Maples Motel

I organize a motorcycle trip each year with a group of my friends. This year we spent a night in Wisconsin Rapids and I decided on the Maples Motel. With an outdoor pool, kitchenettes, gas grills and a sports bar across the street, seemed like the perfect place to stay. I called January 6, 2015 to book a room for July 10, 2015. I spoke with Greg and he set me up in a room with two beds for four adults. The other people on the trip also booked rooms in their own names for a total of 7 rooms.
Our group did a tree nursery tour just up the road and arrived around 3:00 pm on July 10^th. And the Maples had given away all of our rooms except two. Greg was nowhere to be found and he basically left two women in the office to face the disappointment from our group. No explanation was given but a handwritten note from the owner (Greg) mentioned that they were sorry but «nobody’s perfect.» Which implies that a mistake was made. You don’t mistakenly give away 5 rooms — this was intentional. The ladies were embarrassed and apologetic but there was nothing they could do. They mentioned that they were aware Greg gave away our rooms and that they were expecting us. We were then stuck attempting to find rooms on a Friday evening and ended up at the Hotel Mead a few miles north. Which was very nice for only a few dollars more than the Maples.
The Maples Motel seems to enjoy a brisk business but I certainly recommend anyone booking a room there to have a solid «Plan B». Greg had no concern whatsoever in kicking our group of 18 people to the street with no explanation. Deplorable behavior.

You’re probably wondering what’s up with a five star review of an establishment that has a violent red rash of negative feedback reverberating through cyberspace. Well, my experience was similar to most people’s (lost reservations, maids left behind to deal with angry customers in the absence of an indifferent owner, general disillusionment, etc.) but in the end I had a positive experience. So how did that happen?
Our group was able to find last-​minute accommodations that night at the Hotel Mead which is also located in Wisconsin Rapids. The Mead features fabulous rooms that are reasonably priced, a pool, a full-​service restaurant, two bars, and an outdoor patio serving drinks plus bar food. A live band played that night which rocked the house. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Bottom line: If it wasn’t for inept owner of Maples, we would have never experienced the pleasure of The Mead and its superb staff. Therefore I give a back-​handed tip-​of-​the-​hat to Greg — owner of Maples. Thanks Greg!