Lofty Pines Resort

Very nice place. I've been going there since 1972 and it's been nicely upgraded by the new owners. Per one of the other guest reviews, you will need to be fastidious about cleaning before leaving or the mgt will dock you on your security deposit. In other words, the security deposit is not just for damage per se, but to cover cleaning that most people would consider normal course of duty by housekeeping at other places. It could be because they are understaffed (or appear to be), so just beware. You might even want to hire a cleaning company to come in when you check out to make sure the place is absolutely spotless. For example, if mgt finds a gummy bear lurking somewhere in the corner or under a cushion, you will be docked. I can show you photos of what was found that led to a deduction of $100 from our deposit. Not a lot of money, but just keep that in mind. Might be better just to raise the rates by $100 so an not to alienate customers. On the other hand, the mgt is very friendly and courteous, which is nice to see. Timely assistance, on the other hand, is somewhat hard to come by, which is a negative compared to the previous owner who lived on site. But again, this may be due to an overall shortage of help which seems to be the case everywhere in Vilas county. The beach and boats are not as well maintained, cleaned and orderly as in the past, which strikes me as somewhat of a double standard given what management expects of guests in terms of tidiness. For example, boats are not wiped down, anchor winches don't work and the boats are not put in the water for quests. Also, the beach was not raked and we had to navigate around a stinky, rotting walleye for 4 days before I finally decided to clean it up myself. May sound like I'm being negative, but I don't mean to be. We love the place and just want to hold management to the same expectations as they hold the guests so that we can all do a better going forward.

2 years ago

****Warning**** Do NOT stay here unless you are prepared to FULLY clean the cabin upon departure. There is a list a mile long of what you can't do, and the "management company" at check in threatens they don't want "bad renters". They are short staffed on cleaning people, and nickel and dime you for your security deposit to pay for them to "clean" the cabin. We took sheets off the beds, swept the entire cabin, and left what we thought was left it in pretty good condition for them to clean the rest. Boy were we wrong!! It's unfortunate as we had been coming to Lofty Pines for years. With the new management we will never be back. Steve especially has issues about making sure it's known he is the boss, and definitely takes it out on renters. Just not very vacation friendly.

3 years ago

Although I haven't been up there in a couple of years now, this is by far one of my favorite places in the entire world. My family and I came to Lofty Pines for 21 years before it became too hard to get everyone together. The lodging isn't glamorous, but its cozy and cute (that's really all one needs while in the north woods.) The land on and around the resort is beautiful, offers plenty of wildlife, and is great for kids to play. There is a sand beach and very clean/shallow water frontage for young children. There is also a floating raft that is a swimmable distance away from the shore. Tin Boat/Kayak rentals are available too (tons of lily pads and loons in the area) The owner and his family keep the area clean and are available enough to ask questions but not over crowding. My siblings and I learned to ski off the back of the owners boat along with the same families that came year after year. The people I met there became family and we still keep in touch to this day. If you're looking for a cute up north getaway with young kids or families, this is your place!

7 years ago

Love being up here with solitude but also campfire gatherings, wonderous beauty in the fall! Close to the water and woods, yet every convenient amenity!

4 years ago

Great location and very nice rooms.

9 months ago

Best resort in North Woods...great managers, beautiful Lake, remodeled cabins (5 total on large propeety).

3 years ago

Was a nice quiet place to stay. Owner treated us like family . Would stay there again.

5 years ago

I love all the new upgrades that where done. Great people, and a great atmosphere....must go back..

2 years ago