Set on the banks of Geneva Lake, this resort city is the perfect spot to spend a few weeks of summer. Spend a day at Big Foot Beach State Park exploring the 5 mi (8.05 km) of hiking trails and later relaxing on a swimming beach. The Lake Geneva Shore Path is a scenic hiking route that also allows visitors to admire stunning estates. One such property is Back Point Estate and Gardens along the lake. Visitors can also kayak and swim in the lake or opt for a cruise where someone else does all the hard work. Lake Geneva continues to remain a popular summer retreat ever since its foundation in 1836. Once a playground for the wealthy, the emergence of hotels and rentals has made it accessible for all. Scroll below for the top historic hotels in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for a summer to remember.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Maxwell Mansion (from USD 219)
This is a boutique property close to Main Street that was built by a prominent surgeon as a summer house in 1856. General Grant was once a guest here, and the walls of the mansion have been witness to the courtship of President Reagan and his wife. After changing hands several times, the property is now owned and run by an experienced hospitality couple.
This was the first property that was built in Lake Geneva and is surrounded by ancient oak trees and landscaped gardens. The luxurious rooms in the main mansion are decorated with timeless antiques, with additional rooms available in the Carriage House and Stables. Guests can also take a step back in time when they enter the Apothecary Bar where each cocktail is handcrafted for each individual.
Maxwell Mansion
Address: 304 S Wells St
64.67 km (40.2 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Host:
person who was checking us in was extremely helpful and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
the place is absolutely unique and beautifulthis is a very special place a unique and beautiful experience
2. Baker House Hotel (from USD 385)
Baker House Hotel dates back to 1885 and is spread across 17,000 sq ft (1,579.35 sq m). It is a protected property where guests can take a look at the ornate handiwork that has been carefully preserved over the years. The hotel also includes 13 fireplaces, each surrounded by handcrafted floor-to-ceiling mantles.
After a day spent on the lake or exploring the nearby trails, guests can sip on exquisite seasonal cocktails. The property also organizes weekend events and festive menus throughout the year. Additionally, while the lake is best explored during the summer, Baker House Hotel can be enjoyed year-round.
Baker House Hotel
Address: 327 Wrigley Drive
64.85 km (40.3 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the included breakfast delivered to the room fit the ambiance perfectly and the host was delightfulRead more reviewsHost:
the place itself was charming and the staff was really nicelakefront historic house built in 1885 very charming staff
Nearby historic hotels
3. The Pfister Hotel (from USD 205)
This Milwaukee hotel has been serving guests with grace and exemplary service since 1893. The Pfister Hotel has the honor of holding the largest collection of Victorian art by any hotel in the world. Guests can gain in-depth knowledge about these pieces by booking a tour with the Artist-in-Residence.
The signature rooms offer personalized stays with a pillow menu and customized sleep amenities. These offer a city or Lake Michigan view. For the best views, guests cannot go wrong with the premier room, which is located on the top floor of the tower. Further, if you wish to stay in the original hotel, make sure to book the rooms located in the historical section of the hotel.
The Pfister Hotel
Address: 424 E Wisconsin Ave
1.17 km (0.8 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the pfister is a beautiful hotel in a nice area to walk around milwaukeeEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
4. Hilton Milwaukee City Center (from USD 126)
A glittering chandelier and ornate gold columns welcome guests into the lobby of this Hilton property in Milwaukee. Designed in the Art Deco style, the property continues to retain many of its original features dating back to 1927. Business travelers will love its proximity to Baird Center and the Skywalk at the hotel, which provides a direct link to the convention center.
Despite the age of the property, the hotel is exceptionally maintained and has been upgraded to include complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning in all guest rooms. Hilton Milwaukee City Center also includes an on-site Starbucks, which is ideal for those who cannot begin their day without their favorite brew.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Address: 509 W Wisconsin Ave
784 meters (0.5 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful room in newer section of hotelCleanliness:
the hotel was very clean and well-maintained thank you for the stayHost:
the staff was really greatthe staff there was very friendly and knowledgeable about mkethe property is beautiful the staff and the restaurants were greatRead more reviewsLocation:
nice staff decent walk ability to shopping and theatersEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
5. The Brewhouse Inn & Suites (from USD 167)
Located within the Brewery District, this property is housed within the original Pabst Brewery. The original copper brewing kettles and a stained glass image of the patron saint of beer, King Gambrinus, are still part of the hotel.
This is an all-suite property that features a variety of layouts to accommodate the original design of the building. Guests booking a stay at The Brewhouse Inn & Suites can choose from studios as well as one- and two-bedroom suites. The headboard and the tables in the suites have been built using wood from the property that dates back to the 1880s.
