Sugar Lake Lodge — Hotel in Grand Rapids

I had to call to get a reservation/availability, and I was sent an email back with the room options and pricing, provided my credit card over the phone. A very inefficient process for 2024, but to each their own on that. ||We checked in at night and were given our physical keys and a map. Very long, dimly lit drive with no parking spot open in our “section” of villas. Sigh. We walked quite a way in the dark from another section over. I was going to go back for some things in the truck after the first “trip”, but eyeballs of a family of 6-8 raccoons ravishing the garbage about 20 ft from our door scared the bejesus out of me, so I sacrificed my husband, and none of us left again that night. ||The Golf “Villas” appear to be built level with the ground and with the passage of time/decades, have perhaps sank below it. ||It had rained all that day and evening, and our “villa” (very tiny one room hotel room with two double beds), was damp, dank and smelled of mildew. The sheets were actually DAMP on our feet from the moisture in the room. I would’ve given my next hot meal for a pair of socks in that moment, but I’m a summer sandal gal and unfortunately did not pack any. ||We were so excited to stay here after seeing the photos online, and for $150 a night, we were exponentially disappointed after a three+ hour drive. My family and I slept poorly and we had sniffles most of the night. We were happy for our neighbors sharing a wall that their group of what sounded like 10+ sub-par men’s scramble players seemed to be oblivious to elements, and they provide us with some post lights out laughs (they also left their inflatbles on the lawn when they left, and my son was happy to re-home a pink shark). ||The breakfast area has a nice atmosphere and view, but the food was sub-par and rivals a free Hampton warm breakfast. The staff also watched us eat. I couldn’t tell if they were bored or actually watching me to ensure I didn’t try and sneak a free piece of bacon off of my sons plate (I didn’t. I hate that, it’s so tacky, imo).||The two stars are for the pool/rec areas and beauty of the common spaces (lobby, deck, pool and beach). My son LOVED the pool and the view was amazing. There appeared to be towel service, but nothing was out/availble/open. The restrooms were locked as well. We didn’t ask why. ||After we left, I read reviews and checked out their socials. It appears to be a family run hotel, and the vibe felt almost unwelcoming, or, perhaps maybe were obvious first-timers. I’m guessing they have a lot of locals or repeat groups/retreats each year, so maybe we appeared to be random weirdos staying for one night on our way to Duluth . Just a vibe. Maybe it’s me, or the lack of sleep I’d had. ||I’m sorry to leave a review almost one year later, but I came across a hashtag on FB, so it jogged my memory. ||I think sincere and honest reviews are crucial for business owners. I think our disappointment could’ve been avoided, had the photos on the website provided a more accurate depiction. I don’t doubt the lodge and newer buildings offer more modern and ventilated options, but be honest about your more tenured veteran accommodations. I don’t think there is anything wrong with telling guests the room is “picturesque vintage 1990”, and may be a bit on...

Of you are looking to stay here with their golf package BEWARE. We had gone there several times in the past years and really enjoyed their resort however Fred has currently turned it over to his daughter Abby and she has shown for the last two years that her god complex is going to rule. Twice in the last two years we had been sitting in the bar area waiting for our dinner time after golfing all day and Abby came out with no explanation and told us we had to leave the bar. This year unfortunately we had one that was over served not necessarily by the resort but again we waiting for our meal time. Everything was peaceful until Abby told us we had to leave and when asked why as we were paying customers she went off the deep end. She told the over served person that she was calling the cops to have him removed. When he again asked why she got in his face and list it on him we decided it was time to get him out of there as we had several days of our annual trip left but every time we got him going towards the door she would get right back in his face and scream at him we finally got him out of there but she was not done he was expelled and the cops were coming and who do you think they are going to believe as she says a bunch of drunks or a local business owner. We put him up in a hotel and brought him his truck the next day. That night as we came they changed our dinner time and we had to call our guys off the course to come and eat so as we were told if we were going back out to leave our clubs in the cart. We came out after dinner to find some very expensive clubs thrown on the parking lot and when the person with the most expensive clubs started to say something tithe people that had done it Abby came out and said they would not have done it if she hadn’t told them to. If this is the kind is services that she thinks is going to attract business I feel sorry for whoever tries to stay with them. After about 15 years with...

We spent a week at Sugar Lake Lodge over the July 4th holiday and had the best week! There were 6 families (12 adults, 13 kids) and we rented several of the Golf Villas. We didn't spend much time in the villas because there was so many other activities to do, but they were clean and basic with comfortable beds. Our goal with this trip was finding a location where the adults can gather together while the kids run around and have the quintessential "90's summer" vibe. It was absolutely perfect!

The lake was beautiful and we took advantage of the beach/swimming, the kayaks/paddleboards, as well as a pontoon boat ride. The adults loved having golf so close and was having free golf after 7pm made it extra special for some of the older kids. We spent nearly every day along the water and it was fun grabbing an iced coffee, appetizers, and cocktails (the Sugar Lake Sunset was our favorite!) from Otis's. We loved having dinner on the deck at Otis's as well as the "Happiest Hour" on the deck at the Lodge. The golf cart shuttle was a great option for the younger kids, hauling our beach gear, or if there was someone in the group with mobility issues. There was no shortage of fun activities hosted by the staff and we looked forward to getting a text with the day's events (Root Beer floats, Storytime & Chocolate Chip Cookies, Music Trivia, etc).

This resort is an absolute must - the most friendly staff at every encounter and truly a unique gem. We will definitely be re-booking for next summer and...