Arrowwood Resort: Your Dream Alexandria Getaway Awaits!
Arrowwood Resort: Alexandria's Gem? Or Just Glitter? (A Humorous & Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I’m back from Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, and let me tell you, unpacking this experience is like… well, like untangling a particularly stubborn fishing net, but with slightly more sunshine and maybe a few awkward encounters with a pool noodle. This is going to be messy, honest, and hopefully, a little bit helpful.
(SEO & Metadata Bonanza - Don't worry, I'll sprinkle it in there, but first, the feel of the place…)
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First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Awkward Pool Noodle Incident
Driving up, Arrowwood looks the part. Big, sprawling, the kind of place that whispers, "Relax, you Deserve This." And hey, from a distance, it's true. The exterior is well-maintained, with enough landscaping to feel… well, Minnesota-y. (Think: trees, water features, potential for mosquito encounters. Pack the bug spray, folks.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Right, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way. I have to give them some credit. Wheelchair accessible pathways were generally good, and there were Elevators strategically placed. The Facilities for disabled guests weren't perfect – the access to the outdoor pool was a little clunky – but it was there. The Check-in/out [express] was definitely handy as I hate waiting. And the Concierge was, for the most part, exceptionally helpful, and a doorman made me feel important. Accessibility: elevator, ramps accessible. In-room might be a bit of a challenge. It depends on the room type! This is a place to call ahead and check and re-check if accessibility is a MUST. Still, better than some places! On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yes, but sometimes navigating the layout was a bit… challenging. And I did see some very long walks between the dining areas.
(Important Note: I'm not a medical professional. Always contact the hotel directly to confirm specific accessibility needs.) This whole thing reminds me of that time I tried to assemble IKEA furniture… it looked good on the box, but the execution was… a work in progress.
Rooms: More Than Meets the Eye (and the Price Tag)
Okay, the rooms. My room was… well, "adequate" might be the nicest way to put it. I'm not going to lie - the decor was a bit… beige. Like, very beige. My personal experience was a regular room, so I can only speak from that. The Air conditioning, Alarm clock, and Coffee/tea maker were all welcome. I appreciated the thoughtful touches like the hairdryer, slippers, and the free bottled water. Available in all rooms: Definite points for Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free]. I may have spent a little too much time streaming shows after a long day in the sun. The negatives: The Closet was a bit small, and the pillows… let's just say they weren't exactly cloud-like. Also, I had to get a refrigerator and a microwave when I wanted a small snack. I also wished for some fun room decorations Seating area, and a Sofa were nice to spread out on. Smoke detectors were definitely a plus, and I appreciated the Safety/security feature like the in-room safe box and smoke alarm.
Internet: Stay Connected (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YAY! But the connection was a bit spotty at certain points of the resort. Think of it like a rollercoaster: moments of pure bliss followed by moments of… well, buffering. Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services were provided and working. Thankfully, it was reliable enough for checking emails and streaming a few shows, but don't bet on it if you’re planning to have a super important video call.
Dining: Tastes Good, Looks… Well, Functional.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Well, Arrowwood has several Restaurants, a Poolside bar, and a Snack bar, but my biggest complaint is the lack of diversity and the quality of the food. There's a Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast, as well as Western breakfast, but I was not impressed. I'm a big fan of coffee/tea in restaurants, but I was underwhelmed with the options. Desserts in restaurant were just ok. Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, that gives you a lot of choice but with a premium price. Alternative meal arrangement, is good for those who have dietary issues. Happy hour and Bottle of water, are essential.
The Spa & Relaxation: Ahhhhh… Or More Like… Meh.
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The Spa itself is beautiful. Seriously, it's got that whole "zen" vibe down pat. Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap, oh my! I did treat myself to a massage, and it was… okay. The therapist was lovely, but the experience itself felt a little… rushed. Like they're trying to cram as many people through the spa as possible. Pool with view, I loved it. The outdoor pools are divine, with great views. The Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool were also a major win.
