Kelleys Island Venture Resort

This hotel is highly regarded for its spacious rooms and suites, offering ample space for guests, particularly families and groups. Its signature feature is its prime lakefront setting, providing beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that appeals to couples and those seeking a quiet getaway. While the location and room size are consistently praised, guest experiences with cleanliness and property upkeep are notably mixed, with many observing a decline in standards since a change in ownership. To make the most of your stay, consider requesting a room with a lake view for enhanced enjoyment, and be prepared for a potentially quiet experience if visiting during the off-season when island activities are limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though their condition often receives mixed feedback. The pool and hot tub are frequently mentioned, but many guests report them as being dirty, not working, or having cold water, with worn furniture and an abundance of cobwebs around the area. This is a significant point of concern for many. While vending machines and ice machines are available, some guests found them to be out of order. On the positive side, rooms are equipped with functional mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, adding convenience for guests. However, some report issues with the TV signal or sound, and the overall lighting in rooms can be quite dim. Parking is available and generally considered convenient for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests find their rooms to be clean and quiet, appreciating the comfortable beds and ample supply of towels and soap. Rooms often feature generous storage space and a useful retractable clothesline in the bathroom. However, a significant number of reviews highlight specific cleanliness issues, including debris left behind, old food in the mini-fridge, fingerprints on doors, dirty carpeting, mold rings in the toilet, uncleaned bathtubs, and the presence of cobwebs and dead bugs inside the rooms. Some guests also note poor lighting in the suites, making them feel dark, and issues with bathroom fans or the lack of a second bathroom in multi-level suites.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for guests, offering convenient access to the island's attractions. It is praised for being within easy walking distance or a short golf cart ride to downtown areas, restaurants, and shops. The property boasts a beautiful lakefront setting, with many rooms offering lake views and a multi-tier deck with chairs across the street, perfect for enjoying the scenery. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, being far enough from the marina to ensure quiet, yet close enough for easy access. Parking is readily available on-site, adding to the convenience for those traveling with vehicles.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably inconsistent. Many guests describe the staff as friendly and accommodating, praising their helpfulness and willingness to assist with requests. However, a recurring theme is the frequent absence of on-site staff, particularly during off-hours, leading to challenges with check-in and check-out. Guests report difficulties with locked offices, unstaffed lobbies requiring phone calls, and issues with key codes not working. Communication is also a point of concern, with some guests feeling uninformed about important details like scheduled power outages or experiencing a lack of follow-up on complaints. The overall impression is that while individual staff members can be excellent, the operational presence and communication can be lacking.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that visiting during the off-season can result in a very quiet experience, as many island businesses and amenities may not be fully operational. A significant number of reviews point to a noticeable decline in property upkeep and maintenance, which many attribute to a change in ownership approximately two years prior. The online booking process is frequently described as clunky and requiring patience, often necessitating multiple phone calls or emails to confirm reservations. The hotel maintains a strict no early check-in policy, and guests are advised that staff may communicate this policy quite firmly. Furthermore, guests should note that automatic housekeeping services, such as linen and trash changes, are not provided during stays, and a two-night minimum stay is often enforced, which can be inconvenient for those seeking shorter visits.