If you’ve ever driven through the central Wisconsin stretch of I-39 during a blizzard, you know the vibe. It’s dark, it’s cold, and you just want a place with a massive fireplace and maybe a drink that doesn't come from a vending machine. Most people pulling into the 805 Creske Avenue address are looking for exactly that. But bantr Grand Hotel Wausau - Rothschild isn’t your typical roadside Marriott or Hampton Inn.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shapeshifter.
The building used to be the Grand Lodge Hotel, a place famous for its indoor waterpark and Northwoods kitsch. In 2022, it went through a major identity shift. It’s now part of the "bantr" brand, which tries to bridge the gap between a boutique hotel, a ski lodge, and a co-living apartment complex. You’ll see people here for a single night of skiing at Granite Peak, alongside folks who have signed a six-month lease and are just heading to the gym before work.
The Room Situation is Actually Kind of Wild
Most hotel rooms are basically identical boxes. You get a bed, a desk, and a bathroom that feels like an airplane lavatory.
At bantr, the layouts are surprisingly diverse. Because it was originally a "lodge" style resort, the square footage is significantly higher than average—about 60% larger, according to their own data. You aren't just getting a bed; you're often getting a loft or a full-blown kitchen.
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Take the King Bunk Suite. It sounds like something for a kids' sleepover, and it is, but it’s also remarkably functional for groups. It fits seven people. You get a king bed, a twin-over-queen bunk, and a sleeper sofa. If you’ve ever tried to cram a family of five into a standard double-queen room, you know the "floor mattress" struggle. Here, you actually have breathing room.
Then there are the Loft Suites. These are two-level setups with vaulted ceilings that make the place feel more like a cabin in the woods than a hotel in a parking lot near a Marcus Theatre. Some even have fireplaces and balconies. If you're staying for more than a couple of nights, having a separate upstairs sleeping area is a game-changer for your sanity.
That Massive Pool and the "Jaspers" Vibe
One thing that hasn't changed since the rebrand is the scale of the water features. It claims to have the largest indoor pool and hot tub in the area. In the middle of a Wisconsin February, that’s not just an amenity—it’s a survival tool.
The pool area still has that tropical, slightly humid lodge feel, complete with a tiki bar that opens up for drinks and conversation. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see local families on a "staycation" and exhausted hikers coming back from Rib Mountain State Park.
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On the fitness side, they’ve replaced the sad, lonely treadmill most hotels offer with a legitimate commercial-grade gym called The Base. It’s 24/7. They have in-house trainers and actual classes. This is part of that "co-living" hybrid model I mentioned earlier. Since people live here long-term, the gym has to be real.
What’s Nearby?
You aren't exactly in a "downtown" walkable district, but you are central to the essentials:
- Cedar Creek Mall: A 3-minute walk.
- Granite Peak Ski Area: About a 10-minute drive.
- Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA): roughly 6 miles south.
- Dining: You’ve got the Red Eye Brewing Company and Sconni’s Alehouse within a few miles for actual local flavor.
The "Human" Reality: Reviews and Quirks
No place is perfect, and if you read the recent 2025 and early 2026 reviews, you’ll see a mix. People love the waffles. Seriously, the complimentary hot breakfast gets more shout-outs than almost anything else.
But, because it’s a massive, older building that’s been "reimagined," it can sometimes feel a little empty or quiet during the off-season. One guest recently noted it felt "beautiful but abandoned" on a quiet weekday. Others have pointed out that the lighting in the hallways can be a bit dim—part of that "moody lodge" aesthetic, though it can be a bit much if you’re just trying to find your room with three suitcases.
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The management style is also modern—think contactless check-in options and a 21+ age requirement for the person booking the room. It’s efficient, but if you’re someone who wants a bellhop and a white-glove concierge, this probably isn't your spot. It’s more of a "here’s your code, the gym is that way, have a great time" kind of place.
Why Travelers (and Locals) Choose It
The real value here is the space-to-price ratio. In 2026, finding a room with a full kitchen, a fireplace, and access to a giant pool for under $200 is becoming a rarity.
For skiers, it’s a no-brainer. You can soak your legs in the hot tub after a day on the mountain and actually have room to dry out your gear without tripping over it. For business travelers, the high-speed Wi-Fi (usually clocked at 50+ Mbps) and the separate sitting areas make it a lot easier to actually get work done compared to sitting on a hotel bed with a laptop.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning a trip to the bantr Grand Hotel Wausau - Rothschild, keep these specifics in mind to avoid any headaches:
- Book the Kitchen Suites: If you’re staying more than two nights, the price difference for a suite with a full kitchen is usually negligible, and you’ll save a fortune by not eating every meal at the nearby Applebee's.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often host "Fireside Piano" on Friday afternoons and occasional live music in the bar. It significantly changes the "vibe" from quiet lodge to social hub.
- Pet Policy: They are pet-friendly, but only in specific rooms. You have to call ahead to confirm availability for your dog, or you might end up stuck at check-in.
- Parking: If you’re hauling a boat or a trailer (common for the area), the parking lot is massive and easily accommodates oversized vehicles.
- Late Night Soaks: The hot tub and pool are often open until midnight for adults, which is a nice touch if you want to avoid the "splash zone" of the afternoon family rush.
Whether you're there to hit the slopes at Granite Peak or you're just passing through on your way to the Northwoods, this hotel offers a level of "extra" space that most chains simply can't match. Just don't expect a corporate, cookie-cutter experience—it’s a bit more eclectic than that.