Deer Valley Lodge

I think people looking to spend a weekend at a hotel with an indoor waterpark will naturally think of some place in the Dells, but there is another option closer to Madison.

Deer Valley Lodge is located in Barneveld, slightly under 40 min. from Madison. It's a place to go if you have small children (10 years or younger), because the waterpark is tiny--a toddler's wading area, a pool, hot tub and two slides comprise the entire waterpark. There's also a small arcade in the upstairs area, though the temperature in that room is close to 90 degrees.

The rooms are typical of any hotel, though the sound proofing could be improved a bit as hallway noise seemed to carry more easily into your room. Free wifi (though not the strongest signal) is included.

Deer Valley Lodge also has free continental breakfast (basically some mini muffins and bagels) and a small bar that doesn't stay open late. This hotel is not close to any restaurants, so it was surprising that it doesn't have better dining options.

If you're looking for things to do while staying here: The golf coure adjacent to the hotel is nice, though a few holes are in the bluffs/trees, making it extremely difficult to see where your drive went. Botham Vineyard is only a five-minute drive, and Mt. Horeb is 15 minutes away.

Check out the Web site for more info and for specials: www.deervalleylodgewi.com