Milwaukee has some great hotel options. My top recommendations include:
Iron Horse Hotel: An eclectic boutique hotel in Walker’s Point that has 100 loft-style rooms. The lobby, library, bar and restaurant have a warm atmosphere that is really outstanding. The outside bar, The Yard, is also a highlight where you can enjoy a drink on a beautiful evening. There is music on Sundays. You might ask for a room on the front of the hotel away from the bar and the train tracks along the back. 500 W. Florida St.
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites: At 1215 N. 10th St., this is a great place to stay if you are a beer fan. This is a 90 room all-suite, green, boutique hotel in the former Pabst brewery that operated for 150 years. The highlight is the five-story atrium featuring a stained glass window featuring King Gambrinus, the patron saint of beer and brewers plus exposed brick, steel, the six original large copper brewing kettles and wood of the original factory. The hotel is somewhat isolated from downtown and for pedestrians, so a car is recommended. On site is a Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub featuring local beers on tap and American pub food.
For the more traditional there is always the historic Pfister Hotel downtown at 424 E. Wisconsin. Built in 1893, it is considered to be one of the premier luxury hotels in Milwaukee and the Midwest. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America. You will really love the ornate Romanesque Revival architecture of the lobby. It has a large art collection as well. You will find a number of dining options. Blu, located on the top floor, is a cocktail lounge with wonderful views of the city. Here you can also enjoy a very special afternoon tea.
A new addition to the hotel scene downtown is the 219 room boutique Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. Located at 139 E Kilbourn Ave. it reminds me of one of the 21c hotels that I have stayed in. It is “focused on celebrating the arts and the creative process.” You will find a black box theater, art throughout the property and multiple gallery and exhibition spaces. “From music to dance, painting to sculpture, film to poetry and beyond, we celebrate artistic expression in all forms and shine a light on the vibrancy of process, the beauty of progress.” I enjoyed seeing several exhibitions on display. On the first floor you will find Proof Pizza and the Bar. The second floor features Giggly, a champagne bar, and Aria, a cafe, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The high-end T.D.R, or The Dark Room, also features dinner and cocktails.
Another great option is the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. Located in the historic Third Ward at 310 E. Chicago St., this new boutique property is the perfect place from which to explore the neighborhood and the city. They have a rooftop bar and restaurant, The Outsider, and a restaurant downstairs, Tre Rivali, for coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The rooms feature art by local artists.
