Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center

This Lodge is simply a fantastic venue if you just want to chillax, and get away from it all. From the moment I arrived I was warmly welcomed (Kathy I think), and she gave me a great rundown of the premises and what to expect. The hotel is just stunning with its decor and views of the lake. The room was exceptionally clean and tidy, with a magnificently comfortable bed and pillows. My room had a lovely view of the lake. The hotel staff (mostly locals) were warming and very friendly, and what a great bar down on the lower level, which is also the restaurant. The menu is varied so I am glad that I stayed for a few nights to try different things on it - it sure beats the longish drive to find any other restaurants. The bar has some great choices of beers, wines and spirits. The bar which is in the center of the room is ideally set up if you want to chat with other patrons, and I did meet some lovely couples, who wanted to char after detecting my accent. Worthy of mention: If you are unfamiliar with the area (as I was) and your GPS tries to take you on any "run-road" - Don't! because they are horrible, and it was lucky I had a 4WD drive pick-up because you needed it literally. Ignore the GPS suggestions until it recalculates and takes you back to sealed roads. Now back to the staff - it was simply too hard to pick a star - as they were all stars. On the first day (Maddie & Skeye) were a great pairing - both full of charm and humor. (Tip: ask Skeye her middle name). On the 2nd day Haley and Ethan provided the charm & entertainment in the bar & restaurant. (Tip: Try and guess Haley's height). On day 3 at breakfast Braydee was simply superb. So, to summarise - what a great few days in an idyllic part of the world. Top rating from this Australian visitor. I will be back.

I was looking for a place to unwind after a long three or four months. With my wife being away, I decided to try Burr Oak Lodge. Utilizing the “Savvy Senior” discount, I was able to enjoy three quiet and quite lovely days. While the lodge is dated, the staff and the setting can’t be beat. I had a standard King overlooking the lake. While the room is a bit small, it was perfect for my needs. The presence of a microwave and refrigerator was great. The bed was comfortable and the bed linens were great. The towels could have been a tad bit better. I was able to go on two very long and beautiful hikes as the weather was ok for two of the days. While one trail was a bit muddy, it was doable and delightful. The restaurant has a ,I tied number of options for a vegetarian, but once again the servers were accommodating and helpful. I was planning to use the pool, but I didn’t actually find the pool to be so inviting. I am sure for families it would have been fine. All in all-given the rates I paid and the scenery was able to take in—the Lodge gets a 5 star. I am not sure that normal room rates would neccesarily get a 5 star rating.

We ate at the Cardinal lounge. The food was good and so was the service. The lava cake was freshly made hot out of the oven with ice cream is amazing. The view of the lake was great. You are able to eat outside on the deck or inside. We went twice. The first time we had burgers. They were good. Second time we had pizza which was decent.

Management is over their head. Front desk- just get past it. The girl at the front desk began our conversation by letting me know I still owed MONEY! How would I like to take care of it. Could it be that I still have a BALANCE because you only took a deposit to begin with? Choice of words! Don’t expect to drink water while your at this place. They refuse to keep the one ridiculously small fridge in the lobby stalked with more than 4 waters at a time for the entire lodge. When you ask for water in the Cardinal restaurant, it will come to you in a dirty glass. Management must have forgotten to actually train their staff at the restaurant. Menu- leaves you wanting fresh food. Food- awful, service- even worse. The poor kids running the place seem nice enough, they just don’t know what they are doing. I asked for a gin and tonic and the waitress told me she didn’t think they had any gin. They did of course, but the tonic was flat and the lemon was slimy. EVERY window in the place is filthy which skews your view of the scenery. I’m quite sure the pool filters were never on. The pool was loaded with flies in February. Someone should really put some bulbs in the lights in there- too dark. Maybe they just don’t want you to see the flies. There is no game room- only board games at the desk. The fireplace grid looks like it broke 20 years ago. Extra vending machine- broke. I gave a two instead of a one because the rooms are comfortable and clean. But I paid almost twice as much for this lodge as I did for Deer Creek. So comfortable and clean should be a given. We really wanted to like this place. But when you’re in the middle of nowhere, they’ve got you by the horns.

For some fall hiking we had a midweek stay in a lake view room with an adjacent patio. The whole place exceeded our expectations. It seems that some upgrades have been done including paint, bedding, lamps with electrical outlets, and good quality room refrigerator. Bathroom was tiny however a second sink/vanity outside the bathroom was most welcome. Tub/shower area were very clean with no mildew. Lodge dining room provided very good food and service. Breakfast was a buffet that is usually chargeable but was included in a special room package we booked. We would visit again without question.

Remembered staying here with my parents, brother, grandma, and great aunt when I was young and wanted to try it again. The location is great for nature, but the lodge and rooms could definitely use some updating. The rooms are dark, the bathroom is small, but the views from the great room and restaurant are beautiful. The food was good, but at least we were told when we sat down that they only had one cook so it would be awhile. Only stayed one night and left early the next day so didn't get to explore too much.