The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure. Perched along the peaceful shores of Elkhart Lake, this beautiful resort offers spacious suites, a luxurious spa, and an abundance of activities, making it ideal for family getaways, romantic weekends, or a trip with friends. With its inviting atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, it’s a place where you can truly unwind.
No matter the season, The Osthoff Resort has something for everyone. In the summer, enjoy paddleboarding or fishing on the lake, while in the winter, enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing adventures. The Aspira Spa is not to be missed for relaxation, offering treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Otto’s, The Elk Room, and The Concourse serve delicious meals and cocktails that are perfect after a day of exploration. Add in their hands-on cooking classes, and you have an unforgettable experience waiting for you at The Osthoff Resort.
Location

Water Sports at The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
Located in Sheboygan County, Elkhart Lake is considered “cottage country” for Midwest residents. An hour from Milwaukee or Madison, 2.5 hours from Chicago, and an acceptable 6.5 hours from Detroit or Windsor, this summer resort town is an easy drive from the big city! It is closer than the very popular Door County but just as charming.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is home to Road America and has its vintage race car parade, plenty of water activities, and a golf course nearby.
Room Features

Kitchen, Dining, and Living Area at The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
At The Osthoff Resort, you have two options: a regular hotel room or large suites. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites have full kitchens with dining and living rooms. The kitchens have cutlery, dishes, essential small appliances, and cooking utensils. Added amenities include gas fireplaces and a balcony or terrace.
My two-bedroom suite had two full bathrooms. The primary suite had a huge ensuite with a soaker tub and a large countertop with a single sink. The second bathroom had a large walk-in shower and was adjacent to the second bedroom. There was a large TV in the living room and a smaller one in the main bedroom. My unit had a gas fireplace, but not all have this perk. The beds were very comfortable, and the linens and towels were great.
Room Rates

2nd Bedroom in the Suite The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
There are different options:
There are different seasonal rates, but high season is in July and August. During this time, there is a minimum night’s stay. During the winter months, there is more flexibility for shorter stays—with rates between $189 and $425. It is best to check with the hotel directly to access the most current rates.
Regular Hotel Room: Average nightly rates from $349.00 to $385.00 (summer)
One Bedroom Suite: Average nightly rates from $408.00 to $466.00 (summer)
Two Bedroom Suite: Average nightly rates from $455.00 to $845.00 (summer)
Three Bedroom Suite: Average nightly rates from $794.00 to $810.00 (summer)
- The resort has a fairly strict cancellation policy. Be sure to read that carefully before making a reservation.
- Check-in begins after 4:00 p.m., and check-out is by 11:00 a.m. After 11:00 a.m., there is a $50 per hour charge.
Check rates online at Expedia or Hotels.com.
Amenities

Premier Suite at the Aspira Spa in The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
There is free parking throughout the property and elevators for any accessible needs. This is a very large property so check with the front desk to see if you are close to the amenities that you are interested in.
There were two outdoor pools and one smaller indoor pool with a sauna. Throughout the property, there are places to sit and relax, but it is well worth a walk around the beautifully maintained grounds as well as a large koi and duck pond. The water activities are easy to access and there is staff to help with any rentals you may need (pontoon, paddleboard, aqua bikes, kayaks, and street bikes). Every evening in the summer, there is also a bonfire by the beach.
Special Features

Cooking School The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
This resort has several unique features, but two stood out: the Cooking School and the Aspira Spa. With state-of-the-art appliances and an expert chef leading you from start to finish. We took a pasta-making class and learned to make the pasta and three different sauces from scratch. When all was done, we had a lovely lunch that we had made!
The second outstanding feature is the 20,000 sq. ft. Aspira Spa, which offers services from a simple massage to a salt therapy room and (my favorite) a three-hour Hamman treatment. Any treatment provides access to the indoor and outdoor pool, steam sauna, and refreshments. There is even a lovely wellness bistro with an impressive ‘healthy’ menu. Do not pass up on these services—they were worth the price!
Nearby Restaurants & Cafés:
The restaurants are very good at the hotel. I encourage you to go to Otto’s for breakfast, The Elk Room for lunch, and Concourse for dinner. Otherwise, you can try these delicious eateries:
- Quit Qui Oc Restaurant’s – lunch menu features award-winning chili, chicken wings and a delightful chicken berry salad
- Hard Left Lounge – a secret bar located in the Siebkens Resort – great cocktails with an entertaining barkeep
- P.A.M.’s – also located at the Siebkens Resort – dinner was extraordinary, and the service was friendly.
- Gesserts – serving delicious ice cream and confectionery treats for over 100 years
Why Visit Elkhart Lake

Elkhart Lake Activities Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO & Elkhart Lake
Wisconsin is a large state and there are many interesting things to see but the distance to Door County may be a bit too far to go. Elkhart Lake is a much shorter drive from Chicago or even Detroit. Road America is a major draw, especially for car racing enthusiasts. If you visit in the summer, don’t miss the vintage car events, including the Concours d’Elegance Car Parade and races—an ideal outing for a guy’s weekend!.
If you enjoy lake life, there are plenty of opportunities to be on the water, from fishing to paddleboarding, relaxing on a sandy beach, and entertaining water biking.
Overall Recommendation:
My four-day, three-night stay at The Osthoff Resort was genuinely delightful. The spacious, serene suites provided the perfect retreat, while the luxurious Aspira Spa offered a relaxing escape with indulgent treatments that left me feeling completely rejuvenated. Add to that the endless options for beachfront water activities, and it’s easy to see why this resort is a standout destination.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend with friends, or a romantic getaway, The Osthoff Resort delivers. From gourmet dining and a top-tier cooking school to its wide range of amenities, the resort has something for everyone. It’s so expansive that even with multiple groups on-site, you’ll still feel like you have your own private oasis.
Disclosure: I was invited by Elkhart Lake Tourism and its PR company to visit as part of an organized press trip. We enjoyed accommodations, meals, a spa treatment, and a tour of Road America as part of the activities. All opinions are my own.