Tundra Lodge

The pool and arcade shut down over an hour before their posted closing time. We were left with a group of soggy, disappointed kids peering through locked glass at a dark waterslide. The food was another bold choice: we paid premium prices for meals that seemed to have nothing going for them but regret and maybe microwave radiation. The staff were masters of the vanishing act. And the King Suite with bunk beds was so cramped that even getting luggage arranged felt like a tactical operation. “King” didn’t mean much majesty, or enough floor space to stand comfortably. If your family of four likes the tight quarters of a submarine crew, this might suit you. The professional photos make Tundra Lodge look like a sprawling rustic winter wonderland. What we got felt like a plastic-scented fever dream, about 30% smaller than advertised. It’s the Temu of hospitality, for anyone who’s ever seen a $4 drone on Temu at 3:00 AM and thought it seemed legit.

The water park was smaller than I expected, but we did enjoy it. The big slides were fun, and there were basketball hoops in one pool area and things for smaller kids to climb on. The lazy river felt too small and narrow when sharing it with others. There weren’t enough places to sit for the number of guests, the pool chemicals burned our eyes, and the towels there were small. Larger ones would help. I rented three rooms for a Christmas weekend getaway with my family, 14 of us, 6 adults and 7 children. We had two family lofts and a cabin suite. The advertised nightly rates didn’t include the taxes, fees, and daily fees. I ended up paying $150-200 more a night for each room. Prices should include those charges, or make them clear up front, so guests know what they’ll pay. Room service was advertised, but when we called, we were told there was none. Our check-in associate didn’t explain how to get to the rooms or mention the extra charges, and made me feel like an inconvenience. At checkout, which is at 11, we and other guests were locked out at 10:40. My son-in-law and I were outside in weather around 20 degrees, and I was glad I had my phone. They should allow a little grace time, maybe until 11:10. One suite’s fireplace didn’t work, we couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi, and the carpet was dirty. There was lots of dust and dirt on the ceiling fan, sprinkler system, shelves, and elsewhere. The blankets were thin, and there weren’t enough towels for the family suite. The upper loft in that suite had a couch and two queen beds, but no TV. Guests up there should have one. There’s no complimentary breakfast. We heard the restaurant buffet wasn’t much better than a free breakfast, though its prices weren’t bad, so we went to Kwik Trip for sandwiches, fruit, muffins, donuts, and drinks. The coffee shop only had two kinds of coffee. In-room machines make one cup at a time, with little coffee, sugar, or cream provided. It’s closer for us than the Dells, but I was disappointed by all the added taxes and fees. I thought tax was already included in the advertised price. For what they charge each day, they need to improve the rooms, amenities, and customer service quite a bit. I might return, but I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll give it another try.

We had 10 people in a family loft suite, and it looked impressive at first. For a room costing $400 a night, I expected basics like enough towels for two bathrooms and everyone, working batteries in the TV remotes, and a clean coffee maker without the last guests’ grounds still in it. The breakfast buffet was only continental quality, yet cost $15 per person. With the room price on top of that, it felt ridiculous. A gas station sandwich would’ve satisfied me just as much. I don’t think we’d do this again.

The water park was fun, and our 7 year old had a blast. The lobby couches were the best part of the first impression. The bartender was really nice, too. But the room remotes were junk, if you could find them, the hair dryer didn’t work, and there weren’t enough towels. Paying 350 bucks for one night is crazy. The man at the counter at 330pm Friday, when we checked in, was very rude. In my opinion, you can find somewhere much better for less. Don’t waste your time.