Top 13 best resorts in Ohio: castles, water parks and grand hotels

The state of Ohio in the northern United States is famous for its ancient cities, unique museums and beautiful landscapes. These places are popular for family holidays, romantic getaways, or adventure tourism. In any case, the success of your trip will largely depend on the place where you stay.

Good resorts in Ohio can be found in any corner of the state: suitable for couples looking for romance, families with children, groups of friends or business events. Many of them have extensive entertainment programmes for guests and are located near famous tourist attractions. We've compiled the best resorts near Ohio in this top list to make it easier for you to find the place for your ultimate holiday.

1. Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky

This resort is focused on family holidays. It is home to one of the best indoor water parks in the world with an area of 80 thousand square feet and attractions for all ages: a shallow pool for the youngest visitors, a wave pool, a lazy river, hot tubs, and Hydro Plunge water slides.

Great Wolf Lodge, like other resorts in Ohio, organises events outside the water park. For example, storytime for children or the Wine Down Service for adults - a menu of wines and food to go with them will be delivered to your room.

The rooms at the Lodge are themed. Family suites have two large beds, a sofa bed and a living room. Children will appreciate the KidCabin suites - houses with a mini-hut for playing and sleeping and bunk beds. Guests can also stay in two-storey lofts with fireplaces.

The resort has several restaurants, a poolside café with drinks and snacks and a Dunkin' Donuts coffee shop, a 24-hour fitness centre and a spa with ice cream for children. Free parking is included in the room rate.

The Toledo Zoo, Audubon Nature Reserve and Cedar Point Amusement Park are all close to the resort.

2. Hocking Hills State Park Lodge

This newest lodge offers modern amenities in a rustic setting. It is located in southern Ohio in Logan on more than 70 thousand square feet of grounds amidst dense woods.

The surrounding area provides plenty of outdoor activities. Hike some of the best hiking trails in the Hocking Hills National Park, explore amazing caves, enjoy the local landscape while canoeing, and experience the thrill of a zipline. Afterwards, you can relax on the lodge's grounds: swim in the indoor or outdoor pools with Jacuzzi, play ping-pong, billiards, golf or spend time playing board games on the Grand Terrace.

The original lodge building was destroyed by a fire in 2016. It has reopened, completely renovated, with modern interiors, a luxurious living room with fireplaces, huge panoramic windows and cosy corners where you can sit with a book or admire the view of the forest and gorge from the window. Now it is a regular participant in the ratings that determine the best resorts near Ohio. The hotel offers 81 rooms: standard and suites, as well as cottages. Some rooms are pet-friendly. The cottages have two bedrooms, a kitchen, a patio, fire rings and a grill. The resort has a restaurant, cafe and pub.

3. The Grand Resort, Warren

This modern resort is located near the centre of Warren in northeast Ohio and lives up to its grandiose name. Ohio resorts like this provide luxury accommodation and recreational facilities, but with equally luxurious prices.

The resort offers guests a business centre with a conference room for 300 people, a state-of-the-art fitness room, a world-class spa with an infrared sauna, massage rooms, and laser cosmetic systems. Hotel guests receive a golf club membership, which provides access to 4 championship golf courses, an indoor golf centre, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, badminton and more.

The most important recreational area is the outdoor pool complex with a recreational pool, diving area, sunbathing areas and waterfalls. There is also a 25-metre indoor pool and an adult Roman bath pool with multi-level sun decks.

The hotel has elegant rooms and suites, as well as presidential and grand spa suites with additional amenities: multiple rooms, Jacuzzis, stone showers and more. There are several indoor and outdoor restaurants and lounges on site.

4. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

This four-star hotel is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Nearby is Geneva State Park and local tourist attractions: a lakeside ski trail, a zipline adventure park, bicycle, ski and snowshoe rentals. The lodge is positioned as a place for nature and wine lovers, as the surrounding area is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the northeastern United States.

