terrific restaurants and wine tasting. Hosts made excellent restaurant recommendations and reservations for us. Nearby giant sequoias and other great hiking on Arnold Rim Trail. Easy three hour...
August 2012
6 posts
5 tags
“Gourmet Oasis”
Black Bear Inn exceeded our expectations on every front. From the the open timber lodge to the manicured gardens; the common spaces were immaculate. The hospitality and food were stellar. Bruce and Wendi made us feel right at home. Our room was comfortable and well appointed. We enjoyed returning from a hike in Calaveras big trees to wine and cheese at the Inn and then a soak in the jacuzzi.
6 tags
“Bearrrrr-ific”
This was our third visit to the Black Bear Inn, and we had a wonderful time as always. Bruce and Wendi are friendly and accomodating. The Inn is beautiful and clean, the grounds meticulously maintained, and the inn is so relaxing. The rooms are lovely, and the beds are very comfortable. The breakfast is scruptious and elegantly presented. It’s just a perfect little getaway. We have stayed...
4 tags
“What a Treat!”
It’s hard to describe the hospitality, beauty, and peacefulness of this place in words. The grounds were simple beautiful, the rooms were comfortable, clean, and beautiful, and the owners…you just have to meet them. Their friendliness and warmth were amazing. The food was fantastic (Bruce is a professional chef). We will be back-many times! Thank you, Wendi and Bruce!
9 tags
“An outstanding and marvelous Inn”
We recently returned from a 9-day stay at the Arnold Black Bear Inn; this was our second visit. Our first trip was so wonderful that we decided to return to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Since we had done sightseeing last time, we chose to spend most of our time sitting on the porch outside our clean, comfy and restful room reading or…… The surrounding environment is filled with Oak,...
7 tags
“Absolutely Awesome”
From the first time we made contact with Bruce and Wendi, they were wonderful. The inn is absolutely beautiful inside and out. Our room was very beautiful and clean and the bed was extremely comfortable. We enjoyed gourmet breakfasts in the morning and wine and cheese in the late afternoon. They made excellent recommendations for dinner and even called in to reserve a table for us. There is a...
3 tags
“Incredible spot!”
The pictures don’t do it justice. The owners are a fun young couple and the husband is a chef, so the morning breakfast is divine and the afternoon wine and cheese is top notch!! Only 5 rooms and all are fabulous. The hot tub is brand new and super relaxing. Definitely recommend it.
July 2012
7 posts
6 tags
“Home away from home”
We really enjoyed our stay at the Inn :) Bruce & Wendi made us feel very welcome & right at home from the moment we arrived until we departed. Their Inn certainly has a “personal” touch and it is obvious that they both put their all (TLC) into the Inn :) Our room was very beautifully decorated and very comfortable as was the entire Inn + the grounds are just beautiful &...
6 tags
“Highest recommendation!”
Our second time at this exceptional inn and we are already planning another stay in September - tranquil setting, sweet hosts, beautiful rooms, fabulous bed, wonderful tub, and the most amazing food. Thank you, Wendi and Bruce!
6 tags
“Stop looking elsewhere.”
It’s times like this where I wish TA would allow me to sprinkle in a few extra green circles for good measure, as I’m not sure 5 of them will allow me to adequately express my appreciation for the weekend we spent at the Black Bear Inn. Beginning with the immaculately manicured grounds and charming cabin-like exterior, we were hooked. Moments later, we received a warm, personal...
4 tags
“We will definitely be back!”
Absolutely fantastic! Clean rooms, friendly service, beautiful scenery! We are huge fans and have already began to recommend the inn to friends and family. Thank you Wendi and Bruce for your hospitality. We will be back in the winter!
7 tags
“ONE OF THE BEST!!”
Beautiful setting. Relaxing atmosphere. Our hosts were truly professional. Delicious breakfast,afternoon wine & cheese and homemade cookies by Wendi. Can’t wait to take cooking classes from Bruce. Our hosts could not be more accomodating. This is an exceptional Inn and we would highly recommend staying here.
5 tags
“Excellent as Usual”
This is our third stay at the Black Bear Inn and it’s always a fantastic trip. The new Arnold Rim Trail is very close and extremely well maintained. Wine and cheese in the afternoon and a delicious breakfast are nice bookends for the day.
9 tags
“Don't pass this one up; you will be happy with...
