Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Hotels
•
Independent
7.7 (264 reviews)
350 Bell St, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 , Dubuque , US

Facilities

Elevator
Fitness facilities
ATM/banking
Gift shops or newsstand
Conference space
Golfing nearby
Television in common areas
Arcade/game room
Free breakfast
Safe-deposit box at front desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent location (near casino, museum, aquarium; parking and dining nearby)
Friendly/helpful staff (Tiffany, Justin, waterpark employees mentioned)
On-site waterpark and amenities available
Some rooms described as clean and comfortable
Fast, professional food delivery in at least one report
Cons:
Serious cleanliness problems reported (stains, sticky surfaces, mold, dust)
Broken or non-functioning in-room amenities (whirlpool tub, fireplace)
Waterpark issues: pools/hot tubs out of order, rust, strong chlorine
Perceived poor value: high price, hidden fees, waterpark pass not included
Occasional unhelpful/attitudinal management and slow follow-up on compensation

Categories

Cleanliness
2.5
Multiple reviews report very poor cleanliness: stained bedding (including blood/yellow stains), sticky surfaces, dust, chewy candy and food residue, moldy shower areas and visibly unclean rooms; guests cleaned themselves or checked out.
Service
10
Mixed but largely positive front-line staff: several mentions of very friendly and helpful employees (Tiffany praised for fast, professional service; Justin and waterpark staff were friendly). One manager gave attitude in a complaint, but overall staff interactions were consistently noted as helpful.
Location
10
Strongly positive: convenient walk to the casino, next to the River Museum and Aquarium, plenty of parking and nearby food options — guests repeatedly cited the excellent location.
Room Quality
8.5
Mixed reports: several guests described comfortable, clean rooms, while others reported non-working in-room amenities (whirlpool tub/fireplace), moldy shower areas, and maintenance issues like leaking shower doors — overall rooms can be comfortable but inconsistent.
Amenities
7.5
On-site waterpark and amenities exist and are valued, but guests reported several out-of-order features (hot tub, pool), rust on features, strong chlorine, and broken in-room amenities (whirlpool/fireplace), lowering reliability.
Value for Money
5
Multiple complaints about high price, hidden fees, and not receiving expected waterpark passes or amenity access; several guests explicitly stated it was not worth the price.
Food and Beverage
9
Food service received positive notes (Tiffany delivered fast, excellent food). Minimal negative detail beyond breakfast-area equipment (toaster) — on balance guests who mentioned F&B were pleased with service and food quality.
Overall Experience
9.1
Mixed overall: the property’s excellent location and notably helpful staff produced many positive stays, but serious cleanliness and some amenity failures harmed several guest experiences. The overall impression is positive when staff and location are weighted heavily despite cleanliness issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-11-05 14:16

Property Description

Luxurious Relaxation
Dive into one of the 2 spa tubs or enjoy the fun offerings like a complimentary water park and lazy river.
Delicious Dining Options
Savor American cuisine at Tony Romas with a bar/lounge or opt for room service. Don't miss the complimentary continental breakfast too!
Convenient Amenities
Benefit from free Wi-Fi, an arcade/game room, and gift shops. Also, make use of the 24-hour business center and event space.
Book your stay at Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark for a memorable getaway in Dubuque!

Important information:

  • The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
  • A car is not required for transportation to and from this property.

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DBQ

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 264 reviews
Cleanliness: 2.5
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 7.5
Value for Money: 5
Food and Beverage: 9
Overall Experience: 9.1
A
alsG2783NE • Family
2
Dirty and Disrespectful place
Pros:

Horrible experience. Checked in and went to the room. Pulled out the couch and there was dirty, nasty sheets left on. Yellow stains and blood stains. When I called down they said “we can change them”. I went down and spoke with a manager and they gave attitude and did not even apologize. We checked out immediately. Not a clean or respectful place.

