Aspen Lodge, Grand Marais

Pulling up to the Aspen Lodge, we were disappointed from the get-go. After viewing their web site, one would assume the lodging would be on Lake Superior. However, it is hundreds of feet from it, and has many trashy houses right in the view of the lake from the hotel windows. Checking in was no problem, but at check-in, my party and others were enlightened that the hotel power would be going out that night, which meant no water, no lights, no TV, no air conditioning (it was over 85 degrees out). The first thing we noticed when opening our room was the carpet; it was horribly stained, and didn't look like it has ever been cleaned. Not to mention the beds were already wrinkled, had stains on the mattress, and we had a box of spilled Cheerioes underneath one of the beds. After a long day out in the sticky weather, all of us looked forward to a nice shower. Unfortunately, the water got about as warm as the water out in the lake. Not to mention the sink's drain was stuck, and we had to try to pull it open with our finger nails. The pool wasn't the cleanest, but it was better than the shower upstairs. We woke up the next morning to find out the hotel cable was out...and they didn't know why. So we figured we would go eat the hotel's complimentary breakfast which consisted of English muffin toast, and, well English muffin toast. Don't go here unless you want to throw away 150 bucks!

My family and I were treated very well by all of the employees. They helped with our luggage, gave us a tour, explained all of the amenities and gave us directions to their favorite local eateries. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!!!

At first everything seemed great--aside from the unexplainable sewage stink surrounded only this hotel. The woman at the desk was fun and chatty. The location was great. Then we saw the bathroom. Due to space limitations I'll just say that it was gross by anyone's standards. Very little was done to correct the situation, and no attempt to keep our future business was made. The "international team" of maids seemed to be held against their will, so it wasn't any surprise that they didn't do a very good job. No wonder this was one of few places in Grand Marais with any vacancies. If you go here you can count on comfortable beds, but you'll stay up all night wondering whose bedbugs dwell within the sheets.

The continental breakfast could have been a little better. More choices and variety for food. Very clean and friendly service. A little pricy. Could have better deals like stay three nights get one free for example.

Great location, friendly staff, wonderful view. Can't wait to go back!