Recently stayed here for a few days. Beautiful views and nice resort…read more Pros: - Food was quite good - Staff were welcoming and pretty friendly for the majority. - Outdoor whirlpool was really good / strong pressure and hot temps - Rooms are spacious and cleaning staff are helpful. Example: Will lay out your toiletries neatly on a towel in the bathroom lol - They have Kayak/ Canoe/ Paddle - I enjoyed kayaking around a little island in a group. They go fast though, so be prepared to go at it like an exercise session. It's not leisurely lol Cons: - Staying in the 2nd building is a bit of a trek if you need to go to the main building a lot. Unless l you rather be closer to the water and the Deck. They have golf carts to take you up to main building too but I think it's a bit of a wait sometimes? - Drinks were not great. Sodas are flat, cocktails are not that good and wines are $30 for a half glass. Beers are okay. - Never got a welcome cocktail but when I was leaving I just asked if I could have one and was asked a lot of questions for some reason so I just gave up. lol Overall, I would recommend as scenery is quite nice but there are a few spots they could improve on considering they are charging quite a lot per night during high season.

After nearly 5 years we returned for our anniversary to find that not only has not much changed, in…read morefact, the services at the Marriott have been in decline. Everywhere that I go I have to clean my own chair and seats. This was a sign. First, everything is overpriced. If paying $700 per night wasn't enough, nearly every item on the resort is expensive in a way that does not map to its proportions. $18 for 3 oysters doesn't align with MP, $30 per child to jump on an inflatable raft on the lake, $150/hr jet ski rentals are just the tipping point. Look, I understand that the resort is for people who are privileged and certainly we are one of those people, but that doesn't mean I want to be raked over the coals for every little thing on the Resort. There was a time when everything was included, call me old fashioned, but what's included here? The service and attention to detail is greatly lacking and some staff informed us that it was their first day on the job. It was like pulling teeth to get information out of the front desk. Those failures of the staff are a direct result of poor leadership, and I think the lack of leadership is showing throughout the business as a whole. The spa was underwhelming as well, the two massage chairs (that are not cleaned between uses) and the Amazon 'reflexology' foot massage machine (which only does the right foot), accompanied by an oxygen concentrator that requires you to put on nasal cannula to inhale through some colored liquids for "relaxation" did not give me 5 Star vibes. I did however like the 18+ pool provided by the spa (despite the weeds growing up through the hardscaping), but do I think the whole thing is worth $100 day pass....I do not. The Avalanche Cold shower is to a cold plunge as a tomahawk is to a vegan hamburger, one is playing at being like the other but fails in all the ways that matter. We ate at the Chophouse, which was not bad, I recommend the short rib as it's been braised well. I had the lobster Thermidor as I am picky about steaks and how they are cooked. The lobster was underwhelming and was more of a canner than a mature east coast lobster. The spinach they served with it was overly bitter and should be dropped for the menu, it's not a 5 star vegetable. Use the lobster claws and shells to create a stock and use that to do a nice risotto with the Thermidor. I'm being overly picky but here is my last gripe. If you bring cutlery to a table, don't bring it in hand, use a plate with a napkin on it or a tray. Use oyster forks and small spoons where necessary. Do more. If you're charging $250 for a 50 ounce tomahawk. The service had to match those prices. If not, you cheapen the whole experience Marriott. 3 stars for the lake view.

I went to Deerhurst for a company conference recently, it was my second time visiting, but I'll…read morecount it as my first time since I was able to experience much more of what it had to offer this time around. Driving up there with the fall colours - spectacular. It's really in a beautiful spot, so it had that going for it. It didn't have....much else? I mean granted - I was NOT going there for golf, and it's more of a golf resort. There is not a lot to do once you're there and it's off-season. We did the escape rooms (2 out of the 4) and they were FANTASTIC! Well put together, good props and the rooms were fun. They weren't too hard to figure out but a fun challenge. Aside from these rooms and some ax throwing...that's it for 'fun'. The restaurants were fine - breakfast brunch was a good mix, dinner was tasty...I had steak on one of the nights and it was delicious and made with care. Nothing stood out about the food, it tasted good and there was a decent variety to choose from. The rooms were very run of the mill, kinda outdated and what you might expect at an older resort in northern Ontario. Nothing to rave about. Was this the place I'd choose for a company retreat? Probably not - but only because you're stuck in 1 spot eating at the same places every day...but if you're only here for a day or 2, it would be ok.

