"Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock was one of the most disappointing resort experiences I’ve had in years. The entire property feels badly outdated and poorly maintained. The rooms, common areas, and facilities all look like they’ve been neglected for a long time and are nowhere near what you would expect based on the price or the way the resort markets itself online.
What made the experience even worse was the complete lack of transparency during booking. We arrived on a Friday night expecting at least some level of entertainment or amenities to be available, only to find that the bar was CLOSED on a Friday night at a resort. That alone is ridiculous. On top of that, the mini golf was closed and the water park was also closed — two of the major attractions that families specifically book this resort for.
At no point during the booking process was there any clear notice that these amenities would not be available. If a resort is going to advertise family attractions and charge resort-level prices, customers deserve honest disclosure before they spend their money and make travel plans.
Instead, this felt like a bait-and-switch. You pay expecting a full resort experience and arrive to find multiple amenities unavailable with no warning. The resort appears to be running on the bare minimum while still charging premium prices.
The location near Starved Rock is the only redeeming quality, but the resort itself is badly in need of renovation, better management, and basic honesty"