The lodge has 109 guest rooms and suites that combine rustic charm with modern amenities. All rooms are equipped with king-size beds, mini-fridges and coffee makers. Premium suites also feature electric fireplaces and seating areas. Some suites have a sofa bed and kitchenette. In addition to the main building, guests can stay in one of 25 lakeside cottages with a living room, kitchenette and outdoor veranda.

The resort has a large outdoor swimming pool complex, a fitness centre and restaurants serving classic American cuisine and spas.

5. Hotel Breakers in Cedar Point, Sandusky

Like other large resorts near Ohio, the Breakers Hotel is focused on family holidays. It is located right next to two of the state's top attractions: Cedar Point Shores Water Park and the "roller coaster capital of the world" - Cedar Point Theme Park.

This is a classic beach resort with the right facilities. There are two outdoor and one indoor swimming pool, a water playground and a jacuzzi, and play areas for children. It is possible to play sports games on the beach or sit by the fire in the evening, visit the gym or the slot machine room. Hotel guests have access to theme parks with discounted tickets and early entry to avoid queues.

Accommodation is available in rooms and suites with waterfront views, as well as family suites with extra beds and separate living rooms. There are several restaurants on site, a Starbucks and a new beach bar with a patio and live music.

6. Landoll's Mohican Castle, Loudonville

When considering the best resorts in Ohio for a romantic getaway, you will definitely see this luxurious and unusual resort that resembles a quaint old castle among the options. The interior of the hotel has a decadent atmosphere - classic Old World furniture, authentic wooden floors and magnificent tapestries everywhere.

The main "castle" building has 11 suites, and four more are located in the second building and two separate cottages. There are no identical rooms here, each decorated with its own charm, but in the same style. The rooms with ceiling beams are decorated with oriental carpets, medieval-style tiles, real works of art; they are equipped with stone fireplaces, kitchenettes and separate spacious living rooms. Some suites have a separate entrance and a balcony or terrace. The cottages have a jacuzzi, dining area, private verandas and terraces. There is an on-site grill and bar with a patio for al fresco dining.

Entertainment at this resort keeps the overall atmosphere upbeat. In addition to the heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness centre and massage rooms, there are themed events to enjoy, such as going on a ghost hunt with paranormal research equipment, comedy nights or famous murder mystery stories.

7. Inn Walden, Aurora

The Aurora is an upscale 5-star hotel located just minutes from downtown Cleveland. Few resorts in Ohio can compete with it in terms of awards and interior luxury.

The hotel is located in the middle of Western Reserve Park and focuses on a spa lifestyle with upscale entertainment. The onsite world-class spa offers a full range of services, including fun treatments such as Swiss showers, bubble massages and personal steam rooms. There are both informal and more luxurious restaurants on site. For example, a speciality restaurant with fine cuisine is located in a restored 175-year-old barn. The resort offers an 18-hole golf course, an Olympic swimming pool and a horse riding centre.

The hotel's room stock consists of fashionable suites of various capacities. The most popular options are the spacious Equestrian Suites with walk-in showers, huge Jacuzzis and fireplaces. More spacious are the Loft Suites with private patios, large windows and separate living rooms. A full breakfast is included in the room rate.

8. Hueston Woods Lodge & Convention Centre, College Corner

If your goal is good resorts in Ohio with a tranquil setting for a couple or outdoor adventure, then you'll love this country hotel with its own private lake. It's a great value for your money, combining budget-friendly prices with comfortable accommodation.

The resort's facilities include an 18-hole golf course, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, sports and children's playgrounds, lakeside entertainment, a gift shop, restaurant, badminton courts and a paintball complex. The resort is located near the Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Outlet Centre and popular hiking trails.

Guests are accommodated in standard rooms with views of Lake Acton and elegant suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms. Large groups can book self-contained cottages with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a glazed veranda. For romantic weekends or honeymoons, couples prefer cosy lodges.

9. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky

Many fun resorts in Ohio offer water activities, and the most grandiose of them is the Kalahari Resort. It is not just a place to relax but a real attraction of the state.

