Reviewing some of the world’s most unique hotels is in our DNA here at The Hotel Journal. Whether we’re experiencing urban gems like St. Regis Hong Kong or getting back to nature in eco-friendly dreams like Keemala in Phuket, we’re all about experiential destinations that will enhance your vacation. Enter The American Club, a getaway nestled in the heart of Kohler village with oodles of historic appeal and the OG Golfer’s Paradise.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review The American Club

A five-star resort unlike any other, the entry experience at The American Club is all about good, old-fashioned luxury. Men wearing plaid golf socks rolled up over their trousers open the door to our limousine and with charming demeanour whisk us into the lobby where we we’re greeted with refreshments after our two-drive from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

Stepping into The American Club is a dream for any history buff and understanding the property’s central impact to the town is kind of important, so here’s a brief history lesson.

A short and sweet history of Kohler

You might recognise the name Kohler and not even realise why. You’ve probably seen it thousands of times underneath faucets, on wash basins or advertising toilet solutions on the walls of airports from Auckland to Tokyo.

The business was formed in the late 1880s and the village is essentially a company town made up of workers at the local factory and surrounding hospitality outlets. Wander around the streets here and you’ll find houses that look like they belong in Europe. The reason? This is where many Austrian immigrants settled and found work in the factory with their families. The American Club itself was once the dormitory, pub, bowling alley, and barbershop for the single, male workers and the transformation into a five-star hotel in 1981 has seen them keep a number of original parts of the Tudor architecture.

We’re big fans of this hotel

The American Club guestroom
Rooms at The American Club ooze old-world charm

Featuring 240 rooms and interiors by Frank Nicholson it will come as no surprise that the finest Kohler sanitary ware can be found across the property. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the spacious Governor Suites, a room that was difficult to leave. Complete with king-size bed, a blend of contemporary and classic furnishings, and a gas fireplace, many hours were spent relaxing here and the generous bathtub caused more than a few fingers to wrinkle.

Eats (and drinks)

The American Club
Don’t miss out on trying a selection of locally-made delights, including chocolate and chocolate brandy

You won’t soon tire of all the F&B options here. The Wisconsin Room is a popular brunch spot and we were delighted by the seasonal offerings. Another must-try is the four-star Immigrant Restaurant where we indulged in a gorgeous vegetarian tasting menu amid historic elegance.

Golf and wellbeing

A number of guests come to The American Club for access to the renowned Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run golf courses. These Championship courses offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery and rival the likes of St. Andrew’s in Scotland (which Kohler also happens to own!) If golf isn’t your jam, try yoga by the lake, take an indoor cycling class or play tennis to get your heart racing.

The American Club Waters Spa
Just a short walk from the hotel, Waters Spa will have you relaxing in no time

A short walk from the hotel, Kohler Waters Spa is a must-visit for anyone looking for the ultimate relaxation. Choose from a selection of rejuvenating treatments here or simply bliss out at the pool. We opted for a Woodsman Massage, where for 80 blissful minutes we were massaged and stretched until we left feeling completely restored.

A tip

We’re not usually big on tours, but one thing you should definitely do during your time in Kohler is to take a tour of the Kohler factory. You’ll learn so much about how the company has impacted the local surroundings and get to see some amazing machinery at work. Plus our guide, a former factory worker, was just a peach of a person to hang out with.

Honestly, small-town Wisconsin had never been on our hit-list of destinations, but finding ourselves here for work resulted in one of the most unforgettable hotel stays of all time. We’ll definitely be back soon.

Find out more about The American Club

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