Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock in Utica | Best Rates & Deals on Orbitz

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Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars

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Where to?

Dates

May 2025

June 2025

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

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373

Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
‪1 min walk‬
Starved Rock State Park
‪4 min walk‬
Matthiessen State Park
‪12 min walk‬

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Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

400 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

400 sq ft
Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

1800 sq ft
Sleeps 9
1 King Bed, 1 Twin Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

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

About the neighborhood

Utica

Starved Rock State Park is within a 5-minute walk of Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock while other popular sites like Matthiessen State Park are within a 15-minute stroll. This 92-room, 3-star hotel has conveniences like a free water park, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.

What's nearby

Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Starved Rock State Park - 4 min walk - 0.2 miles
Matthiessen State Park - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
Illinois River Winery - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles

Getting around

Mendota Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min drive
‪Casey's General Store - ‬11 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
‪The Rootbeer Stand - ‬9 min drive
‪Back Door Lounge - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock features a free water park, an indoor pool, and a lazy river. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready. Other amenities at this golf hotel include a children's pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas.

42-inch TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Coffee makers, hair dryers, and phones are also available.

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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Parking included

includes taxes & fees

$89 per night

May 1 - May 2

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

Fireplace in lobby
Lifeguards
Smoke-free property

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

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

This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

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

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25

The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your 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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do near Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

This hotel is located in Utica and just steps from Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. You'll also find Matthiessen State Park and Illinois River Winery within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock include a casino at the property?

No, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Is Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock a good place to stay for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including an indoor pool and 2 bars plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Are there hot tubs at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge on weekend mornings at Jack's Place.

Will Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have connecting rooms?

Yes, this hotel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, some guestrooms at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offer a balcony.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

7.4

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Viridiana

Apr 3, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Deb

Traveled with family and small children

Feb 17, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

We stayed in villa. Kitchen floor was in very poor condition with the floor cracked - children kept catching their feet on it. Dryer did not work. TV on main floor did not work ans maintenance told us they were aware of that before we checked jn. All doors had gaps and had drafts. Sliding doors could not be proerly locked

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathlyn

Traveled with family

Jan 27, 2025

Liked: Amenities

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Too noisy in common areas. Very poor lighting in room. Otherwise ok.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Jan 27, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Great

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Crystal

Business traveler, Traveled with partner

Jan 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

I did not like for the price I paid for a room with missing items such as an ironing board and iron along with a broken patio door lock being secured only with a wooden stick in the door track. I tried to call the front desk and the phone was non working and the sticker with the number on it was disconnected. I did not like the food and would never recommend. I was there due to a conference so having an iron and hot water would have been nice as it was only luke warm that morning.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Jan 22, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Kristy

Traveled with family

Jan 22, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service

Buyer Beware!

Although the room was adequate, clean enough and spacious enough there is a reason this "resort" is so cheap in the winter- there is NOTHING to do. Of course the outdoor mini golf is not open is the frigid temps, but you think an indoor water park and arcade would be a great family get away for a when its too cold to be outside. Nope. It is a complete ghost town. The hotel reservation even said "free breakfast" which was not available. Absolutely everything is closed during the week. Make sure to call the resort directly if you plan on using any amenities because the staff I talked to said it is very frustrating for them also because guests obviously travel to be there and then are disappointed that things like the pool are not even open due to low staffing and no warning is offered on the website as to what days and times they might be open so the staff are the ones that get yelled at by guests when they don't know day to day what will be open.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juan

Traveled with family

Jan 21, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Expedia / Reservation shows Free Breakfast and there was none. In fact the restaurant and the cafe were not even open! There was coffee maker at the room, no water at exercise room, no water bottles at the room, hallways were dirty… not good.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maiya

Jan 19, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

jean

Jan 15, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Traveled with family

Jan 12, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Best getaway from Chicagoland

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Antonio

Jan 12, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Sirivanh

Traveled with family

Jan 10, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Marisa

Jan 6, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Traveled with family

Jan 5, 2025

Disliked: Staff & service

The villa was very spacious. However, wifi was very spotty, jacuzzi didn't work, and kitchen had very few pots and pans. The waterpark locker room is small and pretty useless if you need to change.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Jan 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

We took our 3 grandchildren ages 6, 8 and 10 to Chicago as a Christmas gift. We chose this resort because of the water park. They had a blast! We then drove to Shedd Aquarium for a day, which was a very doable drive, 1 1/2 hours and still had time for them to come back and swim. The life guards were very observant of the kids swimming and did a great job. The amusement center was an added bonus as well as an on sight restaurant, snack shop and bar. We would definitely recommend this facility. J & K Harkness Laingsburg, MI

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Amber

Jan 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

We stayed in hotel. Pros: close proximity to everything. The food was better than expected at cafe and restaurant. No complaints there. The beds were comfortable and spacious. Kids had a good time. Now the cons: the place was freezing! The waterpark water was cold. The kids of course got used to it but for my husband and I, we felt like we were being tortured everytime we were there. All the adults stood around freezing knee deep in the water. A much needed light in our room didn’t work. Had a hard time getting any internet on devices. Very weak, nearly nonexistent WiFi. Overall, we had fun and for the price I’d recommend for a few day stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Anna

Traveled with family

Jan 4, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Located near Starved Rock State Park, Grand Bear Resort seemed like the perfect family-friendly getaway, but our experience was a disaster. While the location is great, the resort falls short in nearly every way. Cleanliness: The rooms were filthy—stained bedding, old mattresses, and a sunken, unusable couch. The bathrooms smelled bad, with mildew on the shower tiles. Floors were sticky, and dust was everywhere. Waterpark: The indoor waterpark was in terrible shape, with mold on the walls, peeling paint, and cloudy water. The lazy river looked dirty, and the entire facility felt unsafe and neglected. Noise Levels: Loud music and banging continued past 1:00 AM nightly, despite the advertised 11:00 PM quiet hours. Our complaints were ignored, and a room change request was denied. Room Maintenance: Furniture was old, mattresses lumpy, and the heating system unreliable. The overall condition of the room made it uncomfortable to stay in. Internet and Amenities: The Wi-Fi barely worked, and Other amenities were outdated and poorly maintained. Overcrowding and Service: Overcrowding made the waterpark chaotic. Staff were unresponsive to complaints and poorly trained, offering no solutions. Grand Bear Resort has potential, but the lack of cleanliness, maintenance, and accountability makes it impossible to recommend. Until major improvements are made, avoid staying here. Rating: 1/5

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cesar

Jan 3, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Traveled with family

Jan 2, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Staff it’s very helpful great get away writhing two hours away from Chicagoland

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jasmine

Traveled with family and small children

Jan 1, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I arrived and booked for priority 1pm check in and didn’t get a room to about 4 with rude front desk service after charging a priority fee yes it was refunded but inconvenient to wait around three hours to have no answer when room will be ready ask to talk to a Manager and told they will call me same day and still no call 5 days after told twice they will call the villas walls where filthy and so many bugs from water and lady bugs in villa not just I was waiting for my room several others where waiting and they got offered game cards and free breakfast as I was speaking to two others as I was just told someone will call me with no offer of anything while waiting the pool was freezing cold end up sick from it and so many water bugs in water kids where scared of didn’t get to enjoy at all ask to double check water temp and told it was already they couldn’t do anything over all not a great experience I have been here two other times with no problems but different people working this year

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024