Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870-8628
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Avg. C$441 /night, 3/24 - 3/25
C$754
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C$521
per night
C$287
per night
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About
#14 of 33 hotels in Sandusky
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions-Sandusky provides water parks, Safari Outdoor Adventure Park, indoor/outdoor water park, catering/wedding facilities, spa, salon, fitness training in fitness center, dining options, and more.Over 850 beautifully appointed authentic African-themed guest rooms and suites offer coffeemaker, vacation sized refrigerator, microwave, free high speed Internet access, voice mail, TV, iron/ironing board, in-room safe, pay per view movies, and much more.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Indoor play area for children
Valet parking
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Hot bath
Lazy river
Adult pool
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Vending machine
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Massage
Concierge
Convenience store
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Kitchenette
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Room service
Safe
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Park View
Languages Spoken
English
Location
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870-8628
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 39 out of 100
39
Hopkins Intl Airport
66.1 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
181 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
3.8
4,617 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky garners mixed feedback from its guests. A number of visitors enjoy the resort's range of amenities but caution about additional costs and occasional availability issues. The African-themed atmosphere is generally appreciated, though it might not appeal to every solo family traveler.
Service at this resort has room for improvement, with reports of disorganization and poor problem resolution. Room-related complaints are not uncommon, citing cleanliness and maintenance issues, despite some positive impressions of the common areas. Travelers often find the resort's value questionable, feeling that the experience doesn't justify the high prices.
Atmosphere
Refreshing
Rooms
Neglected
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Disorganized
Amenities
Comprehensive
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Detailed Reviews
Hotel's Favourite
Just finished our second one-night stay at Kalahari. We find one night is perfect for our kids (5 & 9), as they can only take a few hours per day at the water park. It’s a great winter destination to break up cold weather.
Because the costs here quickly add up, we try to save money where possible. We book early, typically for a non-weekend/holiday stay and book the King Living Room Kitchen Suite, which features a full kitchen, stocked with basic pans, plates, bowls, utensils. This allows us to cook in room for dinner and breakfast, saving us $$$, while still offsetting the cost for the room upgrade. For this stay, the room reservation with fees and taxes was $214 — a total steal. We also (thanks refrigerator) pack some special sweet treats to ensure fun without breaking the bank at the lobby snack stores. We noticed our room had been renovated from our last stay but bathroom fixtures were the same. The king bedroom is not connecting to the bathroom, but that is noted accurately on the floor plan. With a dining table for 6, as well as bar seating, the full kitchen rooms are quite large.
A one night stay includes the waterpark from checkin (4pm) to 8 pm, then 10-3 the following day. This is plenty of time for our family and the additional upcharge for early entry is not worth it.
Food in waterpark area is all concession style. Food is ok, but fresh and not sitting under lamp all day (or at least when we ate). Kids meals come with entree and fries and start at $10 (no drink). We usually split a kids corn dog meal and pretzel as a hot family snack before our in-room dinner. The bar is not cheap — would recommend a room cocktail in a big insulated cup. 😉 We always bring small, discreet snacks to the pool for the kiddos but have seen people with Costco size bags of chips.
A note on checkin — I’d recommend checking in and finding which wing your room is in before unloading.
I would pass on mini golf — peak in and see the course before you commit.
As last time, totally satisfied with my stay! It’d be hard to justify the big prices on holidays or summer, but living less than an hour away, it’s great to take advantage of the cheaper nights.
Because the costs here quickly add up, we try to save money where possible. We book early, typically for a non-weekend/holiday stay and book the King Living Room Kitchen Suite, which features a full kitchen, stocked with basic pans, plates, bowls, utensils. This allows us to cook in room for dinner and breakfast, saving us $$$, while still offsetting the cost for the room upgrade. For this stay, the room reservation with fees and taxes was $214 — a total steal. We also (thanks refrigerator) pack some special sweet treats to ensure fun without breaking the bank at the lobby snack stores. We noticed our room had been renovated from our last stay but bathroom fixtures were the same. The king bedroom is not connecting to the bathroom, but that is noted accurately on the floor plan. With a dining table for 6, as well as bar seating, the full kitchen rooms are quite large.
A one night stay includes the waterpark from checkin (4pm) to 8 pm, then 10-3 the following day. This is plenty of time for our family and the additional upcharge for early entry is not worth it.
