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Maddens Resort on Gull Lake – reviews, photos

11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
Hotel amenities
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$182 per night
Maddens Resort on Gull Lake
Ranked #1 of 8 hotels in Brainerd
4.5 of 5 stars 69 Reviews
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69 reviews from our community

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    4
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Winnipeg
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
“Couldn't ask for better”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 October 2011

We spent 3 nights at Maddens in late September as a getaway for the two of us. The resort offers a variety of fall specials at very attractive pricing.

It's a large resort with many different accomodation choices in the summer time. Many of them were already shut down for the winter. Our package had us staying in a room in the historic lodge. It's a classic building that has been well maintained and the rooms have been updated and upgraded to standards that most people would want in today's world. Our room had a comfortable bed, newer carpeting, nice bathroom and a microwave and kitchen sink. Our small screened balcony was nice and led to a roof top lounging area with a fabulous view of the lake.

I played the 2 longer golf courses located right at the resort. They are in very good shape and a good challenge for someone that's not a low handicap. A longer and more challenging course is located a short distance away. At this time of the year I could tee off almost any time I wanted and basically had the golf course to myself.

Our plan at the resort included breakfast and dinner every day. We were extremely pleased with the quality of the food that was provided to us. For breakfast they put on a very nice buffet with all the dishes that you would expect to have. At dinner, we could choose whatever we desired from their dinner menu and it was really like fine dining. Good selection to choose from, nicely prepared with wonderful sides and presented beautifully, always with an edible orchid on the plate.

At this time of the year, not everything is open but there was always at least one bar open every evening. The general store was open until early evening and they had great cappucino and latte there. The souvenir shop was in the same space.

The staff at Madden's really do a fabulous job. The front desk people, maintenance people, cleaning staff, restaurant staff, management.......every single person was nice and always willing to help. We got some good advice on shopping areas and scenic drives that would be extra special with all the fall colors.

We had an incredible 3 days at Madden's and we would be thrilled if we ever get the chance to go back to stay with them again.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Woodbury, Minnesota
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Wonderful golf outing....”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 September 2011

We stayed at Maddens this past weekend. We had a lodge and it was absolutely wonderful. Really clean and the bed was so comfortable. Our deck was just off the shores of Gull Lake. The fireplace our lodge was so romantic. It was the perfect time to be there. We enjoyed a round of golf and were probably one of two couples that didn't use a golf cart. Which is great way to get exercise. The dinner and breakfast at the Madden Lodge was superb. Great place to take the family. Maybe next time we will let them come with us. Loved the fact we were able to get a late checkout with no problem.

Room Tip: we stay in 5110 - lodge down by the lake it was so wonderful.
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask peachesWoodbury_MN about Maddens Resort on Gull Lake
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
78 helpful votes 78 helpful votes
“Excellent stay, picturesque setting, friendly staff”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 September 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We stayed here last Friday through Sunday and had an excellent stay. Our room was a second floor golf villa. We had a picturesque view of the Pine Beach East golf course from the large windows and balcony that extended the entire width of the room. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was spacious and clean, including double sinks, a large vanity, and a heat lamp. The room also contained a kitchenette, desk, living room/sitting area with a couch and two arm chairs, and both a glass and screen door out to the balcony. Of architectural interest, a curved divider wall separated the living room from the bedroom areas of the room. Each area had its own flat screen tv.

While at Maddens, we took advantage of the resort golf courses, pontoon rental, bar service, and extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food was good and there was never a shortage of it. I also went for a morning jog around the resort and down beautiful residential road that led to the end of Pine Beach Peninsula.

One thing that particularly stood out to me was the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Every time I saw a staff member, whether in the dining room, in the hotel, or just out walking around, they always offered a friendly greeting and a smile. The housekeeper for our room, Diane, asked if we were having a good stay and if there was anything we needed each and every time I saw her in the hallways.

I have already recommended it to others and look forward to my next visit to Maddens.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask viajerosivda about Maddens Resort on Gull Lake
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“good old fashioned family get away”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 September 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I love the old fashioned feel of Maddens resort - a bit like the resort in "Dirty Dancing" movie. We have 3 little ones 5 and under and they enjoyed fishing and swimming. Our 5 year old even participated in tennis lessons, which he really enjoyed. when it's cold and rainy, they have the option of 3 different indoor pools. Our room was huge and the staff is always very accomodating. We opted for the breakfast buffet each moning, which was wonderful - food was great, fresh and plentiful!
My only criticism is that I think it's a bit overprices for what you get. Definitely a great weekend vacation, but I would likely opt for something else if you were going for a full week.

Room Tip: Rooms really vary. Because the resort is spread out, you will likely be doing a bit of walking to g...
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled with family
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask sallymayday612 about Maddens Resort on Gull Lake
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cara Lanz, Manager at Maddens Resort on Gull Lake, responded to this review
23 September 2011
Thank you for visiting Madden's on Gull Lake and for sharing your review! Madden's is Minnesota's Classic Resort and we strive to provide our guests with a traditional all-American resort experience. We're thrilled that you and your family enjoyed your time here.

When planning your next vacation, please keep in mind that guests who stay for a week receive 10% off of our regular rates. We invite you to give us a call and we will be happy to tell you about our Hot Deals- or you can check them out online. We run many promotions throughout the season that we would love to tell you about.

Again, we're so happy you had a good time and we look forward to seeing you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
hkh13
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Beautiful setting for a wedding and family fun!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 September 2011

We descended upon Madden's for a friend's wedding and were very impressed by almost everything we encountered. Our room was incredible and newly updated, while my brother-in-law, who ironically paid more for his, had a spacious, but outdated room. We truly enjoyed all the activities, especially lawn bowling. Unfortunately, cold front over Labor Day made it a little too cold to enjoy the lake. The grounds were beautiful! Most of the staff, especially the hostess in the main part of the lobby, was exceptionally kind and helpful. The food and some of the waitstaff though, is what kept me from the fifth star. It was just too inconsistent to warrant five stars. Overall though, we were very pleased with our stay and would definitely consider returning.

Room Tip: Our room was in the Voyager. Don't be fooled by the more affordable price. It came with a wate...
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Maddens Resort on Gull Lake

  • Maddens Hotel Brainerd
Address: 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
Price range (per night):* INR5,517 - 13,877

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Maddens Resort on Gull Lake
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