Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

Likes: 1) The property is easy to locate, and the facility is clean. 2) I like the fact that the waterpark can be used all day on the day of a stay check-in, and the day of check-out. 3) The stores for merchandise have a good selection and easy check-out. 4) I love the large number of carts at the front entrance for luggage movement. Dislikes: 1) The front desk staff would niot let me check in under my wife's reservation, even though I made the reservation with my Expedia account and used my credit card to hold the reservation. Married couples should be able to check in with either person. 2) The fountain drink system at the food areas in the water park is ridiculous, and should be abandoned. The cup scanners were not all functioning, and even when they did, the drink spouts were not all working. When we tried to switch to a different drink, it would not allow us to do that, or to re-scan the cup. If losses on fountain drinks are such an issue, which I doubt, the drink prices could be raised a little to compensate for that, or all of the drinks could be poured in the back by staff, but the current system is clumsy for large groups, does not function well and is overall poor. I have not seen that system anywhere else, and that is likely for a good reason. 3) The elevators are slow, and there are not enough for such a large place.

Great place for kids! A bit overbooked on New Years Eve but I get it. Could have had a better New Years Eve party for the kids and parents. Some of the Hotels in the Dells blow you outta the water. With that said Great Wold Lodge is still one of our faves just better to go on slower days!

It was a decent stay but sooooo busy & expensive I understand it's a popular hotel but good luck getting into the pool area one of the day's there were 5 different daycamps even one of the staff members said she was confused as to why they would let so many come on the same day. It takes away from everyone else. You pay to enjoy yourself but when the pool area is way to busy & there's no were to set your belongings it get's very frustrating. Not to mention upon checking in we got sent to a dirty room had to go back to the front desk figure that out & then carry all our stuff on the other side of the hotel. For the price you pay it's not worth it.

Long check in, we did come closer to four though it took almost 25mins just to get to the desk to start checking in. The lady seemed to be trying to engage but it was still about 10 more minutes before we got our room information and wristbands. There's no belt parking which is crazy considering how much revenue they make seems they should include that. We walked about a block to get from the car back to the hotel once we parked. The hotel room not impressed other than the themed lamp shade and picture it seemed pretty basic I've seen more for less. The park and the hotel amenities like zip lining and movie watching, Dunkin donuts cafe and the water park itself were what I believe we paid for it was amazing. That being said overall I would do it again but carpool since parking is $19 a night per car.

Fun place, pretty reasonable for the area and great for families

Everything was great, except that everything opens late. As a mom of a 4 yr. old we were up and ready to start our day at 8 AM, but nothing was open besides Dunkin Donuts. The pool didn't open for another 2 hrs. Difficult to explain to a child that the pool is closed for hours yet.

Didn’t like the pool hours. Check in is at 4 and after unpacking and dinner there was only 2 hours to swim and play. Then check out is at 11am but the pool doesn’t open until 10am. So we only got 1 hour. I spent $500 for a room for 1 night. What a waste

Double charged for parking. When I only stayed one night. Wasn't even on the property for 24 hrs. Called to get refund. They just gave me a case number. There isn't much there for the big kids. A couple slides that's it. Everything is extra money. Not worth the cost for staying there. There wasn't even a Jacuzzi for the adults in the waterpark

Great atmosphere! A lot of activities for the kids. The pools were clean and the staff was friendly. We were impressed with the life guards and the safety checks they do. The only down fall is that the rooms need a refresh again. The beds need a replace and room needs new carpets and fresh paint. Other than that the kids had a blast.

The slide is fun for family of 5. We were able to ride together. It’s clean and fun.

It was great. The hotel was clean

This was our first visit to Great Wolf Lodge, and overall, we really enjoyed our stay! We’ve visited other similar resorts, and GWL has definitely become one of our favorites. My 14-year-old daughter mentioned that the water park felt a bit smaller compared to others we’ve been to, but there were plenty of fun activities for the kids throughout the day, which I really appreciated. The food was decent, and our room looked just like the photos—simple, but it worked well for our needs. That said, I do have a couple of suggestions. The restrooms inside the water park weren’t very clean and felt like a breeding ground for bacteria. A bleach-style rinse-might help. Also, if you happen to lose an electronic device, be prepared for a bit of a hassle—we found it difficult to get much cooperation from security. All in all, we had a great time and just wish we had more time to spend there!

