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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Front of property
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels
Golf
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373
  • Starved Rock State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Matthiessen State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    ‪1 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(43 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Villa, 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

7.6 out of 10
Good
(20 reviews)
  • 1800 sq ft
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 2799 sq ft
  • Sleeps 18
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 2 Queen Bunk Beds, 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

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About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3-star Utica hotel walkable to Starved Rock State Park
This smoke-free hotel features free water park access, an indoor pool, and a restaurant. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include 2 bars/lounges, a 24-hour fitness center, and a lazy river.
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers 92 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park, a lazy river, and a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

In addition to a complimentary water park, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock features a lazy river and a waterslide. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's 2 bars/lounges. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.

This family-friendly hotel also offers an indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub. Complimentary self parking is available on site.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is a smoke-free property.

Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends.
Jack's Place - This family restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast and dinner.
Treetops Cafe - This café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily.
J.H. Higby's - Onsite bar. Open select days.
Bear Island - This bar overlooks the garden. Open select days.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Weekend buffet breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Bear Island
  • J.H. Higby's
  • Jack's Place
  • Treetops Cafe

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Free water park
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Lazy river
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Volleyball
  • Waterslide
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Free water park access
  • Indoor pool
  • Lazy river
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • In a state park
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Lifeguards
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Ice maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:
  • Bar/lounge
  • Dining venue(s)
  • Indoor pool
  • Hot tub

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service fee: 3 percent

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 15 for adults and USD 12.00 for children
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort Oglesby
Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Hotel
Grizzly Jack`s Grand Bear Hotel Utica
Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Oglesby
Grizzly Jack's Bear Oglesby
Bear At Starved Rock Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Hotel
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Utica
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Hotel Utica

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 283 out of 850 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 850 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 159 out of 850 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 84 out of 850 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 87 out of 850 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Philip

Traveled with family and small children
My kids loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johanna

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the whole stay food room service the receptionist were nice everybody was welcoming can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Karina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

rebecca L.

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Sadly disappointed

Disappointed in condition of lodge for the amount of money charged. Limited parking. Coffee was gone by 7 am. Out dated furniture etc
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Adriana

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
HAD A GREAT TIME WITH MY FAMILY
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Thomas, Lafayette

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The main reason we chose Grand Bear Resort was the water park. It was very disappointing. Locker rooms were very dirty. Water park had rusty looking water and many unsafe areas. Towels given we very small and old. The Villa we stayed in had many issues. Large bedroom sink did not have running water. Bathroom door would not stay closed due to door handle being broke. Refrigerator did not stay cold even at highest setting. Washer machine had water under it. We could not see a leak. We were unable to use. The hot water was scarce. Hot water heater looked rusted and leaking. Rooms were not clean. Cob webs on walls and ceilings. Sheets and blankets were poor quality and uncomfortable. Hot tub did not work. All of this was reported to front desk before we checked. out. We will never stay at this facility again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Viridiana

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Danielle

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Do not come!

I wanted to take my kids on a little getaway and thought this would be a great place to go. We got there on a Sunday March 30 at around 3 o'clock; the slides and wave pool were open for about an hour and then closed for the night at 4. The workers promised my kids it'll be back open the next day. The entire day Monday April 1st it was a glorified pool with nothing running not even the heat, we gave it another chance and went back Tuesday April 2nd with hopes that the slides and heat would be on and nothing was on again the reasoning we were given was people were sick. I would NEVER go back there, we wasted our money and didn't get any money off. We paid for an indoor waterpark and got a big pool that was freezing. Don't waste your money.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Daniela

Poor place Insufficient persons working there
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Spring Break stay!

We came here for Spring Break. They were busy but well organized. The kids had a blast. Wish they had more activities during the week.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice people. Did not like the TV option. Could not get the local broadcast
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Javier

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good time there. Recommend. Clean bathroom, room. Easy to get pool towels. Never felt over crowded
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shakira

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay !!!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Dawn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stay was wonderful. Cabin was really spacious.. very quiet. Loved the nature look.very beautiful Kids had a nice plauground The whole family loved the waterpark. Very nice lobby. A few items nedded repair but it did not make a bad stay. And staff was really nice and the people staying were very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

danyel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious and all the necessitates were supplied
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Access to the waterpark & dining options
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Contessa

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
I come every year for my 10 year old Spring break it has been nice up to this year the water park did not have any water slides or the waves in the wave pool til after 4 everything closed at 8 went to the restaurant Jack place in the hotel was told I could not order breakfast I had to choose the buffet all the other time I was able to order and pick it up the pool water was dirty and the had no life guards til after 4 with no explanation spent my money to come to a half hotel the purpose was to be able to go to the water park to enjoy everything not looking for other places for next year
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
This is our family’s first water park resort stay. We booked only a couple weeks before our trip and only a suite was available with two queens and a pullout queen sofa bed. We are a family of 5: a 9yo and 6yo twins plus my husband and I. We paid a little extra for early check-in and an upgrade to VIP pool access which was worth it because the check-in line got long some days. Check-in was a breeze and the staff was great. My kids loved the water park and arcade. The lazy river is chaos with a lot of kids swimming in it. We would go to the pool at night after dinner around 6:00-6:30 and they consistently did not have towels. The woman running the prize counter at the arcade has the patience of a saint. The rooms are in fair condition. The room description says it includes a kitchenette but it was just a mini fridge (with mini freezer) and microwave. We did not dine at the hotel at all and opted instead to explore Utica and Ottawa for meals. The big downside was that evenings were loud. We usually went to bed around 8:30. Quiet hours are 11PM—8AM. We usually turned in around 8:30 PM. There was a fair amount of talking, yelling and running all three nights. The 2nd night, some people got trashed at the bar and were yelling profanities as they walked down the hall. The 3rd night, someone was smoking weed in their room and the smell was very strong in our room. Overall, my kids loved it. It was a family friendly place but is a little beat up.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our second time staying at grand bear. Staff was all very friendly. Rooms were clean. Pool area was clean with adequate towels. We will definitely be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025