Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort

Baker's Sunset Bay Resort has a friendly community vibe; families or couples looking for a quiet escape are the main clientele. Visitors are drawn to the hotel for its affordable rates, though the property itself is neither exciting nor jaw-dropping, and it's located on one of the side roads that leads to other resorts and residences. The neighborhood is quiet, and the back of the hotel is by Lake Delton, outfitted with picnic tables, grills that show signs of use, and a strip of sand. Inside the main office, the lobby is small but bright. Management sells essentials from sun block to quick snacks along with souvenirs and sweaters. While clean, hallways are tired with ‘70s-style wooden doors and shabby carpeting.

Much like the resort itself, the surrounding area has a number of activities for everyone. Wild Rock Golf Club, Canyon Creek Riding Stables, and Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, an interactive science museum, are all easily accessible by foot or car. Popular water parks Noah’s Ark and Mt. Olympus are around the lake, both approximately 10 minutes away by car. Kalahari Resorts and its theme park are less than a 10-minute drive south, and Baker’s guests receive free passes.

While shops and restaurants are not within walking distance of the resort, a quick drive will lead to Broadway, where a number of eateries can be found, including Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, Carvelli's, and Taste of New Orleans. But even closer dining options are down by Wisconsin Dells Parkway, like Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., Sarento's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, and The Cheese Factory Restaurant.

If skiing is in the plans, Cascade Mountain is approximately 20 to 25 minutes southeast. During the warmer months, Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area -- with its famous sandstone slot canyon -- and Devil's Lake State Park have plenty of scenic trails for hiking enthusiasts. 

Guests have the option of standard rooms or suites. Rooms are spacious and clean with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee and tea facilities, and private balconies. Patterned bed comforters are colorful, carpets are dull, and hanging artwork is unoriginal. Bathrooms feature unassuming hues along with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and towels. Depending on the suite category they book, guests will either have fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes with private decks. The standout Jacuzzi Suite is geared toward romantic travelers with a two-person hot tub flanked by mirrors. For families, adjoining rooms are available upon request. Guest units closest to the parking lot are more updated than those closest to the lake.

With a beach in the back and Lake Delton shoreline, this resort is a mini-escape unto itself. Guests are welcome to swim, kayak, or row from the private dock. (Kayaks and rowboats are provided by the resort for free.) On the beach, volleyball nets and a children’s play set can be found. Picnic tables and grills complete the scene, a boon for anyone hoping to have a cookout. Further up away from the beach is a deck area with a small outdoor pool and sun chairs. Inside, there are children’s activity pools with two waterslides and a small sauna room. An on-site coin-operated laundry room is also available, as is free Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that an extra resort fee is charged per night to cover the property’s features.