Reception
Check availability

Reviews of Forest Lake Motel

2.5 out of 5
Forest Lake Motel
1215 NW 4th st, Grand Rapids, MN

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 185 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 185 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 185 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 185 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 185 reviews" "

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Terri

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was great and the service was phenomenal!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Manager on 29 Apr 2024
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Your always welcome.

8/10 Good

Marcia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is older, but I found it very comfortable. The price was right. The lake lovely. I would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from FLM Staff on 15 Apr 2024
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for choosing to stay with us!

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Nothing
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Management on 4 Mar 2024
Thank you for your stay

6/10 Okay

Edward, Alvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It's just a very old motel and needs some work. The faceplates on the outlets were in bad shape, the faucet in the bathroom needs replaced, and other stuff I cannot remember now. If I would have paid $65 for the room I wouldn't complain, but I paid what the Marriott at MSP charged me for the next night. The lady at check-in was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Manager on 19 Feb 2024
We agree that things are old, sorry you did not get a remodeled room. We are remodeling rooms one at a time. Thanks for staying.

8/10 Good

Kori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy Cabin Feel
I got to the Motel about 5:30pm check in with only cash went amazingly smooth and the Front Desk gentleman was very nice and helpful. The room was cozy with a studio sized refrigerator. The room was clean and comfortable. My neighbors were not exactly people I would choose, but I didn't complain so the office was unaware. The housekeeping lady was very helpful and quick so I could get my deposit back and be on my way. I would recommend Forest Lake Motel.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Manager on 19 Feb 2024
Thanks for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice little place.
Motel is old, but clean. Check in and out was easy. We only spent one night, but it was quiet. Love being able to park right outside the door. No long halls or stairs.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Forest Lake Motel on 22 Jan 2024
We are glad you had a great stay! Thank you for choosing to stay with us!

8/10 Good

Kaitlyn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Motel Manager on 12 Jan 2024
Thank you for you great rating!. Come again.

8/10 Good

Roderick

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Motel Manager on 12 Jan 2024
If there is something we can improve on please let me know. Thank you. Come again

8/10 Good

William

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean but musty. Pillows were flat. Could use remodeling. However, it's adequate as is.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Forest Lake Motel on 18 Dec 2023
Thank you for your review. We hope to serve you again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Motel Manager on 12 Jan 2024
Thanks for your review. Come back and enjoy it again.

6/10 Okay

stephanie

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Forest Lake Motel on 10 Dec 2023
Thanks for the review, Stephanie. We hope to serve you again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Shelley

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The person in the office was super nice and helpful. The room was more spacious than I thought it would be. We will definitely stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Management on 15 Dec 2023
Thank you for sharing

8/10 Good

Linda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good value for our dollar
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Cassie on 21 Aug 2023
Thank you for staying with us, Linda! We appreciate you taking the time to review your experience.

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was very clean. Wonderful view. Quiet at night. Old building do some rough looking areas. But overall loved the place and the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Cassie on 17 Aug 2023
Thanks for staying with us! We hope you come back again.

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We are traveling cross country and We like the “Mom and Pop” places over the chains. The room was a surprise in the fact there was a bedroom and also a bed in the front. Full size refrigerator with a small stove and kitchen sink. The bathroom was a little small but water was good and hot and good pressure. The manager was very nice and offered suggestions on where to go to restaurants. Overall very satisfied with everything. If ever in the area would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Cassie on 18 Jul 2023
Thank you kindly for your nice review! We appreciate your business. Glad you're willing to refer others and stay again!

6/10 Okay

Denise

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Forest Lake Motel
It is an older motel that could use some updating, but it was clean and comfortable. The location was easy to find, and the staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Cassie on 11 Jul 2023
Thank you for your rating and for your business! We take your feedback seriously and will continue to work on upgrades as we can. We hope you stay with us again sometime!

8/10 Good

Rick

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Cassie on 7 Jul 2023
Thanks for taking the time to give us a rating! We appreciate your feedback and hope to serve you again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Cassie on 5 Jul 2023
Thanks for your review! We appreciate your feedback and for choosing us.

8/10 Good

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Cassie on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for giving us your rating! We appreciate your business.

10/10 Excellent

Don

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Cassie on 1 Jul 2023
Thanks for rating your experience with us! We appreciate your business.

6/10 Okay

Gail

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Cassie on 1 Jul 2023
Thanks for rating your stay with us. We're always striving to improve our guests' experiences.

8/10 Good

Donald, Lopez Island

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Older motel and rooms as you would expect. Room was clean and bed comfortable. Used laundry. They had change and detergent, good dryer. Very nice restaurant on grounds, very busy.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Cassie on 22 May 2023
Thank for the review! We appreciate your business. Come back again sometime.

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
I like it cause it was pretty much close to things, the one thing I didn’t like was there wasn’t much hot water. But other then that it was a pleasant experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Cassie on 22 May 2023
Thanks for your feedback. We appreciate your business!

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Cassie on 22 May 2023
Thanks for staying with us! We hope to see you again someday.

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Cassie on 5 Jul 2023
We appreciate your rating! Thanks for staying with us.

4/10 Poor

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Response from Cassie on 5 Jul 2023
Thanks for your rating! We're always striving to improve our guest's experiences.

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was pretty cool
Response from Cassie on 12 Jan 2023
Glad you had a good experience! Thanks for the review.

10/10 Excellent

kent

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Cassie on 12 Jan 2023
Thanks for the great review and for staying with us!

