An axe lodged in the bathroom door sets the tone at this Big Bear Airbnb, where guests can recreate the famous scene from The Shining. The bathroom still works as a place to take a hot shower, with toiletries and a hair dryer provided.
The scares extend into the cabin’s 1970s-inspired living room. Effects kick in at random, making lights flicker, filling a vintage TV with static and playing ghostly sounds.
A single hallway switch lets guests turn the effects off whenever they want. The hosts ask anyone with sensory sensitivities to let them know before their stay.
There’s also an optional escape-room-style puzzle built around a fictional disappearance. In the story, Aunt Gladys inherited the cabin in 1972 and lived there with her horror-obsessed son, Zachary.
After both vanished, they left behind a locked cabinet. Guests follow clues to find the code word and discover the story’s answer inside.
The bedroom has movie props, collectibles, posters and artwork, plus hidden surprises tucked behind doors and inside drawers. Pressing a large green wall button starts disco lights and a mix of 7 horror-movie themes and spooky songs.
For a movie night, the cabin supplies horror films, a popcorn maker, popcorn and popcorn salt. An Ouija board and other horror-themed games are available, too. Guests who’d prefer a quieter stay can leave the effects switched off and settle in with the movies and games.
Up to 4 guests can stay, with a queen bed in the bedroom and a queen-size pullout sofa in the living room. There’s a 42-inch TV, an electric fireplace, charging stations and heating and air conditioning. The small kitchen has cooking basics, along with a coffee maker, coffee, cream and sugar.
Guests have access to the whole home and backyard, with hiking trails, the lake and town attractions nearby. The property allows a maximum of 2 vehicles. Weather-related power outages can happen in the mountain setting, so the hosts provide flashlights and a gas heater.
Find the cabin on AirBnb hosted by Unique Stays Club. The cabin runs around $300/night.
