Hidden Valley Resort, an Ascend Collection Resort

This resort is nestled in stunning natural surroundings, offering direct access to a beautiful lake and a ski hill, making it a memorable destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. While the property's location is a major draw, providing ample opportunities for recreation, many guests note that the facilities, though functional, are dated and in need of significant renovation. The resort is particularly well-suited for families seeking a fun-filled getaway with various activities, and couples looking for a peaceful retreat amidst nature. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to confirm the current condition of specific amenities and inquire about all potential fees upfront.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort offers a range of facilities, including both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna, which are popular among guests, especially families. The spa services, particularly massages, receive high praise for their quality and professional therapists. For outdoor recreation, guests can enjoy a private beach, and access to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. However, many reviews indicate that the pools and hot tub often suffer from maintenance issues, such as cold water, cloudy conditions, or broken features. Similarly, outdoor courts like tennis and basketball are frequently described as being in disrepair. The lack of an elevator is a significant inconvenience for guests with mobility challenges or heavy luggage, impacting accessibility to various areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find their rooms to be clean and spacious, often equipped with a mini-fridge and coffee maker, and featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. Some rooms boast hardwood floors and offer pleasant balcony views. However, a recurring theme in reviews points to the rooms being dated, with issues such as peeling paint, cracked tiles, and visible holes in walls. Hallway carpets are frequently described as stained and worn. Guests occasionally report problems with hot water availability or the functionality of heating and air conditioning units. Noise can also be an issue, with many mentioning thin walls that allow sound from adjacent rooms and hallways to be easily heard, impacting overall tranquility.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort's main restaurant, Birches Dining Room, receives mixed feedback. While some guests praise the delicious food, good service, and beautiful lakeside dining experience, others express disappointment with the limited menu options and mediocre food quality. Breakfast, in particular, is often described as expensive for what is offered, with a lack of variety and common complaints about cold coffee and the use of paper plates and cups. Some guests note that the restaurant may have limited operating hours or be understaffed, leading to slow service. The hotel bar is mentioned, with some positive comments directed towards the friendly bartenders, but overall dining experiences vary significantly among guests.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's central location is a major highlight, offering direct access to a ski hill and situated on a picturesque lake with a private beach. This makes it an ideal base for various outdoor activities throughout the year. It is conveniently close to popular natural attractions like Algonquin Park and Arrowhead Provincial Park, and just a short drive from the town of Huntsville, which provides additional dining and shopping options. Parking is readily available and generally ample for guests. However, a significant accessibility concern is the absence of an elevator, which can pose considerable challenges for guests with mobility issues or those carrying heavy luggage, particularly when accessing rooms on upper floors or facilities located on lower levels.

Staff & Service
The staff at this resort consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently describing them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, accommodating, and attentive. Many reviews highlight the quick check-in and check-out processes, as well as the staff's genuine willingness to assist with various requests, from room changes to providing extra amenities. The spa therapists are particularly commended for their professionalism and the quality of their services. While the overall sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests have noted instances of overwhelmed staff, especially during peak times, which can occasionally lead to minor delays in service. Despite these isolated instances, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring and highly appreciated aspect of the stay.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the unadvertised daily resort fee, which can range from $30 to $40 and covers amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and access to pool towels and watercraft. Many feel this fee is excessive and should be included in the initial room rate, especially given that some amenities are not always fully utilized or are in disrepair. The property is frequently described as dated and in need of extensive renovations and upgrades to its infrastructure and common areas. The resort maintains a pet-friendly policy, with some rooms featuring hardwood floors and scenic views. Guests should also be aware that the lack of an elevator is a consistent issue, impacting accessibility throughout the property.