We stayed at the Paradise Inn the first night it reopened (May 16, 2008). Unfortunately, the 2 year remodeling project was only the lodge, dining room and public areas. The rooms were cut out (over budget?). I didn't expect flawless service on the first night of being open, but there were still a few negatives that had nothing to do with staff training, etc.

The lodge is like you see on old postcards, and the remodeling/refurbishing has made it look great. It was definitely the hight point of the facility.

The front desk clerk (Rodney) was very helpful, but overwhelmed working by himself with everyone checking in at 4 pm.

My wife and I had never stayed at a National Park property before, so we didn't know what to expect. The room ($149 with private bath) was a disappointment, to say the least. Someone said the rooms were last renovated in 1990 and it looks it. Too bad they had to cut guest rooms from the current remodeling budget. Our room reminded me of the space my parents fixed for me in the basement when they decided that my brother and I were too big to share a bedroom. Small room, nondescript carpeting, cheap paneled walls, mismatched droopy acoustical ceiling tiles, rolled vinyl floor covering in the bathroom, etc. Fortunately the weather was ok, because we had no clue how to control the heat. They are pushing the rustic life (no clock radio, no tv, no phone, no screens on the windows). Squeaky floors and thin walls allowed many noises throughout the night and early the next morning. Bathroom was plenty large and clean, more attractive than the room itself.

As I mentioned, this was the first night of reopening, so the dining room was understandably hectic. No reservations, first come, first served. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated. The Maitre-d said he didn't want to overwhelm the wait staff and kitchen on the first night, so he was controlling the flow by not seating guests. We would have been happy to sit and have a drink or two before getting served. Once we ordered, food was served promptly. Minimal choices on the menu - 1 or 2 choices each of fish, poultry, beef, etc, Most of the wait staff seemed to be international students, but other than a couple language mixups, they did a great job. Very attentive to our needs. The food was OK, nothing great. I got the buffalo meatloaf. It was warm, not hot. My wife got the Coq Au Vin. Good, very tender, but kind of small.

When they remodeled the lodge, they eliminated the bar/lounge (according to a frequent guest). We were told that the dining room had drink service now, so that was why the former lounge is now a room full of phones. However, you wouldn't have to wait 30 minutes to get a drink at a bar, and most bars/lounges are open after 8:30 pm (when this dining room closes). Seems like they shot themselves in the foot on this decision.

The gift shop also closed at about 8 pm, no drink or snack machines in the place, so you'd better come prepared.