Food in waterpark area is all concession style. Food is ok, but fresh and not sitting under lamp all day (or at least when we ate). Kids meals come with entree and fries and start at $10 (no drink). We usually split a kids corn dog meal and pretzel as a hot family snack before our in-room dinner. The bar is not cheap — would recommend a room cocktail in a big insulated cup. 😉 We always bring small, discreet snacks to the pool for the kiddos but have seen people with Costco size bags of chips.
A note on checkin — I’d recommend checking in and finding which wing your room is in before unloading.
I would pass on mini golf — peak in and see the course before you commit.
As last time, totally satisfied with my stay! It’d be hard to justify the big prices on holidays or summer, but living less than an hour away, it’s great to take advantage of the cheaper nights.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jan 8, 2025
Hi Emily, thank you for choosing us as your vacation destination, and for leaving your feedback. I am glad that you had a good stay with us overall. We appreciate your comments, and will be sure to share them with our teams, as we are always looking for ways to imrpove our resort. We hope to see you and the family again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Positives- resort was well staffed with people who were all friendly and knowledgeable. Easy check in and our room was ready before 4:00. This is huge for me since travel with kids isn’t a perfect science. Room was clean and spacious. Water park was huge and clean, lots of fun attractions. Food at the park and restaurants was amazing!! We loved it all. I also appreciated the quick coffee shop with some food items as an alternative to the breakfast buffet.
My kids also enjoyed the huge arcade and the indoor/outdoor hot tubs. I also rented some preferred seating one day. This was nice to have some extra space and guaranteed seats. Drawback is it was very expensive.
Negatives - very pricey. Be prepared that absolutely everything costs money and lots of it. Many things were way overpriced.
Room had the odd set up that the toilet and shower were in a separate room from the mirror and sink. Why??? I couldn’t even brush my teeth without risking waking everyone. Annoying.
The water park is huge, but there were also TONS of people. Get there early or you will literally not find a single seat available to just leave your towel. Water slide lines were long and slow moving.
We didn’t do some of the other activities such as bowling or the spa, but personally didn’t need those. I would never stay here longer than 2 nights. Which was perfect for us to get the most of it. I would overall recommend for a quick getaway that involves minimal planning but optimizes convenience and keeps the kids active.
My kids also enjoyed the huge arcade and the indoor/outdoor hot tubs. I also rented some preferred seating one day. This was nice to have some extra space and guaranteed seats. Drawback is it was very expensive.
Negatives - very pricey. Be prepared that absolutely everything costs money and lots of it. Many things were way overpriced.
Room had the odd set up that the toilet and shower were in a separate room from the mirror and sink. Why??? I couldn’t even brush my teeth without risking waking everyone. Annoying.
The water park is huge, but there were also TONS of people. Get there early or you will literally not find a single seat available to just leave your towel. Water slide lines were long and slow moving.
We didn’t do some of the other activities such as bowling or the spa, but personally didn’t need those. I would never stay here longer than 2 nights. Which was perfect for us to get the most of it. I would overall recommend for a quick getaway that involves minimal planning but optimizes convenience and keeps the kids active.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Hit the park early and do the slides immediately. As the day goes on the lines get longer and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jan 5, 2025
Hi Marie, and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am glad that our team members were able to take great care of you and answer all of your questions, and that you enjoyed some of our wondeful dining options. We appreciate your feedback, and will be sure to share this with our teams, as we are always looking for ways that we can improve. We hope to welcome you back again in the near future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Sadly, Kalahari is not what it used to be. Costs have increased and additions are not as intended for family and guest’s enjoyment but to increase profits. We noticed this trip that they have increased their cabanas and private seating which will cost you at least 100.00 extra, many of which are not at all private, but simply roped off areas. This decreases the ability to have decent seating if you do not want to pay for it. They also took out the lily pad racing area to create a private cabana with a pool with a premium price of over 3,000!
Several times we found ourselves annoyed. If you are looking forward to the water slide coaster, it has been removed. The tiki cups have been reduced in size, but will cost the same for refills. You will also be expected to check yourself in. The welcoming staff used to be the highlight of checking in.
Another disappointment was the food and beverage offerings. Their claim of a desire to bring tastes of Africa to their resorts was not apparent. I couldn’t find any favors of Africa. We normally eat from the buffet, which is good, but not worth 25.00 per adult. The quick bites area sold stale and low quality pasties alongside Starbucks coffee. I remember when they not only sold better quality items but also offered authentic African coffee not only in the eateries but also in the rooms.
