The Ridge Hotel

A massive 2016 renovation turned the old lodge-style Geneva Ridge Resort into renamed and fully modernized The Ridge Hotel. It still has a relaxing atmosphere, though some of the public spaces and decor feature mass-produced trends, rather than cozy lakeside standards. The brightly lit lobby is huge, with an open-floor design that spills into lounge areas with TVs integrated into the walls and a coffee bar with a communal table brimming with USB ports. There are two fireplaces of the modern, glass-box, gas variety. The furnishings borrow heavily from heartier midcentury pieces, with handsome chairs and a huge sectional, though most of the tables and stools have a budget look to them. A sculptural ceiling is designed to resemble lakefront pebbles, but the real deal is right outside, beyond beautifully maintained grounds with flower beds tucked between stone patios and a 12-foot long gas fire pit as a centerpiece. As the newest hotel in Lake Geneva, The Ridge Hotel caters toward younger couples and millennials, as well as more traditional business travelers and golfers.  

The Ridge Hotel sits on several acres of rolling hills, surrounded by trees and well-maintained landscaping between Highway 50 and Lake Como. The Geneva National Golf Club, which has three 18-hole courses, is a major attraction for guests and just a seven-minute drive away. The shops and restaurants in downtown Lake Geneva and the Lake Geneva Public Beach are about 15 minutes away by car (though the lake itself can be reached in under five minutes). Big Foot Beach State Park is a 15-minute drive away. Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport is a 50- to 60-minute drive away, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is about a 90-minute drive from the resort. 

The hotel's 146 rooms and suites are separated into Resort Side (which overlook a parking lot) or Lakeside (which have views of the grounds, outdoor pool, and/or Lake Como). The decor is classic (some might say dated), with muted earth tones and a rustic influence to the wilderness artwork and solid wood furniture. Standard rooms have either a king-size bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds, along with wooden desks furnished with work lamps, and big 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, along with glass-door beverage coolers and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms open to furnished patios with lake views. 

Bathrooms have either large walk-in showers, or shower/tub combos. Suites add living areas with gas fireplaces, dining tables for four, and more rustic touches like wood-beam ceilings or exposed stone walls; some have kitchenettes with microwaves, dishwashers, and full-size refrigerators. We noted a smell of (new) carpeting that will wear off, but was strong (some rooms have small windows that don't open, so guests should choose rooms with patio doors for fresher air). 

The hotel is surrounded by jogging paths and hiking trails, across a hilly, wooded landscape. On its manicured grounds, there's a seasonal outdoor pool with a terraced sundeck, along with several stone patios, including a large veranda with a 12-foot gas fire pit. A heated indoor pool is housed in a two-story space anchored by a fake tree rising from the middle of the pool. There's also a hot tub, and lounge chairs laid out in a sunny atrium along an outer wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The full-service spa has a hot tub, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room, along with a fitness room.

For dining, Crafted Americana serves standard American cuisine, along with trendy takes on regional Wisconsin classics, such as seared duck breast with saffron risotto, mac and cheese with aged Wisconsin cheddar, and a requisite Friday fish fry. The Bean + Vine coffee and wine bar serves Colectivo coffee and Rishi organic tea (both hailing from Milwaukee), along with regional Wisconsin wines and beers. Breakfast is available (but not included) at both establishments, with options like beef and grits, omelets, buttermilk pancakes, and steel cut oats. There's also a lounge bar with a fireplace, and a seasonal outdoor terrace that serves cocktails under shade umbrellas with views of the lake. There's 10,000 feet of event space, including a private dining room, and two banquet halls that can accommodate groups from 10 to 500 people. Guests can access special rates for the Geneva National Golf Club, and the hotel operates a shuttle service there as well. In the winter, part of the grounds are frozen over to be used as an ice rink, and free mountain bike rentals are included in the resort fee. Free parking is also available.