Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Category: Resort hotel

Address: 2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373, USA

Phone: +18663993866

Reviews

Marie Miller

Jul 20, 2022

They closed the dining areas before 9 a couple of days. They say they have service till 11, not true. Front desk lady said they are under staffed and temps are not working out. Said they have changed management 3 times. It could be a really nice place. If they had more to do and better hours. Especially when there's not much around in the little towns. The game room and everything close down at 9. Front desk staff were very nice and friendly, but the pool staff were rude. The security guard was very nice and helpful in finding a place to eat after 9.

Anabelle Esquivel

Jul 11, 2022

Family and I had a great time. Indoor pool was awesome, the ride into cute little town was short and convenient. The villa we stayed in was nice, could be cleaner. The mattress from the sleeper sofa was worn out and had holes at the bottom but overall in was a decent place to stay with the family. A few things to do in the area, bad part is everything shuts down rather early but overall nice experience.

Alicia Williams

Apr 24, 2022

We stayed here while passing through. We were accommodated for a single night. I was told that there is typically a two night minimum but figured that this accommodation was made because it was so last minute. The rooms were clean and the beds comfortable. Little details missing though (not enough coffee, toiletries). I’m sure the front desk would assist but we just made due with what we had. The waterpark was cool. Great for younger children. Some parts of the splash pad not functioning and minerals in the water discolored parts of the splash pad. All in all seemed decently clean. Arcade was neat, clean and fun atmosphere. We had dinner at Jack’s the service was a bit slow but the waitress was very nice. Morning buffet was decent. A bit overpriced for what it is but you are paying for convenience of not having to load up kids into the vehicle and go elsewhere. The crowd of people is a mixture of families and adults reliving their childhoods 🙃. Security is on site. The resort is very clearly understaffed but I understand that this is the off season and the current hiring crisis. Every employee we came in contact with was incredibly friendly and helpful. One thing I would change, when you walk into the main entrance there are smokers everywhere. Cigarette butts litter the area. I’m not an anti smoker but if you’re trying to attract families they don’t really want to walk through a smoke curtain to get inside. Advice to owner or management would be to relocate a designated smoking section away from the main entrance and doors to the conference halls (perhaps in the far parking lot). I would come here again if passing through. Definitely has the potential to be a decent place.

Andrew Kunstler

Mar 10, 2022

They have done a great job with the renovations at Grand Bear. It is truly night and day compared to what it used to be. Villas were freshly renovated and very clean. Staff was very pleasant and accommodating. Arcade was very clean and also renovated as well. You can definitely tell that a lot of time and money went into renovating the grounds. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering staying there in the future.

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Questions & Answers

Is the park still closed

Barbara Wells | Mar 22, 2020
Minecraft GamingTV | Mar 23, 2020

Nope it just opened back up excited

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Any pictures of out door pool?

Ann Richardson | Mar 22, 2020
Barbara Hancock | Mar 23, 2020

No

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Is the water park open

Justin Ramer | Mar 22, 2021
Shenan Gilleland | Mar 23, 2021

They were open 2 weeks ago. It was their first weekend open you had to have a time slot to access the water park. You can call to make sure.

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What all does the resort have to offer for children and family fun

Gina Ellis | Dec 22, 2021
Jenny Gaff | Dec 23, 2021

is the water park fun for older teens

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Has anyone purchased the $99 3 night 2day promotion to come view the propert? Basically a timeshare sounds like. Well I put down $40 and have yet been able to book a reservation. Is this a fraud???

A Google User | Mar 22, 2020
Lenard Creagh | Mar 23, 2020

Not fraudulent at all. Went on family vacation & was a great experience. You and your family will enjoy yourselves. Will be going back again. Have fun!!

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Does this place have rooms for couples ?

Tim Gillihan | Mar 22, 2020
Dave Matakas | Mar 23, 2020

They do. We stayed on opening week and in a 12 person and whirlpool suites. Excellent time. Will stay again, and again.

