Door County genuinely has something that every type of traveler can enjoy. This eastern Wisconsin region is the ideal setting for a romantic couple’s getaway or family-friendly summer vacation.
From hiking the scenic trailheads at Peninsula State Park to sunbathing on Washington Island’s Schoolhouse Beach, there are plenty of exciting outdoor recreation opportunities to keep you entertained in Door County.
Adults can spend their day sipping wine along the Door County Wine Trail, featuring different wineries and vineyards. Every June, the region hosts an Annual Wine Fest, attracting wine lovers from across the country ready to enjoy unlimited tastings and live music.
Door County is also a golfer’s paradise with over ten golf courses bordering Lake Michigan and Green Bay. If you find the sport a little slow-paced, you may embark on many exciting water sports excursions, like parasailing over the beautiful coastal town of Sister Bay.
Here we cover the best Door County luxury hotels and resorts to stay in for your next getaway.
Where To Stay In Door County
Door County is comprised of over nineteen different municipalities, including Bailey’s Harbor, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay. While the entire region is beautiful and full of outdoor recreation opportunities, certain cities are ideal for tourists.
These are some of the best areas to seek accommodations that contain 5-star hotels and 4-star hotels as well as a few 3-stars:
- Egg Harbor – A relaxing, quiet Door County town with budget-friendly accommodations and numerous golf courses. Since the area is less lively than other towns, we recommend Egg Harbor for older couples or anyone looking for low-key accommodations.
- Sister Bay – A stunning waterfront village perfect for first-time visitors that want to immerse themselves in Door County’s best beaches and seafood restaurants. The city is very walkable, meaning you don’t need a rental car when staying here.
- Fish Creek – If Peninsula State Park is at the very top of your itinerary, you will want to stay in Fish Creek. The tranquil town is home to two beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. It also provides straightforward access to the state park’s scenic hiking trails.
- Sturgeon Bay – A picturesque and historic city packed with maritime charm, seafood eateries, and fascinating museums. You can even rent a boat or sunset charter cruise to explore Sturgeon Bay up-close.
- Ephraim – Located between Sister Bay and Fish Creek, this small village offers scenic views of the landscapes and a unique culture due to its Norwegian and Moravian roots. It’s shoreline location makes it an ideal place for those looking to spend time on the water.
1. Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort
Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort is a beautiful and relaxing location in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
This Sturgeon Bay resort offers one to two-bedroom guest suites featuring a full kitchen, living space, step-in showers, and gas fireplaces. Specific suites also contain private whirlpool tubs perfect for couples. They also come in handy for evening bath time when traveling with small children.
Complimentary paddle or rowboat rentals are offered to all resort visitors that want to explore Sturgeon Bay further. Other stellar resort facilities include a heated pool, sauna, fitness center, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi. Wi-Fi connection is also available throughout the entire property.
You can whip up your own meals at Westwood Shores Resort’s shorefront picnic area, complete with gas grills, Adirondack chairs, and sturdy picnic tables. It’s also a lovely spot to watch the sunrise or sunset over the picturesque bay. You can get a sneak peek before your trip via the resort’s live sunset webcam featured on the website.
2. Bay Breeze Resort
Location: Ephraim, WI
Bay Breeze Resort is a spectacular waterfront resort in Ephraim, offering guests plenty of exciting modern amenities to keep them entertained throughout their stay.
Rental homes are available for those who want a long-term stay in Door County. Overnight guest suites feature cozy bedding, mini-refrigerators, gas fireplaces, microwaves, rain showers, and garden or harbor views. In addition, there are several king-size poolside suites footsteps away from the resort’s outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi.
Other amenities at Bay Breeze Resort include a large swimming pool, vibrant gardens, and private beach access. The sunset views from the resort’s grounds are simply incredible. You can also explore Downtown Ephraim’s Historic District, home to many shops, historic buildings, and eateries like Door County’s beloved Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor.
3. Newport Resort
Location: Egg Harbor, WI
This elegant Egg Harbor resort is a wonderful setting for a Door County vacation, no matter the time of year.
Visitors can stay in one or two-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens, up-to-date appliances, living rooms with cable television, and gas fireplaces. Premium luxury suites feature additional modern amenities like light-up makeup mirrors, spa showers, plush robes, and an LG sound system. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available across the entire resort.
All patrons have access to the hotel’s facilities, such as a playground, fitness center, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and jacuzzi. You can also grill some steaks or your day’s catch in the on-site picnic area.
Newport Resort is also conveniently located near some of Door County’s top wineries, including Harbor Ridge Winery. The log cabin-style tasting room is open year-round, convenient for those visiting the region outside peak season.
4. Gordon Lodge
Location: Bailey’s Harbor, WI
Situated along the shores of crystalline Lake Michigan, Gordon Lodge on North Bay offers terrific amenities and on-site outdoor recreation.
The Door County resort has several options for overnight accommodations, including lakeside cottages, moody lodge rooms, and trailside suites with full kitchens. In addition, you can even rent out a five-bedroom vacation home that can accommodate up to fourteen guests.
Gordon Lodge has a myriad of recreational amenities on land and the water. Guests can sunbathe along the resort’s private beach, partake in a tennis match, or hike along the property’s nature trails.
You can also swim in Gordon Lodge’s private pool and jacuzzi or embark on a fishing expedition with Fish Tails Charters. Complimentary equipment rentals are available for bicycles, kayaks, basketballs, fishing poles, and paddleboats.
5. The Landing Resort
Location: Egg Harbor, WI
The Landing Resort is a terrific place for a luxury getaway in Door County. It’s located in the calm village of Egg Harbor. However, the resort is only a short driving distance away from noteworthy sights like the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.
