Boutique Hotel Set on Shores of Lake Geneva

When a rambling summer estate was built on the shores of Lake Geneva’s Buttons Bay back in 1883, the local newspaper called its location “unexcelled” and “so pretty that it is a wonder that others have not seen it before.” The property included eight acres set along the shoreline and a luxurious hilltop residence with commanding views of the water. After serving as a private home for wealthy businessmen and a gathering spot for local political leaders, the mansion was razed in 1989 and replaced with The Geneva Inn. The English-style lodging lives up to the estate's tradition of luxury with a fine-dining restaurant, dramatic architectural features, and panoramic lake views.

The Geneva Inn’s Grandview Restaurant and Lounge, an upscale steak-and-seafood spot, makes the most of its waterfront location. Tables are strategically arranged so that all diners can enjoy unobstructed views of the lake and the marina through floor-to-ceiling single-pane windows. Though the dinner menu changes seasonally, there’s always a focus on fresh seafood, such as pan-seared swordfish with mussels and clams or diver scallops with heirloom-tomato tabbouleh. The restaurant hosts a complimentary continental breakfast Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays, guests and locals alike stop in for a decadent champagne brunch that begins with a complimentary glass of bubbly.

In the hotel’s 37 guest rooms, you’ll find thoughtful amenities such as bedtime chocolates, a bottle of water, and a replica of your childhood blanky. Land-view rooms exude an elegant country charm with wooden furnishings and traditional floral fabrics. Many feature private balconies and oversize whirlpools. The hotel's three-story atrium features a raised fireplace, and outside there's a private pier lined with boat slips (open seasonally). If you'd like to explore your surroundings, a 22-mile lakefront footpath starts right outside the inn.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: All-Seasons Resort Town on Beautiful Lake

Lake Geneva, a 9-mile recreational lake surrounded by sandy beaches and golf courses, is a popular resort destination located between Chicago and Milwaukee. Planned by early settlers, the miles of trails surrounding the water pass by opulent mansions, expansive English-style gardens and estates, and a Buddhist temple. In the winter, many visitors take to the hills for skiing and snowboarding.

About 2 miles from the inn lies the charming downtown area, which overflows with boutiques as well as casual and upscale restaurants. Storefronts gleam with hand-thrown pottery pieces and kaleidoscopic glass artwork. Historical attractions include the Geneva Lake Museum and the 1897-era Yerkes Observatory, home of the world's largest refracting telescope.

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