We stayed from Mon - Fri (Jan2 - Jan6, 2023) and it was our first visit to Deerhurst. No thanks to…read morethe unseasonably warm weather, there was rain from Mon - Wed which kept us from our original plan to hit the slopes for the week. Thankfully, Deerhurst had enough indoor activities (pool, game room, climbing wall, escape rooms, nightly activities including a very good magic show...etc) to keep us busy until the weather finally cleared enough to go skiing at the nearby Hidden Valley Resort on Thurday and Friday. Our room was well appointed (stayed in Summit Lodge) but there were a few things that did not work very well (fridge didn't get cold enough and water pressure in the shower was weak.). It was also inconvenient to schlep all our gear up and down the stairs without an elevator but that's on us. Note to self for the next visit. We ate at the Maple bar (tavern?) on our first night (nachos, wings and a pizza) and the beers (Muskoka brewery) were flat and the food was ho hum. Next morning's breakfast buffet at the Compass fared a bit better with good selection of entrees but weak coffee. Freshly squeezed OJ was a big hit with our girl. Last night's dinner at the Compass was probably the best meal at the resort but rather pricey for what you get (2 drinks, charcuterie board, octopus salad and chicken fingers for $100+). There was a magic show we attended with incredibly kind magician, Don Gudel and the infamous Cookie the Rabbit, which my daughter loved! The magician was patient and genial. He took the time to give ALL the kids who did not get a chance to volunteer during the show a chance to experience his magic first hand by staying a whole hour later to entertain his little guests. We got a chance to stroll around the resort grounds and from what we could see, it would make for a very lovely visit during the summer months as well. Maybe that's what we'll plan for our next visit to Deerhurst. All in all, we enjoyed our stay here and would consider returning.

Beautiful family friendly getaway!! It's the whole package when you come here. Beautiful views from…read moreany cottage you stay in. All equipped with AC, are kept very clean and maintained. By the water you have access to activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, stand up paddle boarding, water trampoline, water diving apparatus and jet ski rentals. There is a Sandy beach, a pool and a hot tub. For kids, there are structured activities for different ages. I saw kids working in teams to complete a scavenger hunt. They also have a park, games room, toddler room and karaoke on Friday's. If you want drinks during the day you can BYOB or there is a cash bar by the pool. Also it's up to you to bring snacks of you need something in between meals. In case, they sell chips and ice crwam at the reception desk if you are desperate! My Favourite so far....was dinner time!!! After fun in the sun it was nice to sit down for a nice dinner. We got a basket of mixes bread at oi4 table as we sat down with a large pitcher of water. I tried the chicken cordon blue because it's not something I usually would order. It was so tender and the cheese oozed out when I was cutting it. It came with red potatoes and fresh vegetables. To top it off I got a butterscotch sundae... so on point!!! Looking forward to trying out the lunch and breakfast.

I really loved this lodge. It was such a beautiful place to be at and the view was just stunning…read more This review is about the food. I appreciated that my misconceptions of this place looking older and what, not were wrong. The dinners were amazing, the food was soo unique and really tasty. I got to meet the sous chef who was in Europe for some time who came to assist the main chef at the lodge. It seemed that they worked together to make a little of both of their tastes work, and it worked well. I had Venison for the first time, the lamb was to die for, the chicken as well, their meat was tender. It just seemed so fresh for a lodge, I was impressed. The french fries are sooo good. I dont even eat much carbs but every lunch I ordered a side. Lunch is not bad, but I dont think its anything worth raving about. Breakfast is harty and always have fresh fruit, eggs, yummy bacon and juices. The last night we were there they did a bbq, we really appreciated that they did that for us.

Casino Rama boasts a sprawling casino floor as well as several quick service/sit-down restaurants…read more Attracting a large audience from the GTA, the casino offers a convenient complimentary coach bus service with multiple pickup spots in the GTA. This was my first visit to the casino and I chose to drive, it was about a 1.5 hour drive from the GTA area. I found there to be plenty of parking available. As for the casino itself, I thought it had a good balance of slot machines and table games. I visited on a weekend in the early evening and it was packed with people, a few coach buses parked outside. By 6pm, there were large lines for all of the restaurants, with the largest line being at the Couchiching Buffet. I'm not a big gambler but I still had a really great time!

We went with the family to watch a show Direct from Sweden (Abba) a must see . It was fun and…read moreenjoyed the show . After the show we went to eat at the matcha eatery , ordered drinks and pizza and wings . The pizza was super good .

