GrandStay Hotel & Suites Minocqua-Woodruff

I’ve stayed here several times for work over the past three years, and each visit has seemed worse. Housekeeping now appears nonexistent, and paint falling from the ceiling while I showered was a new low. The rooms were never great, either. The pool shown on the roadside sign has been closed for at least three years, and I spotted expired items in the breakfast area, so I’d skip the food. I called the number on the desk placard to have the front desk man meet me and tried to explain my concerns, but the conversation wasn’t going anywhere. I later contacted Choice Hotels, who were understanding and said they’d look into it. I won’t be back, and I’d avoid the place until the cleanliness and health issues are resolved.

The rooms were clean, breakfast was OK, and I didn't see any bed bugs. The ice maker was out, but the owner had it fixed the next day. The place looks dark because it's behind an old Burger King, which isn't their fault. There’s no pool operating, though, and they should switch off the neon lights. I’d stay there again if I’m in Minocqua. Please stop writing such horrible reviews.

I went back inside with Choice on speakerphone, and their representative got my refund processed after the man kept saying “no cancel” and seemed to think he couldn't refund me because there was no money at the desk. At first, he had said he wouldn't charge my card and printed a paper showing a balance due. The Choice representative said they would issue the refund if he didn't. I booked months ahead because there weren't many local options, but the website pictures weren't accurate, and I refused to stay once I saw the place. There was a warning about glass on the door, three broken lobby windows left unrepaired, and almost no curb appeal. A man watching something on his phone barely acknowledged me. The pool was sealed off with shades and an out of order sign. I was also concerned about safety. There was an empty parking lot, no landscaping, and disheveled curtains in the rooms. Locals told me it was in a sad state. I heard they house people who are hard up and drug addicts in clean rooms, which they said explained the lack of cleanliness and standards. A woman who seemed strung out stumbled into the lobby while I was there. I think this setup uses the Choice Hotel brand to attract unsuspecting guests, then leaves them refusing to stay and having to find another place while the hotel writes off the loss. Choice Hotels should remove its name. Hopefully you can avoid our mistake and save yourself money and hassle.

Fida was especially helpful when I was deciding at the last minute whether to add another night, and the staff have all been friendly and hardworking. My room is very clean and everything works. I’ve already stayed two nights and am extending for one more. Sure, not every little thing is perfect, but the flaws are minor enough that I’d feel silly complaining. It’s a super great value, and I’ll stay here whenever I’m in the area.