511 East Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States | (888) 905-8267
Surrounded by forrest but near a major highway
Variety of room types, some with fireplaces and jetted tubs
Eight water parks, both outdoor and indoor
Mini-golf, zip-lining, and go-carting available
Multiple restaurants, bars, coffeeshops, and a game room
Fully equipped fitness center
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free and ample parking
Can get noisy with children
One of three hotels on the enormous Wilderness Resort, the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort has 444 rooms, ranging from simple Double Queens to huge rooms with fireplaces, wet bars, and whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms. The resort is hugely popular among families with kids, thanks to its numerous theme-park activities and eight water parks (some of which are indoors). That said, the possibility of lots of noisy kids running around might not make it the best choice for those seeking a romantic getaway or a quiet retreat.
Scene
Rustic wilderness vibe, popular with families
The Wilderness Hotel is one of three properties located on the gargantuan Wilderness Resort, and guests can use the amenities of its sister properties. The lobby has a theme-park appeal, with wooden ceilings, big rocks, and a taxidermy lion enhancing the mountain wilderness idea. With its many water parks and kid-friendly amenities, the Wilderness Hotel attracts many families, as well as business travelers on retreats and conference attendees, who appreciate the complex's numerous meeting spaces.
Location
Off Highway 12 in a wooded area
The Wilderness Hotel is just off Highway 12, but is still surrounded by nature. There's not much within walking distance of the resort except for trees. Nature spots, including Mirror Lake State Park and Lake Delton, are within a few minutes' drive. The nearest airport, Baraboo Wisconsin Dells Airport, is within a 10-minute drive.
Rooms
Rooms, condos, and cabins with semi-rustic decor
The Wilderness Hotel offers a wide variety of room types, from small Double Queens with sleeper sofas to spacious Luxury Double Queen and King Rooms with fireplaces and jetted tubs in the bathrooms. The hotel also has three- and four-bedroom Frontier Condos, each with three bathrooms (there's a whirlpool tub in one). Some of the room walls are a rusty-pink color, and plain light-wooden furniture with natural knots heightens the rustic look, along with wall art that includes pairs of mounted snowshoes. Bathrooms come with shower/tub combos and separate single-sink vanity areas with large mirrors, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a fair bit of counter space.
Features
Numerous water parks and family-friendly activities, plus a wide selection of restaurants
The Wilderness Hotel is part of a larger resort filled with special features for both families and business travelers. There are 10 restaurants, which serve steaks, pizza, and typically American fare, as well as numerous coffee shops, a smoothie joint, and an ice-cream shop. There's also a bar, the Canyon Ridge Taproom, with pool tables. Other on-site amenities include a laundry room with washers and dryers, a spacious fitness center with weight machines and cardio equipment, golf, and plenty of conference space. There are also eight water parks -- indoor and outdoor -- with numerous slides and activities, as well as an on-site shop selling souvenirs, an indoor play area, zip-lining, go-carts, and mini-golf. Additional fees apply to some of the attractions, but Wi-Fi and parking are free.