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Antlers Inn

antlersinn.com

Antlers Inn — where modern comfort meets Lake Almanor adventure Antlers Inn is a 20-room modern lodge in the heart of Chester, California—minutes from Lake Almanor and a scenic basecamp for Lassen Volcanic National Park. Rebuilt in 2008 with a warm, woodsy aesthetic, the property blends the spirit of the old logging-era “Antlers Motel” with the conveniences travelers expect today: spacious rooms, modern baths, and lodge-style decorative fireplaces. Guests love the location at 268 Main Street on Highway 36, directly across from the grocery store and within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and trails. What sets us apart: Location that unlocks your itinerary. Antlers sits right on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, placing you within easy reach of Lake Almanor’s boating and fishing, the Olsen Barn Meadow, and the geothermal wonders of Lassen. Staying in the center of Chester means your morning coffee, dinner plans, and last-minute gear runs are all just a short stroll away. Purpose-built, modern rooms (not a retrofit). After the original mid-century motel was demolished, a brand-new 20-room lodge was constructed—eight Cal-King rooms and twelve Double-Queens—giving every traveler a right-sized option with modern systems and thoughtful touches. That “newer-build” design translates to quieter rooms, contemporary amenities, and reliable comfort. Trail-friendly hospitality at the Pacific Crest Trail midpoint. Chester is a famed “Zero Day” stop for PCT hikers, and Antlers leans into that role with a welcoming, hiker-savvy culture. Whether you’re rebooting before the next section or just road-tripping the Sierra Cascades, you’ll find practical amenities and a staff that understands mileage, weather windows, and resupply runs. Independent spirit with hands-on owners. Antlers Inn is owned by Mark and Mary Lilley through Mountain Ventures LLC—local, entrepreneurial operators deeply invested in Chester’s future. That independence shows up in responsive service, on-the-ground decision-making, and a long-view commitment to the guest experience and the community. A few interesting facts A fresh chapter with deep roots. The Antlers name dates back to Chester’s logging days. In the 2000s the property turned the page—demolition of the old buildings paved the way for a new, 20-room lodge that opened with modern comforts while keeping the mountain-lodge feel people love. Rebuilt for today’s traveler. The 2008 rebuild means Antlers doesn’t carry the compromises that sometimes come with older roadside motels—more space, better insulation, Air Conditioning and up-to-date fixtures. Right in the mix. Guests consistently point out how easy it is to get around from Antlers—walk to dining, grab groceries across the street, and be on the road to Lassen Volcanic National Park or Lake Almanor in minutes. Convenience is a genuine advantage here. Traveler-tested. Across travel sites and reviews, you’ll see recurring shout-outs to friendly staff, cleanliness, and overall value—evidence that the basics are not just promised, but delivered. Rooms & Amenities Antlers Inn offers a balanced room mix: eight Cal-King rooms for couples and solo travelers who appreciate extra space, and twelve Double-Queen rooms perfect for families, fishing buddies, or friends on a mountain weekend. Every room includes a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, along with flat-panel TVs and comfortable beds with cozy lodge-style décor—practical for multi-day stays and welcoming after a day outdoors. Guests appreciate the quiet construction, ample parking, and walkable Main Street location. Housekeeping takes pride in keeping rooms spotless and ready, while the front-desk team greets each arrival with small-town warmth. Outside, simple touches like picnic tables and seating areas invite guests to relax in the crisp mountain air. More than anything, visitors value Antlers Inn’s balance of comfort and authenticity—modern conveniences blended with the relaxed charm of Chester’s mountain setting. For hikers, boaters, anglers—and anyone chasing clean mountain air Because Antlers is minutes from Lake Almanor, you can structure your day around the water: early-morning fishing, midday paddling, or a sunset lap along the shore. When the plan shifts to volcanic domes and hydrothermal features, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a short, scenic drive away. If your journey is about miles, resupply, and recovery, Chester’s role at the Pacific Crest Trail midpoint makes Antlers an easy hub for a restorative zero day. Whether you’re in town for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, the inn’s combination of location, comfort, and community connection makes it an ideal home base. The founders’ approach Mark and Mary Lilley operate Antlers Inn through Mountain Ventures LLC, a locally owned company focused on revitalizing Chester’s Main Street and enhancing visitor experiences around Lake Almanor. The Lilleys bring decades of hospitality and facilities-management experience to their work, along with a genuine love for this mountain community. Their philosophy is simple: offer clean, comfortable lodging, treat guests like neighbors, and invest in projects that strengthen Chester’s future. That local stewardship shows up in the details—clear communication, practical amenity choices, and ongoing improvements that favor durability, cleanliness, and guest comfort over gimmicks. Our offerings in a nutshell 20 modern lodge-style rooms (Cal-King and Double-Queen options) with in-room refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and flat-panel TV. Walkable Main Street location—groceries, restaurants, parks, and trails just steps away. Trail-friendly culture at a celebrated stop near the Pacific Crest Trail midpoint—welcoming to thru-hikers, cyclists, and road trippers alike. Easy access to Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park, with abundant recreation year-round. Independent, locally owned and operated by Mountain Ventures LLC (Mark & Mary Lilley)—hospitality decisions made for guests and the community, not by committee.

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