McClain Lodge — Hotel in Brandon

Don’t be fooled by the photos on Google, these are when McLain Lodge was an incredible day time experience! This is NOT What it is now. It’s a money grab, giving you as little as possible while charging you more . Very evident by the lack of ppl we saw today, compared to past times we’ve been there since they first opened. What a disappointment. A Shadow of its former self.

The outdoor animal safari costs $15 per person , NOT PER CAR, but PER PERSON, to drive through, which is reasonable , if the experience matched the price. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The number of animals, and variety has drastically decreased, and many of the ones remaining appear sickly or injured, with visible wounds, bloody gnashes and spots. Several had open wounds on their backs, feet, legs, sides and many were limping. It was heartbreaking/ and concerning. The petting zoo is now a separate attraction charging $5 per person, INCLUDING ADULTS, plus an additional $5 for a cup of carrots, per cup.This is a significant change from before, when the petting zoo was included and one large sack of carrots was enough for the whole visit. The variety of animals has also shrunk—no more giraffes, rabbits to be purchased or seen, and the otter area was completely empty. Kangaroos have been moved so far you can hardly even see them. They had goats, a turtle, and sheep. Where the rabbit pen used to be, has been replaced to set up musical entertainment for the events they host. I remember getting two of our rabbits from here. .

The buffet is a disgrace. At $17 per adult and $10 per child, (Lunch price) The food selection was small, the lighting dim and uninviting, especially over the food itself. and the buffet itself was unkept. Food looked burnt and unappetizing. When we arrived around 1:30 PM, there were hardly any customers, two to be exact in the buffet, and we weren’t even greeted. The staff seemed disengaged, chatting and laughing among themselves rather than attending to guests. Same energy they had by the coffee counter as well. Many dishes were missing or nearly gone, the salad bar was uninspired with wilted lettuce, and there were only two dessert options. We walked out after a quick walk through.

The once vibrant souvenir shop, which featured fish, lizards, and a variety of unique items and souvenirs, has been turned into an overpriced bar and grill. The place now functions primarily as an event space with food, drinks, Seems they are more concerned with feeding you their overpriced food and serving you alcohol than they are about what this place focused on and was about before they made all these changes. It’s obvious the primary purpose now is an event space only using the animals and land as a backdrop. Two restaurants and a buffet. That’s what this place is now. It used to be about the experience, the animals, and petting zoo, feeding giraffes , engaging and enjoying all the beautiful animals. Where are all the kind people , the involved staff that would stop and talk to you about the animals, or walk with monkeys, bearded dragons and other cute little animals, telling you about them, letting you pet them? Gone. And it’s important to note- YOU DONT ACTUALLY PET ANYTHING AT THE PETTING ZOO! Your kiddos need to be tall enough to reach over the fence between you or they can put their fingers through the links of the fence . It’s mainly just an opportunity to feed them. Not to mention, there’s 0 staff outside. None.

It is really sad to see the decline of what was once a beloved family destination. Witnessing the poor conditions of the animals and the drastic changes made to the property was disheartening. McLain Lodge which is now known as Cypress Point, used to be a wonderful experience, and it’s painful to see what it has become. I hope future management considers restoring the charm and quality that once made this place special.i know they won’t, but I...

Over the course of my DIL and son’s recent engagement/wedding, McClain Lodge was AMAZING! We hosted a proposal party there and when my decor was delayed on the day of the event, Angela was so gracious and hospitable! She said “we’ve got this! Don’t worry. When we arrived the place was absolutely beautiful with decorated Christmas trees and greenery, lights. The works! No extra charge. We.changed the menu. And called countless times over details and without exception everyone we talked to was patient, friendly and professional. It was just so easy that we were able to relax and enjoy celebrating! The wedding weekend followed a terrific storm and the grounds had so much storm debris and fallen trees, outdoor lights destroyed…we were worried! But the two days prior to our big day, McClains staff -and even Mr. Buddy McClain- worked tirelessly to clean it all away, rehang lights, the parking lot was resurfaced. And the place was as magical as ever! What makes McClain Lodge so incredibly special is that they take the time to know you, learn what your vision for an event is, and convey so much love and attention to detail to delivery exactly what you want! We held the rehearsal dinner on the front porch of the lodge. Great food. Attentive service, and a view to die for! Having well-appointed cabins, a main cabin for the groomsmen to stay together, the main lodge for the bridal party made for an extended weekend event we will never forget! Wouldn’t change a thing! McClains treat you...

McClain is an experience like no other! You can start the experience with an informative Safari Wagon ride into over 2,000 acres of park that they have enclosed with exotic animals from all over the world! After that they release you into an exotic petting zoo, featuring everything from Kangaroos to Camels! When you’re done they have an excellent steakhouse and rustic western tavern. Dishes range from handcrafted sandwiches all the way to a delicious Elk Strip! The service is awesome as well! I always feel special whenever I take part in dinner or some drinks at the bar! Make sure you try the Etta James Cocktail. It’s super refreshing! Finally if you’re looking to get married or host some sort of business retreat or family gathering, check out their lodge located behind the farmers market and safari park! It is beautiful to see and you will smile at the quaintly accented southern style of the venue! McClain is worth every minute of your time and if you need something, just let their attentive staff take excellent...