Things to Do: More Than Just Lounging
Things to do: Arrowwood is not just about lounging. Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Foot bath, so you can get your workout in.
Cleanliness and Safety: Mostly Reassuring
This area gets a thumbs up. Cleanliness and safety: The staff was definitely hustling throughout the resort. Anti-viral cleaning products were supposedly being used. Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment all created a sense of security. They did include some Shared stationery removed, but that felt like a small thing. Also, I was relieved that they had a First aid kit. Rooms sanitized between stays, yes, my room felt nice and clean. The staff was also great with Room sanitization opt-out available, if you don't want them cleaning.
Services and Conveniences: Bits and Bobs
Services and conveniences: They had Air conditioning in public area, which was lovely. Audio-visual equipment for special events and Business facilities were present for meetings and occasions. Cash withdrawal, because no one likes to look for ATMs. Concierge - was helpful, although a bit swamped at times. Convenience store - useful for forgotten sundries and essentials. Currency exchange - a definite perk for international travelers. Daily housekeeping - always appreciated, especially after a long day. Doorman - a nice touch. Dry cleaning, Ironing service and Laundry service - very helpful if you have a wardrobe malfunction. Elevator - crucial for getting around. Food delivery. Facilities for disabled guests. Gift/souvenir shop - where I may have purchased a novelty t-shirt (don't judge). Ice machine. Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, and Outdoor venue for special events, all great for events and gatherings. Projector/LED display. Safety deposit boxes. Smoking area. Terrace - where I spent some quality time. Wi-Fi for special events. Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids & Family-Friendliness: Smiles and… Screams?
For the kids: Arrowwood is definitely aimed at families. They have Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly. Kids facilities, Kids meal, I saw plenty of kids running around, having a blast.
Getting Around: Easy Peazy.
Getting around: Airport transfer, and **Car
Escape to Lompoc: Your Red Roof Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously curated travel brochure. This is Arrowwood, baby. Alexandria, Minnesota. Wish me luck surviving this… adventure.
Arrowwood Assault Course: A Highly Subjective Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (The "Are we there yet?" edition)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Arrowwood. Actually, "arrive" is a strong word. More like, slowly, reluctantly, roll into Arrowwood after a four-hour drive that felt like an eternity in a metal coffin. Alexandria itself? Pretty. Peaceful. And so darn… Minnesota. I half expected to be greeted by all-you-can-eat lutefisk. (Thank God, they serve pizza.) My first thought: “Did I pack enough socks?” My second thought: “Why did I agree to this?”
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is…generic resort. But hey, at least the woman behind the desk seemed happy to see me. Almost too happy. I swear she was trying to sell me a timeshare already. Beware those overly-enthusiastic smiles, friends.
- 2:00 PM: The Room. Okay, this is where the adventure REALLY begins. It's a room. With a bed. And a TV. And… a view of the… parking lot. Okay, not thrilled, but hey, at least it's not a view of the inside of a wall. Though, honestly, the existential dread of being here is starting to make any wall seem menacing. Where IS the mini-fridge…
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to find the pool. This is where the resort's layout proves to be a masterclass in confusing guests. Wandering lost, I’m pretty sure I just trespassed the laundry room. Finally find my way. The pool? Chaotic. Kids screaming. Parents trying to maintain a semblance of sanity. Perfect. I found my people.
- 4:00 PM: Poolside contemplation with a lukewarm beer (they really could improve the drink service). Observe. Analyze. The swim-up bar looks like a scene from a horror movie. The drinks are overpriced and the guy next to me’s already on his third. I’m getting the feeling this trip is going downhill fast.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. I ordered the walleye. It was… acceptable. They also had a salad bar. Is that still a thing? It's a buffet, and the only thing holding it together is the sheer force of will of the person behind it.
