My in laws booked us a room at the resort. They got us a "family room". I was expecting a bit more than what we got. It was a typical hotel room, with different decor. Upon arriving, we waited about 10 minutes to get checked in, and then were told we needd a credit card. I explained that we didn't bring one because it was already paid for by my in laws (who actually went there the day before to pay for the room). No problem. Just took a copy of our drivers license and got us checked in. We got to our room, and while I loved the decor, it was just a typical hotel room. I felt like I was staying at the Hampton! The bathroom is entirely too small. I checked out the prices of the pizza place at the resort and we decided to drive to nearby LaSalle and go elsewhere, as the prices were outrageous. We got back and decided to go swimming with the kids. We were only in the water for a few minutes before being told to get out. No explanation. Everyone had to get out. After sitting on the sidelines for almost fortyfive minutes, we were allowed to swim again. The kids wanted to go on the lazy river, so we went hunting for the tubes, only to find that the little kids all took the adult tubes, so we had to make due with the little ones for awhile. One thing that did irritate me was that although the rules are that there is NO horseplaying, the lifeguards didn't seem to care if the teenagers were. I was pushed around and shoved in the water by teenagers over and over again. This even happened to my six year old while he was in a tube, but a couple of teenagers that were screwing around and I had to yell at them to knock it off because the lifeguards were too busy staring off into space. My son also went underwater in the wavepool and was having problems keeping his footing, and the lifeguards didn't notice.

I expected more from the resort, and expected more attentive staff members. My kids had fun, and while I did as well, the prices aren't that attractive. Next time I'll take them to the Dells and there will be more for them to do and it'll be worth the money.

My wife and I were celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary. We booked a whirlpool room and took advantage of it, while we were changing and indecently exposed 2 teenage boys entered our room with their key!!! We spoke with the service reps who were rude and condescending saying we were in the wrong room (we had been there for an hour). We spoke to the manager on duty who informed us he 'termed' the service rep who made the mistake even though we saw her working! Then he tried to comp us a free meal to make up for our "problem". This is unaccepptable, we tried to return to our room after speaking with the manager and OUR key didn't work. We were treated without remorse or compassion and left the hotel ruining our anniversary-there was nothing else available! Watch your backs-and fronts folks, you never know who may walk into your room, once a mistake of this caliber happens once, you can bet it will happen again. Apparently there is no fail safe for keying their cards!!!

For $300+ a night, I expect at least a little service and fun.

Our room was not going to be available until after 4:30 even though we were told 3 over the phone. We drove 4 hours to the Grand Bear only to find out that we had to sit another 2 hours before our room was open! Really fun with a couple of tired and anxious kids.

Then we learned that the room we had booked, a bunk room, wasn't actually available. So, without any discount applied, we were put into a double room, and NO roll-aways were available...meaning my 12 year old son and his 13 year old female cousin had to share a bed. Nice.

OK. So, after that disappointment, we headed down to the waterpark. Only to learn that when the hotel is full there are actually too many people for the waterpark. They wouldn't let us in. We were told to come back early the next day in order to get in before the limit was reached. WHAT!?! Are you kidding me?

After stopping at the front desk to complain, we were told that the manager "on-duty" was on break. Really. So, we waited. And we waited. We sat in the lobby area for over an hour waiting to talk to the manager. When he finally arrived, and we were given all of 30 seconds to try an explain our situation, he told us that he didn't have time at the moment to properly address our complaints. He actually asked us if we wouldn't mind talking to the manager in the morning. Seriously.

I really couldn't make this stuff up and have it sound any worse.

You've probably gotten enough of the picture now, and I've clearly wasted enough time on the Grand Bear, so I'll end with this...

We tried to have our 2nd and 3rd nights refunded since we didn't stay, but they said NO. We never even set foot in the tiny waterpark, never got the room we paid for. I've warned all my friends to warn all of their friends...and now you can do the same. Save yourself a load of $ and trouble and disappointment, and DON'T STAY AT THE GRAND BEAR LODGE!!!

We stayed in one of the cabins during our latest visit. It was extremely spacious and well kept. The water park was just perfect for our family! We have to boys ages 8 & 10 and two girls ages 11 &13. There was something to do for everyone. Our kids loved the "Enchanted Forest". There, they have rides for the kids, a bar with large tvs. and restaurant area. We also played at their outdoor mini-golf area. The scenery is beautiful. We brought bikes and went biking around the resort property. The hiking around the area was breathtaking! The staff were very courteous and helpful. What a great getaway!!

I was very pleased with my stay here. The entire hotel was very clean and well kept. The lodge decor was nice. I thought the water park was smaller than other parks I have been to but really perfect for my family. I have a 8 year old and a 6 year old who just loved the lazy river and the wave pool. We also had our 14 year old nephew who also had fun on the water slides. The amusement park is also small but there were some fun "loose your lunch" rides that were entertaining. I thought all the staff were all friendly and professional. We also very much enjoyed hiking at nearby Starved Rock before we checked. Great way to beat the cool weather!