The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

For those of us in Wisconsin, a trip to Lake Geneva is a classic getaway, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is one of the area's most iconic destinations, and this article is written specifically for locals who are considering it for their next vacation. We'll provide a balanced and factual overview of this well-known resort, diving into its beautiful setting, a wide range of amenities, and what you can truly expect from a stay here. We'll combine the resort's promotional highlights with real customer feedback, including both the praise for its stunning location and the candid comments about service and maintenance issues. Our goal is to give you a complete picture so you can make an informed decision and plan a trip that meets your expectations for a true local escape.

The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, as one guest described, is a "beautiful location" on the shores of Geneva Lake, a place that has been a beloved destination for more than 60 years. The resort prides itself on being a full-service destination with a wide array of offerings, from multiple dining venues to the full-service Avani Spa. The resort has a unique, sprawling campus with a marina, a variety of pools, and plenty of green space, providing an idyllic setting for a vacation. However, recent reviews highlight that the experience can be inconsistent. While a guest praised the "good" rooms and "clean sheets," another described a series of maintenance failures, including a broken refrigerator, a clogged shower, and a non-functioning toilet. These experiences point to the challenges of managing an older, large property. The staff also received mixed reviews, with some guests praising the "wonderful" restaurant and bar staff, while others felt the check-in staff was "not very pleasant" and that overall communication was lacking. This article will help you understand these contrasting perspectives, so you can weigh the beautiful setting and amenities against potential service and maintenance issues before you book.

In the following sections, we will provide a comprehensive overview of The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, covering its location and accessibility, the full list of services and features, and why it is a suitable choice for locals, with a few important caveats. We'll help you see beyond the marketing photos and understand what a stay at this iconic Wisconsin resort truly entails. Whether you are seeking a relaxing spa weekend, a fun family trip, or a convenient base to explore the Geneva Lake area, this guide will provide the information you need to plan your ideal local getaway.

The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is perfectly situated at 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125, USA. This address places it directly on the western shore of Geneva Lake, offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere. As the only full-service resort directly on the lake, its location is a major selling point. The resort's 90 acres of beautifully manicured property provide a feeling of being in a private oasis, even though it's close to the village of Fontana and a short drive from the city of Lake Geneva. A key feature of its location is the accessibility to the lake, with its own marina and boat rentals available. The resort is also close to a local beach, although as one guest noted, you may not have enough time to enjoy it if you have a late check-in and children who need a nap.

Accessibility to the resort is convenient for Wisconsin residents. It's a manageable drive from major cities like Milwaukee and Madison. The resort offers valet parking, which a guest noted was a welcome service. They also offer complimentary self-parking. The resort's FAQ page mentions that they have a shuttle service with advance reservations, based on availability, which could be a useful service for guests. A guest noted the convenience of staying in a single location and having access to all the amenities without having to travel elsewhere. However, one of the most frustrating aspects of the resort, as mentioned in a review, is the "extremely late" check-in time of 4:00 PM. This can be a significant drawback, especially for families with small children or for those who want to maximize their time on a short trip. The resort's location is otherwise fantastic, providing a perfect home base for exploring all that the Geneva Lake area has to offer, from the historic Lake Geneva Shore Path to local golf courses and boutiques.

The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa offers a wide array of services that cater to various types of travelers. At the heart of the resort is the Avani Spa, a 35,000-square-foot facility that provides a full range of services including massages, body treatments, and salon services. Admission to the spa facilities (including the adults-only Atrium pool, sauna, and steam rooms) is complimentary for guests aged 16 or older who have booked a spa service of $100 or more, otherwise day passes can be purchased. The resort also has multiple dining options on-site, including the Waterfront restaurant which features live music during the day, and 240° West, which features live music on certain nights. While some guests found the restaurant and bar staff to be "excellent," one guest's experience at the Waterfront restaurant was "average." Another significant point of contention is the in-room amenities. A guest noted there were "no cups/glasses of any kind" to drink coffee with, and another pointed out that the in-room TVs do not allow for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, instead offering movies for an "additional purchase to the tune of about $20 each." These small details can be a major source of frustration for guests expecting modern conveniences. Other services include a coffee shop in the lobby, a gift shop, and seasonal activities like bicycle and ice skate rentals.

Services Offered:

• A full-service Avani Spa with a wide range of treatments and an adults-only indoor pool.
• Multiple on-site dining options, including the Waterfront and 240° West restaurants.
• Concierge services and a 24-hour front desk.
• Seasonal activities and resort-wide games and events.
• In-room amenities including a coffee/tea maker and mini-refrigerator.
• A coffee shop in the lobby.
• Free Wi-Fi and valet parking.
• A shuttle service with advance reservations (based on availability).

The features and highlights of The Abbey Resort are what attract many guests to this location. The resort boasts a variety of recreational features, including both an indoor and outdoor pool, though some reviews noted that the pools were "extremely crowded and needed cleaning." The resort's marina offers boat rentals, and there are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the lakeside views. As one guest noted, the resort has "incredible character" and a beautiful landscape. The rooms themselves received mixed reviews, with some guests finding them "good" and "clean," while another had a room with a broken refrigerator, clogged shower, and no hot water. The rooms are described as having premium bedding and a patio or balcony. For families, the resort offers an Immersion Entertainment Center with movies and games, as well as organized "family activities year-round" and a seasonal "Abbey Explorer Program" for kids. The resort is also a popular venue for weddings and other events, and as some reviews noted, the event staff can be "absolutely amazing." However, the general maintenance and operational issues, as described in one review, suggest that the resort may be "old and falling apart" and that there's "only enough investment... to make it look decent in photos, but not actually in updating anything about making it run smoothly."

Features / Highlights:

• Stunning location on the shores of Geneva Lake with a marina and beautiful views.
• Two pools: a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-round indoor pool with a hot tub.
• A full-service Avani Spa with various treatments and amenities.
• Family-friendly activities and entertainment center.
• On-site dining and bars with live music.
• Spacious grounds and a beautiful, well-manicured property.
• Meeting and event spaces for weddings and corporate functions.

For more information, to check availability, or to make a reservation, you can contact The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa directly. The address is 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125, USA. The resort’s main phone number is (262) 275-9000, with a mobile phone number of +1 262-275-9000. It is highly recommended to call the resort ahead of time to confirm policies, such as the check-in time and whether a spa day pass is available, as these details can be a source of frustration as highlighted in some reviews. The staff can also provide details on any special packages, activities, or events that may be happening during your stay.

Contact Information:

• Address: 269 Fontana Blvd, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125, USA
• Phone: (262) 275-9000
• Mobile Phone: +1 262-275-9000

In conclusion, The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is a very suitable choice for Wisconsin residents seeking a beautiful and amenity-rich local getaway, but it’s a choice that comes with some important considerations. Its gorgeous location on Geneva Lake, combined with the full-service spa, multiple pools, and on-site dining, offers the quintessential resort experience without a long drive. However, the potential for an extremely late check-in time, inconsistent staff communication, and maintenance issues in some rooms are significant drawbacks that a local traveler should be aware of. The resort's appeal lies in its grand setting and wide variety of activities, but the execution of the guest experience can be hit or miss. For a local looking for a relaxing escape, The Abbey can be a fantastic destination, especially if you set your expectations accordingly and confirm all important details ahead of time. While some guests have had an "awful experience," others have praised the beautiful setting and amenities, making it clear that a stay at this historic resort is a true mixed bag. By being aware of both the highlights and the potential issues, you can plan a stay that maximizes the enjoyment of this classic Wisconsin destination.