DeSoto State Park Lodge — Hotel in Fort Payne

The park is absolutely wonderful and in a great location but I will focus on the rooms in this review. Quick note: There is only WIFI at the lodge so service at cabins/chalets is very poor. I also would recommend the chalets/cabins only, I’d only use the hotel rooms if you’re staying a single night as they are very small. We stayed in chalet 19 over the MLK weekend. This chalet definitely had the best views and best situated patio but there are one or two that are a little more secluded; not to say this one wasn’t plenty private. The chalet was comfortable with a pull out sofa, king bed, and two twin beds in the loft. The outlets upstairs are both behind the heads of the twin beds, as pictured. The sofa when in sofa mode is slightly small and the living room chairs were a bit uncomfortable but nothing unmanageable. The table and chairs were plenty large for what we needed, having 6 chairs; and if you needed more you could pull the two living room chairs over but I wouldn’t recommend the chalet for more than 5. The patio was lovely but given the cold didn’t get much use. The kitchen featured a microwave, oven, stove, and a coffee maker with a reusable filter so no filters needed for your trip. The silverware was slightly limited and be sure to wash it before use as you never know how well the last guests cleaned them. The mugs (not pictured) are very small and I will definitely be bringing my own next time. The living room also could’ve benefited from an ottoman or a coffee table. They also have a small tv with a few channels but the sights outside and nearby are much more enjoyable. The loft stairs were very easy to climb even for a young child. The beds were all very comfortable but the pillows leaned on the soft side. The chalet features two closets (one downstairs and one upstairs) and a large pantry by the door. The bathroom is very small but the toilet and shower are enough for what they are. The sink and vanity are outside the bathroom so someone can get ready while someone else is inside. The trails outside the chalet are very well maintained and light work with good views so they are easily accessible to hikers of all ages. Right down the trail is a lovely lookout rock that has good views of the sky and down to the water. The stars outside were also wonderful at night! Be sure that you bring in all the food you want to cook and eat, the lodge store sells limited snacks and the general stores are down the mountain. An hour long round trip back down to the Walmart is not something I want anyone else to have to deal with mid-vacation! Overall a very wonderful and budget friendly vacation and I know you’ll have more fun...

Desoto State Park Lodge in Fort Payne Al. I just spent a few days there and had a wonderful, relaxing time. I am in a power chair and it is often difficult to find activities that the chair can get to or through. At Desoto Lodge, there are handicap accessible rooms that open on to a deck with a beautiful view. There is also a boardwalk that goes at least a 1000 feet into the woods that end at a beautiful waterfall. Not far from the lodge is Little River Canyon that has a long ramp that leads you down to the area's big waterfall. It is gorgeous blue and green water that has a cool, crisp mist that floats in the air and gently coats your face. The lodge has a restaurant that serves delicious meals and free breakfast if you are staying at the park. They also have cabins for families. However I did not ask if they were handicap accessible, but I believe there are some. As for my Bi-ped partner, there are many trails that hikers can travel into the woods and take pictures of the beauty and bring back for me to see. I will be back to enjoy nature, and be away...

Pros: Great getaway in the mountains. Lots of trails to explore and city nearby if you want to grab food. Rustic cabin was very warm and had central air. Front desk staff and restaurant were very nice. Cons: Mice droppings everywhere. On the stove, in the cupboards and everywhere else. I get this is rustic cabin but some effort could have been taken to clean this up before we arrived. Told front desk and they said they were aware. Food was not good. Son had burger and fries and I had fried mushrooms. Tasted like it was fried in old grease and we didn’t finish it either. We choose to eat out rest of the trip. Also another family was in front of our cabin when we came back one day even though everyone had their own plot. They claimed they were passing through on a trail and you can see by pictures there was no trail. Made us feel very uncomfortable. I would suggest they do walk through before guests check in and inform all guests to stay on...