Finally, I would appreciate events being posted on the resort channel. During our second night we could not understand why the waterpark was packed. We found out that there was a school fundraiser event. It completely ruined our waterpark experience. We didn’t even go on one slide. We always go later in the evening to avoid crowds, but if we had been informed there would be what seemed an entire school coming that evening we would have gone in the morning. It would have been nice to know as a paying resort guest that a huge public event would be taking place. Why even have the events resort channel if they are not going to share that information with their guests.
It is understandable that they had to cut costs where they could and I do not hold against them that they must make a profit, but not at the cost of their long time resort guest’s enjoyment.
The desire to bring a bit of Africa to Ohio is gone. The heart of what I felt visiting there in years past have gone as well. Overall, I do not believe we will return again.
Good Bye Kalahari
Several times we found ourselves annoyed. If you are looking forward to the water slide coaster, it has been removed. The tiki cups have been reduced in size, but will cost the same for refills. You will also be expected to check yourself in. The welcoming staff used to be the highlight of checking in.
Another disappointment was the food and beverage offerings. Their claim of a desire to bring tastes of Africa to their resorts was not apparent. I couldn’t find any favors of Africa. We normally eat from the buffet, which is good, but not worth 25.00 per adult. The quick bites area sold stale and low quality pasties alongside Starbucks coffee. I remember when they not only sold better quality items but also offered authentic African coffee not only in the eateries but also in the rooms.
Finally, I would appreciate events being posted on the resort channel. During our second night we could not understand why the waterpark was packed. We found out that there was a school fundraiser event. It completely ruined our waterpark experience. We didn’t even go on one slide. We always go later in the evening to avoid crowds, but if we had been informed there would be what seemed an entire school coming that evening we would have gone in the morning. It would have been nice to know as a paying resort guest that a huge public event would be taking place. Why even have the events resort channel if they are not going to share that information with their guests.
It is understandable that they had to cut costs where they could and I do not hold against them that they must make a profit, but not at the cost of their long time resort guest’s enjoyment.
The desire to bring a bit of Africa to Ohio is gone. The heart of what I felt visiting there in years past have gone as well. Overall, I do not believe we will return again.
Good Bye Kalahari
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Ask if public events will be taking place during your stay.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Nov 23, 2023
Hello there. I am sorry to hear that this is the impression our Resort left on your last visit. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Appreciate your time and we remain in hopes that perhaps one day in the future you will give us an opportunity to have you as our guest.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Kalahari - Sandusky on 12/29/24. I’m extremely disappointed and frankly concerned about the room that we were assigned to. A half eaten pizza was left on the balcony when we checked in. I was willing to overlook that, but when I noticed blood stains all over the comforter, everything went down hill. I pulled back the comforter and there were visible blood and urine stains under the sheets. You cannot tell me that housekeeping didn’t notice this. Additionally there appeared to be dead bugs on the mattress protector. I’m 44 years old have never been more disgusted by a hotel room. In fact, I’ve never written a review or complained. I understand that the hotel was very busy but this is beyond unacceptable. At this point it was 11 pm and my kids were bawling and asking to go home. I contacted guest services who told me that there were no other rooms available but that they would send someone to change the sheets. When I informed her that it was not just the sheets (those were clearly not clean either) but the mattress, she magically “found” an unoccupied room. Our wristbands didn’t work to open the new room as promised (not even the next morning) and we had to request towels. Not one person apologized for the inconvenience or cared that I had to repack my family’s belongings at 11:00 at night because of a filthy room. I still can’t get over the amount of money that I spent not just on the room but at the resort and this is what I was given. We would have been better off sleeping in the car.
The waterpark is huge and yes it is pretty awesome. But it was very understaffed. I understand that it was the weekend after Christmas but they were well aware of how many people booked the hotel and did not staff it appropriately. My kids waited in line for the Flow Rider for an hour and it broke just before it was their turn. We asked the lifeguards about a way to make sure they kept their spot in line if/when it came back up. We were told there was nothing they could do.
The wristbands were probably the best part about this place (even though ours didn’t work on the room). It was nice to scan instead of using cash/card. This place could be so much better.
The waterpark is huge and yes it is pretty awesome. But it was very understaffed. I understand that it was the weekend after Christmas but they were well aware of how many people booked the hotel and did not staff it appropriately. My kids waited in line for the Flow Rider for an hour and it broke just before it was their turn. We asked the lifeguards about a way to make sure they kept their spot in line if/when it came back up. We were told there was nothing they could do.
