A Luxury Getaway in Galena

For the ultimate luxurious retreat, Galena (164 miles northwest of Chicago) beckons with high-end shops, galleries, spas and wineries.

Resorts, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts cater to your every whim while pampering you with indulgent extras like a couples massage and breakfast delivered to your door. Sneak away from the comforts of your lodging to pursue your outdoor passions or learn a new one from an expert fly-fishing outfitter, golf pro or hunting guide. 

When you’re looking to splurge, these boutique inns and resorts provide top-notch services and intimate extras for unforgettable memories.

Once a private estate, Goldmoor Inn is now a bed-and-breakfast that welcomes guests looking for a romantic getaway. The country inn sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi with three private cottages also with great views of the river and two log cabins tucked in the woods. Each cottage is uniquely decorated and comes with a whirlpool tub, fireplace and front porch. The same in-room amenities extend to each of the 13 suites, which come with their own theme, including the two-story Turret Suite with a drawbridge entrance.

All rooms come with luxurious bedding and a gourmet breakfast with entree classics such as Eggs Benedict, French toast and Belgian waffles that come straight to your door.

You will need to leave your room eventually. Pick up a pair of binoculars from the front desk and wander the woods or book an individual or couples massage from the on-site spa. The eco-friendly inn has a Tesla charging station and two standard EV charging stations.

Extra services to make your stay more memorable include in-room flowers, sparkling wine or Prosecco, chocolate-covered strawberries and a charcuterie board, plus monthly cooking classes.

Organic handmade chocolates. Wood-burning fireplaces and soaking tubs. Farm-fresh food. Complimentary bicycles. These are just some of the amenities guests will find at The Inn at Irish Hollow. This 500-acre working farm also has an ancient apple orchard, apiary, herb and vegetable gardens, and miles of hiking trails and country roads perfect for bicycling. In winter, you can cross-country ski and snowshoe the countryside.

Five European-inspired cottages with private screen porches surround the once general store, which now serves as the main inn with two upstairs suites. Head downstairs to the dining room for the full country gourmet breakfast or lounge by the fireplace in your robe, as the three-course breakfast is delivered to cottages and suites.

The inn strives to use natural and organic products when possible. Guests love the organic bedding (mattresses and comforters), plus bath products that are available for purchase, along with the plush robes and homemade conserves.

Extra services to make your stay more memorable include individual and couples massages (your choice of treatment: hot-stone, relaxation, rejuvenation and more); custom floral arrangements; a wine, cheese and charcuterie tray delivered to your room; or a private on-site wine and cheese campfire.

An unforgettable stay is assured at Jail Hill Inn. Signature chocolate and chilled champagne greet overnight guests at this former county jail. Book one of six suites, each 800 square feet with a king-size bed, sitting area, gas fireplace and wet bar. Innkeeper Matthew Carroll purchased the vacant property in 2015 and restored the almost 150-year-old brick building using local contractors and purchasing all of the products, including handmade mattresses from local businesses.

Every afternoon, guests receive a complimentary wine and cheese tray delivered to their room. Fresh fruits, cheese and meat, appetizers, and just-baked cookies fill the tray, handcrafted by Galena Spoon Company. This local business—four blocks away off Main Street—specializes in gourmet fare, kitchen and wooden wares and hosts three-hour wooden spoon carving classes twice a week (May to September).

At the inn, wake up to a made-from-scratch, three-course breakfast, which includes veggies grown in the Jail Hill Inn’s country garden, plus locally sourced meat and farm-fresh eggs. If you prefer staying in your spacious room, breakfast can also be delivered. Additional services to make your stay memorable include an in-room massage, fresh flowers and custom cakes.

Looking for historic luxury? Ulysses Suites is where antique charm meets contemporary flair. Built in the historic J.G. Schmohl building, the space has been lovingly renovated with a nod to the Grant Hotel from the turn of the century. It offers beautiful suites like the Presidential Suite, a 2 bedroom, 2 bath marvel with a full kitchen, living room, and dining area. Plus, its location puts you within walking distance of all the best shops and restaurants in Galena.

Perfect for special occasions and large gatherings, the entire building can be rented out and will accommodate up to 21 people. This is the place to stay if you want the coziness of home with the luxury of a grand hotel.

Soothe your mind and body with a trip to the spa, or visit a local dispensary or boutique known for bath and body products. 

Pamper yourself with the Day of Bliss package (facial, massage, mani and pedi) at Indulge Day Spa. The spa offers facials, massages and packages for two. Couples also love Galena Day Spa’s massage for two, which comes with chocolate and beverages.

Delight your senses at Galena Apothecary, a charming store known for its high-quality personal care products, jewelry and accessories.

In Illinois, recreational marijuana is legal for adults. Verilife is a fully operational cannabis dispensary while Botanicanna helps customers navigate various CBD and hemp products.