2026-03-07 • via Tripadvisor
V
V6613OKgloriab • Family • Geneseo, Illinois
4
Not worth the price
Pros:

We had stayed here several years ago and had a good time, but it has gone downhill.
We booked a Captain’s fireplace suite that included a whirlpool tub. Neither the tub nor fireplace worked. The morning after our stay I asked to be compensated and only charged for a room that did not include those amenities. The employee put a note in for accounting and said I would hear from someone after the weekend. I did not, so emailed the resort again, about a week later, but I did not receive a response and it’s already been 3 weeks. The room itself was ok, but the shower door let a lot of water out so very moldy in places.
The water park employees were all very nice, but one hot tub was out of order, one pool was out of order, and there is a lot of rust on the water feature. Also a great deal of chlorine in the air, it made my son very uncomfortable after an hour (lungs and eyes).
So cannot recommend and will definitely not be returning.

2026-01-21 • via Tripadvisor
S
steege831 • Family • McFarland, Wisconsin
4
I should’ve read the reviews first
Pros:

Don’t stay here! These ppl charged us over $200/night for a junior suite for our family. When we checked in, the nightstand had drink spilled on it and there was sticky spots, BIG sticky spots all over the top of it. As I looked futher, there was some chewy candy stuck on the wooden trim, something white going down the side, and sticky on the drawer with black stuff in the drawer. There was dust on everything- like when was the last time this room was used??? After I saw spots and spilled and food on all the surfaces, I ended up going downstairs and getting cleaner so I could clean the surfaces myself. They offered to move me, but they didn’t have another junior suite available! Fine, percentage off is efficient. Now, I can’t trust anything in the room to be clean, so I ask for new bedding for the sofa sleeper because…. Who knows if it was actually changed. When they brought me new bedding, they said extra pillows were in the dresser- nope! There’s nothing in the dresser and no bibles in the drawers. This place is janky! I’m so discussed to sleep here. I won’t be back! Don’t make our mistake- STAY SOMEWHERE ELSE, then come here and use the waterpark!

2025-12-29 • via Tripadvisor
5
595tannera • Family
10
Tiffany
Pros:

Tiffany was excellent, fast and very professional service. The food was delivered fast and was excellent. Overall it was great.

2025-12-25 • via Tripadvisor
T
Tammie • partner
10
Pros:

very clean and comfortable.

2025-10-12 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • family
8
Pros:

Very nice facility. Room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast area could use more than one toaster though.

2025-10-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jeffery
10
Pros:

Yes

2025-10-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sharon • partner
10
Pros:

No

2025-10-11 • via Nuitee
B
Belinda
8
Pros:

We stay here so we can walk to the casino. The staff is super friendly.

2025-10-09 • via Nuitee
D
Dave
10
Pros:

Safe area with plenty of parking. Various food options within 3 min drive or 10 min walk.

2025-10-09 • via Nuitee
K
Kelsie • family
8
Pros:

Rooms could be a little more cleaner but other than that, everything was just fine.

2025-10-09 • via Nuitee
J
Joyce • family
10
Pros:

This property was in a great location. We visited the River Museum and Aquarium, which is right next door. Justin, at check in, was very friendly and helpful. He gave us some great recommendations for places to eat and have a beverage. We greatly enjoyed 7 Hilla Brewing Company and the famous hamburger at Paul's Tavern. We also enjoyed the hearty breakfast at Tony Roma's with the incredible view of the river.

2025-10-07 • via Nuitee
L
Leanne • partner
6
Pros:

They had hidden fees and the price was way too high . We didn’t get a pass to the water park . So it could’ve been way cheaper. We never go there again.

2025-10-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jane
10
Pros:

-

2025-10-06 • via Nuitee
M
Misty
8
Good stay but could be better.
Pros:

Staff were great. Our room was clean. Bathtub did not drain well. No complimentary shampoo. Continental Breakfast was ok. OJ was watered down. Toasted didn’t work well. Hotel needs some updating.

2025-10-05 • via Nuitee
K
Kayleigh • family_with_children
10
Pros:

We had a great time swimming!

2025-10-05 • via Nuitee
C
Clifford • family_with_children
10
Pros:

The staff was great!

2025-10-04 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • partner
6
Pros:

Poor lighting and coffee maker didn't brew well.

2025-10-04 • via Nuitee
J
Judy • partner
8
Pros:

Location was great. Room was clean but it was just a basic room no frills. Breakfast was a disappointment. The woman when we checked out was to busy on the phone with personal stuff to help us and after awhile someone else checked us out. Not sure if we'll stay here again.

2025-10-03 • via Nuitee
M
Mary
10
Pros:

Clean room great breakfast

2025-10-02 • via Nuitee