We had stayed here previously some years ago when the property began its' initial decline. It has since been nicely remodeled and was very comfortable for my family of five. If you've read any of my other reviews, you know that finding a room that we fit in comfortably is important. We had a family suite room, which was a king bed room (with a door) in the main room with a kitchenette, and a small table and chairs / work area. The other room had two queens and the bathroom.
While we only stayed for one night, we were able to enjoy the room and the water park. If you can get to the water park early in the day, there is generally very few people there. At one point, we had the whole thing to ourselves. There is a nice little kids / zero depth area, a slightly deeper area with a basketball hoop, two water slides and a small lazy river. I also appreciated a higher level of vigilance by the life guards than you find in a typical water park. When one young man started to splash my two year old, the life guard was quick to ask him to stop it and explain to his parents that his behavior would need to be better.
Overall, this is a great spot for a day or two get away, or a stop if you're traveling up I-35. There is a Cabela's right out front, a Caribou coffee shop with a drive through next door, and what's left of the Medford outlets are just an exit up the freeway.
- Owatonna Holiday Inn
