It had been a few years since we last stayed at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. The rooms have been renovated and the entire property feels much cleaner and up to date.
They are installing paid parking now, which used to be free in the past. We got in at 3:30 PM so we didn't expect the room to be ready (check in at Great Wolf is supposed to be at 4 o'clock). There was supposed to be a text message with the room number when the room was available, but I never got a text message. The cleaning staff can be seen busy cleaning rooms so we didn't want to rush them, but once it was past 5 o'clock, we got tired of sitting and waiting after 90 minutes so we waited in line (again) to go to the front desk and ask about the room. I was told that the room was ready and just didn't get the text.
It would have been good to get a text right away at check in to make sure the system worked ("thanks for checking in! We will send another text when your room is ready") and use the Marriott system where you can text the hotel for any needs instead of getting back in line.
Because I didn't get the text that my room was ready, I wasn't sure the system was working. When I ordered pizza later, I had to wait at the restaurant looking at the overhead status board instead of enjoying myself somewhere else and waiting for a text.
The wrist band for door keys are a great idea, except that out of 3 wrist bands, only 1 of them actually worked and unlocked the hotel room door.