Maddens on Gull Lake, Brainerd

Overall this was a pretty nice place but I was not totally impressed. I came expecting a good tim but there was left much to be desired. The food and golf was the best part. The worst part was the people that stayed there along with me. Everyone I was with seemed a little stuck up. Especially this girl I met named Lauren. She was the worst. She always just kept talking about how cool she was and overall made everyones day around her terrible. She had these horrendous stories about how she had recently travled to Europe and kept bragging about how she was voted "fratter" of the trip, whatever that means. ANNOYING! Overall, however I enjoyed my stay.

My husband, son, and I went on a family vacation at Madden's and loved it so much! The people there are so nice and even remembered our son's name every time we entered the lodge, then asked us about him again when we called for reservations--two years later! Lot of nice touches like that--very personal. What we liked best was that there is something for everyone as far as activities, food, entertainment, even babysitting. The lake is beautiful, and you can choose accommodations to fit your budget/tastes. It does have that kind of retro, gracious, country club feel to it, and that is what we loved best--it is like being taken back to a time when people were nicer, things weren't so busy, and life was simpler--yet it has every modern convenience. I particularly enjoyed the spa, where I was treated very kindly and personally. We are so excited to go back this year!

Several of my family members stayed for a week at the resort. For the price, I was expecting much, much more. It was, uh, quaint. In the lodge, the associates provided us with smores fixings so we could roast marshmallows in the fire: quaint camping experience. At dinner on not one but 2 occasions, rainwater was dripping into the dining room and the staff had to put bus pans in 3 or 4 places: crappy camping experiece . One of which was right by our table. For 4 STRAIGHT breakfasts and lunches, the staff was beyond inattentive. Just horrible. The food was just okay. The accommodations were totally outdated. We had a range of experience with the staff (with exception of the wait staff and restaurant managers which were totally inadequate across the board) Has a cabin/summer camp feel to it in general. I think there's a time a place for a nice rustic experience. When you're paying this much...I'd say this is not the time. I will not be back...and nor will any of the people in our party.

This place is just beautiful and something for everyone to do. Our kids has plenty to keep them busy at the kids program whle my husband and I golfed and treated ourselves to a massage at the spa. Service and food was excellent, we stayed in the portion of the resort called "The Lodge", the yellow buildings. Without a doubt we will be back next year!

Every year we go up to Maddens for one week and it always ends the same. Everyone is sad to leave and excited for the next year when we go up. The pools are always great, and clean and the food just couldn't be better. Lets put it this way, we wouldn't go up every year if we didn't like it. Everyone in our family loves the chance to get together and have a great time!

I LOVE Maddens and Gull Lake!! It is so gorgeous up there, and they have so many great things to offer. If you choose to go on a boat ride around Gull, you have to check out all the breathtaking cabins. I think this area is really the best place you could have a cabin, or one of the best locations to visit.