I would recommend this hotel if you must stay in Ely for a few nights en route to the Boundary Waters, but NOT as a destination resort. The most important perk for us was that they are dog-friendly!! There is a $10/day pet charge, but who cares?! Our room had its own entrance directly from outside, which was perfect for... More

If we were to open a lodge this would be the blueprint as it fit “us” to a tee. The reasons why: Location. I was a little hesitant on location as it is one mile from town. We have “happy feet” and like to explore other restaurants/bars/shops when traveling. One mile is not a walking issue during warmer months, but... More

The Grand Ely Lodge or The GEL to those who have stayed there already, is a wonderful place to stay. From the moment we checked in to the moment we checked out, everyone was awesome. I had to change the date, did it online, I received immediate response back. We got locked out of our room (our fault) and it... More

Large rooms with fridges decorated in lodge style. Free wifi in rooms. The restaurant on site had really good food (walleye and the chicken champange with wild rice). The gym is underwhelming; just a few machines in a small room but the indoor pool is very impressive. Ask for a room facing the lake! More

We just needed an overnight stay because we were attending an event in Ely. It turned out to be one of the best decisions to pick the Grand Ely Lodge. The decor does indeed resemble an old lodge, with a large wood-log lobby and wood-log furniture in the rooms--not shabby and old, by any means, but modern and shiny clean... More

I have been in charge of senior group travel trips for 20 years so am no stranger to the hotel registration process. Most of the time the check-in process is quick and easy. I sign for everything, pay for everything and distribute room key cards to the group. On rare occasions I am asked to provide the name of one... More

Excellent rustic hotel without being rustic. Everything was top shelf except the prices for food and drink and they were better then low. Pool room was perfect --- big pool, nice hot tub and a sauna if your into that. More

This is one of the larger lodges in the area and very close to downtown. The views of the lake are beautiful. The rooms are generally clean and so was the pool area. However, this does not make up for the service. The booking agent assured me the marina had free canoes, kayaks, and bicycles for use. When I arrived... More

The panoramic view of Shagawa Lake from Grand Ely Lodge was beautiful and the surrounding hillsides in peak fall colors looked just like a Norman Rockwell painting. We found the desk staff to be friendly and helpful, as well as the dining and bar staff, and the food was very good and reasonably priced. The rooms were tastefully decorated in... More