I was reading a few reviews here before our family Christmas gathering scheduled for this hotel and noticed some negative feedback about the resort prior to our stay, but kept an open mind when we arrived. After our evening at the Raintree, I thought I should write a review to highlight a few of the pleasant surprises...

ROOMS
We checked in early (just after 2pm) as the hotel was pretty empty this particular weekend (the weekend prior to Christmas). As some of the reviews state, the rooms are not plush, nor are they updated. However, the standard room with two queen beds was very large with a sitting area including a couch and supplied a refrigerator and microwave. We found our room to be clean, although the beds are a bit hard (typical motel-type bed) and just the standard TV (no flat screen), but we weren't there to watch TV, so that matters very little to us.

We were with a small group occupying four rooms. Two of the other rooms had some plumbing problems: one room the toilet had been running. The front desk was called and maintenance was there quickly to fix the toilet. They noticed there was a stain in the toilet due to the water having been running for probably more than a day or two and immediately got cleaning supplies to scrub the toilet, however, the stain remained, but we knew the toilet was clean! Another family member had an issue with the whirlpool tub in their room, a piece fell out or was missing which caused the jets in the tub to go a little crazy and spray water all over the room. Maintenance was unable to fix the problem right away, so the guests needed to switch rooms, but I cannot guarantee the problem might not have been due to operational error as those in that room can't manage keeping a home entertainment system running correctly (pulling out plugs which are needed to plug in a set of Christmas lights then wondering why an electronic component does not work).

BAR
We were the only customers in the bar and the bartender was awesome. She kept pulling out little food items to try (cranberry salsa/chips) and bought us a round after only our first round of drinks. I think she was pretty happy to have some customers. We had already had a few drinks in our room and still had other drinks waiting for later, but we enjoyed the bar so much we stayed around a little longer than planned. There was a side room next to the bar area used for the morning breakfast buffet which they allowed us to use for our family gathering. We brought in two tables full of our own snacks, but ordered a couple pizzas (and a burger/fries for a picky eater) from the hotel. I don't think they are normally set up to provide food for guests, but were able to make those accommodations rather than us have to order out delivery food.

INDOOR POOL
It was winter, so we did not try out the outdoor pool area, nor could we tell what it consisted of due to all the snow we already had, but the indoor pool area is nice. It is a far cry from nearby indoor 'waterparks' like the Great Wolf Lodge or Kalahari, but it was adequate for younger children. There were only two kids with us (6 and 12-ish) and they seemed to have fun. Indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells must have a lifeguard while open, so it was nice to not have to watch the kids every second they were in the pool. There were two larger waterslides and a few small slides for younger kids (who must wear life vests - provided) and some other water activities like basketball and a rope bridge over the water. The hot tub was very large and very hot - had a waterfall in it. All in all, it was fun for a few hours.

BREAKFAST
There is a hot buffet included in the price of the room, which is nice. I can't speak for the other area resorts, but I've stayed at the Kalahari and they do not provide any type of breakfast food for free. Included was scrambled eggs, biscuits/gravy, waffles, bagels, sweet muffins, cereal. The buffet lasted until 9:30 am and they were still brining out fresh food at 9:15, which is an unusual plus. I've experienced free breakfast buffets which provided even more variety (fresh fruit, bacon), but the food provided at the Raintree was very good - more than adequate before heading home.

SERVICE
Service in general was outstanding!! The staff responded to any issues quickly and were all very friendly. We only stayed one night, so I have limited specific feedback, but felt very welcome at this hotel.

LOCATION
The location of this hotel in Wisconsin Dells is probably one of its biggest assets. Noah's Ark is across the street, Mount Olympus theme park is only a couple blocks away. Pizza Pub (Italian pizza, pasta buffet) and Ginza of Tokyo restaurant (where they cook the food at your table) practically shares a parking lot. Lots of activities within walking distance such as one of the port areas for Jet Boat tours or standard boat tours.

Overall, this hotel would be an excellent choice for those with younger kids who can't get the full benefit from the huge waterparks (either indoor or outdoor). It would also be a great place to stay if you have plans to go to the outdoor waterparks or other outdoor attractions. After spending the day running around outside, you wouldn't need a huge indoor waterpark at your hotel. Can't comment on the available rates during the summer prime season, but we paid under $100 total for the room in the off season and were very pleased with what we got for the price.

We spent a weekday night this summer at the Rain Tree with our two little girls, both under two. The indoor waterpark can't compare to the big boys like Great Wolf, but it doesn't try to either. This is a fun affordable park if you have young kids who aren't ready for the big water slides yet. The waterpark area was well staffed by lifeguards and clean. The rooms are spacious but not modern; however, you can tell the hotel staff is making an effort to upgrade and keep the place clean. We arrived a couple hours early and the staff scrambled to get us a room ready as soon as possible -- which was only 10 minutes. I wouldn't make this my primary vacation spot, but if you are looking for a place to crash across the street from Noah's Ark that provides a rain date alternative or you have small kids that just want to splash around, this is a great value.

This place was great. I was planning a family get together and had to book 15 rooms for everyone. This hotel gave me the best price of all the hotels in the Dells. The regular rate for a room was 129.99 and we booked each room for 79.99. The staff at the hotel was great, especially Susan, the bartender. There was a great indoor pool for younger kids, a big bar with nice patio, an arcade, and a big breakfast in the morning. The only thing I wasn't completely satisfied with was the room cleanliness. The rooms could definately use a remodel. All in all though, a great hotel!!!

We were at the Raintree Resort for my niece's wedding in august,2010. Doug, the owner had the hall looking fit for royalty and all the food served at the reception he saw to it himself, It was delicious!!! The wait staff was kind and on top on our every request. We had a great time. More importantly, my niece's wedding reception was one of the best I had ever been to. It is obvious that customer satisfaction is Doug's number one priority and he wants that special day to be just that-very special! If you are looking for a fun, quality party this is the place to have it. They will cater to your every whim.