The rooms were clean. The water park area as expected was not the cleanest. But every that worked there was wonderful!

Clean rooms. Waterpark area and hallways are well maintained. Convenient dining options inside the lodge as well as close by

The stay was ok my only complain i guess is no matter how clean the room is you can still smell the nasty humid smell and the water in all the pools is super merky it look dirty. But non the less my kids had a blast. And the fact that everything is so expensive.

The bed was super soft and comfy. Let’s not forget the shower pressure was amazing. The room was nice and clean. A/c worked very well. Staff and hotel was all around A+

The rooms need to be renovated. They also have a mildewy order. The lobby bathrooms smelled great but the rooms were tired, old and had an odor. I had to kill a bug when settling in the room. I was not impressed although they had great amenities for kids. The wifi was great. I had a hard time wirh check in because they said our room was cleaned but we had to wait until a supervisor looked at it and released it. I know check in was after 4 but we took a red eye flight from Cali and we were all exhausted and just wanted to lay down. I was willing to pay extra if they let us in eatlier. We waited 4 hours for them to clear our room even after a rush was put on it. We slept in the lobby but my mom was out of it and delirious so i had to wheel her in the room when they let us check in. She couldn't even walk. I wish they would have been more accomodating for us.

Staff was fine, check in was fine, I was disappointed our room smelled like cleaning products, the bathroom had a type of mold smell, it appeared clean but for $370 for one night I expected more. Additionally I was disappointed in the waterpark hours. With a 4 pm check in and 11 am checkout the waterpark does not open until 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm. I was disappointed the kids could not use the waterpark before we left. While you're allowed to use it after check out. We needed to head out and were disappointed it was unavailable in the morning.

Room was very dusty. Shower curtain didn’t fit as a result water got all over the floor. Blankets had stains. Bathroom vanity had previous guests eyelashes and hair still on it. Room was very humid and lighting was horrible. Lamps cords were dusty and couch/sofa was very uncomfortable to sit on. I suggest renting a room nearby and just buying day passes. Not to mention they make you pay for parking. So not worth it.

Is a clean resort

The lighting in the room was very dim. The tub was clogged and the bathroom very small. There wasn't any extra toilet paper. The room looked dated.

Rented a two bedroom suite and it was absolutely perfect for 6 people. We love coming here for a one or two day quick trip.

The rooms need to be renovated. They also have a mildewy order. The lobby bathrooms smelled great but the rooms were tired, old and had an odor. I had to kill a bug when settling in the room. I was not impressed although they had great amenities for kids. The wifi was great. I had a hard time wirh check in because they said our room was cleaned but we had to wait until a supervisor looked at it and released it. I know check in was after 4 but we took a red eye flight from Cali and we were all exhausted and just wanted to lay down. I was willing to pay extra if they let us in eatlier. We waited 4 hours for them to clear our room even after a rush was put on it. We slept in the lobby but my mom was out of it and delirious so i had to wheel her in the room when they let us check in. She couldn't even walk. I wish they would have been more accomodating for us.

We had such a wonderful trip for my daughter and her friends! They had an absolute blast. The only thing I wished for was a few more outlets in the room for all their electronics. But aside from that little detail, everything was great.

The lighting in the rooms are horrible

It was so fun. The beds are like a bad joke. They are incredibly bad! But otherwise the place is perfect for a get away with little kids. Our room has a kids room in IT and or daughters were in heaven. We were particularly helped by: Asher H., Avery, Brendan and Omar. Such lovely staff. The biggest demerit is they started charging for parking when there’s no other way to get there. It’s such a clear cash grab when it’s already a kiddie casino.

