The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa review

1. There is something to enjoy for every season.

We have literally been to the Grand Geneva during every season and each part of the year has an abundance of recreational activities.

Summer

During the summer, the outdoor pools are open and the main pool has a stunning view of the championship golf courses.  This is a great place to come for a weekend on a girl’s trip or with your family to relax and soak in the rays and enjoy a drink on the patio.

I have noticed that the Grand Geneva’s staff has a high level of service here at the pool and elsewhere on property.

There are also fireworks in the evenings during the summer months and there is a  stable on property so horseback riding is also a great way to spend time here in the summer months.  And if you are a golf enthusiast, this course is really second to none in the area!

And because of its picture perfect views, The Grand Geneva makes for a lovely wedding venue for outdoor ceremonies. The grand ballroom is a great choice for a wedding reception dinner. With all the great options, the Grand Geneva is a perfect choice for your wedding day .

Fall

When Autumn descends, the colors of the Grand Geneva are gorgeous!  The leaves are all awash in vibrant colors, fall decorations are out and there are haunted hayrides into the woods that are sure to give a delightful fright to the kids.  (and maybe even some adults!  😉 ) Fall is actually my favorite time of year to visit the Grand Geneva with all there is to enjoy!

Winter

During winter the Grand Geneva’s ski resort on Mountain Top is available for a great day of family fun.  These slopes are great for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.  There is also sledding, ice skating, snowboarding, and cross country skiing.

It is a perfect winter wonderland retreat!  And if you like to swim, the indoor pool is open year round. The fitness center is also great to use so you make sure to keep your routine even while traveling.

Spring

And finally, during spring, The Grand Geneva is literally in bloom with gorgeous color.  This is a great time to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day, or brunch on Easter morning or a few days for fun during spring break.

The Grand Geneva is truly amazing in every season.  And of course;  you can visit their top notch spa for a message or salon services anytime of year!

2.  There are a variety of guest rooms

I have stayed at several of the vast variety of room categories at the Grand Geneva and they are all fantastic….depending on what you are looking for.

There are actually two different resorts on the Grand Geneva property.  The first is the Grand Geneva itself that dates back to 1968 and literally started as the “Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel”.  That’s right;  There used to be “playboy bunnies” all over the resort with Hugh Hefner himself at the ribbon cutting ceremony.  The resort was built in the Frank Lloyd Wright style and nestles seamlessly in the hilly countryside.  Back in the day, it attracted such talent as Bob Hope and Sonny and Cher.

The main resort has several types of guest rooms and premier suites. There are spacious villas with full kitchens nearby the main lodge as well if you are looking for more room.

The second resort on property is called “Timber Ridge Lodge” and is built as an all suite family style resort with large suites that offer up to three bedrooms.  There is also a villa area nearby that also accommodates large families with studios, two or three bedroom villas that will give you that comfortable home feeling.

The Grand Geneva rooms and the Villa rooms even accommodate dogs so you don’t have to leave your fur baby behind.

3.  The waterpark is so much fun

If you are looking for a true family adventure than the place to stay is Timber Ridge Lodge which is on the property of The Grand Geneva.  These suites offer 2 or 3 bedroom units and include a living room area and a full kitchen.

The focal point of the resort is the indoor waterpark that is functional all year.  My kids, who are now all teenagers, have been enjoying this waterpark since they were 4 years old and they enjoy it still.  It boasts a lazy river, and two large slides.  One of the slides is a pitch black single body slide and the other is a raft slide that can accommodate up to two riders.  You can see pretty well in the raft slide.

During the summer, there is also an outdoor pool with basketball hoops and a smaller slide for younger children.

There is a restaurant that looks out right into the indoor waterpark called Smokey’s Bar-b-que house that is quite tasty.

We have a lot of fun spending a night at Timber Ridge during the fall or winter.  It never fails to lift our spirits!

4.  Lake Geneva is nearby

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a beautiful resort town in Southeastern Wisconsin that is known for boating, boutique shops, and seasonal fun.  The downtown area is only a short drive away. Downtown Lake Geneva is dotted with fantastic restaurants, ice cream shops, and hidden treasures.  When we spend a weekend at the Grand Geneva, you can be sure that a good chunk of our time will be spent in town.

As with the Grand Geneva itself, Lake Geneva offers seasonal fun year round.  Firstly, the summer is perfect for boating and swimming.  There are several places you can relax at a public beach or rent a boat or pontoon and spend a sunny day on the lake.

Secondly, in the autumn, Lake Geneva comes alive in gorgeous fall colors.  The shops are filled with fall and halloween decor.  It’s also easy to find pumpkin pancakes on the breakfast menus around town.

During the holidays, the town is shimmering in Christmas lights and you can’t beat the beautiful blooms of spring.

Regardless of the time of year, we LOVE being in Lake Geneva and the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (only a few miles down the road) is the perfect home base from which to explore the town.

5.  There are top notch restaurants on property

If you prefer to stay on property the Grand Geneva gives you plenty of options for dining to stay.  First of all, the lounge and bar area is a beautiful place to relax with a glass of wine and a bite to eat.  It has recently been refurbished and features furniture with rich textures and modern color.  Sometimes we sit here for appetizers.  Sometimes we come here at the end of the day for a night cap and dessert.  (I recommend the cheesecake!).

The Grand Cafe offers a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner.  The breakfast buffet in the morning includes a good variety and is a nice choice if you are dining in a large group:  everyone can get what they like.  Ristoranté Brissago features traditional Italian cuisine with a nice wine list.

The crown jewel of the Grand Geneva is the Geneva Chop House.  Featuring delicious steaks and a fabulous wine list, the Chop House is a great place for a special dinner with your spouse/partner.  You can dine al fresco in the summer or even in special little “igloos” in the winter.  The dining room itself is cozy and romantic which means you are sure to have a fantastic evening with your special someone.

The Grand Geneva has so many great dining options that you never have to leave the comfort of the resort.

If you live in the Midwest (especially in the Chicago or Milwaukee areas) you are fortunate to have the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa so easily accessible.  A stay here ensures that you will find relaxation, fun and seasonal activities regardless of the time of year you visit.  If you and your family are coming to the Lake Geneva area, I would recommend the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa without hesitation.

Happy Travels

Your Thoughts

Have you ever been to the Grand Geneva?  Which of our recommendations have you done?  Which of our recommendations are you going to try?  Do you disagree with any of our suggestions? What are we missing?  Join the conversation and share any tips, questions or additional thoughts in the comments!

For more travel ideas be sure to check out our other posts!