Aerie's Resort in Grafton Illinois Info
Amenities
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Free parking
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Free Wi-Fi
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Air-conditioned
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Wi-Fi
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Check-out time
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Check-in time
Amenities
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Free Wi-Fi
Best WLM Reviews
We stayed for the first time here and were very underwhelmed after hearing glowing reviews. Our room dockside 202 was very clean however it was dull and sparse. The barn doors for the bathroom were not practical and made you feel like the bathroom and bedroom were essentially one room (did not feel private at all). The bed was very firm. No art on walls and no curtains on the windows, we were up early due to light coming into the room. We are at the restaurant on the hill and it was also sparse. Basically five choices for a meal. Overall, we are disappointed in our stay and would not likely return
We visited Aerie's resort for the first time this past Saturday, on Labor Day weekend. We rode the sky tram, 3-ride alpine coaster, and ate dinner at the restaurant. Overall our experience was a positive one, but not without a lot of glitches. Now that we have gone once, we have a much better understanding of how it all works. First, don't park on the river side of the road if you are only doing day activities because they will just redirect you across the street to the sky tram area. Second, don't buy advance tickets. We did and it didn't save us any time—we still had to wait in the same line as everyone buying tickets on site, to get our wristbands. And buying advance tickets actually caused additional problems for us because not all of our group was arriving at the same time. Although the online ticketing had assigned individual QR codes to each ticket we purchased, Aerie's would not let us split the order once we arrived and didn't even want to see the QR codes we were issued, so I had to take all of the sky tram wristbands up front and then ride the tram back down the hill (45 minutes round trip) to give the rest of my group their wristbands when they arrived. The alpine coaster was the best and smoothest part of our visit, lots of fun and efficiently run. The view from the sky tram was beautiful and the operators were friendly and efficient, but the tram stops for long periods of time in transit which can be unnerving when you are suspended in the air. The food at the restaurant was good and the view from the patio lovely, but we had to wait forever for our meal. The restaurant was eventually closing down around us as we waited, including a bus boy who was slamming chairs and hastily cleaning off tables all around us. So five stars for coaster and tram ride; 3 stars for restaurant, 1 star for ticketing policies.
This is a great place to bring a group of people. We had 8 adult women and had a blast! We stayed in The Lodge which accommodated all of us easily. The room was a bit dated but clean so all is good. The zipline was a blast but a bit disappointing for those that could not ride due to only having open toed shoes. Beautiful views. We are already planning next years trip.
Had my 2nd trip to Aeries October 19th, 2024…..last was August 2017.
Both times we went on the zip line. So much fun and awesome guys as guides. This time we visited the winery and enjoyed the views from there. I highly recommend anyone passing through or living within a day’s drive come visit this place. Always a lot of fun! Recommend reserving your spot online for the zip line, and be sure to get there on time!
I stayed in the hotel the previous times and the room was great in 2017.
This resort is more for a relaxing rustic experience. We stayed in a suite. It was extremely clean and comfortable. This place was nostalgic and charming. The view from our balcony was amazing. I sat on the balcony in the morning drinking the aromatic coffee that was provided. We rode the sky lift, with the most breathtaking views of the trees and the river. We also rode the gondola. The restaurant on site, was only ok. They close at 7pm and had a very limited menu. However the bar staff was great. The Aerie's winery was closed. However the grafton winery was on walking distance. We also road an exciting Rollercoaster through the forest. The owner of the resort greeted us and thanked us for staying. I highly recommend aerie's as a relaxing getaway for a rustic retreat. Our suite did not have satellite or cable, only regular TV, but honestly we more there for the splendid views and calmness. It was so peaceful.
I was disappointed because I was looking forward to the jetted tub. I booked online and the website stated (copied from the website),
YOUR COMFORT
Aerie's Resort is proud to offer rooms full of amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Amenities include a jetted tub, private balcony, kitchenette, mini-fridge, coffee pot, TV,WI-FI, snacks, and more
The website did not stipulate that certain rooms did NOT have jetted tub. When I asked about it after seeing my room, they acted like it was my fault and didn’t even offer an apology or anything. The room was very pricey for not having a jetted tub and this is the only reason I stayed there!!!
WILL NOT STAY HERE AGAIN!!!!
I planned a 2 day trip from Indiana for my teenagers & my sister for Fall Break. We looked at the pictures etc online & it said it was a”resort”. This was far from the truth, the room was unacceptable for four people to sleep, no WiFi the tv was not compatible for streaming, only 2 beds, a tiny table & chairs to sit. The $398 the charged for two nights was not appropriate for the above room & lack of amenities. The restaurant staff wasn’t friendly & closed at 7pm, the Winery wasn’t open, the registration building wasn’t even with the hotel portion & they closed at 7pm. If there was an issue nobody was there to call. We felt unsafe & there were no games or resort amenities for my kids to use or keep busy with at night. I asked for a full refund because we left within fours of hours checkin. I was told I would receive a full refund but I was only given $152 back of the nearly $400 I spent. We were lucky to find an airbnb that let us checkin last minute so we made the best of the situation but very disappointed not getting a full refund back after we were disappointed with the “resort”.
Have been visiting Grafton for 20 years with family and Aries was always a favorite. But no more. Last couple years they require a 10 dollar fee per person to take ski lift or shuttle to the top. When you get up there the food and wine cost are substantial and it's just not worth the price of admission.. Not recommended.
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