“Not a hotel, this is a resort!!!! from a well traveled reviewer”

We have stayed here many times. about 2-3 times a year over past 10 years. We usually stay over summer and Thanksgiving week. This year 2024, we will be staying over Christmas week. With any of the reviews, ignore the people that have one posting. Typically one off reviews, because something ba… more

We have stayed here many times. about 2-3 times a year over past 10 years. We usually stay over summer and Thanksgiving week. This year 2024, we will be staying over Christmas week. With any of the reviews, ignore the people that have one posting. Typically one off reviews, because something bad/stupid happened to them. We are seasoned travelers, and know what to expect. Ultimately the traveler makes the vacation, not the resort. This place is the old playboy club that has been transitioned to a family friendly resort . This place is HUGE. Multiple hotels and lodging on this massive complex. There is a ski mountain for wintertime activities. A golf course and farm for summer activities. There is a runway for those who wish to fly in. Many of the old celebrities from Hollywood would fly in, back in the day. A separate building for a spa and huge gymnasium. This place is massive!!! Its a resort and not a hotel, so you WILL pay resort prices. You WILL pay a daily resort fee. You WILL pay more at restaurants. If you can afford the price point, and know its not a hotel, its a resort, this place is amazing. Activities through the day. live music at night in lobby. This is not just a lobby, its a large entertainment area with bar, seating, and good times. Rooms can be a long way from main lobby. very pert friendly (for $65 per day fee). huge indoor pool and hot tub. just lots to do if you take the time up front to review, so you know what you are getting into, and paying for.

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“Disappointing Visit - Service and Facilities Need Work”

Resort -- I haven't stayed at this resort for at least 10 years, but it has declined in that time period. I was here for several days and the rooms are still very comfortable, but service of those rooms is spotty by housekeeping. Except for the morning of my departure, my room was not cleaned unti… more

Resort -- I haven't stayed at this resort for at least 10 years, but it has declined in that time period. I was here for several days and the rooms are still very comfortable, but service of those rooms is spotty by housekeeping. Except for the morning of my departure, my room was not cleaned until sometime after 4 p.m. each day and there was no consistency in how it was cleaned, the number of towels replaced etc. (The morning of my departure, housekeeping was tapping on my door at 9:15 a.m.) I realize that vacation stays are not their bread and butter but was surprised that one of the groups onsite was the Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association, which had a large tent in the parking lot (where the goats were) and many oversized vehicles taking up a good number of the remaining parking spots making it challenging to find parking when returning to the resort. The public areas could use a refresh as the carpeting appears worn and exterior woodwork needs to be painted and/or replaced. I only ate breakfast onsite and the waitstaff, who were genuinely nice, were focused on steering guests toward the buffet on the days it was available and seemed disappointed when I instead elected to order off the menu. Spa -- If you schedule spa services on the weekend, be prepared to share the facilities with members of the health club. I was surprised at how uncomfortably crowded the small whirlpool, showers, toilets, and changing areas were. The areas designated for relaxing between treatments seemed to have random people (male and female) walking through on a regular basis, so soothing music and subdued lighting was not effective in creating a calm atmosphere. I was told that all spa services included a 20% tip for staff and then as I was checking out was asked if I wanted to increase that amount, which felt like pressure. I would have given an overall rating of 3 Stars, but figure that the resort may be having trouble finding and retaining enough staff. While I love the location of the resort, based on what I saw and experienced during my recent stay, I won't be returning.

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“Not a great experience at the illumination Festival.”

I am so disappointed in this trip. The first year I went to the Christmas tree illumination ceremony was 2017. Have gone many times since. Always had a great time. They have changed so many things this year. The big Christmas tree in the entrance is gone. No singers in the reception area. Th… more

I am so disappointed in this trip. The first year I went to the Christmas tree illumination ceremony was 2017. Have gone many times since. Always had a great time. They have changed so many things this year. The big Christmas tree in the entrance is gone. No singers in the reception area. They have cut down on the beautiful decorations. The sleigh that always was a great photo opportunity was full of elves. The ticket sales on gift baskets was supposed to last until 6. We were there at 5:45 and they weren’t selling anymore tickets. Lines were very long for everything. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the festivities. That makes parking at the hotel impossible to find after 4 pm. Makes getting luggage to your room a chore. There are so many people there that the line was over an hour to see Santa. Wall to wall people for the tree ceremony and playing games with the kids. I brought a friend here for the first time and his reaction was “This is just like any illumination anywhere. Nothing special.” He was right. It was always special in the past. This hotel is not cheap. I went to check out and they had charged me an extra $139 for the spa experience. They did take it off right away. Resort fee is now $35. Why aren’t they charging people that aren’t staying at the hotel to get in to the festivities? Maybe the room rate or resort fee would not have to be so expensive. By the way there is tax on the resort fee of $2.98! I am not sure I will be back next year. It’s just not fun anymore!

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