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When will water park reopen after renovations? We want to book a vacay

Karis Brody | Mar 23, 2018
James “Jestor” Foster | Mar 24, 2018

Not soon enough? Lol...

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Is it still on fire?

Dominick | Mar 23, 2018
Phil McArdle | Mar 24, 2018

Yes

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Is there free breakfast??

Aaliyah Delgado | Mar 23, 2018
RJ | Mar 24, 2018

If you book a special event breakfast is included if not then you pay $9.99 per adult and $5.99 per child

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Is the water park open and is it included with the room ?

antonia ovalle | Mar 15, 2022
Patty G****i | Mar 16, 2022

Yes

Is the water park suited for younger kids? I have 2 16 year old boys .

Michael Firszt | Dec 22, 2021
Kate Englund-Kenealy | Dec 23, 2021

I had 13, 11 and 9 year olds and they were definitely at the top age limit. The two water slides are definitely fun for big kids though! Hot tub is for 16+ only.

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Is this 18+ to book a reservation?

Jacqueline Hernandez | Jul 25, 2021
Leonard Norberg | Jul 26, 2021

Minors can't book a reservation alone.

Do you have day passes for the water park?

Bee Gilliam | Jun 25, 2021
Bob Fernandez | Jun 26, 2021

They do....only on certain days. Keep an eye on their Facebook page

Do you pay for tickets to get into the water park? Or does access come free with you staying there?

Amanda Ortiz | Jun 25, 2021
Bob Fernandez | Jun 26, 2021

waterpark open with varying times....check website or Facebook

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Is tha waterpark open?

Jesse Foster | Mar 22, 2021
Stu Weisberg | Mar 23, 2021

Sort of. The main slides, wave pool, play structure, and lazy river are closed.

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I bought a resort weekend pass at the kids expo in Arlington Heights not too long ago....is this still being honored? If not how can I get my money back? I was told I'd have to attend an hour long or so "Tour" and I'm still interested!

Manny M | Mar 22, 2021
Stu Weisberg | Mar 23, 2021

Call them. They had an ownership change, so it may be a hassle.

How deep is the pool

Kariem Newsome | Mar 22, 2021
Orlando Batres | Mar 23, 2021

Do we know if or when the pools will open up again?

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Can someone answered my call. On hold 1 hour

Andrea | Mar 22, 2021
Aaron Holt | Mar 23, 2021

Andrea they aren't very good at answering phones. Also if your trying to rent a cabin or villa make sure the lodge owns it. Otherwise you can't use the water park

Do they have special deal days or package deals

Gina Ellis | Mar 22, 2020
javier castro | Mar 23, 2020

They do Groupon but they have black out dates so I still consider that as a no

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Is this place dog friendly can I bring my dogs one is 25lbs the other is 55lbs

Cathie Halpin | Mar 22, 2020
S. Rodriguez | Mar 23, 2020

Do not rent from Sam or Matt!!! They do not keep up the property. They charged us for damages that were made by previous guests. They have lied to us multiple times. BBB rating is D+

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If we are staying Sunday to Monday, how early can we access the water park on Sunday? Room check in is not till 4PM.

Erin Harvey | Mar 22, 2020
Nancy Molina | Mar 23, 2020

You can go in right away. Pack a small bag w stuff just for the waterpark. The changing rooms have lockers. They call when your room is ready and you can bring the rest of your bags in.

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Where is rjs pizza

Barbara Hancock | Mar 22, 2020
Willie Holman | Mar 23, 2020

I'm sorry, don't know this place

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So no indoor pool? For next week

Ruthie Fiala | Mar 23, 2019
K DENT | Mar 24, 2019

No pool

Is the pool open

A Google User | Mar 23, 2019
K W | Mar 24, 2019

Call them

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When,is the water park,reopening,for,season??? They sais soon,but havent heatd anything yet???

Sarah Gibson | Mar 23, 2019
Sarah Gibson | Mar 24, 2019

By march 27th???

