Waubee Lodge>Miscellaneous>Northwoods Discussion Central>The Northwoods Information & Discussion

The wait to check in was about 15 min.  The staff member checking me in was quite nice and apologetic. 

We went through six keys that didn't work. Four hours into no electrical power in the rooms, I inquired

about the situation by calling the front desk.  30 rings on two different attempts later, a busy bartender

answered telling me he had no idea what was going on  I then went down to the front desk.  This was about 7 pm, and I needed to

make the decision whether or not my family and I would take a 3 hour trip home, or stay for the night.  I waited

approximately 25 minutes, chatting with restaurant guests who had been waiting prior to my arrival.  When front

desk employee arrived she, too, was quite apologetic and accommodating.  She looked into the situation, inquired

with the owners, and came back to tell me the owners were too busy to deal with this right now.  (It’s worth

noting that as I waited at the front desk, someone’s full credit card #, CSV#, and expiration date were hand written on a sheet of paper, on the check-in

counter.)

After midnight, I went to inquire about what was available for the lack of lighting.  I was told there were no flashlights, but I there should be plenty of candles and matches from the wedding party we attended and that I should get them from the bride.  The owner said there were

extension cords available, but when we went to get one, we were told that the 50’ cord was all they had, and that was after taking about 20 minutes to find

it.  This cord was to be used in a hall outlet and was supposed to help provide lighting to a 2-level loft suite.  Needless to say, we had to set up our

charged computer near the steps for safe lighting, and we lost an iPod as it was used for lighting in the bathroom and dropped by a young child.

I suggested that next time, they may want to notify those of us in the lodge of a situation like this, and provide a source of lighting for

the rooms. Upon check out, there was an insistence of taking my cell phone number (they already had my home phone and email address) and a promise

to call the next day.  That was two weeks ago and I have not received any correspondence.  The bride and groom were told everyone

was called and given a discount. Not once did I ask for a discount or a refund, but only information about the situation and equipment to make the stay in a room with

no electricity possible. 

I have never been lied to by hospitality staff before.  I’ve never been made to feel as though I was inconveniencing a hotel owner/manager.  I paid ~$130 to stay at Waubee Lodge. It is clear to me that the current owners of Waubee Lodge do not value repeat business.  They can, however, hire people who seem to work very hard, doing what they can for their employer.