Paws Up Montana — Hotel in Drummond

I used almost the same title as the review posted last week since our experience was very similar. The lack of staff training causes frustration and stress numerous times each day. Which, of course, is not what anyone wants on their vacation... especially one this ridiculously expensive.||In general it just seemed like no one was in charge and there was very little thought put into anything. Even if our stay had cost far less than $5000 per night (plus $6000 for activities) we would've expected a competent, basic level of service.||Although it's tempting to list all the big and little things that caused so much frustration each day, I know that long reviews can be off-putting. I'd recommend taking at face value the numerous reviews that mention poor training and service, since it seems this has been a problem for some time. ||One instance of the poor approach to service happened with our room. We booked a "Meadow Home," which the website describes as "an ideal refuge for smaller families and couples on a quest for privacy." As it turns out this description was very misleading, as these are duplex homes with shared walls, very close to the public road which cuts straight through the property, and well within hearing range of the highway, the noise of which is nearly constant. I stopped by the front desk to ask if one of the Big Timber homes or the Wilderness Estates was available so we could move, and I was told by the manager he "wasn't sure." He said he'd look into it and get back to me later that day. But.. he never did. Just no response at all and didn't even mention it the next time I saw him. Very nice guy but just didn't know the basics of customer service.||To echo the review from earlier this month, just about every staff person we met was super nice, and seemed to want to please, but was set up for failure by the evident lack of training and the apparent lack of thought behind how to run the resort. ||One example of the lack of thought and training was apparent during the barbecue dinner. It was a buffet, and at most buffets you get your own food but order drinks from your server. Here there are no servers at the dinner buffets (although no one tells you that when you arrive or sit down). So, after the four of us got our food I went to the bar to order cocktails for my wife and myself... and by the time I got back to the table with the drinks twenty minutes later everyone had already finished eating. Part of the reason the drinks took so long is the bartender - and this is no exaggeration - had to look down at the drink recipe every time he added an ingredient. ||So, a perfect example of how a lack of thought on the part of management (have servers!) and a lack of training for the staff (teach bartenders how to make basic drinks!) combined to make what should have been an enjoyable experience frustrating. ||I could go on but I would simply caution anyone booking a trip here to temper their expectations, and be prepared to be frustrated. ||One note on the actvities - stick to the "nature" ones. The activities that require the most thought and planning on the part of resort management are disappointing - for example, the ropes course is small and not even as good as the one near where we live in New England, and the paintball "field" is basically just a bunch of pallets placed semi-strategically in a very small area. All the activities are overpriced, but these in particular seemed to rise to the level of blatant rip-off - almost $700 for four people for about an hour on a ropes course!||One other thing I have to note was the oppressive number of flies and bees during meals. We're used to eating outdoors but have never seen anything like the massive number of flies and Yellowjackets that were present at every outdoor meal - and even once during an indoor breakfast. Flies all over not only our food at our table, but also all over the food at the buffet. You had to be careful lifting your glass to your mouth in case a Yellowjacket was sitting on the rim. And it wasn't just us - we heard numerous other people complain about this. We asked our lunch server why they don't just put up fans, which could easily be done at the The Shed, which is the main lunch spot, and she said "We keep asking but we're always told they wouldn't look acceptable." As much as the fans might not look great, they'd be vastly preferable to having your for constantly covered by flies.||We definitely had some memorable experiences, in particular the fly fishing. But, based on the overall experience we wouldn't go back. The next time we head to Montana or somewhere in the area for this type of vacation we'll explore...

