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| - Back in Cleveland's Golden Era, when Johnny Rockefeller and his ilk plundered the natural resources of our state in their quest to amass personal riches that would make Buffett and Gates blush, every robber baron needed a country estate, preferably on a lake.
That's how we came to have Punderson Manor. Okay, it's far more convoluted (and considerably less interesting) than that, but let's get back to the review.
Stayed over the weekend at this smallish, 31-room state-park-owned lodge. It sits above beautiful Punderson Lake in a quasi-wilderness setting that belies its proximity to Cleveland and suburbia in Geauga County. We were able, due to the time of year, to snag the Windsor Suite with separate living room, bedroom and spa. The prices are very reasonable, but keep in mind: You're still in Geauga County. This ain't Malibu. This ain't even Traverse City.
We looked at one of the standard rooms, which seem pretty nice, and the cabins, which, for a family outing would be great in the summer, but chose the suite for our de-compression weekend. For the bucks, it's a steal. The manor itself is an interesting bit of architecture, but through the decades many architects, designers and builders have had their way with the old broad, and it shows. Rooms, hallways, wings, turrets seem cobbled onto what was perhaps once a grand residence. The overall impression I took away was that they came very, very close to accomplishing a nice building, but missed by allowing government committee to decide everything. For example, the indoor pool addition, by itself, is grand: open-beamed ceiling, tall windows and doors on three sides overlooking the lake, magnificent. But it sure isn't of the same era, or even design intent of the rest of the structure.
Those of questionable intellect hold that the place is haunted by spirits of past occupants. I'll tell you what haunted me: The morons who partied all night in the tiny lobby, attempting to play the piano. Oh, and then the Muzak that starts up in the lobby, the restaurant, the pool area and continues all effing day. Uninspired, unnecessary, and un-listenable. Cut that crap out.
They claim to have wi-fi, but we were told "they tried to fix it and gave up." Still, a charge appeared on our bill, which upon my protest was removed. This was a theme that emerged throughout the weekend, baffled front desk, confused wait staff, lack-luster employees wandering the halls. I doubt I would return, but the prices are okay if you have something planned either in the park or near-by.
"The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets."
John D. Rockefeller
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