Facilites are excellent and accommodation in the main building first class following renovation…read more The only downside is the lack of fine dining since the main restaurant was burnt down a few years ago. The lakeside Boathouse Restaurant is OK but mainly casual and for me uninspiring fare. Service is efficient and staff attentive. Somewhat expensive but reflective of the resort and its generally well-heeled clientele. The Chalet/Condominium style accommodation, not that we experienced it, has catering facilities. This would be advantageous for many as nearby Gravenhurst offers limited and unexciting dining and Bracebridge much the same. During our stay it was mainly large families and the beach areas were lively and crowded, although guests had the option of three pools in the complex.. The attached golf course is renowned and highly regarded in the golfing community and not for high handicappers. Again, another expensive aspect of this resort. However, If you are not budget conscious and enjoy spectacular views and lake activities it should easily provide a satisfactory break or vacation for every age group.

This is one of our favorite places to come. Every year for the last 5 years we've come to visit…read moreTaboo. The hotel itself is modern and beautiful. The beds are absolutely incredible leading to the best sleeps ever! We've stayed in both resort view and lakeview rooms and love them all the same. The staff go out of their way to make your stay great from recommendations for dinner to going above and beyond! They heard we had recently got engaged so when we arrived there was a lovely note from the staff saying congratulations. One year we came up for thanksgiving which was a couple of days after my husband's birthday and when we got to our room there was a lovely happy birthday card and a bottle of wine which we enjoyed while watching the sunset. The golf course was lovely. It was perfect for both our levels, challenging but fun. They space out tee times so you really feel like you are the only ones on the course. We always have a great time at Taboo and we'll keep coming back! :D

My family and I spent 3 wonderful nights at the Shamrock Lodge. It was an incredible and relaxing…read morevacation. It's easy to tell why many of the families there keep coming back year after year. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. They made my wife dairy free dishes from scratch when she didn't feel like some of the other options and cooked up grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids for lunch when they didn't want their chicken wrap. The owner personally introduced my wife to the kids club counsellors so that she was more comfortable leaving them in the mornings to play. This went a long way in helping both of us relax. Besides the good food, great staff and amazing views. The other guests were so welcoming and friendly. Our daughters made friends instantly and we felt very comfortable letting them run around and play with everyone. It's a great culture that Shamrock Lodge has cultivated. With magicians, tubing, water skiing, canoes, kayaks, fireworks, and more. Shamrock Lodge really went above and beyond to always have something to do and look forward to. The only criticism, and its a big one, is that the rooms are not air conditioned. There was a portable air conditioner in the room but it was barely functional and the room was way too hot all the time. It was brutal and really took away from our enjoyment of the vacation. They really need to invest in proper air conditioning for the rooms.

On the edge of one of the most pristine of the Muskoka Lakes, Shamrock Lodge is one of the most…read moreenjoyable places we have ever stayed at. A full service hotel with all 3 meals included, this getaway also provides immaculately clean rooms and thoughtfully kept grounds. It is family owned and the owners and staff have a clear love for both the land and the patrons. The staff were a delight - very friendly and ready to provide anything needed. There is a clean pool and sauna in the main lodge, and if you want to swim but aren't a pool person, not to worry because the lodge backs onto a gorgeously clean lake. A variety of watercraft such as canoes, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and paddle boats are available for patrons to borrow at any time. Motorized watercraft are also available for an hourly rental fee. We would, and plan to, return here.

The GOOD: gorgeous lake front and beach area. Lake was lovely for swimming BUT we were here…read moremid-week and it was empty and all boats were docked so not sure how it would be on a weekend. The WEIRD/NOT GOOD - uh...resort fee charged BUT none of the paddle boards/canoes etc are available until after 9am on Fri (we were here on a Thurs) 2. No one ever answers the phone or the front desk when calling from within the room...we called to ask WHY IS THERE NO HOT WATER...is it a cold shower resort??? 3. Now terrified to order food from that restaurant...we should have done deeper review research We won't be back or recommend but we did manage to enjoy a nice swim in the lake This place could be renovated and turned into a super awesome place !!!!