- 7:00 PM: Evening entertainment. This is where I discovered that Arrowwood has a miniature golf course. I suck at miniature golf. But the real entertainment was watching other people suck at miniature golf. The putter I used was older than the Statue of Liberty. A little girl started crying beside me, after losing her ball. The drama!
- 9:00 PM: Retreat to the room. Try to watch TV. Fail. I'm too exhausted from the chaos of the day. Write some nonsensical notes in a notebook.
Day 2: Rebellious Awakening and Waterpark Mayhem
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The existential dread is still there, but a faint ray of hope lingers. Maybe today will be better. Perhaps the sun will shine on my metaphorical face. Maybe I’ll discover some secret charm to this place.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast buffet is a battlefield. The waffles are strangely amazing though. I probably ate too many. Maybe this whole trip isn’t going that bad.
- 10:00 PM: Embrace Waterpark Chaos. The waterpark. Oh, the waterpark. It's pure, unadulterated, screaming, splashy bliss. Or, well, it would be, if I wasn't 30 years old. But I faced my fear and went down the slides. Several times. The kids in front of me were having the time of their life. I’m going to admit: I was too. In fact, I felt a childish glee, despite the fact I did not want to be in that water. I was living in the moment!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the waterpark: Hot dogs and pizza. The pizza was surprisingly good. Who knew Arrowwood held such culinary treasures?
- 1:00 PM: Continued Waterpark Mayhem. I think I inhaled some water. I may have contracted some unidentified water-borne illness. But hey, the memories… (and the potential antibiotics).
- 3:00 PM: Escape the Waterpark. Physically and emotionally drained. I needed a moment to recover.
- 4:00 PM: Spa Treatment. This was not the budget-friendly option, but damn did I need a massage. The therapist was an angel. The massage was an experience. I could have died right there and been happy. I think I fell asleep.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I was too tired to eat in the restaurant again, so I got pizza from the resort's take-out. Alone in my room, I eat my pizza and watch TV.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep. It's the only option.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Again. It's the only thing that feels familiar.
- 9:00 AM: Quick Last Swim: Attempt to brave the pool again. It's even more chaotic than before. I flee after 5 minutes.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, Arrowwood. It wasn't always pretty, but I survived.
- 10:30 AM: The drive home. Reflecting.
- 1:30 PM: Home. I am exhausted. I have waterpark hair. I am also… strangely, content. Maybe because it's over. Maybe because I made it. Maybe Arrowwood, in its own messy, imperfect way, has a certain charm. Or maybe I'm just delirious.
- 2:00 PM: Consider writing a five-star review. Nah. Three is more accurate. See you never, Arrowwood! (Probably).
(Disclaimer: Your experience may vary. Actual lutefisk consumption unlikely.)
Thunder Bay Getaway: Ramada by Wyndham's Unbeatable Deal!
Arrowwood Resort: Your Dream Alexandria Getaway Awaits! (But Let's Be Real...)
Okay, so, Arrowwood... Is it ACTUALLY the "dream getaway" everyone raves about? Be honest.
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually comfortable, or those sad hotel-esque boxes?
The pools! They look AMAZING. Are they as good as they seem?
Food! What's the grub situation like? Any recommendations?
What about activities? Is there stuff to do besides swimming and eating?
Is Arrowwood worth the money?
Any tips for making the most of your Arrowwood experience? The REAL tips.
- **Pack earplugs.** Seriously. And maybe a white noise machine.
- **Arrive early.** To get those prime pool spots. And to beat the check-in rush.
- **BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks).** Saves money, saves sanity.
- **Embrace the chaos.** Seriously. Don't fight it. Just go with the flow. Let the kids run wild (within reason!).
- **Take naps.** You’ll need them.
- **Be prepared to spend money.** On everything.
- **Most Importantly:** Lower your expectations, even though the pictures are beautiful. It's going to be messy, a little crazy, and probably a little stressful at times. But it'll probably be fun too. And you can always dream about that quiet, romantic getaway...later.
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