The Water park is fantastic , Grandchildren had a great time. However the water park area itself is not all that clean, Several used bandages remained on steps both days we were there. Lots of dirt on the slide stairs, and the floors in the changing room where quite dirty.
The thing that is the most upsetting is all the extra charges. First is a Resort fee added on top of your room rate. I asked for an explanation and was told it was for the coffee in my room, internet access, parking and the fitness center. ( Those items are normally covered at any other hotel in your quoted room fee aren't they?) Second was the added gratuity to my Bill for the breakfast buffet . Large group they claim We sat at two different tables , had to find our own silverware and she never came and asked if we needed refills on our coffee and for that she got a hefty tip. All the other things the climbing wall, ropes course, magic quest prices although expensive were expected. Although we enjoyed our time in the water park I'm not sure we will be coming back

Terrible customer service. You cannot get a hold of anyone. When you finally do, they create an escalation and say they’ll call you back within 24 hours and never do. We had a credit on the account and I was overcharged. Of course they won’t call me back to get my refund.

Room was ok, water park was busy and not enough chairs. Just get there right when they open and it’s fine. Drinks were way overpriced but delicious and I never would have bought them if I didn’t have a credit.

Another problem we had was we came with another party and requested to be close to eachother. When they got their room they were out in a completely different tower. We ended up getting that fixed but cmon now.

Kids loved it and loved all the extras. Truly is a ton to do.

TLDR: Beware of bed bugs!!!

Surprised the kids with a 1-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois. This was my kid’s back the next day. Pediatrician confirmed that these appear to be bed bug bites. We stopped counting at 80. She has bites on her arms, legs and face as well. After trying to get in touch with a manager for over 24 hours, they finally called me back to say they wouldn’t refund our stay unless they found bed bugs in the room. Apparently a child getting eaten alive in her sleep is insufficient evidence.

According to reviews online, this is not a new or infrequent issue at this location specifically. I understand bed bugs can be anywhere, but I don’t feel the company’s response is at all aligned with the severity of this issue. We had to throw away our suitcases and do at least 11 loads of laundry and counting to make sure we didn’t bring any home with us.

Save your money and your sanity — avoid Great Wolf Lodge at all costs.

** update: The manager told me they weren’t putting anyone in the room until it could be investigated. Health department showed up and called us back to say the room was currently occupied by a family. Later, the manager called back to say the room tested negative for bed bugs. At this point, I’m less concerned about getting a refund and more concerned that they are KNOWINGLY exposing families to the physical, emotional and financial trauma of possibly bringing this infestation back to their own homes. Shame on GWL! Gross negligence, emphasis on the gross