As part of an article I wrote for Neighbors of Glen Ellyn Magazine, I was hosted at the Belfry House in Delavan, Wisconsin. All Opinions are my own.
A sense of calm washes over you when you walk into the lobby at The Belfry House. It feels both welcoming and elegant, like walking into a familiar place dressed up for a holiday. Luxurious throws, oversized winged back chairs and delectable chocolates in crystal dishes flank an enormous stone fireplace. Neither pretentious nor overdone, the property exudes elevated comfort. This is the type of couples getaway from Chicago that is worth a trip.
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Getting to The Belfry House
Situated almost equidistant from Lake Delevan, Geneva Lake, and Lake Como, the Belfry House is a quiet refuge in the Lake Geneva area, offering the luxuries and convenience of a resort without the quiet but persistent staff moving throughout the halls. It is a roughly 90 minute trip from the Chicago western suburbs, but closer to two hours from Chicago proper without traffic. A former convalescence home from Crane Farms —now known as Geneva National—the building underwent a foundation renovation in 2019, opening for guests in December of 2020. An adults only property, this is an ideal couples getaway from Chicago without having to plan much for transportation.
Room Accoutrements Fitting for a Couples Getaway from Chicago
With only twelve rooms and four types of layouts, this adults only property has all the comfort of a five diamond property with the intimacy of a bed and breakfast. Director of Hospitality Emma Lowecki greets guests by name while offering refreshments, reservations, or tickets for the attached music theatre. Truffles under glass welcome you at the reception desk, and various dishes of candy and snacks are peppered throughout the hotel.
The rooms are classically styled with a nod to nostalgia, assembled with both comfort and design in mind. Each room includes a Keurig coffee maker, Fiji water, and other complimentary snacks and beverages. An added bonus is in room wine, where the first bottle is included with your stay. Robes and heated bathroom floors are a divine touch, and in suite seating is just as comfortable as it is stylish. The shutters and blinds allow for total darkness while sleeping, a simple feature that provides a luxurious touch. Suites include an in room fireplace, controllable by wall unit, and a leather wrapped portfolio provides information on using in room technology, as well as the going ons of the property.
Dining at the Belfry House Crown Jewel: Opus
The Belfry House is home to two award winning restaurants: prix fixe fine dining with Opus, and elevated French-American bistro offerings at Bistro 67. Opus offers a 5pm, five course seating, and a 7pm, seven course seating on Thursdays and Saturdays. The less formal Bistro 67 occupies the same space for Wednesday and Friday dinner service, with reservations available starting at 5pm.
A unique open kitchen style allows diners to watch much of the action, as no more than two chefs occupy the space at one time. A performance of restraint and artistry, Opus is a superb dining experience giving visitors the standards of a Michelin starred restaurant in the charming setting of a resort town. Bistro 67 offers patio side breakfast service on weekends, allowing guests to indulge in an ideal slow morning. The joy of an exquisitely prepared chef breakfast, especially one that is overlooking the property’s peaceful forested area, is offered mere steps from guest rooms on Saturdays and Sundays.
Breakfast service is a weekend only affair, yet the reception offers local bakery items aplenty to ensure sustenance is available before heading out for the day. Chocolate chip, carrot, banana nut, and red velvet are some of the muffin selections you may encounter.
Lake Geneva and Delavan Activities for a Couples Getaway from Chicago
While the Belfry House was established in 2020, the on property renowned Belfry Music Theatre story begins in a decommissioned Mormon Church building built in 1888. Operating as a congregation until 1932, the building is now the bar and reception area to the Belfry Music Theatre. This 240-person music theatre with roots dating back to 1934 had its beginning when a local theatre company leased the building. Called “The Belfry Players,” it was the first summer theatre in Wisconsin. Incredible names worked and trained with the theatre, most notably Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, and Gary Burghoff.
Today, the theatre is open year round, bringing in highly vetted cover bands from around the country. While the acts are predominantly rock’n’roll in nature, they also have Broadway, Country and Pop performers peppered into the mix. The concerts are intimate and are a great addition for a couples getaway from Chicago. Guests at the hotel not partaking in concerts have no inkling of the melodies as no noise pollution spills out to the hotel. Tip: hit the 5pm seating of Opus and head over to the Music Theatre afterwards!
If concerts aren’t high on your list for a couples getaway from Chicago, outdoor recreation is nearby with the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy area and lake front trail nearby. This is a very kid friendly area of Lake Geneva History and science lovers will adore the Yerkes Observatory, home of the largest refracting telescope in the world. It is a working research institution, so visits indoors are only available on weekends or special days when tours are operating. The grounds are quite beautiful for a walk, so if you aren’t able to make a tour, it is still certainly worth a trip.
If you’re in the mood for a boozy lunch, or just a fantastic Bloody Mary, Mars Resort on Lake Como is a favorite.
With the popularity of the area, weekend stays can book up around three months in advance. If a romantic or simply childfree couples getaway from Chicago is on your list, the Belfry House will meet all your needs.
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