We had a wonderful experience at the Black Bear Inn. Bruce and Wendi have a touch of class with all the details that they give you while you stay with them. This is not a typical B&B. It is a very comfortable and private Inn to stay when you are visiting this area. The food and effort to detail was out of this world. Both Bruce and Wendi are excellent cooks and care takers. They will cater to...
June 2012
4 posts
8 tags
“Relaxation in the Mountains”
We are a return customer to this beautiful hideaway in the mountains while visiting family in the area. Wendi & Bruce are perfect hosts for their homey bed and breakfast. The rooms are immaculate, the king beds are plush and comfy, the showers are equivalent to standing in a warm rainfall, and the amenities are all you would expect in a 4 star hotel. Bruce’s culinary skills awaken you...
4 tags
“Beautiful!”
Wonderful place to stay! We had a great time. The accomodations were excellent, the food delicous and the outdoor surroundings were breathtaking. Just can’t say enough good about the owners. Bruce and Wendi were meant to be in this business!!! I am recommending this place to all of my friends.
4 tags
“fabulous place to stay!”
Bruce and Wendi have created a relaxing environment - the rooms are meticulous and the breakfast delicious. We will definitely return!
4 tags
“wonderful place to stay”
Beautiful setting, extremely comfortable room with high quality bedding, furnishings, etc. Bruce and Wendi are perfect hosts - they made us very welcome and were so helpful with travel plans, etc. Food is delicious. This is a must-stay if you are in the area.
May 2012
2 posts
4 tags
“Serene getaway”
We were fortunate enough to stay here while in the area for business. The Inn itself is beautiful, the decor “classy rustic”. The inn is surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery. After a tough day of work, it was wonderful to return to such a lovely, restful place. And the beds are the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. The owners are amazingly friendly and hospitable. I...
5 tags
“Planning are return trip already!”
Found Arnold Black Bear Inn on TripAdvisor, and we were not disappointed. We had a fantastic weekend. The food was absolutely wonderful, and I ate every bite! We had dinner here also, and it was so pleasant just to be able to stroll back to our room after dining. OK to have that extra glass of wine! The suggestions that they made for our activities during the day were great. We really enjoyed our...
April 2012
2 posts
7 tags
“Ahhhh....”
… is what we felt when we walked through the entrance of the Black Bear Inn. The Inn is beautiful and spacious, the rooms are clean and comfortable and you get an overall feeling of peace and tranquility. Most importantly Bruce and Wendi are professional and friendly and instantly make you feel comfortable. My husband and I had such a relaxing and enjoyable time at the Black Bear Inn last...
4 tags
“Peace of mind restored.”
I am a particular traveller with high standards. The experience at the lodge was great. Spectacular service with a personal down to earth touch. Wonderful main room that begs for a book and favorite wine. I can recommend the lodge without reservations which is rare for me, it is a small lodge so understand that so you can book for the right event.
March 2012
2 posts
7 tags
“Spending St. Patricks day at Arnold Black Bear...
Such a wonderful experience!! This Inn is more like a mini lodge with the hometown atmosphere of a personal bed & breakfast feeling. The moment you walk in you are instantly taken in by the beauty, and the country surroundings. Both Bruce and Wendi are the best hosts, giving cooking lessons, presenting the local wines, preparing the best breakfast or info on planning weddings.
Rooms are very...
8 tags
“There's no place like........ The Black Bear...
Our stay at Black Bear Inn was fabulous! It was a perfect balance of activity and relaxation. The rooms were warm, comfortable, spacious and clean! The peacefullness of the Inn and the surrounding property was just what we needed for a fun and relaxing weekend with the girls! The hot tub in the back was a perfect addition! Wendi & Bruce were amazing Innkeepers! They were welcoming and...
February 2012
3 posts
5 tags
“This Inn is tranquil, fabulous, inviting, warm...
I had a wonderful girls weekend at the Arnold Black Bear Inn. Bruce and Wendi made our stay so much better than we could have EVER imagined!! The rooms are warm and inviting. The breakfast and 5 course dinner we had was unbelievable. And, to top it off, we sat in spacious hot tub in the “backyard” looking out at the forest! Who could ask for more? I can’t wait to come back with...
5 tags
“Can I live here?”
The Inn is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was how perfect the gardens are, and how peaceful it felt there. I think it would be a great place to have a wedding. The rooms are cozy with comfortable beds with large bathrooms that are very clean. The wine and cheese platter were delicious. Had the best breakfast ever. Our first morning there Chef Bruce prepared the best breakfast, nut crusted...
