Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
A premier Midwest resort offering championship golf, a luxurious spa, and year-round activities, famous for its holiday lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Midwest resort offering championship golf, a luxurious spa, and year-round activities, famous for its holiday lights.
"Beautiful resort that has been renovated and maintained, with professional and welcoming service."
🚗 Easy Chicago/Milwaukee Getaway
Just a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee, making it perfect for a quick escape.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
Explore multiple restaurants, from casual bars to fine dining. Reservations recommended for popular spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winter Wonderland of Lights
Resort Grounds
Experience the magic of over 2 million Christmas lights during the holiday season. A truly enchanting display!
Championship Golf Courses
The Brute & The Highlands
Tee off on two stunning courses, The Brute and The Highlands, offering challenging play and beautiful scenery.
+1
Luxurious Spa & Wellness
Grand Geneva Spa
Indulge in a range of treatments designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Perfect for a couples' escape.
Year-Round Activities
Resort-wide
From skiing and tubing in winter to horseback riding and pools in summer, there's always something to do.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Consider Your Room Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Chicago/Milwaukee Getaway
Just a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee, making it perfect for a quick escape.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
Explore multiple restaurants, from casual bars to fine dining. Reservations recommended for popular spots.
✨ Holiday Light Spectacle
Don't miss the incredible Christmas lights display during the holiday season!
⛳ Golf Enthusiast's Paradise
Play on two renowned golf courses, The Brute and The Highlands. Book tee times early!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Chicago/Milwaukee Getaway
Just a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee, making it perfect for a quick escape.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
Explore multiple restaurants, from casual bars to fine dining. Reservations recommended for popular spots.
✨ Holiday Light Spectacle
Don't miss the incredible Christmas lights display during the holiday season!
⛳ Golf Enthusiast's Paradise
Play on two renowned golf courses, The Brute and The Highlands. Book tee times early!
🧖♀️ Spa Day Bliss
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience. Couples massages are a popular choice.
⛷️ Winter Sports Fun
Enjoy skiing and tubing during the winter months for some snowy adventure.
💧 Indoor Waterpark Access
Access to the Timber Ridge Lodge waterpark is available, great for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers a beautiful setting with a wide range of activities, from championship golf to a festive holiday light display. While many guests praise the service and amenities, some reviews point to inconsistencies in food quality and room upkeep for the price point. The resort is particularly popular for its seasonal attractions and golf offerings.
"We had high expectations for our two night stay for a family members wedding, since it was voted the #1 resort in the Midwest by Conde Nast. We were disappointed with multiple aspects of our stay, especially for the price point. The rooms were just okay, and nothing special for the price point. When we first arrived we needed to change rooms due to loud families, and the front desk did accommodate our request. The new room did have a nicer view overlooking the lake and fountains. The cleanliness of the room could be improved as there was hair on the ceiling in the bathroom. We also needed to call a couple times to request housekeeping after our first night. The resort had 3 weddings on Saturday night, and it was convenient to walk to the reception. The problem came at 2am when there were multiple people in the hallway making noise. We called the front desk and they said they were sending security. If you know you have weddings with open bars, then security needs to make sure when receptions end people do not congregate in the hotel hallways. Overall we were disappointed with our stay, and would not recommend the elevated price for an underwhelming experience. When I mentioned these concerns on checkout they did remove the resort fee on our final bill."
Matthew Baumgartner
"I am writing to provide feedback regarding my recent stay, which was unfortunately quite underwhelming. While the property's beauty was evident and initially raised our hopes for a relaxing staycation, several issues with attention to detail and service fell far short of our expectations.
Upon our arrival, we discovered that housekeeping had neglected to remove items left by the previous guests, including undergarments. This was a very unpleasant and unsanitary start to our stay and a significant oversight.
Our experience at the lobby bar was also disappointing due to consistently slow service. On multiple occasions, we had to approach the counter ourselves to check on the status of our order, which diminished our ability to relax and enjoy our time.
Finally, the service experience at the spa was not up to the standard one would expect for the price. The quality of the couples massage was subpar, and we were concerned to witness staff members bickering among themselves at the front desk.
I hope this constructive feedback will encourage you to address these systemic issues. I note that other reviews point to similar service-related problems, and I trust that the management team will take the necessary measures to improve the guest experience."
Barbara M
"Just got back from a long weekend for my 35 wedding anniversary. We were very impressed with the service everywhere we went in the resort. We ate lunch at The Links bar and had great food and service. We were very happy with our dinner that evening at the Chop House. The Lobster/Crab mac and cheese and our steaks were delicious! We had excellent service sitting in the lobby bar after dinner and listening to live music. Dawn was our amazing server the next night at the Grand Cafe where we loved our burgers and chicken sandwiches. We finished our weekend at The Chop House Champagne Brunch and again had amazing food and service. My husband used the Spa/Fitness Center and was impressed with all they had to offer. The only downside was having to carry our luggage to our room with no elevator and no offered assistance from the resort. The staff at the pool was great but as a pool owner myself I did not feel like the pool was very clean. Also the bathrooms are too far away for people using the pool. Overall it was a great experience and I would return."
Therese Kropke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is conveniently located about a 1-hour drive from Milwaukee and a 2-hour drive from Chicago, making it an accessible getaway for both cities.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. There is ample parking available on-site. Public transportation options are limited in the Lake Geneva area.
