The 10 Best Nice Hotels Around The World, According To A Frequent Flyer

Where To Stay In Lake Geneva

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

EMBRACE THE CHILL

Bethlehem, PA

Just a 1.5 hour bus ride from NYC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is known as "Christmas City" for good reason. The Historic Main Street transforms into a winter party with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday markets. The Christkindlmarkt is a must-see, offering handmade gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Stroll around charming 18th century architecture and cobblestoned streets, visit the Moravian Book Shop, and stay and dine at the historic Hotel Bethlehem. Find holiday fun at the SteelStacks cultural center too, like a Gingerbread Competition, and visit the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibitat 1810 Goundie House, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, and Single Sisters’ House for a festive experience.

Breckinridge, CO

Breckenridge, Colorado, less than two hours from Denver, is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The town is bustling with holiday spirit as snow blankets the charming streets and mountain peaks. From ski-in/out resorts to cozy cabins, there are plenty of ideal stays for your bucket-list mountain escape. Stroll back in time along Main Street in the historic downtown district and admire the colorful buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Once a mining town, now you’ll find boutique shops, galleries and restaurants like the James Beard-nominated Roostalk and Radicato. Take a scenic Gondola ride up to the mountains for winter fun and leave your car behind as all the buses are free in town. The town’s Holiday Lights and the Lighting of Breckenridge create holiday fun while you warm up at a cozy cafe after.

NYC, New York

If you've never visited NYC during the month of December, 2024 might be the year to cross that off your holiday wish list. The city comes alive, from uptown to downtown, with festive lights, decorations, and seasonal events, like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and nearby ice-skating rink beneath it. Window displays at stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue offer stunning holiday scenes, while Christmas markets like the one at Bryant Park have indie gifts and local treats on hand. Central Park covered in snow is an amazing sight and you can explore NYC's darling tea places to warm up after, like Alice's Tea Cup inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy a Broadway show, grab a French-inspired brunch at Balthazar in Soho before shopping for last-minute gifts, and take the perfect holiday photo on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Prague

Visiting Prague in December feels like you've walked into a fairytale. The city's medieval architecture decorated with festive lights and snow creates this magical experience. The famous Old Town Square hosts one of Europe’s loveliest Christmas markets, where you can find handmade crafts, traditional Czech treats, and mulled wine. The Prague Castle and Charles Bridge offer stunning views of the city. Warm up in cozy cafés with a cup of hot chocolate or try local delicacies like trdelník, a sugary cake. If you have time, plan to extend your European winter escape and visit Vienna and Budapest for more unique Christmas markets, cultural events, and holiday trimmings.

Park City, UT

Just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City, Utah is known for its luxe ski resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, making it a top destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts (and après skiaficionados). Stroll the charming, historic Main Street for cozy restaurants like Firewood, art galleries, and local breweries, and enjoy activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and taking scenic chairlift rides. It's the quintessential winter escape!

Paris, France

Here's a holiday getaway, Emily in Paris style. Holiday shop along the Champs-Élysées, where trees are lit up in spectacular red LED lights. While there, grab lunch and a macaron at Ladurée. The cooler temps and smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (catch a great view of it in the Christmas village at Trocadéro), the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you'll find a Christmas market for the season (also check out the one at the Tuileries Gardens). Parisian cafés and bistros are enticing with warm and comforting dishes like onion soup, coq au vin, and decadent pastries. Sip a café au lait at Café Charlot in Le Marais or dig into the stunning bûche de Noël at the Butterfly Pâtisserie in the Hôtel de Crillon. After her last trip, Content Editor, Haley Sprankle can't recommend visiting Le Bon Georges — and their biblically long wine list — for a delicious meal enough. Regardless of where you wind up, you're sure to have something lovely!

Leavenworth, WA

This Bavarian-inspired escape is nestled in the heart of the Cascades between Seattle and Spokane. The town's charming alpine-style buildings are decked out in festive lights for the annual Christmas Lighting Festival while snow blankets the surrounding mountains. Enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides, and/or stroll through the streets for cozy shops, holiday treats, and German-inspired foods like bratwurst and pretzels. Enjoy the carolers, festive concerts, and holiday markets that fill the town with cheer too!

Burlington, VT

This charming winter escape offers a mix of festive holiday spirit and natural beauty. Snowy streets and nearby mountains create an IG-worthy setting. Church Street Marketplace, decorated for the season, is filled with cozy cafes, unique shops, and local artisans. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding, and sleigh rides, at nearby resorts like Stowe or Bolton Valley, while the scenic views of Lake Champlain are not to be missed. Take a factory tour of Ben & Jerry's too!

