Grand Geneva Resort And Spa

A Time Share in Lake Geneva

by deecat about Orange Lake

Since my husband and I own a Time Share, we frequently trade in that time share for other places to stay. In addition, we are able to pay a minimum amount [less than $150.00 for one week] to rent a condo somewhere we wish to go. This November, to celebrate Allan's birthday, we used that ability to go to Lake Geneva, Illinois, to the area of the Grand Geneva Resort at Orange Lake Condos. We let our daughter's family use it for three nights before we used it.

The one bedroom villa had a view of the golf fairway, which you could see from the living room and from the balcony. The living room had a sofa which made into a queen-sized bed, two chairs, a coffee table, lamps, and a television set. There was a small kitchen with an oven, refrigerator, sink, and a micro-wave oven.

The bedroom had a king-sized bed, large TV, end table, and wardrobe. The large bathroom included a washer/dryer, spa tub and shower, and a large sink area.

The unit that we had was on the second floor and was clean, well equipped, and attractive. The villa/condo was located at the Grand Geneva Resort. A shuttle is available to travel to all the facilities available such as the golf courses, water parks, pools, gift shops, spa, and restaurants.

Besides all these activities, there is also a Fitness Center, tennis, downhill skiing, hiking paths, hay and sleigh rides [seasonally].

We were especially impressed with the wonderful restaurants at the resort. [see restaurant tip]

While here at Orange Lake and Grand Geneva, you are also able to visit the lovely town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with its historic homes, a beach, restaurants, galleries, and shops.

Grand Geneva

by La_Donna

This place is totally cool!!!!

I went there in the summer and I have got to go back in the winter to try out some of the snow sports!!

Outstanding Italian

by deecat about Ristorante Brissago

While staying at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa at the Orange Lake Condos in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, we ate at theRistorante Brissago inside the Grand Geneva Resort. This restaurant is elegant yet inviting. We found it truly an authentic Italian experience. Those of you who know me realize that my favorite food is Italian, and having been to Italy on four different trips, I'm a pretty good judge of authentic Italian cuisine.

Fortunately, we were seated at the windows that looked out over the Wisconsin countryside; however, it was dark so it was difficult to see that beauty. The restaurant has a romantic aura about it, and the well-versed waiters added to the room's magnificence.

Our waiter informed us that the ingredients are about 80% from Italy; the rest are fresh local ingredients which follow the most authentic Italian recipes.

The web for the restaurant informs that "Bufala Mozzarella contains 100-percent Bufalo milk and arrives weekly from Campania, where they've been making the cheese for centuries. And the Regiano Parmigiano comes from a small selected family-run cheese maker in Regia Amelia."

With the fresh ingredients, you will relish the northern Italian pastas, cheeses, olive oils, and cheeses. We were first served hot fresh bread with Extra-virgin Olive Oil that was so wonderful that they had to bring us more! After we were served the yummy bread, we had delicious and unusual Calamari Fritti [with roasted peppers and a Basil Garlic Vinaigrette]. The Calamari was so light and tender, and the Vinaigrette was out-of-this-world.

We both order an Insalate [salad]. I chose the Insalata Casalinga alla Brissago [Basil Lemon Vinaigrette Gorgonzola and Walnuts]. This salad was good but not terrific. It had to much vinaigrette for my taste.

Allan ordered Insalata "Cesare" [Romaine lettuce, Croutons, and Garlic Dressing]. His salad was much crisper, and he really enjoyed it.

Allan's main meal was the Agnello alla Griglia con Funghi [2 lamb chops with three kinds of wild mushrooms atop Polenta]. He said that it was quite delicious. He took home one of the Lamp Chops and had it the next evening.

I tried the Pizza al Forno from the brick oven. I chose the Pizza Margherit with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomato. As you can see in the photograph #3, it was terrific. I, too, took half of it home and had it the next evening.

The SERVICE was outstanding. They catered to our every need. We really loved the looks of the homemade desserts, but we were too full to order any. Our waiter, Edwardo, knew that it was Allan's birthday, so he brought us a dessert with a lit candle. We suddenly found the room to eat it completely. What a romantic and delicious meal we had at the lovely Ristoranti Brissago.

Golf is nice, but Resort & Spa are not! Don't GO!

by TripAdvisor Member dnalro5002

Just stayed at the Grand Geneva with 3 other couples for the weekend. The guys golfed everyday and they loved the golf... they thought the golf course was great... but thought the service was poor.

We dined at Brasaggio the first night... it was nice... but that's the only thing good I can say about our stay...

The Spa is overpriced and overrated. The staff is nice... but the spa is a bit "dumpy"... the services were ok... but the whirlpool area is dirty... the sitting area is pathetic... not what I expected for the prices! I would not return to this spa.