The wristbands were probably the best part about this place (even though ours didn’t work on the room). It was nice to scan instead of using cash/card. This place could be so much better.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Do not stay the night
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jan 2, 2025
Hello, I am sorry to hear this was your experience. I want to connect you with the location you stayed. Would you please email me at OHConnect@KalahariResorts.com & include your reservation #, email address, phone # & reference your Tripadvisor review? Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our Family has been visiting since 2011. We only did one night this time because we had been at Cedar point before hand. We stayed Wednesday to Thursday in June. We caught beautiful weather, which was good because we wanted to do the outdoor waterpark. There’s so much to do here for all ages. That being said, a lot of things cost extra so plan for that. There are indoor and outdoor water parks, a huge arcade, zip lining rock, climbing indoor and outdoor mini golf. Laser tag just to name some. Look for deals, we didn’t do too well this time but normally we score a good deal. The one I found was after we book and you can’t reapply a discount after you book. There are multiple restaurants we have eaten at all of them. They are pretty good. We had just come from cedar point and hotel breakers where the food was lousy - Kalahari is much better. They have a new check in system gone are all the check in people replaced by kiosks. I will say it’s a slick system and works well …there is someone around to help if you need it but it’s also kind of odd. There’s not a lot of human interaction although I see more hotels going to the system in the future. Kalahari does a good job of updating their always adding new things recently they refreshed all the rooms and they look so nice. They still have an African style but they have brighten them up. All hallways are newly decorated and new carpets as well. I can’t speak for the sand section we were in the regular section and was updated there. They have complementary towels you check in and check out if you don’t turn them in there is a fee but it text you every time they are checked in and checked out so you know what’s going on with them. It’s a great fun place. We have lots of good memories here. Just check the website and sign up for emails to get deals as it can be pricey.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jun 14, 2024
Thank you for choosing Kalahari Resorts & Conventions! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. I hope you had a wonderful time and made some lasting memories. I am glad that you enjoyed the newly updated rooms, as well as many of our dining options. Thank you for sharing and we can't wait to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My vacation at the Kalahari Resorts Sandusky OH was very disappointing. Check In was a disaster. We tried explaining to Yancie that my daughter wanted to pay separately for the Fuel N Fun addition that I signed her up for after I got a text on my phone. We explicitly explained that we wanted to pay using two different credit cards with one card paying for Fuel N Fun and the other card paying the balance of the stay. She smiled and said sure you can do that here. Well, we couldn’t and it didn’t work.
Next disaster was our room. We booked a stay for 6 nights and instead of putting us in a nice room with a view of the waterpark, they stuck us in the back on the first floor. I repeatedly returned to the front desk with requests to move my room only to be told that the Resort was fully booked. This wasn’t true as we could tell from the number of cars in The Sands parking lot and the number of patrons at the breakfast buffet and waterparks. Still waiting for a call from the room controller that my room could be moved.
The Bungalow was the final straw. Right outside of our Bungalow were tables and chairs. I mean right outside, like the chairs and tables were touching the sides of the Bungalow. [Picture enclosed] It was horrible as we could hear the conversation of the family that decided to use that table and chairs while in the waterpark. When I returned the remote control, I complained to the person who took my remote. They apologized profusely and said they would have the table and chairs removed for Friday because we were booked to be in the same Bungalow on Friday. Well guess what. The table and chairs were NOT moved but this time the family that decided to use the table and chairs had no control over their children. If I had a dollar for every time the mother said – William get out of their Bungalow – I would have been able to pay for the Bungalow bill. The icing on the cake – we were there when the Rhino Guards came around to clean the tables, and move chairs and tables back to where they belonged. They totally left the table and chairs right next to the Bungalow without regard for the next family privacy that just so happened to rent Bungalow K. Is this how people that spend so much money on a Bungalow for the privacy and comfort of their families are treated?
Then to add insult to injury the Kalahari discontinued including 4 bottles of water with the rental. If a customer spends anywhere from $280 - $400 for a day rental of a Bungalow the very least that the Kalahari can do is guarantee the privacy of the guest and 4 bottles of water. I find it ironic to see advertisements boasting that my stay is helping people in another country get water when the Kalahari discontinued giving water to guests who spend an insane amount of money for privacy by renting a Bungalow or Cabana. To make it worse – if you look at the website you will see that the Kalahari in the Poconos has water included with Bungalow/Cabana rentals. What makes Kalahari Sandusky different?
