The Lodge, or what use to be called Jumer's Castle Lodge, was the creme de la creme of hotels in the 1970's in Bettendorf, IA. With its Knights in Shining Armour and period (albeit imitation) European castle motif, it was my first experience 38 years ago into the "luxury hotel" world.

I lived in Davenport and thus never stayed at the Hotel during its hey day. This past New Year's the opportunity came to spend some time there and it was a nostalgic trip. Yes, the rooms are a little worse for wear and my favorite library bar is seldom in use, but the music in the lounge was delightful as was our breakfast and king size suite.

The staff went out of their way to make our visit memorable. This Grand Old Lady "ain't what she use to be," but for us, it was a wonderful trip down memory lane.

The Lodge Hotel and Conference Center has done an excellent job keeping the Jumer tradition of its former properties. I stayed in the tower and the rooms were comfortable with many top amenities. It could use some updates to match newer hotels, but for the price it beats the budget or less pricey hotels. They offer use of a near by fitness club which has everything you need. Great location being close to I-74 and shopping and restaurants are down the street or at the next exit North.

I am writing as an extended stay guest of The Lodge while my husband is stationed at Rock Island Arsenal. I have fallen in love with this older gem. Our queen suite room is clean, bed comfortable, and roomy. The rooms in the "Tower" have been redecorated and are lovely. The view from my sixth floor room is expansive. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident throughout the Lodge. When built, no expense was spared by Mr. Jumer. The Black Bear Lounge has been rejuvenated with a new dance floor and we enjoy dancing to the DJ on Friday evenings. We also enjoy watching football on the large screens. We appreciate the convenience of having the restaurant attached to the hotel. The Sunday buffet is tremendous and the live pianist adds to the ambiance.

I observe and interact with the staff every day and each one is friendly, accommodating, and hard-working. The attention and care of guests by the staff is genuine and goes beyond just what the job dictates. This includes the front desk staff, maintenance, and restaurant personnel. The maid service is great. The cleaning is very thorough with everything wiped, the bathroom floor mopped at each cleaning, and linens which include large fluffy towels. I have consistently witnessed and received this type of care over the course of the three months I have lived here.

It is a huge facility that at one point was a destination place in its own right. Living here, I can say is a pleasure. From the room to the restaurant to the staff, I honestly have had no complaints and have grown to love The Lodge with its German antiques, enclosed cobblestone walkway which leads to the covered atrium and restaurant, as well as the welcoming staff.

I come from the Asheville, NC area and The Lodge reminds me of the antique-laden decor of the Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore House but with the German old-world decor of Mr. Jumer's heritage.

Upon arrival in the parking lot we noticed the need for exterior maintainence...parking lot needed to be re-paved, and the shingles were deteriorated. There was some evidence of interior maitainence needed as well, the two couches in the lobby were covered with a sofa covers, and there were nics and scuffs on the woodwork. The room was toleable, clean and sufficient. There was a slight musty odor in the hall ways. But....it was very easy to overlook these things because the staff was very accomodating. They provided free shuttle to the casinos and the river cruise docks. At one point the shuttle was taking too long to arrive and the General Manager shuttled us himself! We had an enjoyable two nights there...and for the price that we paid which included an evening meal, a breakfast buffet and $10 in slot play, we were quite pleased.