Notable Upgrades Include High Tech TV Screen Imbedded into Bathroom Mirrors
LAKE GENEVA, WI- MARCH 10, 2009-As the weather gets warmer, work continues to heat up on one of the largest hotel upgrade projects embarked upon by the AAA Four Diamond Grand Geneva. Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts has earmarked nearly $16 million for work to be completed over the next year. Notable upgrades will include an expansion of the outdoor pool area, a re-design of WELL Spa + Salon to create a more relaxing experience and a separation of the spa and fitness experiences.
In addition, technology combined with everyday guestroom amenities will converge with the installation of bathroom mirrors outfitted with state-of-the-art imbedded TV screens. Grand Geneva will go to a 100% smoke free guestroom experience, making the property one of the area’s only smoke-free hotels.
Renovations have already begun to the spa and outdoor pool at Grand Geneva, located just east of the popular southeastern Wisconsin resort community of Lake Geneva. The multi-million dollar renovation will also include new carpeting, drapery, bedding and bathroom fixtures. In addition, installation of new 37″ and 42″ inch flat screen televisions have already been made into all 355 guestrooms.
Grand Geneva may be best known by its two outstanding 18-hole championship courses — The Brute and The Highlands. Rated among the Midwest’s top 10 courses, The Brute, “An American Classic”, is one of the most beautiful and challenging layouts in the country. Designed by Robert Bruce Harris, the 7,085-yard course features 68 bunkers and some of the nation’s largest greens that average 8,000 sq. ft.
The Highlands is a Jack Nicklaus/Pete Dye original masterpiece that interweaves nature and sport in spectacular fashion. Redesigned by Bob Cupp in 1996 to present strategic layout and variety, this par 71 course reaches 6,633 yards through hills and valleys as beautiful as they are challenging. A consistent earner of Golf Magazine’s prestigious ‘Silver Medalist Resort’ award, Grand Geneva is rated as one of the nation’s top golfing destinations in terms of value and pace of play.
The current renovation will be divided into two distinct time periods, with the bulk of the upgrades to be completed by early summer while the second phase will be completed by early 2010. Nearly $12 million has been earmarked for 2009 improvements which will cover all public areas including Ristoranté Brissago and outdoor pool and patio areas. Guestroom facelifts will feature new paint, carpeting, bedding, chairs and desks. Also on the docket for upgrading are the resort’s 33 suite bathrooms to be completely redone.
One of the most unique additions will be the new Seura television mirrors featured in every guest bathroom by early summer. One of the only properties in the state to offer this state-of-the-art amenity, the mirrors feature a unique TV screen imbedded behind the mirror that with a simple switch can be made to appear or magically disappear in the lower portion of the mirror.
“The overall design of this current renovation is like an eclectic collection of lake country-style estate homes,” explains Managing Director Patrick Hansen. “Being one of just three AAA Four Diamond properties in Wisconsin, it is important to ensure that we produce a product that exceeds our guest’s expectations and we are pleased to be moving forward, especially during a time when the travel industry as a whole is experiencing a big slowdown.”
Grand Geneva sits on 1,300 rolling acres of pristine Wisconsin countryside, includes two championship 18-hole golf courses, a full service spa, miles of hiking and biking trails, a ski and snowboard facility and executive airport. Also part of the complex is the 225-room Timber Ridge Lodge, an all-suite resort featuring a 50,000 square foot indoor/outdoor waterpark.
Grand Geneva started out as two farms, purchased by Playboy Enterprises and opened as the Playboy Resort and Country Club in 1968. Since then, Grand Geneva has come full circle and continues to be a popular, easy-to-get-to destination for travelers from Chicago and Milwaukee.
The renovation will affect all 355 guestrooms spread across seven buildings of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Lodge at Grand Geneva.
About Grand Geneva
Grand Geneva is an all-season resort set on 1,300 acres at the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva, WI, just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. The resort features 355 luxury guest rooms and suites, WELL Spa + Salon at Grand Geneva, two championship 18-hole golf courses, The Mountain Top, a three-chair/18-run ski and snowboard facility, 62,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, three restaurants, and a 4,100 foot executive airport.
Additional accommodations include Timber Ridge Lodge, a 225-all suite resort featuring a 50,000-square foot outdoor/indoor waterpark, 3,600-square foot arcade, 3,500-square foot ballroom and family barbecue restaurant. Grand Geneva is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). For more information or reservations, call toll free (800) 558-3417 or visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Contact:
Merton G. Silbar Public Relations
Dave Silbar / dsilbar@silbarpr.com
(847) 729-7333