Long check in, we did come closer to four though it took almost 25mins just to get to the desk to start checking in. The lady seemed to be trying to engage but it was still about 10 more minutes before we got our room information and wristbands. There's no belt parking which is crazy considering how much revenue they make seems they should include that. We walked about a block to get from the car back to the hotel once we parked. The hotel room not impressed other than the themed lamp shade and picture it seemed pretty basic I've seen more for less. The park and the hotel amenities like zip lining and movie watching, Dunkin donuts cafe and the water park itself were what I believe we paid for it was amazing. That being said overall I would do it again but carpool since parking is $19 a night per car.

They did not have microwaves in the rooms. They offered community microwaves located on each floor for everyone to use. Sometimes there was a line and it was just inconvenient if you just wanted to rest and relax in your room you would have to get dressed just to walk all the way down the hall to warm your food and about time you made it back to your room the food would be warm or you might need to take multiple trips. They also don't take cash and the ATM charges are ridiculous. The arcade games cost so much the paw passes they offer only allow you to play 2 games. The golf course was indoors and super small and crowded. Your not able to okay without running into another group. They charge a 15 dollar a day parking fee and a hundred dollar deposit. The remote didn't work in my room and was unable to cast to the TV due to settings being locked. They offer a late check out from 11am to 2pm for 49.99. and some of the staff do not need to work with children.

Overall is good. The room is kinda like Jack and Jill style. If the next door neighbor is talking, you can catch most of the information.

Great atmosphere! A lot of activities for the kids. The pools were clean and the staff was friendly. We were impressed with the life guards and the safety checks they do. The only down fall is that the rooms need a refresh again. The beds need a replace and room needs new carpets and fresh paint. Other than that the kids had a blast.

Lied about taking my deposit, over $600 and no one can find where it went. Cool.

Staff had less than adequate customer service. We requested an iron twice and never got it. A family member who lived near came and brought us one.

The property was nice. Rooms were clean. Staff is friendly. However, we had an issue with billing. We paid for our room through Expedia, but the hotel charged us again when we checked out for out entire room and stay even after telling them we had paid. A few hours after we checked out they billed our credit card that was all file.

Loved the property but the reservation agents at front desk need to be trained better my credit card on file at property for incidentals was charged for the whole trip again and for parking and a dinning package that I pre paid in cash upon arrival, just stressful speaking to a few people who really didn’t know what they were suppose to do and a Manet who would not come out of office to address my concerns.

Immaculate room. Helpful staff. Pool manager was especially helpful and kind with a lost item. Many activities for our grandchildren.

Long check in, we did come closer to four though it took almost 25mins just to get to the desk to start checking in. The lady seemed to be trying to engage but it was still about 10 more minutes before we got our room information and wristbands. There's no belt parking which is crazy considering how much revenue they make seems they should include that. We walked about a block to get from the car back to the hotel once we parked. The hotel room not impressed other than the themed lamp shade and picture it seemed pretty basic I've seen more for less. The park and the hotel amenities like zip lining and movie watching, Dunkin donuts cafe and the water park itself were what I believe we paid for it was amazing. That being said overall I would do it again but carpool since parking is $19 a night per car.

Our stay was wonderful. The lodge smelled amazing, the staff was very friendly, and helpful. It was also very close to restaurants and Six Flags Great America, which was literally 4 minutes away. Overall we have amazing stay, and will definitely come back again!

This lodge is not different than the location in Wisconsin Dells that I visited years ago. The extremely high prices for rooms, miserable food for a very high price. We've notice people bringing food from outside resort. The resort double charge me for the room, we booked the reservation with expedia and paid with expedia, but the hotel decided that it's ok to be charged again. You have to pay for parking like over 15$/night. So if you get $200/night room it will cost over $600 after tax this tax that resort fees, reservation fees. It's disgusting. One short sentence, we will never return here ever, There are other reasons other than what I just mentioned, it will not be appropriate for me to discuss here.

The day I checked in, 4/4/2025, I asked for a late check out. I was told specifically that the check out time would now be 4PM on 4/5/2025. At 2:30PM I get a call from the front desk, while inside the water park, stating that housekeeping said that I’m still inside the room. I stated yes, I paid for a late check out. The receptionist stated she did not see a late check out on my account. Which was untrue, I received a bill showing the late check out charge. I said you can look on my account and see I paid for it. She then stated that check out was at 2PM and I explained to her that I was told 4PM. The receptionist then stated that as long as she’s worked there checkout time has always been 2PM. She could’ve just apologized and told me that it was 2PM and not 4PM like I was informed on 4/4/2025.

