8 hotels for a Valentine’s Day getaway in Wisconsin
Devin Remiker considers himself a bit of a romantic guy. So for Valentine’s Day last year, the 25-year-old La Crosse resident surprised his girlfriend, who lives in Madison, by taking her for a getaway to Eau Claire’s hip Oxbow Hotel.
He scored big points with dinner at the boutique hotel’s Lakely Restaurant and champagne delivered to their room. They also had a retro Lakely cocktail or two, which he described as one of the highlights of the visit.
“It was a great time and we saw Grammy Awardwinning musician Sean Carey of the band Bon Iver playing there that night,” Remiker said. The special dinner-and-stay package included a four-course dinner.
For Valentine’s Day 2018, they returned in late January for another visit as part a special Supper Club dinner at the Lakely. On Feb. 14 they plan to see Bon Iver in Milwaukee, which Remiker said is “Eau Claire-related.”
This year, the Oxbow will offer guests a package from Feb. 14-17 that includes a special floral arrangement from Eau Claire florist Brent Douglas and six hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, compliments of chef Nathan Berg and the team at the Lakely. The fee is $30.
Here are some additional Valentine’s Day suggestions around the state.
Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells
Every day is Valentine’s Day at the adults-only Sundara Inn & Spa in the Wisconsin Dells.
To make the romantic holiday special, Alyssa Mullin, who heads guest services at the spa, recommends Sundara’s Midweek Escape, which starts at $219 for two and includes an overnight stay, breakfast and access to the spa facilities.
There’s also the True and Lasting Love package during the entire week (and through the rest of the month), starting at $618 for two. It features a night at the inn, breakfast in the morning, sparkling wine upon arrival, a 50-minute couples massage, a chef tasting in front of the fireplace in your room and wine.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, where couples can ski, ice skate, hike and then indulge in massages, is offering its Grand Romance package for Valentine’s Day. The deal, which is good through March, includes two nights of accommodations (deluxe guest rooms, suites and new villas), a $100 dining credit, a 15% discount at the WELL Spa + Salon, handmade chocolate truffles and a red rose delivered to your room, and a bottle of champagne. Rates vary depending on the type of room booked.
Charmant Hotel, La Crosse
The 120-year-old brick Charmant Hotel in La Crosse, a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, will feature a special four-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner in its restaurant for $120 per couple. Reservations are required. Singer-Songwriter Joel Ward will perform in the Charmant lobby lounge from 7-9 p.m.
Overnight guests can also order flowers, champagne and candies sent to their rooms for an additional charge. The candies are appropriate — the Charmant was home to the Joseph B. Funke premier chocolate factory farm 1898 to 1933.
The Edgewater, Madison
The Endless Love at The Edgewater package begins with champagne, strawberries and roses upon arrival. It also includes a couple’s massage in the the spa and an in-room breakfast for two. A late checkout of 2 p.m. allows romantics to relax or enjoy a couple’s skate on the ice rink before departure. Two passes and skate rentals are included. The package starts at $679 and is available during February.
Less expensive is the Stupid Cupid package that includes an overnight stay, a Spotted Cow beer upon arrival, in-room movie credit, $50 on-property dining credit for The Boathouse (open during February only), one 60-minute treatment in the spa and late checkout at 2 p.m. Prices start at $389, and the deal is good through February.
Country House Resort, Sister Bay
Up on the Door Peninsula, Sister Bay’s Country House Resort’s Get Away to Romance package features a twonight stay in a water-view room or suite, a candlelight dinner at the White Gull Inn or dinner at Alexander's Restaurant (both in Fish Creek), a $25 Door County gift certificate, and a choice of a twoperson massage at The Spa At Sacred Grounds, Ephraim, or a Door County gift basket. The package starts at $385.
Chateau De Pere, Green Bay
Chateau De Pere’s Valentine’s Day Special features a queen room, J. Roget Spumante, chocolates and breakfast. The package at this French boutique hotel starts at $99 and is good Feb. 10-18.
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, Milwaukee
The Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is offering a Bubbles & Bling package that features a “decadent bubble bath” in an oversized soaking tub, a King Deluxe Spa room, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and late checkout for the standard Spa room rate plus $75.00. The deal is available through Feb. 26, and bath options include the Sweet Orange Vanilla Bubble Bath, Milk Bath Bubble Bar and Premium Fresh Rice Sake bath.