Grand Forks Lodge and Suites

The hotel is often recognized for its convenient proximity to the Alerus Center, making it a practical choice for event attendees. Guests frequently highlight the inclusion of a hot breakfast as a significant benefit, contributing to a positive start to their day. Many rooms are noted for being spacious, which is particularly appealing for families traveling with children, offering ample room to spread out. While the overall condition of the hotel receives mixed reviews, the friendly staff are consistently praised for their helpfulness. The hotel caters well to both leisure travelers seeking a comfortable base and business travelers looking for a standard, functional stay. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm your room's readiness upon arrival, especially if checking in during peak hours, and to request any necessary bedding for sofa beds in advance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences with them are varied. The pool and hot tub areas are frequently mentioned; while some guests found them enjoyable and a good size for relaxation, many others reported issues such as the hot tub being cold, having non-functioning jets, or the water appearing murky and unclean. The pool itself was sometimes described as small, shallow, or having an uneven floor, and was occasionally closed for maintenance. Wi-Fi connectivity received mixed feedback, with some finding it reliable for business needs, while others experienced difficulty connecting or found it unreliable. Laundry facilities are available, which is a convenience for longer stays, though some noted they could use updating or were not fully functional. The game room, intended for recreation, was sometimes found to have broken equipment or was repurposed for storage, limiting its utility. Additionally, some guests observed that elevators and other common areas showed signs of wear and tear.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably inconsistent. While many found their rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, a significant number reported issues ranging from dirty rooms upon check-in, stained sheets (including blood and other marks), and hair in beds or bathtubs. The condition of sofa beds was a recurring concern, often described as uncomfortable, dirty, or lacking proper bedding. Office chairs in rooms were frequently noted as being worn, rickety, or damaged. Regarding comfort, some guests praised the comfortable beds, while others found them old, lumpy, or too soft, with visible springs. Pillows were often described as small or flat. In-room amenities like microwaves and fridges were appreciated. However, issues such as low water pressure in showers, leaking fixtures, running toilets, and noisy or faulty AC units were also reported. Noise levels were a frequent complaint, with guests experiencing disturbances from loud neighbors, hallway noise, and thin walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a prominent feature, with many guests appreciating the availability of hot options such as eggs, meat, and waffles, often describing it as good or even exceptional. The eating area is generally considered nice and spacious. However, a notable number of reviews highlight significant inconsistencies with the breakfast service. Guests frequently reported issues with food running out quickly, limited selection, and hot items being served cold. Some found the quality to be subpar, with descriptions of stale pastries or unappetizing egg consistency. The availability of coffee was also a point of contention, with reports of it being empty, not fresh, or lacking decaf options. While some guests enjoyed a manager's social that included complimentary food and beverages, the primary focus of feedback remains on the breakfast, which, despite its potential, often falls short of expectations due to inconsistent replenishment and quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a significant advantage, frequently described as perfect, central, and convenient. Its proximity to the Alerus Center makes it an ideal choice for guests attending events there, often being within walking distance or a very short drive. The hotel is also well-situated for accessing shopping centers, restaurants, and other local services, providing easy access to amenities. Guests appreciate its convenient access to highways, making travel to and from the area straightforward. While the hotel offers ample parking, some guests expressed concern during busy event weekends, noting that parking spots could be difficult to secure due to high demand, potentially impacting convenience for paying customers. Overall, the hotel's strategic placement is a major draw, enhancing the guest experience by minimizing travel time to key destinations.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is highly polarized. Many guests commend the friendly staff, describing them as helpful, attentive, and responsive to requests, contributing positively to their stay. Specific praise was given for staff who went above and beyond to resolve issues. However, a substantial number of reviews detail negative experiences, with staff being described as rude, unprofessional, unresponsive to noise complaints, or disinterested in guest concerns. The check-in process is a frequent source of frustration; many guests reported long waits, rooms not being ready for hours past check-in time, and issues with overbooked rooms or reservations not being found, particularly for third-party bookings. Guests also experienced recurring problems with key cards needing frequent re-keying. Housekeeping service was inconsistent, with guests often having to request basic supplies like towels or toilet paper, and some rooms not being cleaned prior to arrival.

Additional Information
The hotel appears to be undergoing a period of transition, with many guests noting its dated appearance and need for renovations despite some recent rebranding. A significant and recurring issue revolves around booking and pricing discrepancies, with multiple guests reporting that the hotel did not honor confirmed rates, charged higher than expected, or even double-charged credit cards, often refusing refunds for these errors. This has led to considerable frustration and a perception of untrustworthiness. Guests should be aware that daily housekeeping service is not standard, with rooms typically cleaned only every third day, and that basic amenities like towels or bedding for sofa beds may need to be specifically requested. Some unique features mentioned include a complimentary beer and wine social on certain evenings, and the availability of free laundry facilities, though their functionality was sometimes questioned. The hotel's game room was also noted to have broken equipment or be used for storage, impacting its intended use.