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5 Great Winter Hotels in Lake Geneva

What off season?

Summer may be 176 days away, but you can still enjoy some of your favorite summer pleasures. Put the slide sandals away—we’re referring to weekend trips to Lake Geneva. Turns out the warm-weather getaway is just as lovely December through March. Don’t believe us? Check out these five hotels, which are totally gorgeous and replete with luxe amenities.

Winter Boots You Won’t Want to Take Off


The Geneva Inn

We could all use more wraparound balconies in our lives, and thankfully Geneva Inn has three charming tiers of them. The balconies afford panoramic views of the lake, which is as equally beautiful when dotted with boats in the summer as it is when placid and glassy in winter. However, it’s only in the winter that you can feel justified enjoying your view exclusively from the comfort of your four-poster bed.

N2009 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva, WI; 262-248-5680 or genevainn.com

maxwell mansion
Historic Hotels of Lake Geneva

Maxwell Mansion

Built in 1856, the entire Maxwell House estate is now a romantic getaway nestled among the oaks two blocks from the lake. When you’ve had enough of your en-suite bath, head down to the atmospheric Apothecary Bar—play your cards right and you just might get into the hotel’s speakeasy.

421 Baker St., Lake Geneva, WI; 262-448-4511 or historichotelsoflakegeneva.com

Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva hums with activity all year long. When the summer golf and swim season dies down, guests flock to the resort to swoosh down its 30 acres of downhill ski runs. After a day on the slopes, try a massage at WELL Spa. You’re living the dream, no airfare needed.

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI; 800-558-3417 or grandgeneva.com

Baker House Hotel

Live out your grandest Downton Abbey fantasy at Baker House Hotel. A house butler and chambermaid attend to your every wish as they did for residents when the estate was built in 1885. The hotel has only four rooms, so the service team is very attentive, but don’t be surprised if you elect to light a fire in your room’s original working fireplace and hang the “do not disturb” sign on your door.

27 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, WI; 262-261-0356 or historichotelsoflakegeneva.com

The Ridge Hotel

The Ridge Hotel turns into a delightful winter wonderland during the off-season. Ice skating? Check. Skiing? Check. Toasting marshmallows for s’mores at the outdoor fire pit? Check. If you didn’t get what you really wanted for Christmas, this more than makes up for it.

W4240 State Road 50, Lake Geneva, WI; 800-225-5558 or ridgelakegeneva.com



amanda nyren

Writer, yogi, mom to about a dozen houseplants

A lifelong Chicago resident, Amanda started covering the local scene for PureWow in 2016. She's a freelance writer and content strategist.