Located near Starved Rock State Park, Grand Bear Resort seemed like the perfect family-friendly getaway, but our experience was a disaster. While the location is great, the resort falls short in nearly every way.
Cleanliness: The rooms were filthy—stained bedding, old mattresses, and a sunken, unusable couch. The bathrooms smelled bad, with mildew on the shower tiles. Floors were sticky, and dust was everywhere.
Waterpark: The indoor waterpark was in terrible shape, with mold on the walls, peeling paint, and cloudy water. The lazy river looked dirty, and the entire facility felt unsafe and neglected.
Noise Levels: Loud music and banging continued past 1:00 AM nightly, despite the advertised 11:00 PM quiet hours. Our complaints were ignored, and a room change request was denied.
Room Maintenance: Furniture was old, mattresses lumpy, and the heating system unreliable. The overall condition of the room made it uncomfortable to stay in.
Internet and Amenities: The Wi-Fi barely worked, and Other amenities were outdated and poorly maintained.
Overcrowding and Service: Overcrowding made the waterpark chaotic. Staff were unresponsive to complaints and poorly trained, offering no solutions.
Grand Bear Resort has potential, but the lack of cleanliness, maintenance, and accountability makes it impossible to recommend. Until major improvements are made, avoid staying here.
Rating: 1/5