The Kalahari missed the mark terribly on this vacation and we are terribly disappointed to the point that we may not be back next year.
Next disaster was our room. We booked a stay for 6 nights and instead of putting us in a nice room with a view of the waterpark, they stuck us in the back on the first floor. I repeatedly returned to the front desk with requests to move my room only to be told that the Resort was fully booked. This wasn’t true as we could tell from the number of cars in The Sands parking lot and the number of patrons at the breakfast buffet and waterparks. Still waiting for a call from the room controller that my room could be moved.
The Bungalow was the final straw. Right outside of our Bungalow were tables and chairs. I mean right outside, like the chairs and tables were touching the sides of the Bungalow. [Picture enclosed] It was horrible as we could hear the conversation of the family that decided to use that table and chairs while in the waterpark. When I returned the remote control, I complained to the person who took my remote. They apologized profusely and said they would have the table and chairs removed for Friday because we were booked to be in the same Bungalow on Friday. Well guess what. The table and chairs were NOT moved but this time the family that decided to use the table and chairs had no control over their children. If I had a dollar for every time the mother said – William get out of their Bungalow – I would have been able to pay for the Bungalow bill. The icing on the cake – we were there when the Rhino Guards came around to clean the tables, and move chairs and tables back to where they belonged. They totally left the table and chairs right next to the Bungalow without regard for the next family privacy that just so happened to rent Bungalow K. Is this how people that spend so much money on a Bungalow for the privacy and comfort of their families are treated?
Then to add insult to injury the Kalahari discontinued including 4 bottles of water with the rental. If a customer spends anywhere from $280 - $400 for a day rental of a Bungalow the very least that the Kalahari can do is guarantee the privacy of the guest and 4 bottles of water. I find it ironic to see advertisements boasting that my stay is helping people in another country get water when the Kalahari discontinued giving water to guests who spend an insane amount of money for privacy by renting a Bungalow or Cabana. To make it worse – if you look at the website you will see that the Kalahari in the Poconos has water included with Bungalow/Cabana rentals. What makes Kalahari Sandusky different?
The Kalahari missed the mark terribly on this vacation and we are terribly disappointed to the point that we may not be back next year.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Aug 30, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention, and I am glad that our Guest Services leadership team was able to rectify these concerns for you. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to make things right with you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked a suit online on 11/27/23 for 1/3/25 - 1/5/25 wanted to make sure my reservation went through so I called and double checked and the guy said my room was booked and everything looked good. On 1/3/25 I received an email to pre-register so that is what I did. On our way to Kalahari we hit a snow storm. At 6:30 pm I called the hotel to let them know we was stuck in a snow storm and may be a little late they said that would be okay and they would make a note on our reservation. At 8:30 pm we finally made it to the hotel. The one year old was screaming and crying the last hour of the drive. Everyone was so happy we finally made it. All we wanted to do was check into our room and get some dinner. While checking in I was told “sorry but we have over booked and have to send you to our sister hotel 15 minutes down the road. For the last hour we have been booking people first come first serve”. Please explain to me how this happens! Booked in November, pre-registered on line and called at 6:30 letting them know that we were still coming and may be a little late. If it is first come first serve then why do you take reservations? Asked to see a manager and the manager said “sorry nothing we can do we have no rooms available this is the reservation departments fault”. When asking what time can we expect to be in our room they could not answer me. The staff had a we don’t really care attitude! Now I have to tell my family that we have to get back in the car and drive 15 more minutes to another hotel and this poor one year old has to get back in his car seat. Three of us have spa appointments for 8:45 a.m and we have a cabana booked for 10 a.m. saturday morning. By time we loaded back up and got registered and settled in to the sister hotel it was 10 p.m and the one year old was exhausted and the family did not get any dinner. The ladies at the sister hotel were so nice. Once we got to the sister hotel we found out there were several other families that were going through the same thing! In writing this review I’m hoping this does not happen to other families and this review gets to the right department so some changes can be made. If the computer says you only have 50 rooms you only take reservations for 50 rooms!! The voucher for a free pizza does not make up for any of the frustration that me and my family went through. A little compassion what have been nice. We received more compassion from the ladies at the spa. They were great!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jan 5, 2025
I am sorry that this was your experience, and would like to ensure that your concerns are addressed. Would you please email me at OHConnect@kalahariresorts.com and include your reservation number, email address, and contact phone number? Thank you, and we look forward to connecting.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have a toddler almost 4 years old so we decided to go to Kalahari in Sandusky to test the waters with him on vacation as it is only 3hrs away and could drive home early if things got bad.
