Thunder Bay Resort - Phelps, Wisconsin

Tina J.

(Cabin #13, June 15th - June 22nd)

My family and I discovered a love for northern Wisconsin during Covid, back in 2020. We have been back almost every year since (visited family in Ireland in 2023 instead of going up to WI). Usually we rent a lake house in Hayward, but this year we had to book a little later, so our options were a bit thin. We decided to look for places near the Eagle River, Land O' Lakes area and found this place which seemed perfect and had the dates we needed available.

We arrived a little after check-in time and noticed that the home had not been cleaned. My husband tried to call the owner/manager to find out what was going on. However, we could not get any cell reception. About 30 minutes after we arrived, I noticed a lady walking up the hill looking for #13. She asked if we were checking out, and I explained that no, we were checking in.

We understand that things happen, so instead of getting upset, we decided to take the boat we rented (which was already waiting at the dock for us. Thank you, Rob!) out.

We came back before the two ladies cleaning were finished so, we just waited out on the deck.

There was a book on the coffee table with some information in it, which we read over. Unfortunately, the wifi info was not included, but the manager ended up coming by (I think the next day) and added that information.

We were a little confused by the direction for the trash, which mentioned taking it to one of the dumpsters around the property. There was a rubber trash can and lid (no lock) on the deck. Usually, there are directions for a locked trash can or shed because of wildlife, so we didn't think the directions were talking about the one on the deck... We found a big dumpster at the entrance, but unfortunately, we were only able to use it once before it was locked. Because of this, we ended up leaving the tied trash bags in the house next to the trash bin. (This is what the people before us did as well, so we figured that was what we were meant to do)

The shower in the master bedroom was nice. However, instead of a door, there is just a curtain to keep the water out. The shower head is up really high, definitely over the 6ft we have in our house at home, so at 5ft 2, I could not reach to turn the head, even if I wanted to (it was NOT pointed at the curtain, but straight ahead). We noticed water going over the small shower base lip, and the mat and floor towel provided were soaked. We put one of our towels down to help as well. Unfortunately, we only brought a few towels, and there is no washer/dryer on the property, so we were only willing to spear one. We tried to be careful and just went about our days.

We left Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon received a call from the Owner/Manager, who informed us that she was charging us a $165 insurance fee because of "warped flooring" near the shower in the master bathroom. She then decided to lecture us about leaving the trash, which the cleaning lady had to take up the hill. My husband tried to calmy, explain (I was sitting next to him), why the water was escaping the shower, and that the direction for the trash needed to be explained better. He also explained that we would have gladly taken the trash bags to the dumpster if it had not been locked.

Since the Owner/manager wasn't in the mood to listen, he then explain how the place was untouched and still needed to be cleaned well after the check in time, and that we did not complain or ask for any refund on the hours we had to wait before we were able to settle in.

In the end, we just told her to go ahead and charge us the fee, even though we still do not believe it to be valid. We also explained that while we loved Eagle River, we would not be staying at any property owned by this individual in the future.

That said, the lake and both towns were absolutely perfect!

We highly recommend renting a boat through Rob, whom the property manager recommended. He was fantastic and we will definitely rent from him again in the future.

John H.

Had a great time fishing. Lake has a variety of species, and they're all hungry!
The house (#12), I wouldn't call it a cabin, was comfortable, clean, and spacious.
I really hope we get to go back!

Art E.

This place I can't get out of my mind. The worst experience for a vacation we ever had. Left early, and the crooks that own the place would not give us a break. The heater would not shut off in the cabin. Dehydrated us. Just a bunch of crooks here

Brigit Z.

The location of this resort is amazing. The sunsets and eagle watching are phenomenal. Jim and Rochelle are wonderful owners, who are very accommodating and will bend over backwards to help you out.
My only complaint was the condition of our cabin. The cabin had obvious issues with moisture. It smelled horribly moldy and musty. You could see that there were many areas of moisture associated damage. We heard that they were redoing the interior of our cabin in the next year, so hopefully those issues are resolved because I would love to go back! I would not be able to stay in that cabin again unless those issues were fixed.

Doug D.

Poor no rating as we did not stay here! We did however reserve 2 sleds after hours on Jan. 20 for a one day rental for Jan. 21st. which was a recommendation from a local booked up marina. Woke up early to discover my wife sick with a fever which turned out to be covid. Called Jim the owner to cancel and he informed me that he had to charge me a $200.00 cancellation fee!! Small clams court here we come!!

Kevin H.

Great place. Cabins with great views. Peaceful some of the best fishing is right off the dock. Great host. We'll be back. The Kids didn't want to leave.

Jo D.

Was a great place to do a weekend getaway with a group of friends, we all loved it. So beautiful, clean, and a great experience. Jim and Rochelle are the best people.

Scott B.

Owners are very friendly people and always enjoy stopping in for a drink. I have never stayed there but imagine it would be a nice place to take the family