I found Ben's Cabin on Madeline Island lodging on the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce website. They have since then apologized and the link. I called to ask about lodging for my honeymoon in mid-August.
On the call Ben told me if I sent a check prior to check in I would receive a discount. I sent a check for $525 and he cashed it that same week. As our trip to Bayfield and Madeline Island approached, I called Ben several times, left voicemails to confirm check in time; no answer. I texted; no reply.
We drove from Duluth, MN out to Madeline Island and once on the island began asking around. Nobody knew where he was, but they definitely knew WHO he was. We went to the Chamber of Commerce and told them we had reservations at Madeline Island Lodging (AKA Ben's Cabin). The lady helping us gasped and said we had not been the first, there were 3 other couples this had happened to.
The police came took our statement and the Chamber found us a more expensive place to stay (albeit much better).
The next day I decided to find Ben's Cabin and hopefully, find Ben Ryder himself. When I arrived at the cabin, I found another couple staying in the cabin, but no Ben.
After speaking with the couple I found that he had rented them the cabin the very same day we were supposed to check in. The couple informed me they had met Ben in passing as they were camping nearby and Ben said they could stay at the cabin for half price because there was no one staying there. They also told me that Ben's dad, Jim Ryder had been there that day working on the other unfinished cabin.
I decided to come back later to speak with Jim. He was there when I returned and I asked him to help me get my money back. At the time Jim Ryder was understanding and at the same time blamed Ben's actions on a learning disability, to which I told him, if your son has a learning disability that negatively impact his ability to manage a business, he shouldn't be managing a business.
Jim promised to drop off a check as collateral at our next place of lodging in Bayfield. I should have made him give me a money order.
The case has been passed to the district attorney and we have to wait for it to go to court. Even then, just because he has to go to court doesn't make him have money.
Maybe he should sell all the brand new wood, tools, table saws that have for building the second cabin to pay us and several other couples back.
Buyer beware and rent at your own risk. Ben Ryder and Jim Ryder are crooks and will only steal your money, give you bad checks and promise to give you free stays at their lodging for their "booking mistake."
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