Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

The Timber Ridge Lodge is a large, family-oriented complex with access to the sprawling Grand Geneva resort up the road. While not far from town, the Lodge feels tucked away amongst fields and trees. The large lobby achieves a rustic, hunting cabin look, but in a way that's more for cuteness than authenticity. Images of moose are scattered all around the lobby, including a  seven-foot Lego moose at the back of the room. A Moose mascot also wanders the property, ready for pictures. The hotel's sit down restaurant, Smokey's Bar-B-Que House, keeps the same faux-rustic charm, but style disappears in the hallways and suites. Obviously kid-centric, the hotel also draws adult guests for bachelorette or birthday parties -- this all can lead to noise complaints and the suites could do with more sound protection. 

The Grand Geneva Resort is an expansive property about five miles outside of town in Lake Geneva and a few minutes' drive from Main Street, with shops and cafes. While still close to grocery stores and restaurants, the hotel feels more removed, surrounded by rolling hills, trees, and the Grand Geneva's golf course. The Timber Ridge Lodge is a short drive away from its sister facility a mile up the road, but a trolley runs between the two, if guests don't care to drive. Chicago O'Hare Airport is just over an hour away.

The one- and two-bedroom condominium-style suites at the Timber Ridge Lodge are spacious, but their narrow layout makes them feel somewhat cramped. The style is rather bland with industrial carpeting and a modest couch and chair in each living room; the green fabric works well with the blonde wood, however. Kitchens are moderately sized, and each includes a four-burner electric stove, microwave, full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, dishwasher, and cutlery and dishes -- while not new, appliances are in good condition. Suite bedrooms are a bit small, with uninspired brown carpeting and red polyester bedspreads. Each suite has a flat-screen TV, gas fireplace, petite balcony, and whirlpool tub. Bathrooms are stocked with the Grand Geneva's spa products. Two-bedroom suites offer more space for sleeping, but generally have the same layout and furniture; the second bedroom and bathroom (with tub) are in a lofted space above the living room.

The Timber Ridge Lodge offers a ton of fun for kids, with an indoor/outdoor water park, a large arcade, a kids club for younger children, and a long list of daily activities for the whole family. Adults can take the trolley over to Grand Geneva to access an extensive fitness center (with cardio machines, weights, a climbing wall, volleyball, and more), the golf course, and spa. There's also a seasonal ski/snowboard mountain on the property. Smokey's Bar-B-Que House offers kid-friendly fare, and there's a greater variety of options at the Grand Geneva including an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse. The resort trolley makes getting between the properties easy. Wi-Fi is free.