Yes, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers valet parking services, which can be a convenient option, especially during busy periods.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in the Lake Geneva area, though availability might be less frequent than in major cities. It's advisable to check availability before your trip.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle service directly from airports like O'Hare (ORD) or Mitchell (MKE), many guests opt for rental cars or private car services for a more direct transfer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the resort grounds is generally free, it's highly recommended to book accommodations, spa treatments, golf tee times, and dinner reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
The resort itself is open year-round. Specific amenities like the spa, golf courses, restaurants, and seasonal activities will have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check the official Grand Geneva website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa typically charges a resort fee per night, which covers various amenities and services. Guests have reported success in having this fee removed from their bill if they experienced significant issues during their stay.
Yes, you can typically book spa treatments at the Grand Geneva Spa even if you are not staying overnight at the resort. However, availability may be limited, so advance booking is strongly advised.
During the holiday season, the resort often features an extensive Christmas lights display. While some areas might be accessible, specific events or premium viewing areas might have associated costs. Check their holiday schedule for details.
🎫 ⛳ Golf & Activities
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa features two championship golf courses: The Brute and The Highlands.
Yes, tee times for both The Brute and The Highlands can typically be booked online through the Grand Geneva Resort website or by calling their golf pro shop. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak golf season.
Grand Geneva offers a wide array of activities including skiing and tubing in winter, horseback riding, multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), a spa, fitness center, and seasonal events like their Christmas lights display.
Yes, Grand Geneva Resort offers skiing and tubing during the winter months, providing opportunities for snow sports enthusiasts.
While Grand Geneva Resort itself doesn't have an indoor waterpark, the adjacent Timber Ridge Lodge, which is part of the Grand Geneva family, does feature an indoor waterpark that guests can often access.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers several dining venues, including The Chop House for fine dining, The Grand Cafe for casual meals, The Links for a relaxed bar and grill experience, and a lobby bar.
Guest reviews on food quality are mixed. While some guests praise specific dishes like steaks and lobster mac and cheese at The Chop House, others have found the food to be subpar, citing issues with quality and preparation, even for simple items like macaroni and cheese. +1
It is highly recommended to make reservations for the resort's restaurants, especially for dinner at popular spots like The Chop House, particularly on weekends or during special events.
Yes, casual dining options like The Grand Cafe and The Links bar offer menus that are generally suitable for families and children. The resort also hosts seasonal events with family-friendly food options.
Service experiences vary. Some guests report excellent and attentive service, particularly at the lobby bar and The Chop House. However, others have noted slow service at the lobby bar and unprofessional or inexperienced service in other dining areas. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The resort grounds offer numerous picturesque locations, including the manicured golf courses, scenic lake views, the elegant architecture of the resort buildings, and the stunning Christmas lights display during the holidays.
Absolutely! The extensive Christmas lights display is a major attraction and a fantastic opportunity for festive photography. Be prepared for crowds during peak viewing times.
Yes, both The Brute and The Highlands golf courses provide beautiful backdrops with rolling hills, water features, and well-maintained fairways, perfect for capturing scenic golf shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for outdoor photography. For the Christmas lights, evening and night are obviously the best times.
Drone usage is typically restricted at resorts and private properties to ensure guest privacy and safety. It's best to check Grand Geneva's official policy regarding drone operation before flying one on the premises.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the winter, skiing and tubing provide exciting outdoor fun, while the spectacular Christmas lights display is a must-see during the holidays. Beyond these seasonal attractions, the resort often hosts family-oriented events and movie nights. The spacious grounds also lend themselves to exploration. While dining options are varied, casual eateries like The Grand Cafe are generally well-suited for families. It's worth noting that some guests have mentioned concerns about room cleanliness and noise from events, so communicating specific needs to the front desk upon arrival can help ensure a more comfortable stay for the whole family.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Dining at The Chop House or enjoying live music at the lobby bar can provide a sophisticated evening out.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
+1 The Brute is known for its challenging layout, while The Highlands offers a more scenic and strategic golfing experience. Both courses are praised for their immaculate condition and beautiful surroundings. +1Booking tee times in advance is crucial, especially during peak season, as these courses are very popular. The resort often offers golf packages that combine accommodation with rounds of golf, providing excellent value for those looking to spend ample time on the greens.
For serious golfers, Grand Geneva presents an opportunity to play on well-crafted courses that are consistently rated among the best in the Midwest.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Golfing at Grand Geneva
The Highlands, on the other hand, offers a more scenic and perhaps slightly more forgiving experience, with beautiful vistas and strategic shot-making opportunities. Both courses are meticulously maintained, providing a high-quality golfing experience. Visitors often rave about the stunning scenery and the overall condition of the greens and fairways. It's advisable to book tee times well in advance, especially during the popular spring and summer months, as these courses are highly sought after. Many visitors consider a round of golf here a highlight of their stay.
+1Beyond the 18 holes, the resort often offers golf packages that can include accommodation and rounds of golf, providing excellent value for dedicated golfers looking to make the most of their visit.
Seasonal Charm and Activities
The resort capitalizes on this with seasonal spa treatments and a focus on autumnal ambiance.Winter brings a magical transformation, most notably with its spectacular Christmas lights display, featuring over 2 million bulbs.
As the weather warms, the resort opens up its outdoor amenities, including pools and its renowned golf courses. Summer is perfect for enjoying the lake Geneva area's natural beauty, with opportunities for horseback riding and other outdoor adventures.
The resort also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, ensuring there's always something engaging for visitors of all ages. Dining Experiences: A Mixed Bag
However, guest feedback regarding food quality is not uniformly positive. Some reviews indicate that certain dishes, even seemingly simple ones like macaroni and cheese, have been disappointing, with concerns about preparation and quality for the price point.
Despite these mixed reviews, the resort does offer a range of options to cater to different tastes and occasions. It's advisable for guests to check recent reviews for specific restaurants and consider making reservations, especially for dinner, to ensure a satisfactory dining experience.
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