ESCAPE THE CHILL

Santa Barbara, CA

With sunny skies and spring-like temps, Santa Barbara beaches like Butterfly Beach and Arroyo Burro are perfect for strolls, picnics, and capturing coastal views. Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, beautifully lit up during the holiday season; shop and check out the annual Holiday Parade on State Street; and explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for your reminder of outdoor plants. Take a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley to enjoy wine tasting in cozy, festive tasting rooms, or visit Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and being "extra" around the holidays. December is also the start of the whale-watching season as gray whales migrate along the California coast so take a tour to catch an amazing sight of them!

The Florida Keys

With temperatures in the 70s and 80s, December is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in the clear waters of the Florida Keys, especially at spots like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Known for its beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda State Park offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting, like dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. Key West's historic Old Town is beautifully lit up for the holidays, and you can visit iconic spots like the Ernest Hemingway Home. Stay at resorts like the Lime Tree Bay Resort and Ocean Key Resort to relax in warm-weather luxury while enjoying the festive holiday atmosphere.

San Miguel Allende, Mexico

Fly into Mexico City for a wonderful city, food, and culture experience, and then head over to San Miguel de Allende for a creative's dream. The city's colonial charm with cobblestone streets and historic buildings are decorated with beautiful lights and Christmas decorations, especially around the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. In mid-December, you can watch or participate in Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. The processions, music, and street celebrations make for a stunning cultural experience. San Miguel is also home to several art schools including Bellas Artes, and visitors can take workshops on their visit. The town hosts several holiday markets where you can buy local crafts, gifts, and festive food, and has a beautiful tradition of Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (La Misa de Gallo) at the Parroquia, often followed by fireworks in the main square (El Jardín).

Oahu, Hawaii

Even in December, Oahu offers warm temps, with highs around the mid-70s to low 80s°F. Sit with a good read and enjoy Oahu’s famous beaches like Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Kailua Beach. Surfing is especially big this time of year, with the North Shore experiencing massive winter swells, perfect for watching pro surfers during events like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, between November 12 and December 20. For calmer waters, snorkeling in spots like Hanauma Bay is beautiful. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters in December, and you can often spot them from the shore or on a whale-watching tour. This is also a great time to hike Oahu’s scenic trails, like Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, and Manoa Falls, where you can enjoy lush greenery and stunning views.

Aruba

December weather in Aruba ranges between 80-85°F with plenty of sunshine. Aruba’s pristine beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a highlight. Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax by the crystal-clear waters. Explore the island’s coral reefs, shipwrecks like the Antilla, and enjoy water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. Inland, you can explore Arikok National Parkfor hiking, cave tours, and discovering Aruba’s unique desert-like landscapes. The capital, Oranjestad, is beautifully lit for the holidays, and you’ll find Christmas markets, parades, and holiday concerts happening throughout the month with a mix of its Dutch heritage with Caribbean flair.

What's happening astrologically during the week of November 17 to 24, 2024?

The most noteworthy event this week is Pluto moving into the fixed air sign of Aquarius on November 19. This heralds a new era as Pluto is a slow-moving planet, and it will stay in Aquarius until 2044. Aquarius at its best is a futuristic sign whose focus is of a humanitarian nature. Aquarius is highly intelligent, a bit unpredictable and unique in all ways. Aquarians do not like to be told what to do. They are open minded and tolerant for the most part but can be slow to change their minds once they determine they know all that needs to be known. Aquarians are known to love everyone; they are very community oriented. How Pluto will manifest its transformative energy in the sign of Aquarius will be nothing short of revolutionary. We may find unique solutions to the world’s problems that no one has thought of or even conceived of. We may realize we are all connected, and the new world order will reflect this realization.

On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius can teach us to be open minded; to realize we can use our intellect to approach life in new ways and to be inclusive of others. Look at your own chart to see which house Aquarius rules to get a better understanding of the lessons you may learn during this 20-year period.

Another major shift this week occurs when the Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 21. This year, the Sun will remain in Sagittarius until December 22. Sagittarius is an optimistic archetype. This enthusiastic and energetic, mutable fire sign is socially oriented and seeks truth and understanding. While the Sun is in Sagittarius, we have the chance to broaden our comprehension of ourselves and our place in the world. Taking a wide viewpoint, we can be philosophical and hopeful. Higher education, learning and travel are also parts of Sagittarius’ world view. Natural teachers, Sagittarius loves to share knowledge. Other cultures and religions are fascinating and can be sources of learning. We also tend to over-do and over-consume while the Sun is in Sagittarius. While the jovial nature of Sagittarius is fun-loving, we can be overly confident, overly optimistic and blurt out what is on our minds without first thinking about how it is received.

Supporting our time with the Sun in Sagittarius, Jupiter, the planet that rules Sagittarius, is forming a sextile to Chiron, the healer and shaman of the Zodiac. Between November 18 – 28 we can feel uplifted and work toward freeing ourselves from negative or limiting beliefs or patterns. This time is best spent focused on personal growth, learning from a mentor or someone we admire and keeping an open mind. Releasing old wounds and insecurities will make room to experience more abundance and true healing. The effects can be long lasting; make the most of this 10-day transit.

