After looking for several hours and contacting close to a dozen lodges (looking for a combination of affordable, dog friendly, one-night stay, and location in or near Grand Lake) I landed on Mountain Lakes Lodge. They were more than accommodating to make a late reservation (I caved and opted for the 2-night stay which is required here, and I'm glad I did!) and accept the dog. I made my reservation on the phone to make things easier and immediately received a very thorough and detailed confirmation email followed by one detailing the pet policy. They were waiting for me to check in at 8:30 PM and were really friendly. I chose the TACK Room since it was the most affordable....I've stayed in many a bargain (1-2 star kind of place) and this was WAY better. Fully equipped mini-kitchen with two pot cook plate, frig, dishes, etc. Bed was very comfortable and the bathroom efficient but ideal for 1 or 2 people. Electric (I think) wall heater made the place cozy and the neighbors were for the most part quiet. A very thorough and helpful guild book was provided which laid on lots of options for food, what to do in Grand Lake, hiking (with dogs and without), and the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was more like an AirBnB experience (which is good as I usually stay AirBnB when I can). I give 4 stars not because anything was wrong but just to indicate it was rustic (in a good way!) and not elegant like some of the other lodges obviously are if you want that. I was very happy and wished I could have said goodbye but I left early to go hiking at Monarch Lake thanks to...
Read moreWe came from Austin, Texas wanting to stay in Winter Park, but its so expensive! We wanted an authentic small town Colorado stay... not a modern apartment since we can do that anywhere. We took a shot in the dark and opt'd to stay in Grand Lake at Mountain Lake Lodge. The themed cabins looked fun. We stayed in #4 "Wilderness Lodge" it was just what we were looking for... the loft bed I knew my kids would love. I am so glad we took a chance.
The view from the Cabin was beautiful and Grand Lake is exceptionally BEAUTIFUL! These cabins were so cozy and quaint. I loved the little kitchen!! We saved some money with me being able to cooked breakfast every morning, so that was a huge plus. The kitchen was supplied with everything I needed so it made that task simple. The communal fire nightly my husband loved as did my kids. Sue & Adam were very friendly and attentive. My kids loved playing with their children and they were so sad when we were leaving. We had great talks with the hosts they made you feel as if you have been friends for a long time.
We are in Colorado for a week and stayed 4 days at Mountain Lake Lodge the next 3 days we are spending at The Westin (4star hotel) in Town and I really wish I would have opt'd to stay with Sue & Adam for the rest of our trip instead... the Westin has nothing on Sue & Adam and their hospitality. So if you're in town or going to Winter Park stay here instead its so worth the short drive to Winter Park. Thank you Sue & Adam we will definitely see y'all again in the future. Wishing y'all the best!...
Read moreThe first time we stayed here, we were so pleased that we couldn't wait to get back. I can't believe how downhill it's gone. Although the North Shore property was once on the shore of Lake Granby, fires have required much of the water to be drained from the lake and it's now a minimum of 1/4 mile from the fire pit. Had the DeFoe's been upfront about the deceiving description of "on the lake" from the beginning, I wouldn't have been so disappointed regarding this aspect of our unpleasant experience. Even more disappointing was the condition of our unit. Pots and utensils with stuck on food; cracked glasses and a coffee maker with mold growing in the filter (which was left behind by the previous tenants, I'm sure). I was so looking forward to a nice hot bath our first night. When I turned on the water, I got a head full of scalding hot water because it wasn't possible to fill the tub without the shower coming on. If you're thinking of staying at Mountain Lakes Lodge or North Shore, take a tour, first. You'll want to be certain these things have been corrected at $125 per night. Especially since I've brought our discontent to the attention of the DeFoe's and their response was...
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