It includes a 77,000-square-foot outdoor water park, an indoor water park, a fitness centre, a mini-golf course, a playground, three restaurants, a salt therapy spa, an in-house zoo, and a 12,000-square-foot wave pool. There are suitable water attractions for both adults and children. There are several restaurants and a grill bar.

Accommodation at the resort is provided in spacious suites with large beds and separate living rooms, including interconnecting suites for large groups with up to 10 bedrooms and a kitchen. Another option for a group of guests is a two-storey villa, located separately from the main building, with five bedrooms, several bathrooms, a kitchen, a billiard room and a private patio. The rooms, like the rest of the resort, are decorated in African style - in warm beige shades, with dark wood furnishings and decorated with traditional African art.

10. Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Centre, Cambridge

The best resorts near Ohio can also be found in the state's national parks. For example, the largest of them near Cambridge is the majestic Salt Fork State Park Lodge. Its guests have access to the largest inland beach in the state, 20 miles of hiking trails, and a large swimming pool.

The hotel is surrounded by dense forest and features an interior with pine beams and rustic stone décor. Guests are accommodated in 148 rooms with private balconies and patios overlooking the forest, hills or pool and two-bedroom chalets with a kitchen, Jacuzzi and fireplace. The hotel has a rustic restaurant and lounge.

Salt Fork Lake, near which the resort is located, is one of the best bodies of water in Ohio for swimming, boating and fishing. There are two marinas, boat and boat rentals. Other activities include horseback riding, nature tours, visits to the Kennedy House Museum, golf, swimming pools, sports courts and a fitness centre, and in winter, sledding, ice skating and skiing.

11. Belamere Suites Hotel, Perrysburg

This hotel beat out other top resorts in Ohio in the category of the most romantic in the United States according to TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2018. It is located in Perrysburg, not far from Toledo, and is suitable not only for romance lovers but also for a quiet secluded holiday.

Guests can stay in 35 spacious and well-equipped suites with a separate entrance and a private garage nearby. The suites feature king-size beds, a Jacuzzi bath, a gas fireplace, a shower for two and exclusive velour bathrobes. Higher-end suites are also available with a private 12-by-20-foot heated pool and sauna. A continental breakfast is included in all room rates.

Other guest services include in-room breakfast and nightly snacks, in-room massages for couples, spa treatments, concierge services and special offers for weddings and celebrations.

12. Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Centre, Oregon

This huge complex, which welcomes guests all year round, is located in the middle of Momi Bay State Park by Lake Erie. It offers its guests travel packages and interesting daily rates.

Like many other large resorts in Ohio, it is popular with families and large groups. This is due to the spacious rooms with first-class amenities. Guests can stay in single or double rooms in the main building with private balconies or patios. Larger groups can stay in cottages with two or four bedrooms. Each has a kitchen, living room, glazed veranda, gas fireplace and barbecue. Some are pet-friendly.

On-site facilities include swimming pools (indoor and outdoor, as well as a children's pool), a Jacuzzi, spa services, tennis and basketball courts, a gift shop and a restaurant. It is also possible to play golf, stroll along the boardwalks by the lake, spend time on the beach, go kayaking and canoeing or take a stroll in the park.

13. Ravenwood Castle, New Plymouth

This resort probably offers a wider variety of accommodation options than other Ohio resorts: from camping, rooms in the castle to luxury suites and cottages. But they all have a medieval atmosphere.

Ravenwood Castle is located in the picturesque Hocking Hills area. It is a country hotel built in the style of an ancient medieval fortress, but at the same time has a fairy-tale flair that is supported by the resort's themed events.

The main building resembles Rapunzel's tower and features luxurious rooms with large beds, elegant living rooms and fireplaces. Personalised suites are popular: the Queen Victoria Suite features 19th-century furniture, a queen-size bed and fireplace, and a private terrace. The King Arthur Suite is a two-storey room with a king-size bed, a mural of Arthur and a balcony. You can also rent exquisite rustic cottages with stained glass windows or houses in the Myslyvska Hollow by the stream.

The room rate includes breakfast, and you can dine in the on-site restaurant with a dining room.