Great staff that was friendly, helpful and mindful of safety at all times. A father noticed a broke bolt head on a waterslide and the staff quickly found a solution. They communicated effectively to each other in a calm manner and got the issue solved. On our departure cleaning staff was so friendly even thanking us for our stay. My go-to place for family fun under 1 roof. Seeing my 6 year daughter take the rope obstacle course to the 40 foot up top was amazing.

Excellent location to enjoy family fun in the cool months.

Staying on property was absolutely the best move to make. Everything was easy and fun. Really close to a huge mall and other amenities.

Very comfortable and enjoyable. Convenient to several restaurants.

Close to home

Great place close to great America! We had so much fun!

The property needs maintenance. Just very run down rooms even for a premium suite, we were a little disappointed. Cleanliness was okay but we still had to clean out the shower and tubs. Coffee pot was missing the tray. The staff were very accommodating and kind! Walkability is not convenient for all.

I liked how there was places there to eat, and everything was all close together defiantly was worth the money.

Our stay was wonderful. The lodge smelled amazing, the staff was very friendly, and helpful. It was also very close to restaurants and Six Flags Great America, which was literally 4 minutes away. Overall we have amazing stay, and will definitely come back again!

Stayed here for 1 night and 1 day while we waited for my son to leave his base. We arrived early and our room was ready, this was AWESOME and such a blessing. My kids ranging in ages 3-19 LOVED the water park! they spent the entire day in the lazy river and riding all of the attractions over and over again. It was really so nice. When my little one got tired, we headed back to the room which was awesome because of the separate little area with bunk beds and their own tv. The arcade had so much to offer and the dining options and free events like the night dance party were great! We really had so much fun and the location itself is close to nearby restaurants and a mall. I can't wait to go back to this location the next time we go visit my son.

Very very convenien and safe

No food just Dunkin’ Donuts. People who work there don’t care about anything

Parking was not included in the very expensive stay. Bars we ok and food was decent. Not large enough for the amount of people inside and game room was ridiculously expensive and the reward selection was almost nothing. Overall I would not stay here again for the price.

It was bigger than I thought and the staff were friendly, I didn't like the fact that we had to pay $20/person for a continental breakfast

I think it's a bit ridicules to pay for parking for this location. Absolutely no reason for it. The high prices at this location serve enough that there should be no reason for this organization to just make a money grab out of the situation. Were a bit disappointed in the their so called "Holiday Christmas dinner" pretty much a waste of time, money. If I do chose to stay here again. I would definitely rethink my food expenditures.

Loved the waterpark, restaurant options and customer service.

Long check in, we did come closer to four though it took almost 25mins just to get to the desk to start checking in. The lady seemed to be trying to engage but it was still about 10 more minutes before we got our room information and wristbands. There's no belt parking which is crazy considering how much revenue they make seems they should include that. We walked about a block to get from the car back to the hotel once we parked. The hotel room not impressed other than the themed lamp shade and picture it seemed pretty basic I've seen more for less. The park and the hotel amenities like zip lining and movie watching, Dunkin donuts cafe and the water park itself were what I believe we paid for it was amazing. That being said overall I would do it again but carpool since parking is $19 a night per car.

Stayed here before but this trip was terrible. Somehow they added multiple room & parking charges to my credit card (which was fully paid for before I arrived). Also, bought lunch for small children, stopped to buy an alcoholic drink, and their card reader wasn't working. After 30 mins. of waiting for them to get the card reader to work & asking a Supervisor numerous times just to give me the drink free so I could feed my kids, they charged me for the drink and all my food WAS NOW COLD!!!

Pool was nice breakfast should have been included for the price

They did not have comforters on the beds. The pictures of the room I paid for, and the room received was totally different and way smaller. The restaurants close way to early unless you want pizza.

Overall, it's okay, but the food sold at the pool is really tasteless, and the salad doesn't have dressing, so you have to eat only vegetables.