Canoe Creek Lodge, Decorah IA

It took me a year to write this, if that gives you an idea on how terrible this visit was.

Where do I begin?

We rented this cabin for 2 days at the beginning of August 2022 for a 50th anniversary party.   Prior to arriving, we attempted to reach the property management company several times, they stated they never received any messages.   Upon arrival, the door was unlocked, and we're not convinced it was even cleaned prior to us arriving.

Overall, the location is beautiful, and it is very serene.

Now - the biggest issue.   This property is listed on multiple websites for rental.   And each website states something different.   Now, if you look today, they may all match and say the same thing.   However, when it was booked, through VRBO, things were listed very differently.   And, Monday when we "checked in", several websites said one thing, and by Wednesday when we "checked out", they had been changed.   Future renters, you're welcome, we saved you a headache.

It was on our listing that linens, towels, and washer/dryer were included.   HA.   NONE of the beds had linens, and the washer and dryer are in the bowels of the basement of the house.   Good luck getting in, it's a Friday the 13th nightmare.     We had 21 people, and arrived to no towels and no linens.   We immediately tried to reach Gabby, left several messages, and she finally responded to a text.   When we spoke with her, the most ridiculous conversation ever ensued, with her stating they do not provide linens and towels, it's after 5 so no one can bring them to us, we can go get them (an hour drive), and IF she can find someone to bring some to us, there will be a fee.

She said it's very clearly stated on their listing - it was not and I have screenshots - and she said "they're not a resort".   We paid over $1000 for two days (during the week no less), you can't tell me that you cannot afford linens.

While we were there, the refrigerator stopped working.   When we spoke with Gabby, she said we were welcome to use the fridge in the basement (you know, the one in the nightmare area), which was only dorm room size, and filthy.

I hope for future renter's sake, that this PM company realizes that this is not the way to run a business.   No one travels with linens and towels for 25 people.   You require a cleaning fee, but it was not clean when we arrived, and that fee should include clean linens and towels.   If we could give 0 stars, we would.   Instead of a great time away celebrating an amazing achievement, the anniversary couple felt like it was their fault.   And it absolutely wasn't.    Staying somewhere is always a risk, but this was above and beyond.

Thank you, and best of luck. I hope, for the owner's sake, that they have changed their property management company by now. And, if I could leave a review for that company, I would. No one should use them, they are unprofessional.

Great property in a beautiful scenic location. This rustic home was located by canoe creek and had a stock pond with bass, blue gill and catfish. Very clean home. Love that they also have other properties in NE Iowa to choose from. I will be returning this summer.