My husband and I stayed for this past weekend for an early anniversary celebration and it was incredible!
We stayed at a 1-bedroom Wilson Bay cabin and I loved it! Just the right size, enough amenities and gorgeous views.
My husband golfed the Pine Beach East course and had a fantastic round. He loved the course and the pace was fantastic. He was early to his tee time and since he was the first one on the course of the day he could golf quite leisurely. He said the greens were amazing and it was fun with just the right amount of challenge. His ONLY slight complaint, if any, was that there was no drink service on the course, only the stop at the 10th hole at the main lobby/19th hole bar.
While my husband golfed I had a manicure and pedicure at the spa. The services were fantastic. The techs (Nicole and Sandra?) were friendly and engaging, really took their time with the services. They gifted me a complimentary mimosa to celebrate our anniversary. AND since there was a slight goof on the time of my manicure, I was discounted the cost of it, which was quite generous. Highly recommend the spa services!!
There is so much to do at the resort - multiple pools/hot tubs. Our first day we got the indoor pool and hot tub near our cabin to ourselves for several hours! The lawn games are a blast - giant ladder golf was our favorite. The bonfire pits were so nice, we had a great time chatting with other patrons the second night. The beaches were gorgeous, I can definitely see why people love bringing their kids too. Maybe next year we'll bring our young daughter. Maybe. :D
The dining -- incredible. First night we ate at Mission Point. Our steaks were cooked just right and very flavorful. The oysters Rockefeller were superb. Service was quick and friendly! Coffee and pastries from the Market were great!! Hot lattes and yummy pastries. Lunch at the 19th Hole was awesome. We ate at the bar while having awesome drinks. We shared nachos and chicken tenders with fries - big portions and all fantastic food. Last dinner was the best. We ate at the Classic Grille, and it was incredible. Dave was our server and he is just the best. He was thorough with the menu and drinks, helped walk us through our meal choices. We started with the calamari, which was the best I've ever had. We RAVED about the bread and roasted red pepper butter, which seems odd but it was seriously amazing. (He even sent us home with extras!) I had the salmon and my husband had risotto. They were incredible. So delicious. The wine was perfectly paired. We were too full for dessert, but Dave graciously sent us home with a free slice of a banana bread cake (which I devoured before bed) - also delicious! Honestly just a perfect dinner. Sit on the patio too, beautiful views.
We went to O'Maddens pub both nights for a couple drinks. Big shoutout to Micha and Anja! Seriously keep all the sweet Irish girls on staff. They really helped to make our stay. Great drinks.
Only a few little cons -- I did find the resort signage a bit confusing, but within a day I had the place down. My husband did end up ill in the night our second night - not sure if it was the fish in his risotto or just a one off thing. I don't want to throw blame at the resort, sometimes these things happen. He was fine in the morning, so it was likely just a one-off event. Still wouldn't prevent us from returning to any of the restaurants!! Yes, the restaurant meals were a bit pricy but in our opinion, the food and service was worth it. It was a special weekend for us so we found the cost worth it. If we were to return next year with our daughter, we might opt for a bigger cabin with more kitchen amenities to cook in order to save costs.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are already talking about returning next year. Whether it's a guys weekend to golf, romantic trip for couples or family event,...
Read moreUnforgettable Family Golf Getaway at Madden’s on Gull Lake
Last weekend, our extended family enjoyed an exceptional golf outing at Madden’s on Gull Lake. From check-in to check-out, every moment was phenomenal, highlighted by amazing golf courses, comfortable accommodations, and exemplary customer service.
Golf Course: The golf courses at Madden’s were in superb condition, especially impressive given the early season. The greens, fairways, and tee boxes were meticulously maintained. A standout feature was the challenging par 6 on Pine Beach East, which combines distance with breathtaking views, providing both a challenge and a visual delight for any golfer.
Accommodations: Our family suite in the Madden Inn exceeded expectations with its spacious layout and comfortable bedding arrangements, including two Queen beds in their own room and a pull-out sofa in the "living area." The room’s design smartly accommodated various sleep schedules, allowing for both early sleepers and night owls to coexist comfortably. This thoughtful setup was perfect for our family gathering. The Madden Inn is one of the older buildings on the resort grounds and it was really fun to explore and learn about the history of the resort as it's grown over the years.
Amenities: Madden’s plethora of amenities catered to every age and interest in our group and others. The swimming pools and hot tubs were a hit, and the evening activities like bingo and trivia added a fun and engaging twist to our stay. The resort truly caters to all, ensuring that whether you are part of a family, a couple, or a group of friends, you will find enjoyable and high-quality facilities.