Some of their accommodations are studios and some larger one to three-bedroom loft-style suites. Each of these rooms features a kitchenette, alcove seating areas, and covered balconies or patios. Certain rooms even have full kitchens, allowing travelers to prepare their own meals if they wish.
Other on-site amenities at The Landing Resort include an arcade room, picnic area, playground, heated outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and an indoor pool and hot tub. The hotel lobby also features a grand fireplace where guests can chat or sip on a cup of complimentary coffee.
In addition, boat and trailer parking is available on the property. It’s one of the top family resorts in Door County.
6. Bay Shore Inn
Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI
This historic inn has overlooked the shores of Sturgeon Bay for over 100 years. Even though the facility has experienced some upgrades over the last few decades, the Bay Shore Inn still boasts its original charm.
Guest suites at this 3-star hotel offer one or two bedrooms, full kitchens, living areas, and whirlpool tubs. You can also reserve a three-bedroom waterfront cottage, perfect for large families and friend groups. Rates are pretty fair for a one-bedroom suite depending on the season, so it’s an excellent option for budget travelers.
Other amenities at Bay Shore Inn include a private sandy beach with a fire pit, children’s playground, fishing dock, basketball courts, game room, hot tub, fitness center, and heated outdoor and indoor pools. During the summer season, guests may rent complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards.
7. Pheasant Park Resort
Location: Sister Bay, WI
Pheasant Park Resort is among the best resorts in Door County to stay at for a tranquil retreat. It’s within walking distance of the Sister Bay Marina, where travelers can embark on fishing excursions or private charter cruises.
The Sister Bay resort is an ideal option for families since they have ample space. Guest accommodations feature two or three-bedroom suites. Each suite boasts a full kitchen with modern appliances, two bathrooms, internet access, cable television, a private balcony, and a living room with a fireplace. Besides, two bathrooms with showers surely come in handy after spending an afternoon at nearby Sister Bay Beach.
The resort also offers outdoor recreation amenities like a children’s playground, a large pool, and a whirlpool. In addition, there is a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi that may be enjoyed during colder months. Other facilities include a game room, fitness center, and indoor sauna.
8. Rowley’s Bay Resort
Location: Ellison Bay, WI
Rowley’s Bay Resort is a fantastic luxury hotel in Ellison Bay, one of the quieter towns in Door County.
Overnight lodging accommodations include standard guest rooms with lake or woodland views, individual cottages, and two to three-bedroom suites. The larger guest suites are great options for families or friend groups since they can accommodate anywhere between six to eight guests. Daily complimentary coffee is also included with your reservation.
Other facilities at Rowley’s Bay Resort include a fitness room, indoor pool and jacuzzi, library, and nature trails. Guests may also partake in games on the resort’s basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Family-friendly amenities on-site are a children’s playground, arcade room, and checker’s table.
There is an on-site waterfront pub, restaurant, and Swedish bakery serving some of Wisconsin’s tastiest homemade cinnamon rolls. All three facilities open on Memorial Day and remain in business until the end of the summer, so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting Door County during the winter.
9. Glidden Lodge Beach Resort
Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI
The Gidden Lodge Beach Resort is a lovely beachfront resort. The spacious guest suites are one, two, or three bedrooms with full kitchens, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a gas fireplace, and whirlpool tubs.
They are stocked with cozy linens and quality personal care products. In addition, all condo units boast private balconies, offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Resort amenities also include an outdoor heated pool, sauna, nature trails, and barbecue grills. There are also on-site basketball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball courts open to any resort guest.
The lodge also offers special packages, including a tranquil spa retreat package offered in the Winter. It features a spa certificate to Saguaro’s Day Spa along with your overnight accommodations.
Location: Sister Bay, WI
Conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Sister Bay, the Scandinavian Lodge is perfect for a luxury vacation.
There is a wide range of condo-style accommodations available at the resort. Couples can take advantage of the resort’s designed for two-studio suites or one-bedroom units with jacuzzi tubs and cozy fireplaces. Meanwhile, families can stay in the Scandinavian Lodge’s spacious two or three-bedroom suites. All guest rooms boast full kitchens, living spaces, and whirlpool tubs.
You can also go for a swim in the Scandinavian Lodge’s outdoor pool, hot tub, and separate children’s pool. Other on-site amenities include an arcade room, fitness center, and tennis court. Bicycle rentals are available directly at the lodge. It’s a great way to get around the village.
The resort is also close to the area’s best attractions and eateries like Husby’s Food & Spirits and Door’s County Creamery. You also rent a boat or book a sunset charter cruise at the marina.
11. The Lodge At Leathem Smith
Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI
This cozy yet modern lodge in Sturgeon Bay is a superb Door County vacation destination.
Amenities include an outdoor pool and spacious suites with kitchenettes, private patios, and whirlpool bathtubs. Certain rooms also have cozy gas fireplaces where you can snuggle up with your favorite book.
Fishing village rooms are available for anyone looking for more rustic accommodations in the great outdoors. All overnight guests receive complimentary breakfast daily, which can save you quite a lot of money if you’re staying for a week or two.
The Lodge at Leatham Smith offers guests exceptional entertainment, including live music shows and an evening fish fry at the on-site restaurant Kona Bay. The eatery serves Wisconsin classics with a tropical flair.
We highly recommend fitting the fish fry into your itinerary to get the whole Door County experience. You can also enjoy a fruity cocktail at Kona Bay’s outdoor patio and Tiki Bar.
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