The Grand Geneva rooms are not nice. They are musty & moldy and the decor is outdated. The bathrooms are TINY!!!!!

The staff at the Grand Geneva is also poor.

We did dine at Gilbert's in town and it was EXCELLENT!!!!!

I would not recommend the Grand Geneva to anyone.

Wonderful Anniversary Get Away Destination

by TripAdvisor Member sandrabeth

My husband and I stayed 2 nights at the Grand Geneva Resort in a 1 bedroom Marcus Vacation Condo. Our entire stay was wonderful, from the beautiful room and accomodations, to the gorgeous grounds and landscaping to the golf courses, the pool and restaurants at the lodge, the TimberRidge Waterpark, the spa, the stables....everything was sparkling clean and pristine and the service was impeccable. I cannot recommend a nicer, more relaxing, more enjoyable destination!

Loved it...

by A TripAdvisor Member

Spent the weekend at the Grand Geneva for a quick getaway. The hotel grounds and lobby were beautiful. The room was a good size but the bathroom was very small. We dined at the Chop House where the food was ok - served cool and was VERY expensive. One concern - I THINK I left a sweater and housekeeping has not found it yet....

The best part of all.....the rate for Entertainment Card members.....members - check the rate.

Not up to Par

by TripAdvisor Member curlimommy

My husband and I received a promotional deal to stay for 2 nights at the Grand Geneva for $99. The catch was that we had to attend a presentation for the Marcus Vacation Club on that property. We decided to give it a try for that price.

First of all, we are picky. We typically only stay in four star hotels or better because we do not get to travel that much. I've been to marvelous places and seen gorgeous hotels and spas. Unfortunately the Grand Geneva does not come close to living up to our standards.

We had a standard room...and it was just that...standard. I would NEVER pay the rack rates for this place. The room is no better than a Holiday Inn. The spa and exercise facilities are also not impressive. I go to a better gym and spa in my local neighborhood. If you are thinking you will be pampered here, trust me...you will not! I think the lodge is outdated...everything at the resort is overpriced.

OH...I almost forgot. We also did have an opportunity to see what a room at Marcus Vacation Club looks like. The rooms are a bit better...but again...not up to par! Wouldn't go back ever again. I think you are better off spending your money elsewhere!!

The grounds of the resort are pretty...but that is about it. The main lobby in the lodge is somewhat cheesy...but we did enjoy sitting by the fireplace sipping on a few cocktails one of the nights. All in all, we were not impressed with this place and were not impressed with Lake Geneva period.

Resort could use a little more refurbishment work.

by TripAdvisor Member rhhenne

Just stayed at the Grand Geneva for my wifes birthday and I was quite disappointed. We booked a Newport Suite and when we entered the room, it was like stepping back into the early 70's. Our room definately needed to be refurbished because I think it was the same since it's Playboy days. Hugh Hefner must be a very short man along with his friends because the ceiling was only 7 feet high.

The pool and hot-tub at the resort are nice but they use way too much chlorine. Even after taking showers when we returned from the pool, our skin itched all night. If they would cut down on the chlorine, they could take the money saved and use it to refurbish our room.

The staff at the hotel were excellant. They were very helpful in every way.

We only ate twice at the Grand Cafe for breakfast and Dinner. For what you pay for the buffet, the choice of food is slim and the quality is not that great.
There are better restaurants in town.

My wife did love the spa. She had a 55 minute massage and a 55 minute facial and had no complaints, just praise. She said the staff was great. As far a price goes, I think all spa's are expensive for what you get, but to be fair, the Grand Geneva is equal in price to many other resort spas.

If you have kids, stay at the Timberidge Lodge and Water Park. It costs less and is a fairly new hotel on the same grounds.

The Hamptons of the Midwest

by apuleuis

I just took a day trip into Lake Geneva since I happened to be in the area. I'm glad it was only for the day since my wallet wouldn't have allowed for any more. It is a very touristy town with the typical souvenier shops and overpriced botuques. There is of course the lake where you can rent all sorts of watersports equipment or if you are less adventurous, take a ride on one of the ferry boats. There are large resorts and cute bed & breakfasts. Everything you'd expect from a town of this type. Don't expect to do any budget traveling here.

"Intersting Tidbits:"

This site was popular with Al Capone and other mobsters.
Grand Geneva Resort used to be a Playboy Club.
It is nicknamed the Mecca of Roleplaying Games.
Lake Geneva is host to the United States National Snow Sculpting Competition.
(thanks Wikipedia.com for the info)

Few more pics in the travelogue.