AJ's Lodge and Oven

The view is amazing if you get one, I requested a view and instead was “upgraded” to a filthy “suite” that smelled of dead mice and was so dirty and had such poor lighting that I literally bought air freshener and used a flashlight to see in the kitchen. There were used kleenex on the floor under my bed.. so they aren’t stellar on cleaning between guests. The food and drinks are good in the bar… but it’s like camping inside with a chance of bed bugs. Just read the other reviews online… I won’t stay there again.

On 9/18/23 I called AJs Lodge: “AJ's Lodge” “Hi. Who am I speaking with?” (me) Long pause. “Mary Beth. Who am I speaking with?” “This is P. D. I called last week about a discrepancy in fees & you said you’d call back. I haven’t received a return call.” “So, what’s the problem?” (M.B.) I explained the issue of being over charged $23.50 more than ******* quoted. Long pause. “******* doesn’t always include tax. You’re worrying over $8! My time is worth more than that!”(M.B.) “Am I inconveniencing you?” (me) Huge sigh. “This is a f---ing pain in my a--!” (M.B.) I said nothing, but was shocked at her vulgarity! “Just let me figure this out! So you paid $xxx for one night. You’re getting a 2 bedroom cabin!” (M.B.) “Yes, I don’t need a 2 bedroom, but that’s all you had. Please tell me what my final payment will be.” (me) Total silence for 30 seconds. Me: “Hello?” “Just a minute! I’m trying to figure this out!! All this over $8!” (M.B.) (Again, the difference is $23.50) “Your last payment will be $135.40” (M.B.) “Thank you” (me) Click (she hung up) When I received the final bill, it was still for more than I was quoted. As far as the room, it was NOT a “2 bedroom cabin", but a room with 2 beds. The shade did not close all the way, letting in ambient light all night. I killed 27 flies and 2 spiders in the room during my 2 night stay, with at least 30 more flies trapped between the screen and the window. Extremely Rude Owner! Avoid this place like the Plague that it is!

I called on 9/15/23 to ask about a discrepancy regarding charges for a room I’d booked. (******* quoted $294.30 total and I’d be charged half up front and half upon check-out. Yet, AJ’s Lodge charged me $158.90 for the first ½, which would be a total of $317.80, or a difference of $23.50). I spoke with “Mary Beth” who rudely said, “I’m not in the office right now. I’ll call you back.” and she hung up. By 9/18/23, I’d not heard back from her, so called again: “AJs Lodge” “Hi. Who am I speaking with?” (me) Long pause. “Mary Beth. Who am I speaking with?” “This is P--- D---. I called last week about a discrepancy in fees and you said you’d call back and I haven’t received a return call.” “What’s the problem?” (M.B.) I explained the issue of being charged $158.90 and if that is half of the total, the total is $317.80, or $23.50 more than ******* quoted. Long pause. “******* doesn’t always include tax. You’re worrying over an $8 charge! My time is worth more than that!” (M.B.) “Am I inconveniencing you?” (me) Long pause. Big sigh. “This is a f---ing pain in my ass!” (M.B.) I said nothing but was astounded “Just let me figure this out!” (Huffing and puffing) “Okay, you paid $158.90 for one night. You’re getting a 2 bedroom cabin!” (M.B.) I said, “Yes. I don’t need a 2 bedroom, but that’s all that was available. Can you tell me what my final payment will be?” Total silence for 30 seconds. Me: “Hello?” “Just a minute! I’m trying to figure this out!! All this over $8!” (M.B.) (Again, the difference is $23.50. And it’s a matter of principle) “Your last payment will be $135.40” (M.B.) “Thank you so much” (me) Click (she hung up) When I received the final bill, it was for $147.55, which is still $12.15 more than she (and *******) quoted. As far as the room, it was NOT a “2 bedroom cabin“, but a small room with 2 beds. The shade did not close all the way, letting in ambient light all night long. I killed 27 flies and 2 spiders inside the room during my 2 night stay, and there were at least 30 more flies - dead and alive - trapped between the screen and the window to the room. When I entered the restaurant to ask for some catsup for the pasty I was eating in my room, Mary Beth told me, “This is a catsup free zone” and turned and walked away! She is beyond rude! Bottom line, I would never return to this fly infested motel or the accompanying restaurant.

The entire lodge is in dire need of maintenance. The exterior cement walkways between the rooms are crumbling and hazardous, railings are bent, carpet on exterior steps is worn off the edges, poor lighting along the walkways. We stayed in the Walleye Suite. The floors weren't very clean--don't walk bare foot! Cobwebs everywhere. The covers over the baseboard heat are rusty and falling off. The kitchen has extension cords running everywhere.....one comes through a hole in the counter. A fire hazard? Poorly stocked kitchen supplies for a suite that sleeps 8....1 spoon and 3 forks in the kitchen A leak in the ceiling hadn't been repaired for a long time because crumbling ceiling tile was caught up in cobwebs. See pic. The ONLY good things about The Walleye Suite....clean bathroom, comfortable beds with clean sheets and decent towels.

Received text that we would be self checking in. Room would be open with key left inside. NO key inside. Contacted owner and was told the person before us must have taken the key! NO chain latch on the inside so we were very uncomfortable. At 7:10 am, a man entered our room! Contacted owner and while she apologized, they did nothing to make the situation better. No response by owner after I texted and emailed requesting 50% off room price. We paid 2x the price for a room on the lake and couldn't even enjoy it as we weren't comfortable leaving our stuff in the room not knowing where this missing key was. After a stranger walked in on us, we up and left. No dinner at the lake, no coffee on the lake next morning. Also, no air conditioning so windows had to be open, allowing highway noise to be heard. Room was very dark. NO coffee cups to use with the coffee pot. So disappointing!

Convenient to hiking trails. No housekeeping, cob webs no blow dryer, old towels, old blankets, ceiling tiles were wraped. Loose faucets etc.

It was a beautiful setting right on Lake Gogebic. We were upgraded to a room with a kitchen, which we really appreciated, we definitely made use of it. Their lodge was near the Porcupine Mountains, we did several hikes there. There were many beautiful falls in the area that we enjoyed as well. Everyone we talked to was very nice & helpful. I can honestly say as we’ve been traveling around the Upper Peninsula we got our best sleep at their place.

Stayed 2 nights. Upper room, view but no balcony. Bed was comfy, shower was good and hot. We dined and drank. Food and drinks were great as well as the service. Larry the dog was a nice touch. Please stay and play.

******* lied about my refund and kept my money (Never book with *******). A J Lodge has delicious Fire Bake Pizza! And the staff was polite. Never got to stay the night had to cancel my reservation upon arrival.