Shore Lodge

My adult daughter and I spent a mother-daughter weekend at the Shore Lodge, specifically to enjoy the awesome spa and heated pools at the lodge. We had a fantastic time! The spa experience was divine and the food at the on-site restaurants was delicious. The hotel staff are super nice as well. Overall, a 10 out of a 10!

Shore Lodge came highly recommended by a friend I trust, so I had high hopes for a relaxing getaway. Unfortunately, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag, with a number of hiccups that left me wondering if this picturesque property was living up to its reputation. Check-in & Room Issues Our stay began with a small miscommunication: despite confirming a first-floor room due to a winter deal, we were initially assigned a third-floor room. While this was eventually corrected, it wasn’t the smooth start I had expected. Room 112, when we finally entered, was spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with a quaint living room area and a bedroom separated by a sliding barn door. However, the bathroom was surprisingly tiny given the room's overall size, and to make matters worse, there was a strong mildew smell coming from the bathroom. After some investigation, we discovered it was the shower curtain, which was promptly replaced. Still, not a great first impression. Shower & Noise Complaints The shower left much to be desired. The water pressure was weak, and the water temperature never rose beyond lukewarm. This was especially surprising considering the lodge wasn’t busy—so I can only imagine how the water situation would fare during the peak season. To top it off, the walls in the room seemed very thin. I could hear the TV and conversations from the adjacent room clearly, which was frustrating, especially given the lodge's quiet atmosphere during our stay. Service & Dining The staff was generally pleasant, though the level of service varied. Some team members came across as if their kindness was more out of obligation than genuine warmth, while others seemed sincerely caring. The inconsistency was noticeable. The lodge offers a self-serve s'mores station outside, which was a cute touch, but the way they were stored left much to be desired. The graham crackers and marshmallows were stale, and I couldn’t help but wish they had used better quality chocolate instead of the generic Hershey bars. The s'mores experience, while sweet in theory, could have been much better executed. The Bar & Dining Experience: One of the most shocking moments came at the lodge’s “bar,” which, being right next to the lobby, I assumed was family-friendly. After sitting down with my toddler at a table (away from the bar top), the bartender took our drink order, only for another staff member to inform us that children weren’t allowed. I was honestly appalled. Given the fact that the bar served food, I assumed children could eat there, as long as they weren't sitting at the actual bar. We were advised to move to the lobby couch, where we could still be served, it didn’t quite capture the charm of the bar, which overlooks the lake. I even asked if we could have our meal in the steakhouse restaurant, whose kitchen provides the food for the bar. The answer was no, which felt a bit inconsiderate, especially since it was only early evening. I do, however, have to give credit to the chef—his burger was fantastic, and he was extremely pleasant, even bringing my toddler a cupcake, which was a lovely touch. Dining Downstairs: The downstairs restaurant, Cutwater, was another letdown. It had a great saltwater fish tank, which was the highlight of the experience, but the food and service left much to be desired. My breakfast was awful. I requested real butter for my French toast, only to be told they didn’t have any. When I asked for real maple syrup (I was happy to pay extra), they informed me they didn’t have that either. The coffee was bitter and unappetizing, making me reconsider my choice to dine there. Overall, the restaurant felt uninspired, and I definitely won’t be returning. Conclusion: While Shore Lodge has the potential to be a charming, relaxing destination, my experience fell short in several key areas. From the mix-up at check-in and the mildew smell in the room to the frustrating dining experience and inconsistent service, there’s room for improvement. That said, the lodge’s picturesque setting and overall concept still have me intrigued, and I’d love to return during the warmer months for a second chance (by then the pool renovation should be done). Hopefully, the experience will be smoother and allow me to truly enjoy the beauty of this place. Here's to hoping for a better second impression if we return....

We booked a King Fireside room which was lovely. The room had a deck overlooking the lake which was great even in chilly November. We did not eat at the Lodge, but had tasty cocktails in the bar overlooking the lake. We would definitely book a stay again.

DAY 1: Upon arrival there was a sewer truck outside near our room & as we opened the balcony door, the room filled with sewage smell. Dirty bar tender in bar, was obviously sick. Kept snorting & touching face while making drinks. Gross. Spent $40 to walk away & trash beverages. DAY 2: water dripping from ceiling above our kids bed. As well as a wedding, that our room was the closest too in the pavilion. Super loud, lots of drinks. We understand that some things are out of a resorts control, however, they are responsible no less for the comfort of each guest. They failed miserably. My family was very disappointed in our stay. It was one of our favorite spots until this weekend. We work hard for our money & as a family of 5, don’t plan getaways often. I feel it was a complete waste.

This hotel and spa are as amazing as they look online. Everything was as beautiful and luxurious as expected. We went for a girls spa weekend and never left the resort. The food was 10/10 every time at all 3 of their food options. The staff is super friendly and helpful. We will be making this an annual tradition!