Edgewater Resort — Hotel in Ephraim

When a guest request at the front desk for additional towels is met with “Did you read the white information paper we gave you at check-in?”, as a guest, you know you are in trouble! And that sentiment pretty well summarizes how I felt about our four night stay at the Edgewater Resort in Ephraim, Wisconsin. ||The “resort” proudly states that it was established in 1900….and from my perspective likely not updated since then. Well, that’s not fair. Probably updated in the 1970’s (there is air-conditioning!), but it remains mired in 50 years ago. The above-mentioned air conditioning is the in-room style and the ones at Edgewater Resort would give the ones at Motel 6 a run for their money - super noisy. Our room featured a heart-shaped bathtub (think Poconos!) and “housekeeping” set up: a huge microwave from the 1970’s whose clock dial cast a bluish tinge over the room at night (had to cover it with something) and perched atop that, a vintage Mr. Coffee. I needed a chair to pour the water into the Mr. Coffee it was so high. They did give us a coffee packet and filter when we checked in - 2 actually. Can’t figure out how they arrived at that number; we were there four nights - but no mention of sugar or creamer! There was only one bedside lamp, so we had to make sure to go to sleep at the same time. || TV is cable - no logging into Netflix or Amazon at this “resort!” The plastic one piece molded style shower (think 1970’s!) is as small as a telephone booth and the shower head is set so that when you turn on the shower, the water shoots right out at you (and your towel and your bathmat…hence the need for more towels!). The “towel bars” on the wall near the sink look like the safety grab rails in a bathtub and are relatively low to the ground making it a challenge (or impossible) to hang up a towel to dry. And, there is no countertop in the bathroom…just a narrow sink and a small wicker shelving unit - good luck shaving, guys!||Back to the towels…..I did do what the white information paper said….I put the white towels outside in the provided hamper and I called the front desk for more. I called three times, but no towels. I know they got the ones in the hamper….they were gone. The next day, after the scene at the front desk mentioned above, we did get towels. Other unpleasant issues: they leave the outside lights on all night - street lights around the closed up pool - and the light comes through the 1970’s miniblinds all night. And, other resorts have chairs for guests to sit outside and enjoy the weather and the scenery - there are a few plastic chairs around, but not in front of all the rooms…and certainly not in front of 116. After all, for close to $300 a night, what could one expect?! I know that COVID did away with maid service - once again for $300ish a night, I still miss it!||On a plus note, the wi-fi was good and there were plenty of places to change...

When a guest request at the front desk for additional towels is met with “Did you read the white information paper we gave you at check-in?”, as a guest, you know you are in trouble! And that sentiment pretty well summarizes how I felt about our four night stay at the Edgewater Resort in Ephraim, Wisconsin.

The “resort” proudly states that it was established in 1900….and from my perspective likely not updated since then. Well, that’s not fair. Probably updated in the 1970’s (there is air-conditioning!), but it remains mired in 50 years ago. The above-mentioned air conditioning is the in-room style and the ones at Edgewater Resort would give the ones at Motel 6 a run for their money - super noisy. Our room featured a heart-shaped bathtub (think Poconos!) and “housekeeping” set up: a huge microwave from the 1970’s whose clock dial cast a bluish tinge over the room at night (had to cover it with something) and perched atop that, a vintage Mr. Coffee. I needed a chair to pour the water into the Mr. Coffee it was so high. They did give us a coffee packet and filter when we checked in - 2 actually. Can’t figure out how they arrived at that number; we were there four nights - but no mention of sugar or creamer! There was only one bedside lamp, so we had to make sure to go to sleep at the same time.

TV is cable - no logging into Netflix or Amazon at this “resort!” The plastic one piece molded style shower (think 1970’s!) is as small as a telephone booth and the shower head is set so that when you turn on the shower, the water shoots right out at you (and your towel and your bathmat…hence the need for more towels!). The “towel bars” on the wall near the sink look like the safety grab rails in a bathtub and are relatively low to the ground making it a challenge (or impossible) to hang up a towel to dry. And, there is no countertop in the bathroom…just a narrow sink and a small wicker shelving unit - good luck shaving, guys!

Back to the towels…..I did do what the white information paper said….I put the white towels outside in the provided hamper and I called the front desk for more. I called three times, but no towels. I know they got the ones in the hamper….they were gone. The next day, after the scene at the front desk mentioned above, we did get towels. Other unpleasant issues: they leave the outside lights on all night - street lights around the closed up pool - and the light comes through the 1970’s miniblinds all night. And, other resorts have chairs for guests to sit outside and enjoy the weather and the scenery - there are a few plastic chairs around, but not in front of all the rooms…and certainly not in front of 116. After all, for close to $300 a night, what could one expect?! I know that COVID did away with maid service - once again for $300ish a night, I still miss it!

On a plus note, the wi-fi was good and there were plenty of places to change...

We stayed at the Edgewater Resort to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The location is very close to the water, other small cities and Peninsula State Park. The water view suite we had was modern and clean. The double fire place with views from both living area & bedroom and the large in room hot tub were both relaxing. The in room gift of bath salts & loofa was nice. Our suite had a full kitchen which was convenient. The king bed was comfortable. This is a very nice resort and the staff was friendly. There are a few changes the resort could easily make and I would have given them a 5 star review: The bedroom needs to have room darkening shades and/or drapes installed. The outdoor lighting on the property is so bright that the room is very bright at night. It is difficult to sleep in a room that is daylight bright! Seriously, just adding this would be awesome! The bed pillows were hard so pillow variety could be improved. The couch in the living area is a pull our sofa so not conducive to relaxing. A recliner would be a bonus. That said, we enjoyed our stay and would return if some changes were made. I will check back with them in a...