Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark in Dubuque, Iowa....not Such a "Grand" Place After All

Now, I realize many people have found Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark to be great, and that's fine. After all, their opinion is an important as mine. BUT...I would like to explain WHY I find it to be such a disappointment.

Needing a break, we decided to take the kids to the waterpark for some R&R. When we called for reservations, mere hours after we received the Sunday newspaper with GH's ad about special motel room rates, hubby was told the special rate rooms were "all gone"...and there was no waiting list.

OK, that wasn't a REAL problem (though it should have tipped us off that this was no real RESORT vacation) so we booked a room at a ridiculous rate anyway, since the kids were clamoring to go!

When we arrived at the motel and found our room we were a bit surprised. The non-smoking room had a faint odor of smoke (I'm both allergic AND asthmatic and if there is smoke a mile away I can smell it!) and

the room was far too crowded and small for much movement what so ever. As far as this picky woman is concerned, the only saving grace was the BATH AND BODYWORKS soaps and shower gels on display for our use in the bathroom!

Quickly forgetting this little setback the kids bed to go to the waterpark so we agreed and off we went. Walking through the waterpark doors the visitor is instantly hit with a wave of damp heat! They advertise the park is a constant 80 degrees but it felt more like an Iowa day deep in the heat of August.

I noticed right away that the water in the "lazy river" was dingy and somewhat dirty looking. While chatting with a woman nearby, she related that the water "...always looks like this, we are used to it!"

Well, dirty water really doesn't make mt "get used to" list so to say I was dismayed would be an understatement. Next I noticed that the lazy river was a somewhat tiny area and that those enjoying the area were constantly being bombarded by others who came down the water slide..so much for relaxation!