Irwin Inn - Lakefield

The three of us had never visited this restaurant before and were pleasantly surprised. We all ordered the fettuccine alfredo, which we found to be very good bu... read more The three of us had never visited this restaurant before and were pleasantly surprised. We all ordered the fettuccine alfredo, which we found to be very good but lacking a bit of seasoning. The presentation was great, and we enjoyed the garlic toast that came with it. We loved the view of Stoney Lake, although the windows could have been cleaner. The waitress was friendly and delightful to chat with. Two of us decided to share a cheesecake, and the waitress split the serving in two, adding a birthday candle to mine. Such a thoughtful touch. Thank you. We would definitely come back again.

This resort was marketed as a luxury family destination, but it fell far short of that description. We had a family reunion there in July 2015 with over 85 peop... read more This resort was marketed as a luxury family destination, but it fell far short of that description. We had a family reunion there in July 2015 with over 85 people in attendance, and it was disappointing. The manager was rarely available and unhelpful when we could find her. The rooms seemed outdated, with holes in the window screens allowing mosquitoes in. The golf course was untended, and the food service was slow. Even simple items like a grilled cheese sandwich took over an hour to arrive. Dinner service for nearly 90 people was slow, with children missing out on dessert. The children's play area was run down, with safety hazards present. Despite the high prices, the overall experience was a disappointment. We will not be returning.

We stayed for the first time here. It was a perfect time to go; as it was more like a B read more We stayed for the first time here. It was a perfect time to go; as it was more like a B

This is a resort but has been a long standing piece of dining quality in the Kawartha Lakes area. It offers good albeit somewhat expensive dining while overlook... read more This is a resort but has been a long standing piece of dining quality in the Kawartha Lakes area. It offers good albeit somewhat expensive dining while overlooking the confines of Stony Lake

We stayed at the inn for the long weekend in July, and overall had a great time. The kids loved the kayaks, canoes and fishing, and we enjoyed the tennis and wa... read more We stayed at the inn for the long weekend in July, and overall had a great time. The kids loved the kayaks, canoes and fishing, and we enjoyed the tennis and watersports as well. The staff were very friendly and courteous. The cottages were quaint and comfortable. The downsides were simply that the owners need to put some money into the resort, which is starting to look a little shabby. The golf course was really just a big field and very hard to navigate. The signs were faded and the flags were tattered and torn. The greens were absolutely unplayable, with big weeds and ruts all over...it was hilarious! We actually took pictures because it was so funny to see a green like this. The hot tub was shut down, and clearly had been for some time. At the restaurant, we found that the kitchen could never keep up with the buffet, with patrons descending on the waitstaff like vultures when stuff like the smoked salmon would finally come out. There was only ever one item available for the kids, and the four kids really only liked the burger bar. There needs to be at LEAST three items for the kids. The meals for the adults were three star at best, and we've been to many other resorts. The tea that was ordered by one in our party at three breakfasts only ever came at one of the meals. The flower beds and flower boxes were beautiful, and the beach, while small, was well maintained, as were the docks and equipment. The kids had a blast in the water. Overall, it was a good family weekend, but not great value for the rather large price tag you will pay. Three star value for five star investment. I hope the Inn can invest in some of the basics to clean up the place, and invest in skilled staff in the kitchen to really bring the restaurant back to it's former glory.