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites
Address: 1215 N 10th Street
1.72 km (1.1 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Host:
a unique hotel with friendly staff in an up and coming area of milwaukeeRead more reviewsLocation:
good area which is walking distance to river walk dining & entertainmentcool hotel close to lots of nightlife
6. Dubbel Dutch (from USD 139)
Originally an abandoned English Renaissance-style double house, the property was saved by the city’s Historic Society and today welcomes visitors from all over the country. The hotel is designed by prominent local architects George Bowman Ferry and Alfred C. Clas. Additionally, Dubbel Dutch may be a historic property, but its facilities have been upgraded to keep up with modern times.
Each of the distinct guest rooms not only varies in size but also in shape and architectural details. Many include the original hardwood floors, while all feature large windows and a custom backlit vanity. This 17-room property can also be rented out for a weekend and can easily accommodate 75 guests.
Dubbel Dutch
Address: 817-819 North Marshall Street
1.71 km (1.1 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Host:
barista was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful place to stay so close to summerfest
7. Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown (from USD 118)
This downtown Hilton property is part of the historic Loyalty Building, dating back to 1886. Guests are a two-minute walk away from N Riverwalk Way, from which they can appreciate the beauty of the Milwaukee River.
The Social American Tavern is an on-site restaurant that features a weekday Happy Hour and live music on Thursday nights. A 24-hour snack shop is also located in the hotel. What’s more, the prime location means there are also numerous dining venues in the immediate neighborhood.
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
Address: 611 North Broadway
979 meters (0.7 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly staff and beautiful propertythe staff is so nice and helpfulwhen we got to the hotel - we met sarah - she was very helpful and kindRead more reviewsLocation:
the hotel is very beautiful and is located within walking distance of several milwaukee attractionslove how close it is to walk to restaurants shopping the river theatre etcwe came back for the location and beautiful buildingalways a favorite place to stay in such a great historic buildingEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
8. The Iron Horse Hotel (from USD 169)
This popular boutique hotel was once a mattress factory, which was followed by its usage as a cold storage unit. The Iron Horse Hotel sought inspiration from local and American elements to create a property that is much loved by locals and tourists alike. Guest rooms here feature photographs that have been hand-embellished by the renowned local artist Charles Dwyer. Rare superhero art pieces by the late Jerry Pfeil also grace the walls of Branded Bar.
Guests can taste the rich flavors of a seasonal American menu at Ash Hearth and Bar, which relies on an open fire to prepare delicious plates of meats and vegetables. The Iron Horse Hotel is also quite popular with bikers as it provides covered bike parking, an on-call repairman, and special storage space for riding amenities.
The Iron Horse Hotel
Address: 500 W Florida Street
474 meters (0.3 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
excellent hotel very nice staffall of the staff from the minute we pulled up were friendly and helpfulEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
9. The Knickerbocker on the Lake (from USD 134)
Enjoy an urban summer from this historic property steps away from Lake Michigan. Guests can easily walk down to the waterfront Juneau Park and Veterans Park. Not only is the location ideal for tourists, but locals can also book it for an excellent staycation in the city.
The Knickerbocker on the Lake has maintained a steady presence since the 1920s, even while the city and the surrounding neighborhood underwent transformative changes. It is one of the few original structures still remaining in Milwaukee and finds a mention in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Knickerbocker on the Lake
Address: 1028 East Juneau Avenue
2.13 km (1.4 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thankfully the window opened and it was cool outside because it was extremely hot in the roomRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent area close to many restaurants and attractionsgreat location onsite paid parking is completely worth the price
10. Hotel Metro (from USD 176)
This luxurious property offers guests a chance to experience the Art Deco charm and elegance of the 1930s. The plush guest room evokes a sense of calm and provides a soothing space to retreat to at the end of the day. Further, the carpeted rooms are designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers and include ergonomic workspaces and family rooms.
Despite the building being nearly a century old, many of the rooms at Hotel Metro are designed for disabled travelers. These feature wide doors, hearing and visual aid kits as well as audible and visual detectors.
Hotel Metro, Autograph Collection
Address: 411 E Mason St
1.23 km (0.8 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the decor in the room and all through the hotel was truly beautifulthe room was spacious and quite well appointedCleanliness:
only stayed one night for business but the rooms were big clean nicely decoratedRead more reviewsHost:
beautiful experience the suite was beautiful the staff the viewEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
Escape to Lake Geneva for the perfect break
It is easy to understand the long-standing popularity of Lake Geneva as soon as you drive into the city and witness its hiking routes, state parks, and more. Make the most of your stay by using a decadent historic property close to the lake. These are some of the top historic hotels in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, if you are looking to take a step back in time.
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