This place was the most amazing shithole I have ever stayed in. The only thing resort about it was…read morerestoring to alcohol in order to get through the weekend. Norman Bates would not have stayed there. I walked into their crappy entrance and noticed immediately the place needs to buy a broom and sweep up. Once inside the lobby I felt a quantum leap into the 1980s....um 40 years of decor no no's that was a no back in 1980. The checkin lady was nice but had zero hospitality training. But the concierge was clueless... oh wait there wasn't one. My favorite part was Lake E.coli - I mean it was late September and already cold so I didn't need to be greeted on checkin with a big sign stating the lake was closed for recreation because of Escherichia coli that s a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. Credit Wikipedia If you dare to stay bring your own booze, as the bar is only open from 5-9p. And you are going to need a lot of booze, some gummies, and maybe a few vicadin for good measure because no early checkin. They are hard core on 4pm checkin which in hindsight is fine because you will want to spend the least amount of time in the dingy - hey was there a sale on shit brown and peestain tan paint, craphole of a room. So because I could get in my room I took a stroll on the resort grounds - well that was a mistake, see pics. I used the gym which was nicely equipped and even had the smell of dead jimmy hoffa - awe the ambience. The lake was pretty to look at.... Fredo your my older brother and I love you, now you go swimming first and let me know how it works out. So not a great stay but boy did we have some laughs anyway. Ps the room photos are misleading because there is no scratch and sniff on them to enjoy the smell of death warmed over. Thank you Canada for legal weed as that was helpful too.

A beautiful location and a clean resort. So peaceful and picturesque…read more The only thing I would have improved is the number of places to hang things in the bathroom in the upstairs unit we had. Once there are two towels, two hand towels and two face washers stacked on the one rail, everything has to be moved for use. There are no shelves or rails or hooks anywhere else in the room so when you shower you leave your clothes on the toilet lid. If you want to hang the hand towels somewhere after use, the bath towels are in the way. Considering the size of the bathroom which is adequate, another rail or hook on the door would have made the whole experience perfect. There is a no smoking sign on the door, however smoking is allowed on the balcony, evidenced by a dirty ash tray on the table in the centre. Love the quirky ceiling fan on the balcony.

"A relaxing haven in the heart of the Kawarthas" says it all. Friendly and helpful management,…read morebeautiful and clean accommodations - a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Ontario. We came up in a big group to celebrate my friend's 30th birthday, but after seeing all the families (especially the kids!) enjoying the resort, I will be back very soon with my family. My little nieces and nephews will love it (and my Dad can get plenty of fishing in).

On a scale of 1-10, you truly are a 25!…read more I've just returned from my 7th year in a row, week-long stay at Arowhon Pines, where perfection is the watchword, where attention to detail is evident at all levels, from the continuous renovations that blend into the environment so well you'd think they'd always been that way, to the lovingly prepared food always with a new twist every year, to the friendly and helpful housekeeping staff, to the hardworking kitchen and dining room staff; to the groundskeepers and maintenance men, whose invisible presence is felt in all the beauty, cleanliness and perfection around the property. Nothing is too much trouble for the approachable yet unobtrusive staff. I ate well, slept well, played well and worked well. Heaven couldn't possibly be more beautiful or more perfect. Coming back is always like coming home to an amazing family. It's my annual pilgrimage for rest, rejuvenation and restoration, while the Arowhon muse helps me write up a storm on my books and blog. Thank you to Theresa, Adam, David, Edward, Erik and everyone for your effective, tireless, welcoming hospitality. I didn't think you could improve on perfection, but you've done it again! On a scale of 1-10, you truly are a 25!

(Late to review) I…read morewent here with 4 of my friends for a friend's birthday at dinner time. My friend graciously paid for everyone (yay!!) and it was $75pp for an all you eat meal. It was delicious and scrumptious. The appetizers and desserts are the highlight for sure - there's sushi, chicken wings, sandwiches, a variety of dips and veggies, soup etc etc. For the entree, you can eat two entrees, so I got the steak and fish. The steak was great but the fish could use more seasoning. The desserts were so great - full selection from mousse to date squares. After the meal, you can sit outside in the balcony and it's truly beautiful. Algonquin Park at its finest. It was definitely one of the best meals I've had this year. We sat for too long and they shut off the lights at around 9:30pm for the main lodge and that was our cue to leave. :)

New management. Seem like nice people. 90.day cancellation…read morepolicy means I will only ever make a last minute booking now, even though I have come here for the past 10 years. Dishwasher is a super great upgrade. I don't miss washing dishes!! My cabin was the same as ever and that's how u like it.

been coming here for a decade or more. so has my family. new owners...nope…read more Not the same calibre - and not kind to me. This next trip I just booked to Huntsville, guess what - ain't staying here.