Love Hotels Timberline By OYO Lake Superior

This business is a scam, and the price isn’t worth the risk. I booked a room for mid-October, then found the hotel listed as “permanently closed” on Google three days before my stay. OYO customer support tried several times to reach the front desk but got no answer. I asked to cancel and get a refund, but the agent said they couldn’t authorize one and told me to wait for an email from the evaluation team. Even after I explained everything, that team refused to refund me. I also saw other reviews from July describing similar random closures without customers being notified. They keep your money even when, in my view, they’ve broken the agreement by taking payment without providing the stay.

The place had been closed for 11 months when I showed up after booking through OYO. Their booking process was hell, and the phone sends you to their online system, not the hotel. They still charged me $142 for the stay and a cancellation fee even though they were out of business, and there was no way to get a refund.

The beds were worn out and uncomfortable, though the sheets were clean, unstained, and smelled of bleach, which I appreciated. The rooms were cleaner than I expected, but still needed more attention: I found black hair in the shower and on the toilet, and the baseboards, outlets, and switches were grimy. The parking lot was filthy too. The hot shower and a second towel for my husband and me were welcome, but there was nowhere to hang a wet towel if we needed another one later. The tiny bar of soap was a nice touch, but there weren’t any cups for brushing our teeth. The office looked so dirty and neglected that I didn’t want to take the free coffee or cereal. It seems like new management is trying, but with very little time or money put in. We visit family nearby often, and this is one of the more affordable places, but the quality for the price leaves me undecided about staying again.

We brought our two dogs, and they were very comfortable. The woman who checked us in, and who owns and runs the place, was pleasant and helpful. The room had a full kitchen, fireplace, and the best TV I’ve come across in a hotel. The appliances worked and were very clean. There were a couple of things left by previous guests under the bed, but otherwise it had been cleaned meticulously. The price was amazing, and I’d definitely stay again and recommend it. The fireplace kept the room toasty. If you’re visiting in winter, I’d bring a blanket, and maybe a couple of extra pillows.