Dining: The dining experience at Madden’s was truly a highlight. The buffet, included in our package, was exceptional with an expansive selection that exceeded my expectations. Each morning, the breakfast buffet offered everything from freshly made eggs and french toast sticks to a variety of fruits and cereals. Dinners were a delight with a wide range of choices that catered to all tastes—fresh seafood, various cuts of premium meats, an array of vegetarian dishes, and classic comfort foods like homemade breads, salad and potatoes. The quality of the food was matched by the attentiveness and warmth of the restaurant staff, who welcomed us with open arms and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their efforts to personalize our dining experience and cater to specific dietary needs made every meal feel special and homely.
Customer Service: Customer service at Madden's is some of the best I have ever experienced. Suzanne, in particular, was a standout, showcasing professionalism and a genuine interest in our satisfaction. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail made our experience even more special. Furthermore, the entire restaurant staff were exceptional, greeting us warmly each day and continuously ensuring our comfort. They were proactive, anticipating our needs and adjusting services to enhance our stay (including putting up with our uncle's bad jokes). This level of care from the staff across the board—from the grounds crew to the maintenance team—contributed to a warm, environment that felt like a home away from home.
Atmosphere: Despite the resort’s bustling activity with over 250 guests, Madden’s maintained a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere late into the evening. We always felt prioritized and well-catered to, making it feel as though we were one of just a few groups present.
Overall Experience: Madden’s captures the essence of Minnesota’s hospitality and lakeside charm. From activities like tennis, croquet, billiards and pontoon rides to enjoying a simple pizza or engaging in extensive world class golf, the resort offers a diverse range of activities. I highly recommend Madden’s to anyone looking for a top-tier golf or resort experience in Minnesota...
Read moreUnforgettable Family Golf Getaway at Madden’s on Gull Lake||Last weekend, our extended family enjoyed an exceptional golf outing at Madden’s on Gull Lake. From check-in to check-out, every moment was phenomenal, highlighted by fantastic golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and exemplary customer service.||Golf Course:|The golf courses at Madden’s were in superb condition, especially impressive given the early season. The greens, fairways, and tee boxes were meticulously maintained. A standout feature was the challenging par 6 on Pine Beach East, which combines difficulty with breathtaking views, providing both a challenge and a visual feast for any golfer.||Accommodations:|Our family suite exceeded expectations with its spacious layout and comfortable bedding arrangements, including two pristine beds and a pull-out sofa. The room’s design smartly accommodated various sleep schedules, allowing for both early sleepers and night owls to coexist comfortably. This thoughtful setup was perfect for our family gathering.||Amenities:|Madden’s plethora of amenities catered to every age and interest in our group. The swimming pools and hot tubs were a hit, and the evening activities like bingo and trivia added a fun and engaging twist to our stay. The resort truly caters to all, ensuring that whether you are part of a family, a couple, or a group of friends, you will find enjoyable and high-quality facilities.||Dining:|The dining experience at Madden’s was truly a highlight. The buffet, included in our package, was exceptional with an expansive selection that exceeded all expectations. Each morning, the breakfast buffet offered everything from freshly made omelets and waffles to a variety of fruits and cereals. Dinners were a gastronomic delight with a wide range of choices that catered to all tastes—fresh seafood, various cuts of premium meats, an array of vegetarian dishes, and classic comfort foods like beans and potatoes. The quality of the food was matched by the attentiveness and warmth of the restaurant staff, who welcomed us with open arms and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their efforts to personalize our dining experience and cater to specific dietary needs made every meal feel special and homely.||Customer Service:|Customer service at Madden’s was unparalleled. Suzanne, in particular, was a standout, showcasing professionalism and a genuine interest in our satisfaction. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail made our experience smooth and personalized. Furthermore, the entire restaurant staff were exceptional, greeting us warmly each day and continuously ensuring our comfort. They were proactive, anticipating our needs and adjusting services to enhance our stay. This level of care from the staff across the board—from the grounds crew to the maintenance team—contributed to a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt like a home away from home.||Atmosphere:|Despite the resort’s bustling activity with over 250 guests, Madden’s maintained a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere. We always felt prioritized and well-catered to, making it feel as though we were one of just a few groups present.||Overall Experience:|Madden’s encapsulates the essence of Minnesota’s hospitality and lakeside charm. From leisurely activities like tennis and pontoon rides to enjoying a simple pizza or engaging in extensive golf, the resort offers a diverse range of activities. I highly recommend Madden’s to anyone looking for a top-tier golf resort experience in Minnesota Lakes Country. Here, excellent service and a remarkable stay aren’t just expected;...
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