By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Nov 09, 2015 at 7:09 PM

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It’s difficult to complain when a weekend getaway includes lodging on picturesque Wood Lake, a spot that looks just as beautiful during the fall and winter months as it does in the summertime.

However, having stayed at the nearby American Club, where luxe baths and resort hospitality is the name of the game, it was tough to know what to expect from The Inn on Woodlake, which is located just a moment or two away. But what we found was affordable comfort, along with most of the amenities you’d expect of a Kohler property.

We didn’t spend much time in our room as we were busy enjoying delicious food and drink, along with presentations from some of the nation’s best chefs at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience. However, I would’ve been happy to while away a bit more time there if I had the chance.

Room

We stayed in a moderately sized Lakeside room equipped with two double beds. The room, which was clean and well appointed with classic decor, offered plenty of space for two, and would have easily accommodated a family of four, including space for stowing luggage.

Since it’s a Kohler property, we weren’t at all surprised by the deluxe bath, which was equipped with an oversized shower with multiple shower jets. However, the bonus surround-sound system was a pleasant surprise and made an already enjoyable time in the shower just a wee bit better.

We were a bit disappointed we didn’t get a room with a private deck, though we hadn’t requested one, silly us (quite a few of the 121 rooms do); however, we did have a pleasant view of the lake.

And, had we had more time to peruse, I would have loved to take a stroll around the private beach area on the Woodlake property. Note that suites on the property also have seating and dining areas, plus mini-fridges and two-person baths.

Amenities

Guests of The Inn on Woodlake enjoy perks like free wi-fi and complimentary buffet breakfast. 

The Inn also boasts its own private beach and putting green, and all guests have access to the nearby Sports Core Health and Racquet Club. On demand shuttle service will get you to area golf courses and downtown Kohler. The hotel is also dog-friendly, though guests wishing to bring their furry friends should be sure to call ahead.

Location

Kohler isn’t a big place, but it’s a resort town, which means there’s plenty to do and see.

An obvious choice is to enjoy the boutique shopping experience just steps away from the hotel – which features a variety of shops and stops, including art, housewares, clothing and lifestyle shops. Or take a few minutes to drive to the Memorial Mall Shopping Center where you can peruse items at Kohl’s Department Store, Bath & Body Works and Hobby Lobby.

The hotel is literally a two-minute walk from downtown Kohler, so if you’re in the mood for a bit of pampering, spend a day (or a good portion of one) at the five-star Kohler Waters Spa, where you can relax and enjoy any number of face and body treatments, along with massages and hydrotherapy. Or take a tour of the Kohler Design Center and Museum, which showcases fashionable fixtures (some so artistic you won’t believe how well they function) and the history of Wisconsin’s foremost bath and kitchen outfitter.

Love to golf? Head over to Whistling Straits or Blackwolf Run and experience one of Wisconsin’s top notch golf venues. Shuttle service from the hotel makes it easy.

Dining

There are plenty of spots to enjoy a bite to eat on the Kohler campus. Try the Cucina for casual Italian, the Horse & Plow for pub grub, or The Immigrant Room at the American Club Resort for fine dining. Or take a trip to the edge of Kohler and experience the Blind Horse Winery and Restaurant where you can enjoy their beautiful patio-laden grounds, take part in locally made wine tastings or enjoy dinner in the historic Blind Horse farmhouse.

Rates

At $162, our room was comfortably priced.

The bottom line

You don’t have to stay at The American Club to have a pleasant weekend away, complete with golfing and spa treatments. The Inn on Woodlake offers convenient access to a variety of the same amenities at an affordable, family-friendly price. 

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.