I look to the sky and the planets to help navigate the world around us. If you’d like to know more about how these and other transits affect your life, please contact me for a personalized reading!

Read Your Sun and Rising Signs For Your Weekly Horoscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Are you sabotaging your progress in life with negative self-talk? Do you feel blocked by insecurities but don’t quite know where they originate? You can identify what prevents you from being successful and happy and actually break free from what hinders you. Be honest. Delve into your psychology. Write in your journal. Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist’s Waywhere she describes a technique called Morning Pages to help unlock your inner knowing. This approach would be very helpful for you.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Identifying the impediment to your personal growth requires you to slow down, rejuvenate, and repair any frazzled nerve endings and to retreat into a safe and comforting space. This can be done in the sacred spaces of your home or in nature, where you commonly find reverence and inspiration. Take time to retreat to the places in your life where you feel secure and protected. You might also find yourself inspiring others or offering refuge to those who feel extra vulnerable. Offer assistance to those who need it.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your community is a source of solace and provides a sense of belonging this week. This is a reciprocal arrangement; offer shelter to others and you will, in turn, feel support and protection. Use your strength and stability to encourage those around you. If you feel insecure that you don’t have what it takes to provide for others, dig deep. You are stronger than you think and whether you know it or not, others find you inspiring and admirable. While the obstacles appear daunting, your ingenuity and energy is indomitable. Pace yourself. You have what it takes to endure.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Your soft, sensitive side can find inspiration though music, poetry or art. Lean on your spiritual practices to boost your confidence. There might be opportunities in your profession that require you to step out of your comfort zone and tap into your natural leadership abilities. If you are required to lead a workshop, or give a presentation, use your mentors to give you courage and strength. It is likely that you will overcome any tendency to be shy if you take time to acknowledge what you know and muster up your bravery to shine.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You might be doubting yourself and your worthiness. If you find yourself insecure about your capabilities, this is a good week to reflect on how far you have come. Boost your ego by recounting and reviewing your accomplishments. If you are unable to see clearly as you look back, confide in your community or loved ones. Take a trip down memory lane with those closest to you. Share pictures from your past or recount stories about occurrences that demonstrate your growth and evolution.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

There might be a tendency to dwell in the shadow this week. Do not let fear stand in the way of your growth or understanding of the predicament you might find yourself in. There are lessons to be learned, and this darkness can serve to transform yourself. You will not always feel so pessimistic and what you experience has the potential to give you a perspective that will help you withstand future hardships. It is a good idea to frequently remind yourself that you are strong and capable.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Relationships might be a sore spot but only if you have allowed them to become unbalanced. To achieve the equanimity you so desire, it is important to maintain your autonomy while allowing your partners to experience their own self-determination. It is possible for you both to be strong individuals and strong together. Lean into your spiritual practice to find solace as you strive for fairness and balance. If your relationships are healthy, use this time to enhance the connection. Date night, meet for lunch or take a break from work to walk in the park can be wonderfully enchanting and satisfying.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You can achieve healing through holistic practices. The synergy between the mind and body promotes health; the body has a natural affinity for health. It is important to balance work, personal care, adequate sleep and deep connections with others. Strive to achieve stability through spiritual and physical activities, being of service to others and tending to personal relationships. Scorpios are natural healers. Setting aside the ego to help others is a great way to demonstrate this power.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

It is your time of year to shine. How can you use your creativity to heal any insecurities? Practice your art to gain confidence and then share what you know with others. Your tendency to be spontaneous can be infectious but can lead to chaos. If you are planning a party or celebration, start early and include others in the preparation. Delegate and share the responsibilities. A group effort can be even more fun. Include the kids and encourage self-expression. Spread joy and laughter as you connect with your inner child.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Connecting with your roots and focusing on your family is a path to healing and greater personal freedom. Focus on inner nurturing and connecting with the divine. Reflect on what home truly means to you. Is home a place or a feeling within your soul? How can you help others achieve peace of mind and nurture those who have had a turbulent upbringing or who have experienced wounds around home? You have an ability to see others’ emotional scars. Practice compassion and empathy as you devise ways to help others dissolve those scars.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Knowing yourself is the first step toward healing any childhood wounds of not being heard or acknowledged. Your thoughts are valuable. Your ability to find unique solutions are essential for the evolution of the planet. It is critical for you to express yourself clearly so that misunderstandings are minimized. Practice Non-Violent Communication, a profound method of communication developed by the humanistic psychologist, Marshall Rosenberg. Experiment with different forms of communication, keeping in mind that clarity is the goal.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

What do you truly value? Do you view your body as sacred? Are you focused on material possessions to define security? Your spiritual life is a pathway to understanding your core values. A connection to the divine is part of your wealth. Learning to create boundaries so that you can focus on what you value will lead you to contentment. Learn to say no, or not now. Stand up for yourself and develop your talents and unique perspective. Establish an inner sense of belonging to create your security. Material goods are fleeting. Your spiritual truth is everlasting.