We ended up leaving early not because of the kid but because of the hotel.
1) Beds provide no support you sink in about 4 inches and then you are basically laying partially on the box springs and partially by the mattress
2) 0 of the Hot tub jets were working on day 1 and day 2. I was hoping for a relaxing hour or so in the hot tub while the wife played with the kid.
3) We were scolded with in 5 minutes of being in the water park for the type of life jacket my kid had on. We checked the website for the types and it just states coast guard certified much like other places we have taken him. Our life vest is coast guard certified but the life guard said I don't care you need to wear one like what we have on the racks. My kid has been in swim lessons since he was 6m old he doesn't need to wear a freaking life jacket in the kiddy pool which is 6" deep. Secondly all kids that have to wear life jackets have to have parents present so now i am standing in 6" of water while my son goes down slides only to land in 6" water wearing a freaking life vest. This rule by Kalhari is a freaking joke.
4) Last but no least there was 0 Hot water in the room day 1 and day 2. What is worse it was out when we checked in and they didn't say anything. One of the hotel guests informed us. The evening of day 1 their text message app stated they would have it fixed by 5am of day 2. It wasn't so we went to the waterpark came back around 3pm it still wasn't fixed. The wife went to the front desk to get some type of refund. A normal hotel would comp you the night without much hassle. This management team thought giving us $100 gift card to the arcade was sufficient. This is downright laughable and insane. After arguing with the front desk we finally got $50 off the room and a $50 arcade voucher. I have a freaking toddler the arcade provides very little for them and the wife and I just do not care for that we were there for the water park and "resort" style hotel.
Overall unless it comes under new management, and they maintain the park appropriately do not stay here. I could have overlooked the Hot Tub jets and the life jacket incident, but they stand out because of the poor management of site overall. Everyone without water should have had at minimum 50% off their rooms but more appropriately 100% off for the nights.
We ended up leaving early not because of the kid but because of the hotel.
1) Beds provide no support you sink in about 4 inches and then you are basically laying partially on the box springs and partially by the mattress
2) 0 of the Hot tub jets were working on day 1 and day 2. I was hoping for a relaxing hour or so in the hot tub while the wife played with the kid.
3) We were scolded with in 5 minutes of being in the water park for the type of life jacket my kid had on. We checked the website for the types and it just states coast guard certified much like other places we have taken him. Our life vest is coast guard certified but the life guard said I don't care you need to wear one like what we have on the racks. My kid has been in swim lessons since he was 6m old he doesn't need to wear a freaking life jacket in the kiddy pool which is 6" deep. Secondly all kids that have to wear life jackets have to have parents present so now i am standing in 6" of water while my son goes down slides only to land in 6" water wearing a freaking life vest. This rule by Kalhari is a freaking joke.
4) Last but no least there was 0 Hot water in the room day 1 and day 2. What is worse it was out when we checked in and they didn't say anything. One of the hotel guests informed us. The evening of day 1 their text message app stated they would have it fixed by 5am of day 2. It wasn't so we went to the waterpark came back around 3pm it still wasn't fixed. The wife went to the front desk to get some type of refund. A normal hotel would comp you the night without much hassle. This management team thought giving us $100 gift card to the arcade was sufficient. This is downright laughable and insane. After arguing with the front desk we finally got $50 off the room and a $50 arcade voucher. I have a freaking toddler the arcade provides very little for them and the wife and I just do not care for that we were there for the water park and "resort" style hotel.
Overall unless it comes under new management, and they maintain the park appropriately do not stay here. I could have overlooked the Hot Tub jets and the life jacket incident, but they stand out because of the poor management of site overall. Everyone without water should have had at minimum 50% off their rooms but more appropriately 100% off for the nights.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Just don't stay here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jul 23, 2024
Hello, I am sorry to hear that this is the impression our Resort left on your last visit. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We hope you will consider visiting us again soon so that we can provide you and your family with a more enjoyable stay. Until then, take care.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are roller coaster fans, and visited primarily for Cedar Point. My youngest son loves water, and we decided to stay at Kalahari. Overall, this was a good stay. We had a 1 BR living room suite with a full kitchen. The room showed signs of wear, but was overall very clean. The kiosk check-in worked well, but I did book directly with the resort and not a third party. Make sure you have a drivers license and the card you booked the reservation with at check in.
