Cove of Lake Geneva

This condo complex has a bright and spacious lobby that looks more like what would be found in a hotel, with a gift shop, hexagon-shaped registration desk, gray carpeting, and potted plants. It's a space that invites guests to gather rather than hole up in their units. Up a short flight of stairs, clusters of comfy upholstered armchairs and sofas face a TV, and in another area, brown leather armchairs and sofas front an aquarium with tropical fish and neon lights. A small bar with stools sits in a corner across from a fireplace. The bar serves coffee and light breakfast fare in the morning, and drinks on summer weekend nights, adding another spot for guests to convene. The complex draws a range of travelers: Suites that can sleep up to six attract families and groups of friends (it's hosted its share of bachelorette parties), those on corporate retreats, along with couples. 

The Cove is about a five-minute walk to the public beach at Lake Geneva, and a three-minute walk to the restaurants and shops along the town's Main Street. Seminary Park, with its greenery, is next door to the complex. More green space at the White River State Park and Flatiron Park are a four-minute walk from the hotel, and the Lake Geneva Cruise Line dock is a six-minute walk away. Big Foot Beach State Park is an eight-minute drive away. Drive time to Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport is about an hour, and to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, about 80 minutes.

The 222 one- and two-bedroom condo-style suites are privately owned and individually decorated, so motif and upkeep can vary. But all are spacious and generally well-maintained. All have gas fireplaces in the living rooms, and jetted tub/shower combos in the bathrooms (some two-bedroom units have two bathrooms). All units have kitchens with dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, dishes, cookware, full refrigerators, and stovetops, but not all units have ovens. Most units are decorated in beige or other soft earth tones. Artwork and other decorations often have nautical or beach themes; beds typically have bright-white duvets and bedspreads. Most kitchens have bars with stools, and many adjoining living rooms have dining tables. Countertops are usually granite, but we noticed during our visits that some of the older -- and dated -- counters were laminate. Bathrooms, generally outfitted in white tile, include hairdryers and toiletries. Suites come in several configurations and can sleep four to six people -- they include two-bedroom/two-bathroom units and one-bedroom studios with lofts with queen sleeper sofas. All have either balconies or patios. None have lake views, but many units overlook the pool complex or adjacent park. Some units have washer/dryers. All come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Note that past guests have complained about hearing noise from other units.

Cove of Lake Geneva packs in many features and amenities for a self-catering property. It has 6,600 square feet of event space and can host functions for up to 300 people -- it's a popular spot for corporate retreats. The expansive outdoor pool has an adjacent whirlpool and kiddie pool, along with loungers and private cabanas available for rent. The smaller indoor pool has an adjacent whirlpool. Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub serves American classics for lunch and dinner and has nine TVs and 14 Wisconsin craft beers on tap. The poolside bar is open in the warm months. The hotel’s small lobby lounge serves coffee, drinks, fruit, and pastries during the morning (full breakfast is not included in room rates), and serves drinks on summer weekends. Room service is available as well. The gift shop sells beer, wine, and snacks as well as sundries and souvenirs. The fitness center has several cardio machines along with weight-training equipment, and there's also basketball and tennis courts, and a game room with several video and arcade-style games. A coin-operated laundry is on-site. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.