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Do the cabins have stoves or ovens

Gregory Barnes | Mar 23, 2019
Chris Faletto | Mar 24, 2019

Cabins have full kitchen. 4 full bathrooms. Two whirlpool tubs and three bedrooms. Four queens one king bed.three firplaces

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Where are the condos located?

Linda Morrison | Mar 23, 2019
Allen Dennis | Mar 24, 2019

On property of Grand Bear lodge

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Its the water park open now?

mirza galindo | Mar 23, 2019
Daniel Sparks | Mar 24, 2019

No not yet, but they have great deals and lots of things for the kids todo.

Are you still open for business, I can't get through when I call.

Tina Goberville | Mar 23, 2019
Chandler Roosevelt | Mar 24, 2019

Yep they are. Was just there Wednesday.

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How did the resort caught on fire

Ari | Mar 23, 2019
Jeff E Keller | Mar 24, 2019

I think there was a huge fire in the waterpark, they had to close it and have not been able to rebuild or replace items to reopen it

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Hey, why did The Enchanted Forest close in 2016

Bradley Mason | Mar 22, 2020
Manny Rocha | Mar 23, 2020

Does anybody know the owners names and what town they are from. Asking about the enchanted Forest amusement park.

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When will the waterpark be reopened?

Lisa Williamson | Mar 23, 2019
Stanley Wolak | Mar 24, 2019

They are saying December at tnis point. The hotel is up for sale snd bank must provide g Financing to rebuild the park and insurance will pay after repairs are made

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Why did you get rid of the enchanted forest?

Morgan Ryen | Mar 23, 2019
Katje Sabin | Mar 24, 2019

It sounds like the developers have had issues with mismanagement, lawsuits, and injuries, not to mention the fire at the adjoining waterpark. The entire resort is up for sale; the developers don't want to pour any more money into it.

Why did their indoor amusement park close?

Bradley Mason | Mar 23, 2019
Chy Lambert | Mar 24, 2019

The indoor amusement park(enchanted forest) was close because they had sold the building.

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Has the lodge re-opened???

Amy Dillon | Mar 23, 2018
James “Jestor” Foster | Mar 24, 2018

Lodge is open, water park expected to open in May...

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Anyone with more info as to when they might re-open the waterpark?

Craig Vander Molen | Mar 23, 2018
Angela S Johnson | Mar 24, 2018

When I was there they said in May.

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Waterpark will reopen in May

Awesome Abby | Mar 23, 2018
Phil McArdle | Mar 24, 2018

Ok

Are they in need of a carpenter to put it back together?

Joshua Ellis | Mar 23, 2018
Traci Colbert | Mar 24, 2018

I'm not sure, our condo is good, but i dont know about the others, the waterpark is open, but amusement park is closed.

How did the fire start? I saw the news it said the hotel got burned down in the pool area Its sad....last time I will ever go there :(

emy chav | Mar 23, 2018
James “Jestor” Foster | Mar 24, 2018

It has not burned down...

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What can guests do in the meantime, where to go for updates. When can you go back to retrieve your belongings?

Nadia Campos | Mar 23, 2018
James “Jestor” Foster | Mar 24, 2018

Posting about fire? Probably better results calling the hotel direct...

Is Grizzly Jack's pet friendly?

Maureen Roudebush | Mar 23, 2018
Adriana Juarez | Mar 24, 2018

I don't think it pet friendly, but it is kids friendly.

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Are there restaurants like pizza fast food close to resort

Debbie Short | Mar 23, 2018
John McMahon | Mar 24, 2018

I found it difficult to find fast food, but I did find they have an on-site restaurant. I think a Jimmy John's is nearby near I-80.

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Are there different sizes as it would only b for me ?

Nancy Vignali | Mar 23, 2018
Patrick Carr | Mar 24, 2018

Are what different sizes?

Closest grocery store to the resort

Stacey Hawkins | Mar 23, 2019
Ari | Mar 24, 2019

How did the resort caught on fire

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