I honestly couldn't tell you why this place has anything less than a 4-star review overall. First off, let's go over some ground rules so we're all on the same page.
This is a 3-star lodge. What does a 3-star rating for lodging entail? Comfortable lodging with decent amenities that also gives you the luxuries of a longer term stay like a pool, jacuzzi, etc.
Now that we've gotten that sorted away let's get to the Nicky-pickies. You're wondering whether it's worth shelling out the big bucks for that week-long getaway in North Conway so you can take your kids to Storyland and Conway Scenic Railroad..
The answer is...YES! It's worth it! For a 3-star rated lodge, this gets 5 stars. What I liked?
1. The loft rooms were so fun for the kids in so many ways and I highly recommend them. Kids live for little things like that (ie hidden spaces,forts,etc) so shell out the extra dough and get them one.
2. Free Breakfast. It's a pretty decent continental breakfast. The hot food varies but one morning it was hash browns and bacon. Another morning it was pre-cooked omelettes and sausage Patties. In addition they have a (somewhat glitchy) pancake maker but hey...it works so chill out and wait the 5 minutes in line to get a few. Juices, coffee/tea, bagels/croissants, lots of cereals to choose from and little milk cartons. Little boxes to pack your food to go if you have lazy kids like I do. And I especially loved the little snacks you can take back to the room like Lorna dune cookies, granola bars, jello cups, packages brownies etc. They don't eyeball you either and everyone is very respectful not to take too much. All in all the breakfast was solid.
3. Decent indoor pool/jacuzzi. Besides the ubiquitous hair balls that seem to pop up around the pool (the filter spits them out? No clue), the pool is just fine. They give you towels to dry off with.
4. They replace your towels without hassle. Other motels will threaten to charge you if your towels numbers are off in the slightest but here, they trust you. I handed the front desk a bunch and then asked the laundry crew later for a bunch and they gave me a big arm full without making me itemize them for an even swap. I appreciate that because let's face it...we don't have time for that and I appreciate being treated like an adult who doesn't have time to steal run of the mill white towels from the local motel.
5. Easy check in and check out. Staff is hands off which I love. It's 3-star. You do you, they do them. If you need them, ask. Otherwise they're doing their thing.
6. Clean sheets, comforters and pillow cases. Clean rooms. AC worked great. The little side room attached gets a bit too toasty but they give you a fan and you can always leave the door open because the AC is right outside that door.
7. Incredibly close to everything. You forgot your razor at home? Your bathing suit? Flip flops? Coke? They have a Walmart right down the road in addition to a billion other shops at Settlers Green. So let Mom go shopping Dad, while you take the little ones to the pool. She deserves it ;-)
What did I dislike?
Not much. The other reviews will go on about the place needing to be updated but uhmmm no. They are trying to compare this place to a corporate-run Marriot or Hilton and you just cannot do that. It's not a fair comparison and they know it. It's a local place and not a bland, corporate entity. This lodge does a good job and they've stream-lined it pretty well. So yeah it's okay. It's not Uber-luxury but it's also not the Ritz. So be reasonable and also always Support local!m whenever you can.
The last thing I will mention in the list of 'Cons' is really the Pink Elephant in the room and if the GM reads this, they already know what's coming: The infamous outdoor pool. It's murky and does not seem to get proper filtration. Not many people venture in because of it. I'd tell management to just shut it down completely or fix it. But either way they really need to commit to it because it's an eyesore. It is not a make or break for anyone's stay (I personally could care less because the indoor pool is fine) but it just needs to be attended to at some point, from one business owner to another. I know how people think and they can be incredibly petty so it's one less thing for them to bit*h about.
Well that about sums it up. I tried to be as real and as honest as possible. Have fun on your travels and definitely consider this place on your next trip. You will get your money's worth read more