We had no negative interactions with staff. In fact, I was impressed by the number of staff working. There is no full service housekeeping unless you request it. I thought the prices in the restaurants were fair, and consistent with prices in my home town. If the food prices bother you, there are lots of restaurants nearby that are more reasonably priced.
I always take advantage of guest laundry when available as it allows me to pack light. Since this entire facility is cashless, I assumed laundry would be as well. You do need quarters for the laundry and since there is no cash on premises, you have to go to a bank or to a retailer to get quarters if you don't bring them with you. I packed light, and ended up spending some quality time at the laundromat a few miles away.
Both the indoor and outdoor water parks were very clean and well maintained. All slides were operating and sufficiently staffed. The sands side of the building was very quiet considering the number of kids staying there. Parking on the sands side of the building is inadequate. Plan on unloading in the circle and unpacking your car before parking.
Overall very good stay. We will definitely visit a Kalahari property again.
We had no negative interactions with staff. In fact, I was impressed by the number of staff working. There is no full service housekeeping unless you request it. I thought the prices in the restaurants were fair, and consistent with prices in my home town. If the food prices bother you, there are lots of restaurants nearby that are more reasonably priced.
I always take advantage of guest laundry when available as it allows me to pack light. Since this entire facility is cashless, I assumed laundry would be as well. You do need quarters for the laundry and since there is no cash on premises, you have to go to a bank or to a retailer to get quarters if you don't bring them with you. I packed light, and ended up spending some quality time at the laundromat a few miles away.
Both the indoor and outdoor water parks were very clean and well maintained. All slides were operating and sufficiently staffed. The sands side of the building was very quiet considering the number of kids staying there. Parking on the sands side of the building is inadequate. Plan on unloading in the circle and unpacking your car before parking.
Overall very good stay. We will definitely visit a Kalahari property again.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service Social Connect, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Jul 1, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to review us and tell us about your experience. We appreciate the feedback. We hope you and your family get the opportunity to visit us again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were here for a veterans convention and, while the facility was very adequate for our meetings, the rooms are in need of repairs or maintenance. Paint in our bathroom was peeling, the tub spigot was loose and the air conditioning was inconsistent. Our room had an old 12-cup coffeemaker while others had pod or single cup machines. But most concerning were the lack of what are considered common amenities - free breakfast, free coffee at meetings and the like. Everything at the restaurants was overpriced and anything remotely fun at the water park cost extra. To add insult to injury some of the popular free attractions were down for renovations. If you stay I recommend buying groceries and preparing your own meals.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: If you intend to eat at the restaurants be prepared to pay top dollar. Same for coffee and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kalahari Marketing, Owner at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Responded Sep 22, 2024
I am sorry to hear that this was your experience with us. I would like to look further into this, so that we may get these room concerns addresses. Would you please email me at OHConnect@KalahariResorts.com & include your reservation #, email address, phone # & reference your Tripadvisor review? Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very very small bring your own
No just in bar area
Seen shorts and Tee shirts warn.
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"Pack a Waterpark bag so you can change before your room is available. Go early and find yourself chairs (a homebase) so you don't have to stand and get a locker"Read full review
"Do not get a gift certificate here. Bring a sound machine so you can sleep at night as it is noisy. Pizza is decent. Bomb pop drink is also "Read full review
"Try to get a room that is not in the farthest hallway. There are no shortcuts across the hotel you have to walk down every hallway."Read full review
"Hit the park early and do the slides immediately. As the day goes on the lines get longer and longer."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$376 - C$686 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kalahari waterpark resort, kalahari hotel ohio, kalahari waterpark sandusky, kalahari resort sandusky oh, kalahari waterpark hotel sandusky, kalahari water park
LOCATION
United StatesOhioSandusky
NUMBER OF ROOMS
890
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
Which popular attractions are close to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Nearby attractions include Kalahari Waterparks (0.03 km), Ghostly Manor Thrill Center (5.8 km), and Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve (4.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, a swimup bar, and free wifi.
Which room amenities are available at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Yes, free parking and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Conveniently located restaurants include Chet & Matt's Pizza, Danny Boy's Italian Eatery, and Baci Restaurant & Bar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Are there any historical sites close to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum (9.7 km) and Eleutheros Cooke House and Garden (8.5 km).
Does Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the park view available here.