Ruby's Dining Room - Deerwood

When we pay as much as we did for Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort, we expected everything to be fantastic. The experience still was good but with some notable exceptions. The 9 hole golf course and the outdoor swimming pool both were closed for repairs. The beach was available, but the lake had a rocky bottom that was uncomfortable to walk on, and getting in and out of the beach area involved either climbing over rocks or negotiating very steep steps with no banister. The marina, on the other hand, was terrific, with a lot of boating options. A kayaking outing one of us took on Bay Lake revealed loons and even a bald eagle. Communication was a bit off. The staff at the front desk told us that there was no putting green, but when we visited the pro shop, we found out that there was one, with free golf clubs and balls to boot. Likewise, a staff member at the main restaurant told us there was no alternative to a pricey seafood boil, but actually there was one, just across the hall. Finally, the bingo game was in a different room and floor than the one printed on the schedule, leading to people roaming around the lodge trying to find the game. Our villa had all of the amenities of an apartment, and all in fine working order. The only small glitch was that the blinds were open in the bathroom, and the only way to reach them to close them was to step into the Jacuzzi. We enjoyed the activities on nights when the resort had them and could find good movies on the TV in the room when it did not.

We’ve been vacationing annually with Ruttgers for the past 25+ years. We’ve seen lots of changes over the years but are most thrilled with the new management group and all the amazing improvements they’ve made to the resort. The newly redesigned golf course looks amazing as do the new lake cottages, docks, boats and menus. The menus offered lots of great choices for all and we loved our meals. Looking forward to returning next year.

We spent two nights at Ruttger’s. Check-in is not until 5, but this is understandable. Our cabin wasn’t done until just before 5. The cabin was cute and very clean. Water pressure was great. Be patient as it takes awhile for the hot water to get there but it is hot. There was good air conditioning and a gas fireplace, as well as a fridge and microwave. We liked the corn hole and shuffleboard. The pickle ball courts are lovely. There are lots of water activities. The outdoor pool was closed because the water was way too hot. We ate on the deck twice. The food was delicious. We had the fajita special which was delicious, although they should give 6 wraps instead of 3 as that is how much filling was left after I ate 3, and they were stuffed! The next night we had the supreme pizza which was also great. All of the staff were friendly and a pleasure to deal with. We enjoyed the campfire with s’mores and the live music Saturday night. The only downfall was the sewage smell outside our cabin in the 400’s. The septic was right there and when the wind blew out way, sitting outside our cabin wasn’t pleasant. Worth a visit for sure.

It started out so fun and relaxing . Then turned into a bizarre and uncomfortable stay. Reservations was friendly, checking in was great, food was great until we were asked 20 questions of why we needed 4 plates to share 2 salads by the waitress. The next day the waitress didn 't give us an actual bill/receipt for our dinner and simply could not comprehend why we wanted one-proceeded to tell ' us the bill from her tablet. Not pet friendly(dog under 25 lbs) at all. Golf course looks horrible. Ask for a manager, they 'll tell you one isn 't available while one walks out from the back! Then all the sudden there 's 5 managers, none of which could even answer the pet deposit price. Water ran all night in tub and at check out another couple was complaining about a gassy smell in the water in their room. Staff were rude and infantile at the course bar. I grew up visiting family in Aitkin all my life...now all my family lives in the area. From what I 've heard is the events that happened to us would 've never happened before they sold...for the second time now in 3 years. Big Corp clearly is running it. My advice is don 't stay if you 're expecting a Minnesota up north feel. But do take advantage of the use of Bay Lake and their paddleboats, canoes and beach...it 's free! Our trip included Superior, Porcupine Mtn., the UP and down back home to Suburban Detroit. Ruttger 's was THE worst and ONLY bad part of our vacation.

Food was nasty and service next to non existent.will not return. Nice view of the golf course but that's not reason enough to reurn