How to start a review on a place that opened our eyes to luxury, beauty, friendship, and fun?! I cannot say enough about how amazing of an experience we had as a family at Paws Up Montana. We stayed at Creekside camp for 4 nights in an exquisite one bedroom glamping tent. Our nights were filled with hammock reading, eagle watching, s’mores making fun. We decided as a family to pack our days with new experiences and enjoying Montana’s outdoors. Everything from utv’s, atv’s, obstacle courses, horseback riding, yoga classes, fitness center workouts, go carting, shooting 22’s, rock collecting, visiting a ghost town, fly fishing, tennis, basketball, and experiencing some of the best food we have had. Now let’s talk food, everyday we had a sit down breakfast at our camp pavilion (one of my fav favorite parts of our trip). At night we ate either at our camp pavilion or at the church wagon. For lunch we would eat at The Shed. Wow, the food!!! From fish, to bison, to salads and desserts. My kids are extremely picky eaters so they would order off menu and also would eat the menu. The food was fabulous. My son has severe allergies to several foods and he was able to eat everything! The staff was incredibly sensitive to his needs where he didn’t have to worry at all. This was a trip changer for us because we always have to worry about his allergies when traveling. Let’s get to the customer service. Just wow! Think Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton but upgraded. Names of the staff that made our trip truly memorable. First and far most Brian the manager at Creekside Camp. He became a family member by the end of the trip. He taught my son how to make fire and even made trips to our camp to give him the flint to use. Brian played with the kids, hung out with our family, and demonstrated how genuine of a person he is. All the while keeping his professional composure and the luxury experience of managing his staff and providing our family with an unforgettable experience. My kids can’t wait to go back to visit him. Paula was one of our family butlers. She made each night a memorable and sweet experience. Paula surprised my kids by picking out specific rocks and setting them out before our meal. My kids hunted rocks for her whole trip, it was so sweet of her to notice their hobby. My youngest made a best friend out of Jaqueline who was another butler/manager at our camp. She kept our 5 year old busy. Acting like nothing was more important than my son. Natalie and Kathrine from kids camp were spectacular! My kids preferred going to adventure camp instead of doing almost anything else! And that is not normal for my kids. These two ladies ready raised the bar for making a kids camp fun and unforgettable. My kids have bragged to so many other kids on our trips after Paws Up about the fun they had at camp. Tyler was a do it all guy. He made it memorable for my kids learning to throw an axe at the Chuck Wagon and conversations on our van rides. Tyler took time for each of my kids. He never rushed. He acted as if they were his only concern. Amazing young man. Lastly, I want to recognize Adam one of our chefs. I can’t explain how amazing his food was. He has a talent that is very hard to find. To this day (a month later) we still talk about his dishes! Overall, I would highly recommend Paws Up, but only if you want a family-centered memorable luxurious vacation with endless adventures and...

Unforgettable Four-Night-Stay at Paws Up Resort We recently had the pleasure of experiencing a four-night stay at the magnificent Paws Up Resort, and we must say that it exceeded all our expectations in every possible way. From the moment we arrived until the time of our departure, every aspect of our stay was nothing short of exceptional. The accommodations at Paws Up Resort were simply exquisite. Tucked away amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Montana, the cozy cabins provided a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the plush bedding and luxurious amenities to the cozy fireplace that added a touch of warmth and ambiance. Each evening, we found solace in our well-appointed cabins, surrounded by nature's tranquility, making it a truly rejuvenating experience. One cannot speak of Paws Up Resort without mentioning the culinary delights that awaited us. The food and drink options were beyond compare. The resort's talented chefs crafted culinary masterpieces that showcased the finest local ingredients, resulting in flavors that danced on our palates. From hearty ranch-style breakfasts to delectable gourmet dinners, every meal was a gastronomic adventure. The dining experiences were further enhanced by the friendly and attentive staff who were always on hand to ensure our dining pleasure. The extensive wine and cocktail selection only added to the indulgence, making each meal a true feast for the senses. One of the highlights of our stay was immersing ourselves in ranch life at Paws Up Resort. The equestrian activities, in particular, stood out for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. The Equestrian team was not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and patient. They took the time to understand our riding abilities and comfort levels, tailoring each experience to suit us perfectly. Whether it was serene trail rides and cattle drives through breathtaking landscapes or exhilarating canters across vast open meadows, every moment spent with the Equestrian team was filled with joy and adventure. The overall staff at Paws Up Resort was outstanding. Their genuine warmth and dedication to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction were evident in every interaction. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and a genuine desire to make our stay unforgettable. Whether it was the helpful concierge, or the knowledgeable guides, everyone went above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable experience for us. In conclusion, our four-night stay at Paws Up Resort was an absolute delight. The cozy accommodations, exquisite dining options, immersive ranch activities, and outstanding staff all contributed to an unforgettable experience. We left Paws Up Resort with hearts full of cherished memories and a deep longing to return. If you're looking for a truly exceptional and memorable getaway, we wholeheartedly recommend...