Best Spa Hotels in Wisconsin

Tucked into a cove of Kohler, Wisconsin, The American Club – part of the Destination Kohler Resort – sits about 55 miles north of Milwaukee. Rooms here are furnished with classic wood furnishings, down comforters and minibars. And guests praise the nearby Whistling Straits and the Blackwolf Run golf courses, saying their beauty rivals the rugged courses of Scotland. Visitors also applaud the five on-site dining options, including the Wisconsin Room restaurant for its tasty breakfast. Guests can pamper themselves at the Kohler Waters Spa with a wide array of treatments and services. There's also an enormous sports facility that features pools, tennis courts, the aforementioned golf courses and more. 

Although the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is situated in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, not Lake Geneva, Switzerland, guests say the locale is quite beautiful. The resort's guest rooms feature private balconies overlooking southern Wisconsin's hilly landscape, not to mention high-tech amenities like multimedia desks and flat-screen TVs. Previous visitors appreciate the Grand Geneva's wealth of on-site activities, including a water park for the kiddos and skiing access for the whole family. If you don't have little ones in tow, fill your days with rounds of golf at The Brute and The Highlands courses, or massage your stress away at the WELL Spa + Salon. Recent guests enjoy the Italian cuisine at Ristoranté Brissago, noting that the outside fire pits are a nice touch. However, some guests mention that dining at the resort's five restaurants can get expensive, while others warn future visitors of the $20 per night resort fee that's tacked on to your bill.

Overlooking little Elkhart Lake in eastern Wisconsin — about 60 miles north of Milwaukee — The Osthoff Resort is described by previous guests as a great choice for couples and families looking for an elegant getaway. Guests say the are well appointed and homey thanks to in-room fireplaces, kitchenettes and separate living areas. The rooms also boast private balconies; visitors recommend requesting a room with lake views for a more scenic stay. Most guests agree that the crisp clear waters of Elkhart Lake make for some great swimming in the summer, and those looking to kick back and relax can spend an afternoon lounging in one of the resort's two whirlpools. Beyond that, lessons in French cuisine at L'ecole de la Maison cooking school are a popular draw. But those who prefer not to cook for themselves can enjoy fresh seafood at Lola's on the Lake. Recent guests do say beware that parking can be difficult to find if there's a special event going on at the resort. 

First opening its doors in 1893, The Pfister in downtown Milwaukee maintains its Gilded Age glamour, sporting period decor and Victorian artwork. However, that doesn't mean this hotel is stuck in the past. The Pfister's 307 guest rooms, though vintage in appearance, offer contemporary amenities such as LCD flat-panel TVs and wireless internet access (for a fee). Visitors praise the hotel's luxurious facilities, which include the WELL Spa + Salon, as well as the delectable Mason Street Grill and swanky Blu lounge. Many diners highly recommend sitting down for Sunday brunch at The Rouge dining room. Though a few recent guests mentioned they had issues controlling the room temperature, most agreed the staff gives everyone the star treatment while here. Guests also recommend making time to meet The Pfister's Artist-in-Residence; through this residency program, the hotel sponsors up-and-coming artists who, in turn, work right on the premises.

Despite what its name may suggest, this hotel is not associated with the Four Seasons brand. Located on Miscauno Island in northeastern Wisconsin and surrounded by the Menominee River, the Four Seasons Island Resort is known for the abundance of outdoor activities amid the wilderness in which it is set. Guests can work up a sweat golfing, hiking, kayaking or canoeing, then retreat to cozy rooms complete with beds outfitted in down comforters. Additional in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access and minifridges, plus all accommodations are equipped with balconies. The hotel is also home to an arcade, a pool and whirlpool, and a salon and spa. As far as dining is concerned, hungry patrons should head to the Four Seasons Ristorante or Boundary Waters Sports Bar & Grill for some grub. Past visitors were complimentary of the food and attentive service at both eateries, but noted that menu items (and room rates here) are on the pricey side. However, guests can take advantage of the complimentary daily continental breakfast to offset costs. Note: This hotel is now a seasonal property, open from May through October.

The Iron Horse Hotel is perhaps Milwaukee's trendiest hotel: Guests are welcomed into a space decorated in cow print, exposed pipes and one-of-a-kind artwork. Rooms are spacious and feature exposed brick walls and custom furnishings, as well as oversized rain showers, 42-inch LCD flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. But what really sets The Iron Horse apart from other Milwaukee hotels is its dedication to the biker crowd. Sitting within walking distance of the Harley-Davidson Museum, this property shows its love for two-wheelers with amenities like on-site motorcycle rentals, a washing station and on-call maintenance staff. For non-bikers, The Iron Horse Hotel impresses with its spa services and easy access to art and performance venues like the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Florentine Opera. No matter how you spend your time, recent guests highly recommend taking advantage of the hotel's dining spots and watering holes – Branded, The Library, Smyth and The Yard – which offer palatable sips and bites for morning, noon and night. Visitors are also quick to praise The Iron Horse Hotel's staff with such superlatives as "wonderful" and "delightful," saying the employees only further enhanced their stays. However, some say a stay here is on the more expensive side.