8/10 Good

Dawn

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The manager was great even tho my booking did not come up.
Response from Cassie on 12 Jan 2023
Thanks for staying with us Dawn! We were short-staffed at the time of your stay, so we just didn't get your reservation onto our calendar that night. Thanks for your patience. Glad you stayed with us. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Forest Lake Hotel room 37 late September 2022
Upon check-in the room was quite clean overall, but there is a lingering mildew smell (this is a very old property) that is very apparent each time entering the room. Had to run the bathroom exhaust continuously to help clear the air. Fortunately the wind was blowing from the NNW and the windows do not seal so the breeze came right in. Because the room is facing North and at street level you can see Forest Lake, sort of. Lots of bushes on the shoreline block most of the view. The entry door is less than 30 feet from the street and an EMS ambulance service is on a nearby property so the sirens are quite loud. There are no telephones in the rooms. Management gives you a business card and expects you to call on a cell phone if you have any issues. Just be aware that this is not a fancy place and if you need somewhere to sleep it will fill the bill.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from FLM on 1 Oct 2022
Yes, we have an older property but we are always improving. Thank you for your feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from FLM on 1 Oct 2022
Thank you for your feedback.

8/10 Good

John, Maple Plain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The room had a smell in it when you first opened door. As you were in there didn’t notice as much. It really could use better locks as there is no outside door. Screen doors would be nice to have so you could keep inside door open. Windows did not work. Beds were comfy. Staff very pleasant.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Cassie on 15 Jun 2022
Thank you for your feedback. We’re already in process of fixing all windows this summer. Will consider other feedback as well. Hope you come back again sometime!

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Would stay there again.
Comfortable room and great owners.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from Cassie, Manager on 15 Jun 2022
Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed your stay. Looking forward to serving you again in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Martivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from Cassie A. - Operations Manager on 16 Dec 2021
Thank your for staying with us and your kind review. Best wishes! Come again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the lake view from our room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Cassie A. on 1 Jun 2021
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us! Come back again.

8/10 Good

Sally

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Forest Lake Motel, Grand Rapids
Nice and comfortable room with full kitchen and 2nd bed. But the rooms could use some fixes and upgrades. A good value tho and pet friendly. Centrally located. Nice walk to the lake.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Cassie A. - Operations Manager on 12 May 2021
Thank you for your kind words and feedback. We recently had a change in management and will continue to work on those fixes and upgrades you mentioned. We hope you'll come see us again sometime!

4/10 Poor

Paige

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Horrible dissappointment
The hotel was terrible. Residents/laborers on either side of the room were cooking fish outside on propane stoves. Very seedy looking. After looking at the room and realizing it smelled terrible we forfeited all our money, turned in the key and left. We did not feel safe and the pictures online were nothing like we walked into. We were charged a ridiculous rate. We ran to the comfort inn and suites which was perfect and cheaper.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Chas on 3 Sept 2020
Guest told me the room was fine, but didn't like the people near. We have several guests that work for the forest service and stay here because we speak spanish. I'm sorry the other guest felt uncomfortable with their presence. We had charged him $10 extra for a pet.

8/10 Good

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Nothing fancy, but that's just fine.
Decent sized room with the usual furniture -aside from A FULL SIZE REFRIGERATOR! Seemed clean and everything worked. Free Wi-Fi was good enough for the two of us to play some WOW.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Chas on 9 Sept 2020
Thanks for the info. Hope you had a nice trip.

6/10 Okay

Teresa, MN

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Overall the property is very tired and run down and not kept up very well. However it is across from the lake and the room view was very nice. The rooms are very large and spacious and just what you need if you're staying the night and just need a place to lay your weary head. The maids knocked on our door very early in the morning to see when we were going to leave it was our que that we needed to get around as they wanted to clean the room. This is a motel so they knew we were still there as our car was parked right in front of the door.The owners of the motel are very very friendly and helpful to find things to do around town. Over all my aunt and I were very happy with our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Chas on 23 Aug 2020
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate the information.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
So-So
I stayed 3 nights in a single room. t was a very basic hotel - what I'd expect for the price. My only window "view" was entirely blocked by a giant tree trunk a few feet from the window. The TV didn't work. I reported it after checking in. They said they'd look at it while I was eating dinner. They just unplugged it. It was never fixed or replaced. One night, we had heavy rain. I was awakened by drips of water on my face. The window above the bed leaked.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Chas on 22 Jul 2020
Sorry about the tv. I didn't get the message. We'll do better next time.

4/10 Poor

Michael

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
My weekend
Weather was amazing, food next door was good. Room not so clean, they called it a cabin... No wash clothes, no towel/maid service over 3 night stay, cob webs in the corners and window sills. Will never stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Chas on 21 Jul 2020
Not sure of the problem. We have daily maid service unless tenant says otherwise. Other members of the team seemed happy with service.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Low Quality Stay
The beds are old, windows with no screens (in a location with lots of mosquitoes), windows that don't work, Venetian blinds in a state of ill-repair, poor cleaning, etc. WiFi didn't seem to work either. The motel is in real need of repair and renovation. On the positive side, the room had a good refrigerator and microwave.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020
Response from Chas on 29 Jun 2020
beds are not old, windows have screens, and wifi works. No one else complained. We will check the other items that were mentioned.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from Chas on 23 Jun 2020
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate it.

6/10 Okay

Jimmy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The review would be better if the price weren't so high. The motel would have been fine for something in the $50-$60 range but it was wofully inadequate for the $90s. Musty smell in the room. Hard beds. Good service from the couple that runs the place. They were very nice and accomidating.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020
Response from Chas on 17 Jun 2020
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your input.

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2020
Response from Chas on 9 Jun 2020
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate it.

8/10 Good

Rylee

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2020
Response from Chas on 2 Jun 2020
Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate it.